SXSW Sydney Conference

Designed to inspire participants into action, the session is action packed & fast, & in Dominiqueís typical ìno fluffî style gives specific action items & next steps that guarantee a shift in mindset as an output. This session on Genius Gridlock addresses why professionals may see a lot of AI & tech news & know they need to start upskilling themselves, but they are stuck in Genius Gridlock ñ a condition where they are overwhelmed & unable to shift into action. The session demystifies tech, sharing fundamentals & frameworks to better understand, & more specifically shows a live demo of what the future of work looks like This is a highly practical session, engaging and exciting, made to inspire you on using tools to rewire your everyday tasks.

Join a fast-paced panel unpacking the forces revolutionising online retail- from shifting global markets and disruptive tech to the influence of pop culture on consumer behaviour. Discover how AI, AR/VR, and social trends are shaping ecommerce and driving new business strategies.Explore key topics: adapting to change in the sector, harnessing emerging tech, understanding how culture guides buying decisions, and leveraging communities and circularity for growth. Attendees will gain practical insights to build resilient businesses, tap into cultural moments, and unlock the pre-owned market.Gain sharp insights into how leading brands use culture and technology for competitive edge in todayís ecommerce landscape.

Lia Garvin, the "Team Whisperer," transforms workplace dynamics through practical leadership strategies honed during her tenure at Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A 3x bestselling author and TEDx speaker, Lia strikes the balance of relatable and knowledgeable, breaking down complex management concepts into actionable frameworks that reduce overwhelm and improve team performance. Her bestselling book and top-ranked podcast The New Manager Playbook showcase her unique ability to make leadership engaging and accessible at all levels. Featured in Harvard Business Review, FastCompany, Wall Street Journal, and Fortune, Lia brings rare insight from both executive and ground-level perspectives, making her a sought-after keynote speaker and consultant for organizations seeking tangible improvement to their team performance.

Over the years, many high-profile companies have navigated complex transformationsósome adapting successfully to market changes while others challenged by rapidly evolving technologies and shifting consumer expectations. These experiences offer valuable lessons about the intricacies of organisational leadership in our fast-changing business environment. Through the lens of BlackBerry, Blockbuster and Are Media (formerly Bauer Media), this conversation explores key learnings as well as decoding the organisational mechanisms that enable survival when everything accelerates. Key Insights: Why vision isnít enough in exponential times ñ The Blockbuster Paradox How can businesses build adaptive capacity into their core (financial, structural and cultural) and redirect exponential forces rather than resist them? What is the leadership mindsets and learning systems that have enabled BlackBerry and Are Media to reinvent their core identity?How can organisations known for one thing, successfully evolve and maintain their brand identity and integrity?

Our working days have been built around meetings since the dawn of time. Meetings structure our day and diaries, we use them to solve problems and get information, and wellÖ we hate them. When most meetings could be an email, what potential can you unlock when meetings are only a last resort? In this interactive session, join Avani Prabhakar, Atlassian's Chief People Officer as she dissects what living a ìmeeting rejectedî culture looks like for Atlassian and how no matter your working style, love language or EQ test verified persona, you can find a way to make 2025 the year you no longer have to play meeting Tetris.

The boardroom stands at a critical inflection point. What was once a static fortress of traditional governance is now transformingópowered by purpose, AI, and unprecedented customer insight. Imagine a boardroom that doesn't just react to the past, but anticipates the future. Where AI-driven tools provide real-time strategic intelligence, seamlessly bridging executive intuition with data-driven decision-making. This is not a distant vision, but a present reality reshaping corporate governance at its core.In this compelling session, we'll explore the future of board leadershipóa model where technology and human wisdom converge to create more agile, insightful, and purpose-driven organisations. We'll uncover the limitations of traditional governance and demonstrate how innovative companies are embedding AI to:- Refocus board conversations on future customer needs- Leverage real-time data and AI insights for strategic advantage- Align decision-making with organisational purpose- Future-proof capabilities through predictive planning- Develop dynamic, responsive approaches to strategic planningThis is more than a technological upgrade. It's a fundamental reimagining of how leadership thinks, decides, and creates value in an AI-driven world.

You've heard the triple j Hottest 100. You've memorised Oprah's Favourite Things List. You've gotten up-to-speed on the Gartner Hype Cycle. But here's what you really need to know. That's right, returning to SXSW Sydney after last year's blockbuster debut, it's the sequel you've been waiting for: the 2026 Skills Horizon! Following the global success of the 2025 Skills Horizon, the in-depth guide to what you need to know next, Sandra Peter and Kai Riemer, two future-fixated academics from the University of Sydney, will take you on an insight-rich, comedy-infused tour of the 2026 edition. Sandra and Kai will look at the changes unfolding around us, in such major areas of life and work as tech, values, and trust, then share the skills you'll need to navigate the decade of disorientation we're in. Based on a mix of strategic analysis and chats with dozens of leaders from various fields, you'll discover what you need to learn now, focus on soon, and explore in the years to come.

There is no algorithm for creativity. Because not all maths is computable and not all processes are algorithmic. Not while weíre using classical computers at least. So says Nobel laureate, Sir Roger Penrose. If true, then all the processing power in the universe wonít help AI be more creative than us because human creativity might just be one of those areas where an algorithm might never be found. Until quantum computing arrives that is. A fascinating topic, and the panel aims to promote a lively discussion by asking three world class proponents of creativity whose professions couldn't be more different and whose opinions couldn't be more diverse, what their views on the future of human vs machine or human plus machine creativity might be. They are David Lee, Chief Creative Officer, Squarespace; Dr Michelle Dickinson, PhD, MNZM, Nanotechnologist; Claus Stangl, ARCHIBALD PRIZE ëPacking Room Prize Winnerí, 2022, who produces large-scale paintings and portraits often take months to make, and James Hurman, entrepreneur, strategist, part-time VC, advertising effectiveness expert, company leader, and author of The Case for Creativity, and Future Demand. He founded and continues to lead Previously Unavailable, a venture company that creates companies and provides investment capital and new product, brand and business design and development to select portfolio companies and client partners. The panel discussion will be moderated by Andy Blood, fearless creator, serial innovator, triple Cannes Grand Prix winner, former Worldís Most Highly Awarded Creative Director, turned author, and Industry Fellow, Torrens university/Media Design School.

Ever wondered what really happens behind closed doors when venture capitalists decide whether to invest? In this exclusive live session, top investors from AirtreeóJames Cameron, Elicia McDonald, and Sid Kasbekarópull back the curtain on their Investment Committee (IC) process. Moderated by Cheryl Mack (Aussie Angels), this session will simulate a real IC meeting, dissecting a startup pitch in real time. Attendees will get an insiderís look at how VCs analyse opportunities, challenge assumptions, and ultimately decide whether to invest. No buzzwords, no PR spinójust the raw, unfiltered conversations that determine a startupís fate.

What happens when a father-daughter duo collide in a spirited SXSW sparring match? Prepare yourself for a session that cleverly combines cutting-edge AI with unexpected lessons from sheep fertility science. We took pivotal AI methods, like reinforcement learning, and applied them to RAM fertility, developing an innovative training tool to standardize sperm morphology, a critical yet notoriously subjective science. Unexpectedly, our human learners didn't just keep pace with AI; they RAMped up their skills and dramatically surpassed machine accuracy. Join us to explore this fascinating intersection of RAMS, reinforcement, and reasoning, and see what sheep sperm can teach us about human intelligence, AI, and who truly has the upper hoof.

What if your company's next big decision won't be made by your board, but by an algorithm? This panel pulls back the curtain on how AI is quietly making high-stakes decisions in ways executives don't fully understand. We will show you what AI-powered strategy looks like in action with a live strategy digital twin showcase, something you won't see anywhere else at SXSW! Moderated by Prof. Marek Kowalkiewicz (QUT Business School), this panel features top strategists who have all published in Harvard Business Review and worked directly with AI-driven decision-making: Dr. Graham Kenny (Strategic Factors, HBR Advisory Council), Prof. Ganna Pogrebna (AI & Cyber Futures Institute), and Dr. Roger Moser (SatSure, Macquarie University). Expect provocative questions and mind-blowing use cases. Will AI eliminate boards? Can algorithms really be trusted with billion-dollar decisions? What happens when AI strategy clashes with human intuition? Come see AI strategy in action!

Building a company of endurance is not a linear path. For many Australian founders that path takes shape by naturally navigating to the U.S market in due time. This panel of founders and investors aims to deconstruct the alternative path into SE Asia as a point of call for founders to consider. Hear from founders who have had success across the APAC landscape and investors who are focused on this highly fragmented landscape.

Michael Batko, CEO of Startmate, is embarking on a six-month immersive journey working directly with AI builders across five major cities to understand the realities of what drives success and failure in AI ventures. Drawing from this extensive on-ground research, he brings fresh insights to SXSW, delivering the most actionable lessons learned from 100+ foundersóspanning everything from early-stage AI startups to companies navigating rapid scale.

The world continues to fragment along geopolitical, economic and technological lines, requiring deeper national conversations about self-sufficiency and identity. We have assembled a high-profile panel of thought leaders to explore how Australia can carve out its own technological and economic identity in a fragmented world. The session will be moderated by Dan Bennett, Co-founder and General Partner at Salus Ventures, Australiaís largest national resilience focused venture capital fund. It will feature: The Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO, previous Australian Ambassador to the US, Chief of Staff to Prime Minister, Howard and former Australian Senator; Dr. Jekaterina (Jeka) Viktorova, CEO and Co-Founder of Syenta; Paul Symon AO, former Director-General of the Australian Secret Intelligence Service, Deputy Chief of the Australian Army and Director of the Defence Intelligence Organisation.

