2025 EVENTS UNCOVERED OVERVIEW

The Future Of Work: Embracing Change To Make Your Business Thrive

• Dom Price – Work Futurist, Atlassian

Presented by Inspire Speakers

Bracing For Change: A 10-Year Outlook For Events In Australia

with Alison Gardiner, strategy development, implementation, tactician and director of sales, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre; Andrew Everingham, founder and CEO, CAPITAL-e; and Karen Sainsbury, executive member, Professional Conference Organisers Association, and managing director, Cornerstone Events.

• Alison Gardiner – Strategy development, implementation, tactician and Director of Sales, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
• Andrew Everingham – Founder & CEO, CAPITAL-e
• Karen Sainsbury – Managing Director, Cornerstone Events
• Moderated by Spice Editor Gavin Dennett

Morning Tea

Empathy Without Excuses: Striking The Leadership Balance

Lisa Kelliher, CEO of Be Challenged, will present a keynote session addressing the notion of balancing empathy with accountability to create a healthy, high-performing culture.
Presented by Be Challenged

Marketing Magic: Strategies To Get Your Event Noticed

In a competitive events landscape, standing out from the crowd requires exceptional marketing strategy and skill. Three experienced events professionals deliver the proven tips and tricks to make your events stand out.

• Andrea Heath – Managing Director, Onsite Event
• Julia Barnard – Managing Director, This Space
• Ashleigh Moore – Senior Marketing Manager, LinkedIn
• Moderated by Spice Editor Gavin Dennett

Q&A with Michael Rodrigues, NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner

The Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner has been established by the NSW Government to build safe, vibrant and diverse 24-hour economies across the state. It is underpinned by the 24-Hour Economy Strategy, which has dedicated teams across programs, policy, engagement and strategy to implement initiatives and programs that support this vision. Michael Rodrigues is NSW’s inaugural 24-Hour Economy Commissioner, and he joins Spice editor Gavin Dennett for an in-depth Q&A on how Sydney and the state is becoming a global leader in the night-time economy.

Event Case Studies: Triumphs, Tribulations And Lessons For Success

Three events professionals reflect on their industry experience and projects of note, offering insights, key learnings and proven strategies that work across a wide variety of events.

• Kristiana Kruysmulder – Head of Event Marketing, KPMG Australia
• Katerina Grant – Director & Founder, The World Of, Unend
• Darren Crichton-Browne – Managing Director, DCB Conferences and Events
• Moderated by Spice Editor Gavin Dennett

Events Uncovered Lunch Break
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The Transformative Power of Brand Experience

Brand experience expert Hannah Gott will deliver an educational keynote on how immersive, emotionally resonant experiences can elevate a brand beyond a product. She will explore the key principles of powerful brand experiences through case studies and real-world examples of how brands transcend traditional marketing to create lasting impressions.

Secrets Of Success: Essential Principles For Event Planners

In the fast-moving world of event planning, client expectations and methods for success are constantly evolving. But as the landscape changes, many dependable and proven principles remain. Four industry experts outline the key pillars for high achievement in business events.

• Chantelle Beaunom – Founder, Right Angle Events
• Stephanie Humphries – Senior Event Manager, ICC Sydney
• Michael Fleck – Director, Synergy Effect
• Moderated by Spice Editor Gavin Dennett

The Strength Of The Event Economy: Insights From Australia and Beyond

The Big Group founder Bruce Keebaugh will take the audience behind the curtain of one of the most influential and fast-evolving sectors in the world. In this keynote, he will unpack the power of the event economy, revealing its impact, cultural influence and growing importance in driving tourism, brand engagement, innovation and community connection. With a spotlight on national trends and global shifts, this session will empower events professionals with insights, data and inspiration to understand where the events industry is heading and how to lead its future.

Will AI Take My Job? Busting Myths And Embracing The AI Revolution

AI is transforming the events industry by opening a world of possibilities, but as the sector embraces this new normal, some apprehension remains. This panel of industry experts will debunk common fears and myths, exploring how AI can revolutionise your business.

• James Bennett – Director of Creative Technologies, Project Worldwide
• Despina Karatzias – Founder, Institute of Excellence, and Certified Trainer, Victoria Tourism Industry Council
• Moderated by Andrew Everingham – Founder & CEO, CAPITAL-e

Afternoon Break

The Future Of Leadership: Attracting Talent and Guiding Generation-Next

With the events industry facing a skills shortage in the future, three senior figures explore how the sector can attract new talent, foster multi-generational teams and develop the leaders of tomorrow.

• Amanda Vinci – Founder and CEO, The EA Institute
• Mercedes Ibbett – Managing Director & Owner & SITE ANZ Board Member, EVT Incentive Marketing
• Dan Londero – CEO & Founder, Turnkey Event Solutions and Board Member, Australian Business Events Association
• Moderated by Spice Editor Gavin Dennett

Entrepreneurial Success Story: Building A Business Empire From Scratch

• Jess Hatzis – Founder, Willow & Blake and Frank Body

Presented by Inspire Speakers

Sundowner Drinks
Join us in the Showcase for a Sundowner Drink as the sun begins to set. Choose your glass, sip something refreshing, and continue the conversation with great company.

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