Maria Pasquale
Director
Maria is the Director of Matchstick Events and is a passionate events expert who combines creativity and enviable networks with an eye for detail and formidable project management skills.

Maria’s knowledge and expertise in major events has developed over a career that spans corporate, government and community sector organisations.

With a Bachelor of Arts (History and Political Science) and Bachelor of Public Policy and Management (Hons) from the University of Melbourne, Maria began her career as a policy adviser for the Victorian Government.  Her interests led her into roles in communications, events and public relations, until in late 2008; she gave in to her passion and flair for delivering successful events – big and small – and Matchstick Events was born. 

Maria is proud of many of her projects, but most recently she managed the 2007 and 2008 Diversity@Work Awards, generating unprecedented growth for the program.   Two years of effort culminated in successfully bringing Sir Bob Geldof out to Australia as the keynote speaker for the 2008 Awards Dinner.

As Communications and Events Manager for the Victorian Multicultural Commission, Maria was responsible for the Victorian Government’s statewide anti-racism campaign, Cultural Diversity Week.  This involved managing high level events for the Premier of Victoria, including a Gala Dinner for 1,500 people during the Commonwealth Games. 

During her two years in the role, the campaign attracted significant growth in both media coverage (generated through negotiated mainstream media partnerships) and unprecedented levels of corporate sponsorship. 

Maria’s expertise in the nuts and bolts of event management was developed during more than five years delivering a range of events including campaign launches, seminars, forums, roundtable discussions, corporate strategy planning days, public consultation programs, rural and regional policy road shows, gala events and community festivals.

When Maria is not planning her next hugely successful event, she’s likely to be found glued to her monthly edition of Gourmet Traveller or at the footy!