What happens when Gen Z builds for the real world? Meet three under-25 founders tackling real pain points in communication, education, and food supply. In this inspiring, no-fluff panel moderated by 19-year-old Sara (PairPick), hear how Adeep (Polinate), Bradley (Exam Insights), and Adam (Vogo AI) are building tech with tractionófrom AI-powered call agents to edtech equity and supplier logistics automation. nnWith real revenue, real users, and backing from institutions like Telstra Foundation, Samsung, and SXSW itself, these founders prove that youth is not a disadvantageóitís a superpower. This session explores how they launched fast, built lean, and created scalable impactóbefore 25. If youíre curious about how Gen Z is shaping the future of startups, this is the conversation to catch.

In a future driven by Artificial Intelligence, the traditional work killersóEmails, Meetings, and PowerPoints (E-M-P)óare becoming obsolete. AI is reshaping how tasks are managed, freeing humans from mundane tasks and enabling them to focus on meaningful collaboration and creativity. Ben Hamley (Director of Innovation, JLL), Ben Johnston (Founder, System Operating), Andy Walshe (Chief Performance Officer, Liminal Collective), and Libby Sander (Assistant Professor at Bond University) will share their experience of working with agentic AI proxies in the workplace and explore how organizations can leverage the Age of Intelligence to elevate creativity, collaboration, and human connection, freeing us from the soul-crushing grind of EM&P.

Join us for an engaging discussion on the booming Australian trading card market, where pop culture meets commerce. Discover how pop culture icons like PokÈmon are driving the demand for trading cards, creating a vibrant asset class fuelled by community connection and collector passion. Our panellists will delve into local and global market trends, offering expert insights into opportunities for both enthusiasts and sellers. Learn how a collectorís joy can evolve into a profitable venture, and explore the interplay between cultural phenomena and trading card economics.Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer eager to explore this thriving market, this session promises to deliver invaluable knowledge and inspiration.

As anti-equity movements gain ground worldwide, forward-thinking organisations are doubling down on inclusion quietlyóand confidently. Data proves talent follows culture. In Australia specifically, business leaders are charting a different path to their global counterpartsóquietly investing in inclusive cultures because they know it works. Todd Searsóonce a closeted Wall Street banker, now founder of a global LGBTQ+ equality platformóshows why inclusion is the ultimate competitive edge in todayís talent market. Drawing on Out Leadershipís latest global surveys and Australiaís momentum, Todd reveals that what truly binds companies isnít just skillsóitís belonging.As anti-equity movements gain ground worldwide, forward-thinking organisations are doubling down on inclusion quietlyóand confidently. Data proves talent follows culture. In Australia specifically, business leaders are charting a different path to their global counterpartsóquietly investing in inclusive cultures because they know it works. Todd Searsóonce a closeted Wall Street banker, now founder of a global LGBTQ+ equality platformóshows why inclusion is the ultimate competitive edge in todayís talent market. Drawing on Out Leadershipís latest global surveys and Australiaís momentum, Todd reveals that what truly binds companies isnít just skillsóitís belonging.As anti-equity movements gain ground worldwide, forward-thinking organisations are doubling down on inclusion quietlyóand confidently. Data proves talent follows culture. In Australia specifically, business leaders are charting a different path to their global counterpartsóquietly investing in inclusive cultures because they know it works. Todd Searsóonce a closeted Wall Street banker, now founder of a global LGBTQ+ equality platformóshows why inclusion is the ultimate competitive edge in todayís talent market. Drawing on Out Leadershipís latest global surveys and Australiaís momentum, Todd reveals that what truly binds companies isnít just skillsóitís belonging.

The rigid workplace models of the past ó fixed hours, centralised offices, one-size-fits-all policies ó are no match for the demands of todayís rapidly evolving world of work. As artificial intelligence drives what many are calling the next industrial revolution, tech companies are rethinking everything from scheduling to performance. In both shift-based and knowledge-based environments, adaptability is now a competitive advantage. Join Deputy, HiBob and Expert360 ó all global work tech leaders ó and moderator Brendan Wong from LinkedIn News for a conversation on how AI is reshaping workforce models across industries, and why tech-enabled, human-first design is key to building the future of work.

Somewhere along the way, hustle became a cultural flex. We were sold the idea that success means growth at all costs. That busyness equals value. That if youíre not teetering on the edge of burnout - are you even trying?Weíve glamourised entrepreneurship. The scale fast mentality placed on a pedestal. But behind the glossy success stories, the cracks are showing - and more of us are starting to ask if thereís a better way.In this honest, energising conversation, weíll go beyond the highlights reel and into the pivotal moments that changed everything for four women at the top of their game ó the breaking points, the brave shifts, and the small but powerful habits that helped them rebuild careers that arenít just impressive on paper, but actually fulfilling in practice.This isnít another panel romanticising the grind. Weíre not here to glorify exhaustion. This conversation is for those still driven but drained ó ambitious people who want to succeed without constant self-sacrifice as the entry fee. Because success shouldn't just be about what you achieve, but about how it feels to get there.

From "always lead with the benefit" to "keep it simple, stupid," our industry has accumulated a herd of rules that have become creative straightjackets rather than strategic guidelines. Through a series of myth-busting case studies and counterintuitive success stories, global brand comms agency Manifest CEO and Founder Alex Myers takes aim at the sacred cows of communications. Championing ìif it ainít broke, break itî, Alex will challenge the conventional wisdom that's holding our industry back while proposing a new set of anti-rules for modern communications. He'll demonstrate why some of the most successful campaigns succeeded precisely because they broke away from the status quo, and provide frameworks for identifying which rules in your organisation need throwing out the window.

Join Accenture Song CEO Ndidi Oteh as she explores how AI is transforming creativity and culture. Discover where human imagination meets machine intelligence, reshaping work, innovation, and artistic expression. Special guest Manon Dave, principal AI engineer to superstars will.i.am and Idris Elba, shares insights from the frontlines of music and technology. Together with moderator Sunita Gloster, they'll unpack AI's societal ripple effects, ethical challenges, and the path to responsible scaling. An energising session for creatives, technologists, and leaders navigating AI's game-changing impact on industries and ideas.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, leading Australian organisations face a critical question: how to effectively combine human ingenuity with advanced technology to unlock the next phase of innovation and enhance consumer experience. This pivotal session explores "The Augmented Advantage"óthe powerful synergy that emerges when Australian talent is amplified by cutting-edge digital tools. Join visionary leaders as they discuss practical strategies for fostering this human-tech collaboration, demonstrating how team members can work alongside smart systems to redefine growth, drive unprecedented innovation, and deliver superior customer engagement in the digital era.

How will marketers get and hold the attention of Australian audiences in 2030?nnWhat smells like a freshly opened can of AO tennis balls you just can't get enough of?nOur panel of unique experts! Join them as they unpack the trends and outlook for the next 5 years of marketing from their unique vantage points, and drawing on research and audience insight trends, as well as the latest tech in their respective fields. nThe Head of Original Content for the Australian Open, Xavier Muhlebach.nFounder of BrandScent, Dr Suji Sanjeevan. (BrandScent are the 'Scent Marketing' team who makes American Express, Chandon and countless brands smell unforgettable.)nAustralia's Brand Loyalty Guru and Author, Adam Posner (The Point of Loyalty)nThe session will be moderated by ANGRYchair Founder and Executive Producer Dave Collins. nThis is a selection of some of the most fascinating voices from the Melbourne Marketing Forum.

Our people have been storytelling since time immemorial - our communication is deep, nuanced and carries great responsibility for our communities. Yet, too often, brands and agencies reduce our narratives and communication needs to tokenistic imagery, biased stereotyping and a last thought in the creative and campaign process. Hear first-hand from a powerhouse panel of First Nations creatives bringing lived experience, industry insights and unapologetic honesty on what best practice engagement in communication and storytelling with mob looks like.

Weíre living through peak personal branding ñ and peak exhaustion. From thought leadership to vulnerability posts, audiences are increasingly cynical about what's real and what's strategic. At the same time, AI-generated content and biased algorithms are flooding feeds with noise, forcing us to ask: what does influence look like now? This workshop explores how to build credibility and connection in a world that's both hyper-digital and deeply distrustful. It offers a fresh framework for media professionals, creators, and entrepreneurs who want to show up online without selling out.Expect bold thinking, disruptive strategies, and practical tools to help you cut through the algorithmic fog ñ not with polish, but with purpose.

Every day, AI creates over 34 million images per day and over a million novels worth of text. Itís an extraordinary tool that magnifies creative possibilities, liberates, and democratises creativity.Whatís not extraordinary is to have a Chief AI Officer call AI-generated hands ìcreepyî in a client presentation. My daughter has a limb difference. Sheís not creepy.After the rage subsided, I realised that as part of the creative innovation industry, I could address representation in AI. Awareness is the first step. Awareness that AIís training data is biased ñ only 10% of Wikipedia editors are female, while Reddit is male-dominated. And what about the AI trainers? For every female AI engineer, there are four men.Inspired by initiatives like the Triple Bid and Ad Net Zero, Iím excited to launch the Santa Clara Project at SXSW Sydney 2025. Just as weíve pushed for better representation in film and TV, letís pledge to scrutinise AI-generated content. Letís prompt for equity.

