QLD End-of-Year Showcase: Innovate & Celebrate

Join the AIIA QLD Council for Christmas cheer with presentations from three leading local businesses. Celebrate the year with innovation, networking, and festive spirit. Bring a non-member guest free of charge to experience AIIA networking and explore membership opportunities.

Sharpe Engineering is a second-generation, Queensland-based manufacturer that has transformed from a regional machine shop into an advanced, engineering-led manufacturing company serving Australia’s oil, gas, and resources sectors. Through strategic investment in engineering capability, Industry 4.0 technologies, and automation, Sharpe has built a vertically integrated, API-certified operation that competes globally while remaining proudly local. Guided by a vision to create a quality future, Sharpe’s transformation reflects its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and developing Australia’s manufacturing capability for the next generation.

Mark will share Cooler's ongoing digital transformation journey — a candid account of modernising a traditional manufacturing business, complete with its challenges, breakthroughs, and lessons learned.

Xanny Christophersen is the CEO and Managing Director of Priestley’s Gourmet Delights, Australia’s leading premium dessert manufacturer based in Brisbane.

With more than a decade of experience in strategic leadership, change management, and organisational development across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and the UK, Xanny brings a truly global perspective to driving meaningful transformation.

She is enthusiastic about modernising manufacturing through technology and automation while empowering people to thrive and build a resilient, future-ready organisation.

Since joining Sharpe® in 2003, Ellen has built deep knowledge of its operations through roles in purchasing, accounts, and business administration. She became a director in 2009 and over time took on responsibility for fiscal management and business systems, collaborating with her mum, Anne Sharpe.

In 2017, Ellen became Company Secretary & Chief Administrative Officer, where she played a key role in developing strategy and guiding the business through growth initiatives and diversification into new markets.

In 2023, Ellen was appointed CEO, succeeding her father, Peter Sharpe, and marking 20 years of service with the company. With strong expertise in business processes and strategic leadership, she has a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities that underpin growth in the Australian manufacturing sector.

Ellen is a GAICD, having completed the AICD Company Directors Course earlier this year, and she also serves as an Alternate Director on the Board of the FBA for Queensland. She is committed to supporting the family business sector and promoting continuity, connection, and good governance across generations.

In his 11+ years at Sharpe Engineering, Cillian has been instrumental in expanding the company’s engineering capabilities and R&D product design initiatives to meet the evolving manufacturing and equipment servicing requirements of clients.

With experience across both European and Australian engineering sectors spanning Oil & Gas, Mining, Defence, Infrastructure, and Renewable Energy, he combines technical expertise with strong commercial acumen.

Cillian leads the Business Development Team in managing a diverse customer base, sales strategy, tender management, and contract negotiations. His leadership has been key to driving client diversification not only within the traditional oil, gas, and resource sectors but also by developing manufacturing opportunities in new markets that continue to deliver sustainable growth.

Cillian is highly regarded for maintaining a ‘customer-first’ approach and for his commitment to travelling far and wide to provide firsthand support and tailored service.

Mark Carter is a Mechanical Engineer with a background in Military, Aerospace, and Mining sectors. In 2022, Mark acquired Cooler Pty Ltd, a Brisbane-based truck body builder and refrigeration repairer with a 40-year legacy.

2025 Finalist in the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards – Australia Pacific LNG Business Transformation Award.

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Salesforce, Level 16, 1 Eagle Street, Brisbane City, Australia

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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