2026 EVENTS UNCOVERED OVERVIEW

BREAKFAST MASTERCLASS
The AI Advantage: How Planners Can Use AI to Drive More Impact

This session will show you how AI-powered event tech can help turn events into a more strategic part of your overall mission. Discover how AI can help you make smarter event decisions, create more relevant attendee experiences, work more efficiently, and better demonstrate event impact.

Sophie Tabet, Regional Director, Cvent ANZ

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Opening Keynote:
The courage to connect: A first-movers guide to a human future in the AI era Presented by Yasmin London, Founder of First Movers Co and Former Professional swimmer.

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Nine trends shaping modern events and marketing

As the business events and experiential marketing landscape rapidly evolves, it is essential for industry professionals to stay on top of emerging trends separating leaders from laggards. In this panel session, three experts outline the hottest innovations, ideas and cutting-edge design concepts that are wowing event delegates and guests.     

Gavin Maloney, Director of Sales Marketing, Hyatt Regency Sydney
Katerina Grant, Director, The World Of, and Founder, Unend
Shelley Mitchell, Head of Events, Doltone Hospitality Group
Moderated by Spice Editor Gavin Dennett

Refresh & Connect Break

Sales resilience: Accelerating business development in competitive markets

Michael Licenblat is one of Australia’s leading sales resilience experts, who builds pressure-proof teams that bounce back in tough and competitive markets. In this keynote session, the author of Pressure Proof will infuse personal stories, scientific research and real-life applications to show event planners and conference professionals how to get past apprehension and build simple, repeatable business development habits that drive results. No scripts and no pressure tactics – just clear, commercially smart ways to open doors, stay top of mind and convert relationships into revenue.

Michael Licenblat, CEO, Bounce Back Fast

Refresh & Connect Break

Events debrief: Essential steps for assessing the performance of your event

Three experienced events professionals address the importance of a thorough post-event debrief and outline key steps to analysing what worked and what can be improved as part of a comprehensive events strategy.

Marc Singerling, Director of Event Delivery, ICC Sydney
TBA
Nicci Gow, Event Producer, Nicci Gow Events
Moderated by Spice Editor Gavin Dennett

Embracing AI: Where to next for technology shaping business events?

From professionals at the forefront of the tech revolution to those striving to keep up, the question across the events industry is, “How will AI impact my business?” This panel of esteemed experts will dissect the current state of play in the sector, what the future holds, and how to amplify the value of AI and events technology.

Neeshil Pabari, Founder and Managing Director, Lüp Events
TBA
Marcus FitzGerald, Co-Founder and Project Director, The Bite Project
Moderated by Andrew Everingham, Founder and CEO, CAPITAL-e

Defining success: What high-performing exhibitors do differently

Many business events exhibitors invest significant time and budget into events, yet struggle to clearly define what success looks like. In this keynote session, trade show strategist Jessica Turnbull explores the often-overlooked gaps that influence event performance before, during and after an event, and offers practical solutions to maximising return on investment. From strategy and team alignment to visitor engagement and post-event follow-up, exhibitors need to think beyond stand design and realise event success starts long before the show floor opens.

Jessica Turnbull, Trade Show Strategist, Oscar Events Co

Tailoring events: Transforming attendee data into elevated, personalised experiences

In this informative panel session, a trio of exceptional events professionals will outline how attendee registration data can be used as an essential tool for curating highly personalised experiences. Offering practical tips and case studies, the panellists will deliver insights on ways to ensure event delegates feel connected and valued.

Nadia Kentera, Director, Ke. Creative Events
Katie Fraser, Customer/Operations General Manager, FCM Meetings and Events
TBA
Moderated by Spice Editor Gavin Dennett

Refresh & Connect Break

Closing keynote:
Resilient by choice: The power of gratitude and optimism

Following a life-threatening illness and major surgery, Bondi Rescue’s Quinn Darragh has rebuilt his health and mindset to return to elite ocean swimming through resilience, gratitude and optimism. His inspiring and deeply personal closing keynote at the Spice Knowledge Sessions at Events Uncovered explores how choosing your response in life’s toughest moments can transform adversity into strength, and fuel high performance. Drawing from his experiences as a paramedic, lifeguard and endurance swimmer, Darragh explores how resilience isn’t something you’re born with, it’s a choice.

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