In Australia, productivity growth has stalled, and political leaders are showing few signs of knowing how to kickstart the economy. But outside the Canberra political bubble, there is a fresh crop of thinkers working on transformative proposals and imagining a vastly different future. Join The Conversation's Editor Misha Ketchell in a panel discussion with three people working on new ideas with the potential to change the country: Richard Denniss, Executive Director of The Australia Institute, Aruna Sathanapally, CEO of the Grattan Institute, and Emma Dawson, Executive Director of the Chifley Research Centre.

We're wired to crave clarity, order and logic but the best ideas rarely play by those rules. In this energising and unconventional session, creativity expert Nicole Velik invites you to embrace the glorious mess of the creative process. Nicole has spent many years helping brands like Nike, Apple, LEGO and Spotify unlock their creative thinking and she knows that breakthrough ideas don't come from order and logic. They're sparked by disorder, mistakes, and constraints. In this interactive session, she'll show you how to steal ideas the right way, how to turn mistakes into marvels and why rule-breaking is a fast track to innovation. Before we default to AI and tidy templates, this session is a reminder that your best ideas come from your very human instincts, your messiness and your unfiltered creative thinking. If you're willing to walk away from logic, even just for an hour you'll discover how discomfort, disorder and disruption can be fuel for your best ideas. You'll walk away with a toolkit for breaking rules, playing with chaos, and sparking ideas no one saw coming.

Assassins dressed for a game of tennis. Ships trawling the oceans to snip internet cables. Global superpowers in a race to mine moon ice. When you pay attention, the world is a much stranger place than we like to think it is. On ABC NEWS podcast If You're Listening, Matt Bevan explains the biggest stories in world news, and in this live show he explores the massive changes just around the corner, by diving deep into the past. In the early years of the Cold War, the ABC recorded a collection of predictions about the future the one we're living in now, in 2025. One prediction was the letters would not be read at all. They would be incinerated, along with everything else on the surface of the earth, in nuclear war. Others were less dire - a technological utopia would emerge, where international or possibly intergalactic transport would be fast and free. So why are we so bad at this? Why are predictions about the future so consistently wrong? And why do we keep trying anyway?

This session from Creative Commons and The Conversation Australia explores the backlash against AI training, the risk to open knowledge, and the need for new norms that protect human rights, creativity, and agency, and introduces CC's new "signals" framework for responsible machine use. CEO of The Conversation Lisa Watts will be in conversation with Delia Browne, former Board Chair and Advisor to the Creative Commons.

Brand impact isn't made in one big splash, it's built in the daily, consistent, organic moments where people decide if you matter to them. Everyday posts, not one-off hero campaigns, are what audiences actually see, engage with, and use to form opinions about brands. The hero campaign isn't dead, but in a world where a single organic post can reach millions organically, it's just not the hero anymore. Big campaigns still have a role, but they no longer carry the whole weight. Mid-funnel activity (aka organic social) has become the new hero because it drives creative relevance and continually feeds both awareness and conversion

Modern marketing has evolved into a tech and data-first approach. While data-driven marketing is becoming synonymous with digital strategies, this session explores neuromarketing, the study of the brain's response to marketing stimuli. Sarah Pelecanos, Founder/Owner of TwentyTwo Digital, a Brisbane-based agency, began exploring neuromarketing early on in her journey. Now, you can tap into her research to understand how the brain reacts to marketing and discover psychological principles that can drive your bottom line. While every brain is unique, there are key insights that can be applied to your brand to maximize impact and meet your business objectives.Not everyone has access to brain-tracking tech or advanced data analysis tools, but this session offers practical takeaways you can implement right away, along with a look at future possibilities using brain-tracking technology and best practices.

A walking workshop for curious minds Step away from the desk and into the streets. The Ideas Camino is a creative experiment for people who think best on the move. You'll join a group of curious humans for a guided walk designed to spark inspiration, fresh thinking, and meaningful conversation. Bring a question, a challenge, or an idea you've been sitting on. As you walk, you'll be prompted to observe, reflect, notice the beauty in the everyday and connect with others to swap insights, stories, and ideas. It's part solo wander, part creative jam session and it all happens on foot. Perfect for creatives, founders, thinkers, and anyone who wants to shake up their perspective and get out of their head and their office! No slides. No desks. Just movement, ideas, and the magic of the city.

When newspaper editor L Frank Baum wrote The Wizard of Oz 125 years ago, he embedded a secret warning within its 259 pages.What children saw as fantasy, adults could read as allegory. The scarecrow, tinman, lion, wizard, and Dorothy symbolised agriculture, industry, politics, tech and human rights. The yellow brick road represented gold in ounces. Oz was a nod to how gold is measured (oz).The Wicked Witch stood for bankers, and the Wizard, cloaked in illusion, symbolised deceptive tech power. Dorothy was inspired by Baum's suffragette mother, and became one of the first feminist heroes in popular media.She solved problems for the munchkins (that's us) not by brute force, but by compassion, courage, with her loyal dog Toto.Today, as AI mania builds and Big Tech valuations soar, are we once again mistaking illusion for truth? Ricky Sutton will be exploring this story at SXSW Sydney with his buddy, CEO of The Ideas Business Wade Kingsley, who'll be dressing as the characters while we reveal what The Wizard Of Oz really means.

Social media can be more than just likes, shares, and comments -it can be your audition tape, portfolio, and business card all in one. In an industry where traditional media is still competitive and hard to break into, proving you have an audience can be the ticket that gets you in the door.In this session, award-winning actress, filmmaker, and creator Shuang Hu shares how she built a global online audience of over 13 million followers with character-driven, viral content ó and parlayed that momentum into co-creating, co-writing and leading her own Amazon Prime Original romantic comedy (Five Blind Dates).

The fake news narrative that dominated the US election and copy cat campaigns around the world, including in Australia ("hate media" No, just doing our job),  has encouraged audiences to support news organisations and outlets that are authentically and proudly independent. In this panel, we'll consider what's driving audiences to support start-up podcasters, substack writers, and media organisations like the Guardian that authentically claim independent media status. And ask: can one-off reader contributions build into a business strategy? Will readers return each year to support independent media, and what are the ramifications for independent media if the cycle of disinformation and division continues?

Experiential activations are more than just branded events, they are meticulously crafted immersive experiences that blend design, storytelling, and audience psychology to create meaningful brand moments. In this session, we'll explore the creative philosophy behind experiential design, uncover the strategies that drive authentic brand engagement, and discuss how brands can leave a lasting imprint on their audience through impactful activations. Through real-world case studies and behind-the-scenes insights, our panelists Sandra Sabatini, GM of Studio Messa, Dean Norbiato, GM of Marketing at Kia and Naysla Edwards, Vice President Brand, Marketing and Member Experience at American Express, will reveal how leading brands approach experiential design, ensuring that every activation is purpose-driven, immersive, and culturally relevant.

Your brand won't survive 2050. And honestly? It doesn't deserve to. This is a creative reckoning. Marcus Willis (Founder, Kill Boring Dead) and Shanice Leung (Vibes) are here to pull the trigger on boring marketing. Forget future trends and polite predictions, this is a gut-punch for fearless CMOs and marketing leaders who are tired of safe ideas, beige campaigns, and death-by-approval-cycle. Expect chaos. Unexpected truths. A few roastings. Dogs. And zero tolerance for marketing that blends in. If your brand couldn't outshine a dancing Golden Retriever wearing sunglasses on TikTok, this is your chance to course-correct. The future isn't waiting. And it definitely isn't interested in your stakeholder sign-off process.

What makes for a winning marcomms campaign? Which combinations of strategies, media, messaging, objectives, targets, emotions and values come together to truly resonate with audiences? Drawing on his quarter-century experience as a professional market and social researcher across a range of sectors both in Australia and overseas, Head of Market Research and Insights at UTS Ariel Spigelman will lead a wide-ranging, interactive session looking at how the various elements of a campaign can align at a deep level to foster communications cut-through and success. Using live audience quizzes, results from original empirical research, and case studies, Ariel will guide the audience through a whirlwind tour of sound symbolism, locksmithing, engineering, new product testing, European migration communication and, yes, the distinct lack of romantic ballads in extreme music genres. The audience will come away newly energised by fresh perspectives to help - unlock their campaigning success!

Quantum technology is shifting from lab science to commercial force, and New South Wales is at the heart of the global race. From scalable silicon quantum processors to next-gen control systems, NSW-based startups are tackling the hardest tech problems in the world, and raising serious capital to do it.This session brings together quantum founders, engineers, and investors at the forefront of building a real industry from quantum breakthroughs. Together, theyíll unpack what it takes to go from research to revenue in one of the world's most complex and high-stakes technology frontiers. We'll explore how NSW and Australia can lead in the quantum economy, what's investible today, and what business models are emerging across hardware, software, and services. For entrepreneurs, investors, and tech leaders, this session provides an insider look at the commercial realitiesóand opportunitiesóof quantum tech.

Join us for an interactive debate that delves into the controversial role of AI in the judicial system. nnAudience members will have the opportunity to vote in real-time on a high-stakes embezzlement case in the year 2035, weighing in on whether AI should make critical judicial decisions and if public sentiment should influence a legal ruling. A legal expert, an ethicist, and a judge will explore whether AI can ever be truly fair in sentencing decisions, risk assessments, and parole rulings. Who gets the final say - humans or machines? This thought-provoking session will challenge perspectives on justice, fairness, and an evolving legal system. Come along to engage with leading minds on the ethical dilemmas of our future.

