Spice Knowledge sessions

Ready to spice up your event knowledge?

Join us at the 2025 Spice Knowledge Sessions for a sizzling blend of panel discussions, presentations, and Q&A. Learn and unlearn everything you need to know about running successful events. We’re throwing the rulebook out. 

Leading industry experts will share an update on where the event industry is at and where it’s going. Take a look at the 2025 program overview below. Stay tuned for more updates, because this is one knowledge-packed party you don’t want to miss.  

2025 EVENTS UNCOVERED OVERVIEW
9:00am Opening Welcome
9.10am – 9.55am

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

  • Dom Price – Work Futurist, Atlassian

Presented by Inspire Speakers
9.55am – 10.20am

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
 10.20am

Morning Tea
10.50am – 11.25am 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
11.25am – 11.55am

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
11.55am – 12.20pm

Spice Knowledge Session
12.20pm – 12.45pm

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
  • Darren Crichton-Browne – Managing Director, DCB Conferences and Events
  • Moderated by Spice Editor Gavin Dennett
12.45pm

Events Uncovered Lunch Break
Powered By Tourism New Zealand
1.35pm

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.

2.00pm

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
  • Moderated by Spice Editor Gavin Dennett
2.30pm

Spice Knowledge Session
2.55pm

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.

3.20pm

Afternoon Break
3.50pm – 4.20pm

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
  • Moderated by Spice Editor Gavin Dennett
4.20pm – 5.00pm

Entrepreneurial Success Story: Building A Business Empire From Scratch

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

Presented by Inspire Speakers
5.00pm

Sundowner Drinks
Powered by PopUp WiFi

*Program is subject to change