Spice Knowledge Sessions

The Spice Knowledge Sessions will give you the opportunity to learn about new concepts, and gain first-hand knowledge and experience in a friendly environment.

The 2022 program will offer a great mix of panel discussions, presentations and Q&As in which leading industry experts will share an update on where the event industry is at and where it’s going.

2022 PROGRAM
10:45 – 10:50 Opening Welcome Welcome 
By Editor Lana Bogunovich & SMC General Manager Paul Davison
10:50 – 11:20 Keynote Creativity, thinking
outside the box,
rethinking events

Keynote

Simla Sooboodoo, Serial Social Entrepreneur

 
11:20 – 11:50 Panel 1 Industry Update

Industry update
Business events leaders share insight into the state of the industry and the path forward

Domenic Genua, CEO, EEAA
Andrew Hiebl, CEO, Association of Australian Convention Bureaux
Geoff Donaghy, CEO, International Convention Centre Sydney and Deputy Chair, BECA

Peter McDonald, CEO of MEA
11:55 – 12:25 Presentation Legal

Protecting yourself and your events
It’s more important than ever to understand the ins and outs of event legalities. Delegates will leave this session with a legal checklist for future-proofing business events

Matt Crouch, Principal, Matt Crouch Legal
12:30 – 1:20      EXPO – LUNCH BREAK
1:20 – 1:40 Q&A Indigenous Culture

Celebrating and embracing Indigenous Australia
How to incorporate Indigenous Australian culture into your events in a meaningful, sensitive way

Marie Barbaric, Manager, Koori Kulcha
1:45 – 2:15 Panel 2 Sustainability, Social Responsibility

Events with a conscience
Learn from the experts on how to create events that embrace sustainability and social responsibility, while providing strong ROI

Nicole Walker, Managing Director, Arinex
Anna Sheppard, CEO, Bambuddha Group
Simla Sooboodoo, Founder, SLAK Flowers
2:20 – 2:50 Panel 3 Technology

The future of event tech
The last 12 months has forced the event industry to innovate, and fast. As in-person events resume, our technology experts will share the latest advancements in event tech and the top trends to watch

Chris Schlueter, Director of Business and Innovation, Sprintr

Joe Ciliberto, Global Sales & Marketing Director, EventsAir
2:50 – 3:20      EXPO BREAK
3:30 – 4:00 Panel 4 Females of the future

Inspiring the next gen of industry leaders
While the event industry has a strong representation of women, high-level positions and boards still often lack gender balance. Our female panellists share tips and advice for those looking to advance their career

Jane Lyons, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Sydney
Sonia Sadiq Gandhi, Director, Gandhi Creations
4:05 – 4:25 Q&A / Presentation Mental Health & Wellbeing

Finding balance in work and life
Hear a first-hand experience and take away practical tools to help maintain mental health and wellbeing in today’s everchanging, fast-paced world

Crosbie Lorimer, BeyondBlue Speaker
4:30 – 5:00 Panel 5 Case Studies

Three events, three lessons
Hear from the organisers of three inspiring events about the challenges, triumphs and lessons we can learn about the new ways of delivering experiences.

Lana Boardman, Director of Corporate Communications, Optus
Carrie Kwan, Co-founder & CEO, Mums & Co
5:00     FINISH

Note: This program is subject to change

Should you wish to read more about any of the Spice Knowledge Session speakers, you can do so by clicking here.