SydAR is Sydney's meetup group for anyone interested in the constantly expanding and evolving area of Augmented Reality (Spatial Computing, Mixed Reality, the Real World Metaverse... whatever name you like best!). If you're keen on smart glasses, AR headsets, Instagram/Snapchat/TikTok lenses, holograms, AR mobile games... Whether you're a tech enthusiast, developer, designer, or simply curious about the latest trends in AR, SydAR is here to help you connect with fellow AR enthusiasts, share ideas, experiences, and stay updated on the latest advancements in this growing field.In our SXSW edition of SydAR, we'll be showcasing as many AR demos as we can gather from across the region, and have those behind the creations share their experience creating AR so far. There's so much fantastic work being done by creators and agencies at many levels - you don't need to look overseas to find people shaping the future of AR, they're right here in Sydney.

Crime isn't what it used to be. With AI-driven fraud, global cyber syndicates, and scams operating at an industrial scale, individuals and businesses are struggling to keep up. In this special live recording of I Catch Killers, ex-homicide detective Gary Jubelin and financial crime survivor Tracy Hall dive into the evolving world of modern crime. From "pig butchering" scams and West African Yahoo Boys to the question of whether financial criminals ever truly face justice, this conversation will unpack the biggest threats lurking in todayís digital underworld. With raw insights from investigative reporting and firsthand experience from a victim turned advocate, this session is a must-listen for anyone interested in crime, justice, and the future of fraud.

What do the founders and investors of the most advanced humanoid robotics companies think? We bring you the latest financials and feedback from the front line of the robot revolution, Silicon Valley. This talk covers global investment data, business models for humanoids, safety standards, human-robot interaction and robots in society, for good or bad.nAndra Keay is the Director of Silicon Valley Robotics, the industry association at the heart of the embodied AI and robotics industry. Andra has also initiated the international Humanoids Standards working group and co-organized The Humanoids Summit in Silicon Valley and IEEE Humanoids conferences.nShe has decades of experience tracking the global data, interviewing and investing in robotics founders, studying the roll out of robots in society and helping to steer national strategies for robotics and physical AI.

Faria is a product designer and advocate for responsible technology. She currently leads end-to-end developer experience at Canva within the Ecosystem supergroup. Faria is working toward a future where app development is truly democratized, enabling anyone to build apps from natural language. She is deeply committed to AI ethics, the prevention of misaligned systems, and designing tools that prioritize human values.

Remember 'Signal-Gate'? The implicit trust people place in using free messaging apps to share sensitive info at work is widespread and goes right to the top. CISOs and IT leaders worldwide must have winced that day, knowing that human error is frequently the cause of data leaks, and that it can be avoided! Vastly overlooked in the global cyber security conversation is the security and privacy of communications data, as well as the risks it exposes. End-to-end encryption may be ok for general use, but if the product is free, you are the product, and your mobile metadata is another pool of intel for threat actors using AI to triage attacks. This is unacceptable, especially when national security and lives are at stake. This talk will explore the rise in espionage tactics through mobiles and networks, how easy it is to eavesdrop, the curse of employee workarounds, the importance of data sovereignty and ultimately how to trust who you are calling and texting.

Vibe Coding (verb): The playful art of talking at your computer until an app comes out. This fun and inspiring workshop guides dreamers with great digital product ideas but no technical background on how to create their first app. Led by successful tech entrepreneur Josh Graham (founder, Arts Innovation Lab) participants will see how accessible technology and rapid prototyping can transform ideas into reality. Starting with an audience-suggested concept, Josh demonstrates "vibe-coding" - a playful, intuitive approach to beginner-friendly programming.

In 90 minutes, attendees learn:

Conceptualisation: Defining the problem, audience, and core functionality of their app.

Rapid Prototyping: Building the core product using low-code/no-code tools and AI.

Real-time Deployment: Getting the prototype online to validate market viability.

This hands-on workshop shows how anyone can leverage current AI technology to create market-ready products without deep technical expertise.

Recent breakthroughs in neuroscience and bioengineering are enabling the growth of complex 3D human brain models in the lab, living, thinking systems that mimic the structure and function of the brain. As these microphysiological systems evolve, they're beginning to challenge the very foundations of how we study consciousness, treat neurological disease, and build interfaces between biology and technology. What happens when these "brains-on-chips" begin to communicate? Or when we integrate AI with tissue-engineered cognition? In this session, researchers from the University of Sydney explore the future of human brain modellingófrom replacing animal testing to building the infrastructure for a new era of neural computing.

Artificial intelligence and advanced robotics are accelerating a bionic revolution that benefits both humans and machines. PSYONIC's Ability Hand is not only transforming lives for people with limb differences, it is also being used by leading robotics companies including NASA, Meta, and Google to push the boundaries of what machines can do. In this session, Dr. Aadeel Akhtar shares how the convergence of AI, robotics, and human-centered design is driving unprecedented accessibility. With economies of scale making cutting-edge bionics more affordable than ever, the line between assistive tech and mainstream robotics is blurring, shaping a future where ability is no longer defined by limitation.

Imagine stepping into a space where voices from centuries ago are reborn ñ in real time. Transhuman Ansambl creates a bespoke, autonomous choir of 16 non-human singers inspired by the traditional Croatian kolo dance formations existing hundreds of years ago. Singing with contemporary electronic music, Transhuman Ansambl offers an enchanting performance that preserves musical heritage in a fluid, ever-evolving form rather than frozen in time. In this session, artist and creator éIVA (Lucija Isvic) shares the inspiration behind Transhuman Ansambl and how it fundamentally reimagines how musical heritage is celebrated. Attendees will be taken on a journey through the artistic, ethnographic and technical, shaped by a two-month study with Croatian folk dance and singing ensembles. Discover how these non-human singers, equipped with pitch, tone and volume-sensing capabilities, create an immersive and captivating sonic experience ñ one that bridges past and future, human and machine.

Join this peer reviewed and interactive gossip session with science experts answering the questions you desperately want to know about the tech world but can't be bothered to look up.  Are our chat gpt searches ruining the planet or saving it? Does this device actually enhance my skincare routine? Is technology impacting my sleep?  No topic is off the table - from over-hyped beauty tech to AI infiltrating your social feed.  We are grappling with more tech and information than ever before as we click, scroll, and swipe our way through our daily lives. But we don't often get the time to properly "do our own research" to make informed tech decisions. That's where peer-reviewed gossip comes in. Our panel of credible gossips Lee Constable, Dr. Naomi Koh Belic, and Elfy Scott have trawled through the peer reviewed articles, talked to researchers, and done the hard yards to dish up their juicy findings as they spill the well-cited tea.

The AI revolution will redefine every aspect of our lives, and while it holds extraordinary potential, it also threatens to unleash devastating disruptionó fuelled by widespread uncertainty, anxiety, and our inherent blindness to exponential change. To prevent this, we must act decisively by implementing change management through national AI-readiness plans now. Joel will provide an unflinching look at the uncertainties ahead while arming audiences with science-backed strategies to navigate turbulence, overcome fear, and position their organisations for success. Learn about an AI-specific change model to become AI-ready. This talk is a must for anyone committed to thriving rather than just surviving the AI revolution. Unlock the psychological tools to ride the wave of technological and human disruption with confidence. This talk is not just a call to action - it's a blueprint for humanity's survival and flourishing in the age of AI. Joel is a neuroscientist, psychologist, and author.

What happens when you bring together Emma Memma, an ARIA-winning kids' entertainer; Dr Joshua Pate, children's author and UTS pain researcher; and Natalie Ettingshausen, dynamic founder of Ready Set Dance? Answer: a lot of moovin and groovin! Join Dr Joshua Pate as he introduces his latest children's book Twirl Tries It All, showing how families use Twirl's story to spark supportive conversations about fun, daily physical activity. Best known as the first female Wiggle and beloved "Emma Memma" Dr Emma Watkins will share her PhD research on childhood engagement through movement and music. No stranger to movement, Natalie Ettingshausen will discuss creative scalable ways to connect dance, movement and fun. Walk away feeling inspired by fresh ideas that promote healthy and active lifestyles for families!

Science Communication in the Age of Dopamine AddictionnPetr Lebedev, Former Science Writer for VeritasiumnDrawing from my experience at YouTube's leading science channel Veritasium (50M+ subscribers), I'll share how to create engaging scientific content for today's attention economy.nKey Topics:nnThe Veritasium formula: Transforming complex physics into viral contentnPlatform-specific strategies for YouTube vs. TikToknUsing "curiosity gaps" to drive both attention and learningnVisual techniques that made our videos stand outnMaintaining scientific integrity while optimizing for algorithmsnBuilding communities that extend beyond video contentnnLearn practical techniques to create science content that captures attention without sacrificing accuracyóregardless of platform or format.

Discover what deep fakes are and the serious risks they pose. Get practical resources to help teachers, students, and parents detect and combat deep fakes. Understand the importance of addressing these dangers now and the crucial role of AI champions in changing mindsets. Leave with actionable steps to improve digital safety

In today's creative economy, advertisers and creatives are turning to using small and large language models, image and video creation models, face recognition models, and more as means of implementing AI to rapidly and efficiently solve for a complex set of business issues in arts, entertainment, and media. Through insights into several existing AI models from our panel, you will learn which types of models are more risky to use from a contractual and compliance perspective (with emphasis on US and EU law) and which other types of models will cause fewer concerns, leading to a smoother implementation with your business partners. Whether you're a startup or an established company, this session will equip you with the tools to scale the usage of various models successfully while avoiding costly contractual and compliance pitfalls. We'll explore key concerns for companies utilizing various AI models in their client-facing workflows, including copyright, trademark, and IP issues; privacy protections for inputs and outputs; ethical considerations; and how to reduce the risk of client contract breach and regulatory violations.

