Spice Knowledge Sessions

 

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

The 2023 program will offer a great mix of panel discussions, presentations and Q&As in which leading industry experts will share an update on where the event industry is at and where it’s going.

2023 PROGRAM | THURSDAY 10 AUGUST 2023
10:30am – 10:35am

MC Welcome, Acknowledgement of Country, housekeeping 

  • Ben Sorensen – emcee
10:35am – 10:40am

Welcome to Events Uncovered

  • Lana Bogunovich – Spice Editor
  • Janine Kerner – SMC, Director of Sales and Events
10:40am – 11:10am

Opening keynote: ‘Tough times don’t last – resilient event professionals do’

  • Heidi Dening – Leadership expert, educator, author, and speaker
11:10am – 11:40am

Industry update panel: ‘Looking towards the future’
Business events leaders share insights into the current state of the industry and forecast the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

  • Robin Mack – Tourism Australia, Executive General Manager Commercial & Business Events Australia
  • Matt Pearce – Talk2Media & Events CEO and ABEA Deputy Chair
  • Kristian Nicholls – Business Events Sydney, Executive General Manager Bidding
  • Simone Seiler – FCM Meetings & Events, General Manager
11:40am – 12:10pm

Panel: ‘Trends uncovered’
Uncovering the latest new and emerging trends across tech, styling, food & beverage, venues, and more.

  • Chris Schlueter – Sprintr, Director of Business and Innovation
  • Vanessa Green – CEO, Cliftons
  • Rebekah Cartwright – D+D Events, Head Stylist
  • Oksana Koriakova – Impero Group, Founder & CEO
12:10am – 1:10pm LUNCH
1:10pm – 1:20pm Silent team building activity with Party Higher
1:20pm – 1:50pm

Keynote: ‘Unleash your storytelling superpower’

  • Monica Rosenfeld – Storytelling & communication keynote speaker, and Founder of the Global Stories that Stir Movement
1:50pm – 2:20pm

Panel: ‘Harnessing the power of creativity and human connection to deliver more engaging and inclusive events’

  • Anna Sheppard (facilitator) – Bambuddha Group, Founder & CEO
  • Kai Raisbeck – AV1, Creative Director
  • Luli Adeyemo – Best Case Scenario, Director and Founder
2:20pm – 2:50pm

Panel: ‘Conscious events’
Tangible tips on setting and achieving your event’s sustainability objectives across all four pillars.

  • Anna Sheppard (facilitator) – Bambuddha Group, Founder & CEO
  • Sonia Gandhi – Director, Gandhi Creations & Advisory Board Member, Multicultural NSW (NSW Government)
  • Cain Slater – KARI Foundations COO
2:50pm – 3:30pm EXPO BREAK
3:30pm – 4:00pm

Panel: Beyond Burnout: Prioritising wellbeing for success

  • Anna Sheppard (facilitator) – Bambuddha Group, Founder & CEO
  • Nicole White – Rock and Roll Team Building & Vibrate Your Mind, Co-Founder
4:00pm – 4:30pm

Panel: Team building and incentives with a difference

  • Michelle Davies – Club Med – Pacific Markets, General Manager
  • Mandi Ford – ES Concierge, Founder & Director
  • Simon Doble – Solar Buddy, Founder & Global CEO
  • Nicole White – Rock and Roll Team Building & Vibrate Your Mind, Co-Founder
4:30pm – 5:00pm

Closing Keynote: Cultivating a culture of courage

  • Sarah Morse – Motivational Keynote Speaker and Healthcare Professional
5:00pm KNOWLEDGE SESSIONS CLOSE
6:00pm – 8:00pm UNCOVERED WRAP PARTY

Note: This program is subject to change