There is a scam out there for everyone! Cybercriminals exploit technology and persuasive strategies to build hyperpersonal relationships ñ luring victims into scams that can have devastating financial and psychological impacts.As scams become increasingly difficult to detect, only defences that are informed by science and tailored to account for diverse groups in society and their unique vulnerabilities will offer real protection.There is no silver bullet solution. That's why government, industry and academia must rally together to develop effective and culturally appropriate methods to cybersecurity. Join Professor Monica Whitty, global expert in the psychology of cyberscams and cyber security, and Professor Chris Lawrence, proud Wadjak/Ballardong man and leader in Aboriginal digital health, from Monash University, for an inside look at Balai (Lookout/Beware), a Google-backed project uncovering how cyber scams uniquely target Indigenous communities in Australia and trick them into losing money.You'll hear how they're co-designing culturally grounded cyber defences with Indigenous communities ñ with insights that could be scaled to reinforce cybersecurity strategy worldwide. Still think scams are someone else's problem? That just means yours hasn't found you yet.

Quantum tech & harnessing the physics of tiny things represents the next true frontier in human innovation and AI changes everything. This U.N.-declared International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, join Q-CTRL CEO Michael Biercuk to learn how at the nexus of quantum and AI, intelligent machines are enabling us not only to discover but to take control of nature on its most fundamental level.

As autonomous systems take over logistics, robotics and mobility, the challenge of coordinating their movement on a larger-scale is more pressing than ever. Multi-Agent Path Finding (MAPF) is at the heart of this revolution, enabling robots, drones and vehicles to navigate complex spaces efficiently - without collisions or delays. Take Amazon's robotic warehouse workers, for example, rapidly moving in sync to fulfill orders worldwide. How do we optimise these systems at scale? This session dives into the latest advancements in MAPF, its real-world applications and how innovative competitions are accelerating breakthroughs by lowering the barriers to crowdsourced optimisation solutions. Join MAPF specialist Associate Professor Daniel Harabor from Monash University's Faculty of IT as he discuss tackling one of the biggest automation optimisation puzzles - solving the AI traffic jam

For years weíve obsessed over speed, scale and stickiness. Now itís time to obsess over safety. In this provocative talk, Catherine Fitzpatrick, social entrepreneur and global pioneer of financial safety by design, makes the case that safety is the most radical and overdue innovation of the decade. From joint accounts to online messaging, Catherine exposes how features built for convenience are weaponised to control, track and trap. These are not edge cases. They are everywhere, hiding in plain sight. Catherine challenges developers, designers, and founders to flip their metrics from frictionless UX to fearless protection. Using real case studies and her Designed to Disrupt framework, she shows how safety-first design can prevent harm, protect customers and unlock the next frontier of innovation. No one meant for their products to be misused for abuse. If you build products for humans, this talk is for you.

Join internationally acclaimed cultural innovator Alex Poots - the force behind New York's The Shed and the Manchester International Festival - in a conversation with Lisa Havilah, Chief Executive, Powerhouse. Together, they'll delve into how bold, interdisciplinary programming can create economic impact and sustained audience growth. From publicly funded precincts and sustainability-led design to cross-sector collaboration, community engagement, and collaborative funding models - this session offers vital insights into building vibrant, future-focused cultural precincts. Essential for cultural leaders, urban planners, architects and developers shaping the next generation of creative city-making.

What do AC/DC and concrete delivery have in common? Join Dr. Paul Flachskampf, INFORM Australia CEO and host of ROCKCAST (the only podcast mixing hard rock with building materials logistics), as he reveals how curiosity at the intersection of unlikely pairings drives innovation.Drawing from INFORM's 2024 AI Readiness Study, Paul shows how the same curious mindset that connects HIGHWAY TO HELL with cement mixing can help organisations bridge the gap between AI adoption (78%) and true AI readiness (32%) in Australian business.

Within a futuristic cryo-pod, a person lies - unconscious, unbreathing - until they are awoken decades later. Or perhaps: A person's mind is "uploaded" into a robotic body. Will these scenarios forever be science fiction, or do they have some chance of actually becoming real? Come hear from Dr Ariel Zeleznikow-Johnston, neuroscientist at Monash University, as he dissects surveys from scientists studying the brain and reveals what they think, and how already-existing technology can preserve the dying in a way that might enable their future revival.This isn't speculation, it's hard science applied to humanity's oldest dream. Prepare to have your assumptions about mortality, technology, and the future completely challenged.

Weíve all heard that most of the ocean remains unexplored, but what does that really mean for science, innovation, and the future of our planet? Beneath the surface lies a vast, mysterious world filled with potential discoveries that could transform our understanding of marine life, medicine, climate, and more. Submersibles and remotely operated vehicles offer part of the solution, but what if we could go further ñ what if we could have a permanent human presence on the ocean floor? Join us as we dive into the challenges and promises of ocean exploration.

Chef, farmer and restaurateur Matt Moran, agrifood innovation specialist and venture capitalist Philippe Ceulen, and OzHarvest Ventureís food systems leader Louise Tran come together to tackle one of the biggest challenges of our timeóhow to feed a growing global population sustainably. From paddock-to-plate philosophies to bold agrifood tech innovations and circular business models, this panel highlights practical strategies to reduce waste, rethink food systems, and create a future where no one goes hungry.

The EV boom is reshaping more than transportóitís changing how people think about energy. As adoption rises, Australians are becoming more energy-aware, driving demand for cleaner infrastructure and smarter cities. This panel brings together Doug McNamee (JOLT), , Jonathan Williams (Polestar), and Emma Foley (Uber) to explore how electrification is transforming consumer behaviour, fuelling innovation, and powering new economic models. Weíll also examine the rise of autonomous vehicles and how cities must evolve now. Featuring a world-first JOLT case study, discover how ad-funded EV charging is unlocking access, supporting renewable goals, and building a future-ready, energy-conscious Australia.

The future is in the hands of our youth, and they are driving real, lasting change. We're bringing together a young entrepreneur, an investor/board member, and two social enterprise intrapreneurs who are shaping a more sustainable world. Through inspiring stories and real-world examples, they will share insights on innovation, impact-driven business models, and the role of young people in solving BIG environmental challenges. Participants will gain practical knowledge on how to turn ideas into action, explore pathways into the green economy, and discover how youth-led solutions are transforming schools, communities, and industries. Join us to learn how todayís young changemakers are designing a better future - and how you can, too!Speakers include Jehan Ratnatunga from Who Gives a Crap, Shelene Bailey from Young Change Agents, Abraham Robertson from Biocare, and a youth entrepreneur representative.

Sydney is city bursting with innovation and at the heart of it is our amazing network of innovation districts. As a city, we have the talent, the infrastructure and capital, but what has been missing is a clear and ambitious vision for how Sydney presents this potential to the world ñ a vision for Sydney as an Innovation City. This session is a walking tour of Tech Central, bookended by a presentation of Tech Central at the beginning and a panel conversation about the immense opportunities in Sydneyís innovation districts as drivers of economic development. The tour will take in the role of universities, key industry anchors, research facilities and the connective tissue and transport infrastructure that bring Tech Central to life. Panellists may include representatives from universities and industry who can bring stories of success to the attendees, as well as political leaders.

This panel brings together four visionary changemakers driving food justice and empowerment through urban agriculture, Indigenous food systems, culinary activism, and education. Featuring South LAís ìGangsta Gardenerî Ron Finley, who transforms ìfood desertsî into thriving ìfood sanctuariesî; Chef Adrian Lipscombe, founder of the 40 Acres Project, preserving Black farming heritage and foodways; Chef Sean Sherman (Oglala Lakota), revitalizing Indigenous foodways as a form of cultural preservation; and food systems advocate Ashley Rouse, who uplifts communities through local farming and edible education. Together, they will explore how growing and reclaiming food ó from sidewalk gardens to ancestral recipes ó can drive food sovereignty, sustainability, and economic empowerment. This inspiring conversation will highlight how food is medicine and a tool for justice, offering actionable strategies for fostering resilience and equity in communities.

This panel explores the science, challenges, and actionable solutions for harnessing urine as a valuable resource to grow food within a Circular Economy in Australia. Featuring insights from farmer Christina Kelman (Rita's Farm), water strategist Django Seccombe (Sydney Water) and policy expert Melita Jazbec (Institute for Sustainable Futures), who has had a role in shaping policies and practices by advising companies and boards on developing waste strategies. Dr Dana Cordell (ISF), a leading academic on urine diversion and phosphorus futures will moderate this discussion and address how we can overcome barriers and create a sustainable, nutrient-recycling future.

This immersive workshop combines scenario thinking with design fiction, helping participants navigate uncertainty while crafting tangible visions of alternative futures. Rather than treating the future as a singular destination, we'll explore four distinct, pre-crafted world scenarios for 2050 - each representing different ways our social, technological, environmental, economic, and political systems might evolve. Participants will step into these worlds before designing and prototyping physical "artefacts" that might exist in these alternative futures, whether objects, interfaces, documents, or experiences. This approach transforms abstract future scenarios into concrete, thought-provoking prototypes that reveal hidden assumptions, values, and possibilities. The workshop culminates in a "Museum of 2050" exhibition where participants showcase their creations and uncover strategic insights that could prove valuable across multiple possible futures, regardless of which path unfolds.

How old will you be in 2050? Now, fast forward to then - what do you see? A thriving retirement, a second (or third) career, adventures with grandchildren? Or are you navigating a complex healthcare system, managing multiple chronic diseases, and relying on loved ones to deliver your care as well as make critical decisions for you?nnLongevity is now on our side, but the trade-off is more years spent in frailty and potentially poor health. The real question isnít just how long weíll live - but how well weíll live and how well weíll die. This panel will tackle some of the most provocative and personal questions of our time. nnJoin health journalist Casey Beros, hospice doctor and podcaster Dr Shoshana Ungerleider, Deathwalker and death educator Zenith Virago and Professor of Law Nola Ries for the conversation we all need to have - because in 2050, we wonít just be planning for the future. Weíll be living it.

This presentation explores the collaboration between W?t? Workshop and Evoke Audio on Te Arawhata, the New Zealand Liberation Museum in Le Quesnoy, France. W?t? Workshop conceptualised, designed, and produced the visitor experience, while Evoke Audio played a critical role in producing an immersive sonic experience using sound design, original score by Rhian Sheehan, and multilingual voice recordings. Balancing historical accuracy and emotional depth, the project integrated 4.1 and 7.1 surround sound to offer an immersive sensory experience. The first experience, Voices, brought the 1918 liberation to life through firsthand testimonies, while the second experience, Encounters, provided a reflective post-liberation journey, seamlessly integrating audio, narrative, and visuals to immerse visitors in history. The session features speakers Jason Aldous from W?t? Workshop, along with Ricky Simmonds and Matthew Eller from Evoke Audio.

How can cities create safer, healthier, and more welcoming environments for children and communities through cycling? This Talk & Presentation at SXSW Sydney 2025 will feature a screening of the acclaimed short documentary ìRotterdam Fietst!î showcasing Rotterdamís successful efforts to promote cycling among children. Followed by a local expertís reflection, this session explores how cycling infrastructure and culture can transform urban mobility, well-being, and quality of life. Join us to reimagine cities where everyone can safely embrace the freedom and joy of cycling.

There is a complex ecosystem hidden beneath our feet that supports all life on Earth. The way we treat it now will determine our future existence on the planet. In this 45 minute talk, author, lawyer and soil advocate Freya Mulvey will uncover ground breaking truths of soil alongside award-winning podcast and impact producer Jess Hamilton. Featuring excerpts from their recently released documentary podcast, their talk will break down how soil is connected to climate change, discuss land management solutions that are having very real impacts on climate, biodiversity and communities, and share insights into collaborating on impactful science communication. Audio woven through the talk will feature the voices of farmers, scientists and communities who are turning dirt back into soil, as well as the sounds of life underground. This talk presents an accessible, hopeful and empowering climate story at the intersection of science, policy and storytelling.

What if AI is the quietest, most powerful weapon ever used against women? In this gripping solo talk, Dr Nici Sweaney - ethical AI expert, futurist, and senior fellow for the AI for Developing Countries Forum ñ exposes how generative AI is dismantling feminism, deleting equity, and narrowing what girls believe is possible. AI could quite possibly erase women from the future.This isn't sci-fi. It's now. THIS is the feminist issue of our time.But it's not too late. Dr Nici will empower you to not only understand the risks, but see how you - yes, brilliant YOU can shape a more inclusive future, amplify your impact, and scale your dreams with AI. Because the world is better when women take up space.

Aviation stands at a crossroads, balancing the need to decarbonise while staying globally connected. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a game-changer, but scaling it commercially is complex. As a leading Indigenous aerospace engineer and SAF executive, Renee Wootton offers a global perspective on the opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping cleaner skies. With expertise in engineering, leadership, and sustainable aviation, she shares a compelling, actionable vision for the future of flight.

Why This Presentation Matters:

- Future of Energy & Mobility: How can we accelerate SAF adoption?

- Innovation & Sustainability: The role of technology, policy, and collaboration in decarbonising aviation.

- Indigenous & Women in STEM Leadership: The importance of diverse voices in shaping aerospace.

- Actionable Insights: Practical steps for industries, governments, and individuals to drive real change.

We know the facts: rising temperatures, extreme weather, biodiversity loss. Climate change is no longer a distant threat, it's happening now. Yet for many, it remains abstract, buried in dense data or overshadowed by fast-moving news cycles. Isnít it easier to stick with business as usual? Can conservation efforts really make a dent in a global crisis? This trailblazing panel will give us hope, moderated by acclaimed investigative humorist Dan Ilic to cut through the noise with compelling storytelling and real-world solutions. Featuring leading conservation scientists Dr. Vanessa Pirotta, Divisional Director Welfare Conservation and Science Andrew Elphinstone, and Assoc Prof. Justine Shaw, this session explores groundbreaking innovations in ocean conservation, woodlands rewilding, and Antarctic protection. From drones collecting whale snot to restoring lost ecosystems, these experts prove change is possible. Because the question isn't just Why Bother? it's What is Possible If We Do?

In an era of skyrocketing grocery prices and constant digital noise, how can we empower everyday Australians to eat better, spend less, and feel confident in the kitchen? This dynamic session brings together two of Australia's most trusted food and wellness voices Steph de Sousa and Lyndi Cohen to explore the intersection of cost-effective cooking, social media, and food innovation. Steph de Sousa is a two-time MasterChef Australia contestant and the author of two best-selling cookbooks, Air Fryer Queen and Easy Dinner Queen. She is the host of Channel 10's The Frugal Foodie, where she champions affordable, waste-conscious cooking. With nearly 3 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube, Steph is one of Australia's leading food influencers. Her content focuses on practical, budget-friendly meals that resonate with families navigating the cost-of-living crisis.Joining her is Lyndi Cohen, Known as The Nude Nutritionist, Lyndi Cohen is a 2x best-selling author, TEDx speaker, a regular on channel 9's TODAY show, and one of Australia's most popular nutritionists. In a world of strange superfoods and unregulated wellness influencers, Lyndi is most popular with her over 300k followers for calling out nutrition nonsense and promoting real health and a healthy body image. She is now also the co-founder of Fearless, a swimsuit brand making bathers you donít need to lose weight to feel confident.Together, theyíll dive into the growing demand for affordable and sustainable food content, the role of digital creators in shifting shopping and cooking behaviours, and how emerging technologies from AI recipe tools to meal kit innovations are reshaping the future of food. Theyíll also reflect on monetisation opportunities in the content creator space, from supermarket collaborations to brand partnerships and recipe subscriptions.

In a world that prizes seriousness, play has been relegated to the sidelines, but what if that's our biggest mistake? Join Dr. Kate Renshaw, Camey O'Keefe, and futurist Reanna Browne as they reveal the high-stakes science and compelling stories behind play's untapped potential to transform our lives. From therapy rooms where play conquers trauma to advertising agencies where it creates cultural conversations, to the competitive edge it gives forward-thinking organisations discover how structured playfulness isn't just fun, it's a performance advantage. Through candid conversation, live demonstration, and actionable insights, you'll emerge with a new understanding: in today's complex world, those who play don't just survive, they thrive.

As Brisbane prepares to host the 2032 Games, we explore how this mega event must evolve to engage Gen Alpha, a generation with new expectations for sports, entertainment, and global events. We will debate whether Brisbane 2032 and the entire Games ecosystem must radically innovate, or risk losing a generation raised on instant content, interactive media, and athlete all-access.nnOur provocations intend to challenge topics of commercialization, media, technology, and culture, including Gen Alpha's demand for authenticity and access will end traditional sports broadcasting by 2032.nn2.tTo secure sponsors and the next generation of fans, athletes must sacrifice all privacy.nnFeaturing athlete and equity advocate Chloe Dalton, futurist Reanna Browne, tech and media innovator Smaran Jworchan, and sports marketing expert Kim Anderson, this thought-provoking discussion could shape the future of global sporting events. A must-see for those in sport, innovation, media, and culture.

Hey Death. It's Time We TalkWhat the f**k is the point of all this living?We avoid talking about death like it might kill the vibe. But what if the opposite is true? What if facing death honestly, openly, unapologetically is the most life-affirming conversation we can ever have? In this unfiltered 30-minute session, we crack open the silence, cultural denial, and weird (so-called) taboos that keep us from the one unifying thing we all have in common: dying. Through stories, lived experience, and collective reflection, we'll explore how confronting death can radically shift the way we live, connect, and find meaning. No euphemisms. No bullshit. Just the deep, radical power of real talk. Real conversation with death, and with life. None of us are getting out of here alive. So let's stop pretending. Learn to lean into mortality and start living with true courage, creativity, and clarity.

Suppose you're asked to give a small sum of money to a stranger. Before making your decision, a coin is flipped for each of you, and you're shown the outcomes. Could this random event influence how generous you are? Would you be less willing to financially give if your result didn't match theirs, compared to if both coins showed the same face like two heads or two tails? In a study involving over 1,400 participants across seven experiments, researchers found that seemingly meaningless similarities or differences, such as the result of a coin toss, can shape how we behave. But what explains the power of chance events in shaping our willingness to assign resources? How can this shed light on the roots of discrimination? What role does the brain play in all this? And where do we go from here? Dr. Eliane Deschrijver, senior research fellow at the University of Sydney and a co-author of the study, will explain.

Wikipedia has made millions of encyclopaedias' worth of knowledge instantly and freely available. Its legions of Wikipedians help grow that compendium of knowledge each day, and anyone can join their ranks. That is, anyone with a computer and an internet connection and literacy in a language Wikipedia uses.  So, even an endlessly expanding online encyclopaedia doesnít cover everything. This panel brings together Wikipediaís biographer, the president of Wikimedia Australia and researchers investigating how Wikipedia represents Australian places, events and people. Theyíll discuss what gets left out of Wikipedia, the low representation of women and extremely low representation of First Nations editors among Wikipedians, and the edit wars that echo the "history wars."If we want the largest reference work in history to represent the world more fully and accurately, we need to understand the culture of its Wikimedians, and how their blind spots hide knowledge that matters.

Australia is a sport-mad nation, consistently punching above its weight on the field.  Yet it lags in sports tech and business innovation.  Why does Australia underperform in contrast to countries like the US and UK where sport is loved but not embossed at birth?  Is it simply proximity and scale, or something else?  Through its perspectives and dialog, the panel will elaborate a framework for nurturing sport business innovation on par with the Aussie performance on the pitch.  

Confirmed panellists:

Scott Dinsdale, Managing Director, FutureNext, Content Director, SportNXT (www.sportnxt.org), Senior Fellow at The Annenberg Center for the Digital Future, All-Star Mentor with global incubator TechStars https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdinsdale/

Professor Adam Karg, Sport Management Program, Deakin Business School https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-karg-60397633/

Ben Harrison, Chief Investment Office, Altor Capital https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-harrison-7b9a9729/

Second Life: Remixing Migrant Culture, will explore how diverse cultural backgrounds bring new perspectives to the expression of fashion and food, creating a compelling fusion of tradition and modernity. Embracing migrant cultures can generate new creative and community connections, resonating with generations of Australians proudly reclaiming their migrant heritage. This panel will explore different approaches to adopting migrant culture, highlighting how putting culture front and centre can create meaningful change.Hear from creatives bringing migrant stories to the forefront in exceptional ways: Amy Low, CEO at The Social Outfit, a fashion brand that puts refugees and new migrants first. Joining Amy is Alex Kelly, Creative Director at Baba's Place where a generational migrant experience inspires its restaurant concept and experience.

For anyone who wishes they could partner with Indigenous communities but doesn't know how. Authentic partnerships with Indigenous communities aren't just cultural enrichments - they're strategic business relationships. In this session, Robin Taua-Gordon (Cultural and Social lead, Te Kawerau-?-Maki) and Jasmine Millet (Head of Sector Development, Auckland Council) share how they navigated corporate and community collaboration at Te Puna Creative Innovation Quarter in Auckland, with practical takeaways for leaders who want to do the same.

Fashion is faster and cheaper than ever, with giants like Temu and Shein dominating the market. Can pre-loved fashion compete? The resale revolution is gaining momentum, with platforms like Depop, eBay and independent sellers reshaping the way we think about shopping. eBay reports that over half of Australian consumers see secondhand shopping as a key trend and 84% have bought or sold pre-loved goods in the past year. But is sustainability enough to challenge ultra-fast fashion? Join industry leaders from Sendle, The Volte and eBay as they explore the forces driving resale's rise and the challenges it faces. From shifting consumer values and the economics of secondhand shopping to logistics, trust and brand strategies, this panel will dive into whether the circular economy can stand up to the fast fashion machine and what it will take to win. Sellers, shoppers and eCommerce innovators don't miss this look at the future of resale in a world hooked on speed and affordability.

Television presenter, writer and entrepreneur Melissa Leong joins us to discuss leadership, innovation and resilience in business and life. From MasterChef to global brand partnerships, Melissa shares lessons on creativity, adaptability and influence. She also previews insights from her forthcoming memoir Guts, exploring courage in work and beyond.

The traditional sports fandom model is breaking. Loyalty to a single team, passed down through generations, is fading. Instead, fans are constructing their own identities, choosing teams, players, and even entire sports based on their personal values, cultural connections, and digital experiences. Social connection is now the number one driver of sports engagement for under-40s, but the new version of fandom is more fluid, fragmented, and global than ever before. The challenge? The business of sports - its rights deals, marketing, and revenue models hasn't caught up.This session explores how the shifting nature of sports fandom is forcing a rethink of traditional engagement strategies.  With Leigh Lavery, The Growth Distillery and expert panelists Marty Wirth, Founder of Present Company with more guests to be announced.

Tired of "Black Mirror" style doom and gloom? Join Steph Clarke (Futurist) and Megan Davis (Narrative Strategist) and play a board game that puts you in the lead role of exploring the coexistence of technology and humanity across a variety of futures that are hopeful, good, bad, and ugly; all at the same time.nnCentring love and hope might seem rebellious, even frivolous, but it's what makes civilisation possible, no matter what futures play out.nnEmerging trends and technologies will both support our most precious bonds and cultures, and threaten them. In this story-driven game of chance, you will experience how human traits like empathy, creativity, and storytelling can shape a future that values deeper connection, intimacy, and friendship.nnYou will leave with fresh ideas on the type of connected future you want to create, the conversations and decisions you may need to have and make now, plus practical strategies for leveraging new (and old) tech to foster genuine relationships.

Two Letters, Infinite Meanings. AI is no longer just about automation- it's reshaping intimacy, labor, and the environment in ways we' re only beginning to understand. Behavioral scientists warn of ìAddictive Intelligence, as people increasingly form emotional bonds with AI. Gig workers paid cents per task are stuck in machine-like lives, quietly fueling AI's rise. Meanwhile, AI models drain vast energy resources, making their environmental footprint harder to ignore.As our machines strive to become more human, are we becoming more computational? This session explores the cultural and ethical consequences of AI - beyond the hype and the doom.

An intimate conversation between veteran journalist Tracey Lee Holmes and her son Jesse Grant, Founder and CEO of Movie Magick. They'll explore how modern journalists must evolve beyond traditional reporting to become content creators and social media-savvy professionals. The discussion will examine the changing media landscape and highlight what younger and older generations can learn from each other in today's digital journalism world.Tracey Holmes will be available for a book signing following her session, please check the app for more details.

Social media and online communities should be a source of connection but for many, the opposite is true. They can isolate, overlook and even harm disabled and neurodivergent people and the LGBTIQA+ community, as well as those facing other barriers like age restrictions and rigid identity policies. And with recent rollbacks on fact-checking initiatives and DEI policies in the U.S., marginalised communities are at even greater risk of misinformation, harassment, and erasure. How do we fix that? Join Nick Carlton (Founder & CEO, Spoony), Carly Findlay OAM (Writer & Disability Activist), and Simon Schenkel (Uber Mobility Lead) for a candid panel hosted by comedian and podcaster Em Rusciano on breaking down barriers in digital spaces. From accessibility features to content moderation, identity verification, and policy changes and the rise of alternative social networks, we'll explore what it takes to build safer, more inclusive online communities where everyone truly belongs.

Indonesia's beauty industry is evolving, with local brands capturing a significant market share as consumer's preferences shift. This session, led by Putri Tanjung who is keen on understanding these changes, brings together industry experts to discuss the key factors driving this transformation. With insights from Female Daily, the conversation will explore more into what are the influences purchasing decisions, how brands are adapting, and what the future holds for the beauty market in Indonesia.

Following the 2022 Raising Their Voices review, a clear need emerged to address systemic barriers and unconscious bias affecting First Nations music workers. These issues resonate across Australia's creative industries. At SXSW Sydney, Support Act's panel will explore the importance of cultural competency, focusing on inclusion, safety, and collaboration for First Nations people. Industry leaders will discuss what true cultural competency looks like and how organisations can lead the way in building more inclusive and culturally safe creative environments.

The Tourism RING was convened by Tourism Australia and Intrepid Travel, with the support of Reconciliation Australia, serving as an industry led, informal group providing opportunities for businesses with a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to connect and collaborate together and further reconciliation. Tourism organisations are driving change so people can engage, listen and connect with the richness of First Nations People and cultures in every corner on this country - the joy of travel can elevate the path for reconciliation through authentic experience across our beautiful country. The RING members discuss the success they have seen in this space and challenges ahead.

A conversation with Astrid Jorgensen about creating sustainable social enterprises through authentic community building: This session explores how a high school music teacher transformed a simple idea - getting people to sing together in a pub- into a global phenomenon that has raised over half a million dollars for charity whilst revolutionising how we think about accessible music-making. Astrid will share the entrepreneurial journey behind Pub Choir, from that first night with 80 people learning "Slice of Heaven" in a Brisbane bar to leading thousands in harmony on international stages. But this isn't just a business success story- it's about how authentic community building becomes the foundation for sustainable social enterprise. This session will appeal to entrepreneurs, community leaders, arts administrators, and anyone interested in building businesses that create genuine social impact whilst remaining financially sustainable. Attendees will leave with practical insights about community building, authentic leadership, and how to turn passion projects into movements that matter.

Join internationally acclaimed cultural innovator Alex Poots - the force behind New York's The Shed and the Manchester International Festival, in a conversation with Lisa Havilah, Chief Executive, Powerhouse. Together, they'll delve into how bold, interdisciplinary programming can create economic impact and sustained audience growth. From publicly funded precincts and sustainability-led design to cross-sector collaboration, community engagement, and collaborative funding models, this session offers vital insights into building vibrant, future-focused cultural precincts. Essential for cultural leaders, urban planners, architects and developers shaping the next generation of creative city-making.

What does it take to build a $200 million monument of hope in a world that profits off fear? In this fireside chat, renowned futurist Dr Ben Hamer sits down with Majed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of Dubai's Museum of the Future, to unpack the story behind one of the boldest cultural experiments of our time. Discover how the Museum is taking the future out of the hands of academics and intellectuals and putting it into the hearts and minds of everyday people, sparking hope, agency and imagination at a time when we need it most.

Join Accenture Song CEO Ndidi Oteh as she explores how AI is transforming creativity and culture. Discover where human imagination meets machine intelligence, reshaping work, innovation, and artistic expression. Special guest Manon Dave, principal AI engineer to superstars will.i.am and Idris Elba, shares insights from the frontlines of music and technology. Together with moderator Sunita Gloster, they'll unpack AI's societal ripple effects, ethical challenges, and the path to responsible scaling. An energising session for creatives, technologists, and leaders navigating AI's game-changing impact on industries and ideas.

Join internationally acclaimed cultural innovator Alex Poots - the force behind New York's The Shed and the Manchester International Festival, in a conversation with Lisa Havilah, Chief Executive, Powerhouse. Together, they'll delve into how bold, interdisciplinary programming can create economic impact and sustained audience growth. From publicly funded precincts and sustainability-led design to cross-sector collaboration, community engagement, and collaborative funding models, this session offers vital insights into building vibrant, future-focused cultural precincts. Essential for cultural leaders, urban planners, architects and developers shaping the next generation of creative city-making.

Two devices shaped the face of modern music. Now, the technicians who helped create them meet for the first time. Brought together by Powerhouse, Jesse Terry from Ableton and Peter Wielk from Fairlight are masters of their craft. The innovative devices they helped create, the Ableton Push and the Fairlight CMI, represent the best of design and tech, and have been used by some of music's biggest names ó everyone from Kate Bush to Flying Lotus. With these two game-changing innovators in conversation, expect candid stories, live demonstrations and a chance to explore two fascinating objects from the Powerhouse's collection.

Mulligan has captivated millions through his work with DROPOUT TV, where his flagship series Dimension 20 became the most successful subscription-based actual play show on the market ó even selling out Madison Square Garden in under five minutes. In 2025, he takes on his most high-profile role yet as the Dungeon Master for Critical Role, the global storytelling powerhouse that has redefined the way audiences experience roleplaying games.? At SXSW Sydney, Brennan will take the stage for a can't-miss keynote - a rare chance to hear from one of the most imaginative minds in games and storytelling. Whether you're a fan, a creator, or simply fascinated by the future of play, this is set to be one of the unmissable moments of this year's event.

The Hating and Loving Ourselves panel discusses the importance of authentic representation in the media and how this can be improved for future generations. The discussion is rooted in the profound impact of mainstream film, television, and popular culture on self-worth and identity, particularly for diverse communities. The panelists will share their insights on how we can better listen to our audiences to tell stories that people love and connect to on a deeper level. From perspectives across acting, directing, producing and commerciality the panel will call out key choices we can make to create actionable change and shift the culture of how we tell stories for the better.

Join Steve McLendon (Head of Product, YouTube Podcasts), Josh Lindgren (Head of Podcasts, CAA), and moderator Liz Keen (Executive Producer, Headline Productions) for an essential discussion on how billion-viewer platforms are revolutionising the podcasting landscape. This panel brings together a top platform executive and leading talent agent to explore the evolution of video-first content, mega-deal strategies in the $2B+ podcast market, and the critical partnerships forming between major platforms and top-tier creators. Gain insider perspectives on how platform capabilities are aligning with talent representation in today's rapidly consolidating industry, plus discover the emerging role of AI in the medium we rely on for authentic connection.

AI isnít just a creative tool, itís the music industryís next inflection point. Songs can now be generated in seconds, labels and tech companies are training AI models on decades of recordings, and streaming platforms are facing an influx of machine-made music. But who owns what in this new landscape? How do artists protect their work when AI can imitate anyone? And what role do labels, publishers, and platforms play in setting the rules? This panel unpacks the legal and financial stakes for artists, explores how copyright laws are scrambling to keep up, and asks whether the industry is ready for the next era of music ownership.

Ever wondered what itís like to accidentally start a global media empire from your uni group chat? In this live SXSW Sydney show, Lucy Blakiston scrolls back through the feed that is the Shit You Should Care About story. Expect internet reckonings, hot takes, a fangirl-to-SHE-EO pipeline, and behind-the-scenes SYSCA drama - all stitched together with honesty, humour, and a little bit of heartache. It's like flicking through your favourite Instagram account, but in real life. No bullshit - just Lucy, the posts that changed everything, and what it's like being a very normal girl trying to stay real in front of a very not-normal number of people.

Spotlighting the next generation of First Nations creatives changing the narrative.From madcap adventures to the classic romcom, the universality of joy is a rich playground for filmmakers, and popular with audiences, proving a commercial opportunity for local stories to capture global markets. Projects like Thou Shalt Not Steal, Windcatcher, Top End Wedding, and The Sapphires reflect a growing appetite for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island inspired adventures ñ celebrating cultural stories through comedy and examining the First Nations experience through a new lens. These First Nations storytellers are embracing Blak joy and comedy, and challenging the expectations for First Nations stories on screen. Presented by Screen Australia.

Online Abuse, Conspiracy and Entitlement. This session unpacks the lasting impact of coordinated online harassment campaigns in the games industry, tracing their roots in misogyny, conspiracy thinking, and toxic entitlement. It explores how these forces have evolved over the past decade - from the high-profile attacks of 2014 to today's more decentralised, algorithm-amplified campaigns - and examines their impact on developer-community dynamics, as well as what individuals and organisations can do to protect themselves and their audiences. Dr Rachel Kowert and Calliope Ryder, both of whom have been targets of targeted abuse, join Stephanie Panecasio to share firsthand insights into life in the crosshairs. From disinformation and digital extremism to the emotional toll of harassment, they'll examine what these campaigns revealed, how they evolved, and what they teach us about the future of being online.This session is essential for decision-makers, studio leaders, parents, creators, community managers, and anyone navigating digital spaces in the games and entertainment industry. Content Warning: This session discusses online harassment and deals with themes including but not limited to, misogyny, sexism, abuse, homophobia, mental health and violence.

Australia is the third largest market in the world for electronic music. Fans here stream more of it per person than anywhere else. That didn't come from traditional media. It came from people building scenes, festivals and platforms that actually mattered. This panel brings together the people behind some of the most trusted communities in Australian music. Each speaker has built something real, and they'll break down what it takes to grow a scene that lasts.

The Recorded Music Industry is founded on innovation, from the very first recording to the latest in digital platforms. Are you an innovator from Australasia and APAC with new products or services and want to meet with and work with members of the UK recorded music industry? Do you have B2B solutions that will make rights holders jobs easier, more efficient or connect better with audiences? Join the UK Recorded industry BPI's Insight & Innovation team for an informal catch up and network moment, we will also have Steve Rimmer from UK based company, Tickets For Good, join this session, who are a recent alumni of Grow Music 2024 and also a member of the BPI Innovation community.

As global interest in the APAC touring market explodes, Australian artists are uniquely positioned to forge meaningful, long-term careers across the region. In this exclusive session, Flagrant Artist Management will take us behind the scenes of Ruel's meteoric expansion into Asia.Through a candid case study format, this panel will be a treasure trove of trade secrets as they explore the creative strategies, cultural considerations, and business decisions that continue to fuel Ruel's fanbase growth across key Asian markets. From tour routing and partnerships to streaming data and fan engagement, hear directly from the people making it happen. Perfect for artists, managers and agents looking to break into new territories, this is a rare opportunity to gain real-world insights from one of Australia's most internationally driven teams.

Want more consistent work as a freelancer? Emmy Award-winning TV producer Kirsty Stark has broken down the career pathways of hundreds of film and TV crew, and built a personalised framework to help you stand out & get hired.The Freelance Pyramid is a framework of core principles and worksheets to help you clarify your goals and map the skills, assets and professional network you'll need to achieve them.It's ideal for transition points in your career, whether you're starting out in the industry, levelling up to bigger or better projects, moving up in your department or switching roles.The workshop will cover the core principles of The Freelance Pyramid, with specific examples of how to apply it to your own freelancing journey. You'll walk away with a clear sense of your strengths as a freelancer, and a roadmap of next steps to take in building your career.

The Asia Pop music scene in Australia is experiencing explosive growth, and fans are craving more live experiences. But what if the next big star is a virtual artist? As part of this evolution is the emergence of virtual artists, fundamentally transforming the way fans engage with artists by providing them with the power to influence lyrics and songs. So, what's next for the nation's newest obsession? Join us for a captivating discussion on the rise of virtual artists in Asia Pop and their profound impact on live touring, featuring members of virtual pop superstar Hatsune Miku's Touring team.

We're constantly told that Australian stories need to be told. It's what funding bodies push for, and what we hear international audiences are hungry for. But what actually is an Australian story? Why are we so fixated on the idea of it? Can anyone really predict which Australian stories will take off overseas? And why aren't we backing the ones we know hit and resonate, just because they don't fit the current trend?

Social media is the most powerful tool for music promotion today, yet many artists and industry professionals struggle to harness it effectively. While TikTok and creator marketing have become essential to music discovery, misconceptions and poorly executed campaigns often lead to wasted resources and missed opportunities. This panel, presented by boutique artist services company GROUP SPEED, will explore how artists and creators can collaborate in a way that drives real results. Weíll hear from all sides of the equation: indie artist/actor Harry Prior (Gordons Grandson) who has successfully leveraged creator-led marketing to support his career, Unice Wani, an Australian TikTok creator with nearly 10 million followers who generates income by engaging with artists and labels, GROUP SPEED's Head of Marketing, Alison Bremner will share key insights into what drives a compelling campaign and the conversation will be moderated by digital creator Daphne Berry (Airing Your Dirty Laundry).

Whether you're designing immersive game worlds, building campaigns, teaching future creators, or producing on set, creative teams can't just deliver content, they must build trust with their audience. This session explores four emerging specialist roles that are transforming how creative teams approach safety and collaboration: intimacy coordinators, access coordinators, sustainability strategists, and virtual production managers. They will show how they reimagine both physical and psycho-social safety as the foundation for innovation, leading to richer stories, stronger collaborations, and more lasting audience resonance.