Main Stage

 
HR Reimagined: Leading the New Era of Work
Adapt. Empower. Transform.
8:00 am
Registration opens
9:00 am
Opening remarks from the Chairperson
9:15 am
OPENING KEYNOTE: The Power of Confidence - Unlocking Authentic Leadership
As former CEO of Sportsgirl, Colleen Callander knows that true competitive advantage comes from people and culture, not just strategy or products. In this keynote, Colleen shares practical leadership lessons on building environments of inspiration, empowerment, and trust from her time leading one of Australia’s most iconic fashion brands. Colleen believes that leadership starts with self and that the foundation of great leadership lies in self-awareness, confidence, and purpose. Drawing from her experience leading high-performing teams, Colleen offers actionable strategies for authentic leadership and creating lasting impact, demonstrating that strong culture starts at the top and drives real business results. 
Colleen Callander
Former CEO of Sportsgirl, International Bestselling Author
10:00 am
Welcome remarks from the Event Partner
10:05 am
PANEL: Cultural Reboot – Rebuilding Engagement in the Modern Workplace

As digital disruption, restructures, and shifting expectations test the bonds that hold teams together, the challenge for HR is clear: rebuild authentic connection and trust to develop high-performing teams. Join this session to hear how forward-thinking companies are reimagining inclusion and culture—ensuring every employee feels seen, heard, and demonstrating how a strong, people-first culture drives real business growth and impact. 

Donna Vacondios
Director, People Operations, Google
Elin Åhlund
Country People and Culture Manager, Australia and New Zealand, IKEA
10:40 am
Morning tea and refreshments break
11:10 am
Reward revolution – Rethinking value for today’s workforce
Amid economic uncertainty, retention pressures, and rising employee expectations, total rewards have become a litmus test for trust and organisational values. Explore benefits and recognition strategies that go beyond salary to reflect fairness, purpose, and real impact. From pay transparency to personalised perks, see what modern reward systems look like and how they drive engagement. 
11:40 am
HR Leaders Unplugged: Discussion Table

Engage directly with peers to explore current HR challenges and share practical strategies. These sessions offer focused discussions designed to deliver actionable insights for senior HR leaders.

Interested in facilitating a discussion table? We’re looking for dynamic thought leaders and industry experts to facilitate some of today’s most relevant and thought-provoking conversations in HR. If this sounds like you, we’d love to connect—contact us here.

Learn More
12:40 pm
Networking lunch
1:50 pm
FIRESIDE CHAT: AI in Action: The Triumphs and Trials
With talent shortages challenging organisations across Australia, AI is emerging as a powerful tool to streamline recruitment and improve hiring outcomes. This session explores how HR is using AI thoughtfully − from sourcing and screening to candidate engagement − while preserving transparency, fairness, and the candidate experience. Hear how Amazon navigated AI transformation as they share their successes, mistakes, and pitfalls.
Stephanie Walker
Director PXT (People eXperience & Tech) – APJC, Amazon Web Services Australia and New Zealand
2:20 pm
LEGAL UPDATE: Employment Law Unpacked – What HR Needs to Know Now
Stay ahead of the curve with a comprehensive update on Australia’s most significant employment law changes. This session breaks down new legislation and case law impacting HR—from wage theft and flexible work to evolving compliance requirements. Walk away with clear, actionable insights to protect your organisation and confidently navigate the shifting legal landscape.

  • Including a 15-minute "Ask the Expert" Q&A, where you can get answers to your questions on industrial relations and changing obligations from a leading employment lawyer. 
3:20 pm
Afternoon tea and refreshments break
3:40 pm
PANEL: Future-Proofing Talent – HR’s Playbook for AI Adoption and Skills Evolution

AI and automation are not just reshaping job roles—they’re redefining the very skills and capabilities organisations need to thrive. This panel explores how HR leaders can proactively upskill and reskill their workforce to harness the power of AI, ensuring employees are equipped for the jobs of tomorrow. Gain actionable insights on identifying emerging skill gaps and designing effective learning pathways.

Angelina McMenamin
Head of Talent (Global), WiseTech Global
Deepshikha Singh
Principal Global HR Technology, Telstra
4:15pm
Closing remarks from the chairperson
4:30 pm
Networking drinks
5:30pm
Day one ends
8:45 am
Registration opens
9:20 am
Opening remarks from the Chairperson
9:30 am
FIRESIDE CHAT: Next-Gen Leaders: Redefining the Leadership Playbook
Discover how top companies are reshaping leadership competency frameworks to drive smarter hiring, promotion, and succession. Learn how to embed key capabilities from AI fluency to resilience across your organisation, align leadership development with strategic goals, and equip your talent pipeline with the next generation of leaders.
Shruti Ganeriwala
Chief HR Officer ANZ and APAC, Unilever
Liam Mahon
Head of People & Culture - Supermarket Operations, Coles
10:00 am
CASE STUDY: Inclusion in Action – Moving Beyond Surface-Level DEI Initiatives
Discover how Westpac moved beyond surface-level DEI initiatives to drive measurable cultural change. This session unpacks the concrete steps they took to reshape language, systems, and processes—building a workplace where inclusion is part of how work gets done, not just an add-on. Hear honest lessons from their journey: what worked, what didn’t, and how they’re sustaining progress over time.
Jess Freer
Executive Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Westpac
10:40 am
Morning tea and refreshments break
11:10 am
PANEL: Safer by Design: Proactive Tools to Tackle Psychosocial Hazards

Workplace wellbeing starts with prevention. Discover how leading organisations are investing in practical tools and targeted training to identify and address psychosocial risks—before they escalate. This session dives into actionable strategies for redesigning jobs, refining workflows, and strengthening systems to mitigate hazards and ensure a safer, more compliant workplace.

Emma Hoult
Head of Health, Safety & Wellbeing, NAB
Stephen Smith
Executive General Manager, Safety, Wellbeing & Sustainability, NBN
11:45 am
HR Leaders Unplugged: Discussion Table

Engage directly with peers to explore current HR challenges and share practical strategies. These sessions offer focused discussions designed to deliver actionable insights for senior HR leaders.

Interested in facilitating a discussion table? We’re looking for dynamic thought leaders and industry experts to facilitate some of today’s most relevant and thought-provoking conversations in HR. If this sounds like you, we’d love to connect—contact us here.

LEARN MORE
12:45 pm
Networking lunch
1:55 pm
FIRESIDE CHAT: Beyond Reviews: HR’s Blueprint for High-Impact Performance
It’s time to move beyond tracking performance and start driving real results. This session examines the shift towards continuous, outcome-driven conversations supported by clear communication structures. Find out how HR can spark trust, clarity, and ownership across every team − no matter where or how their teams work.
Kristy Arnold
Head of Leadership, Talent and Performance, Nine
2:25pm
CLOSING KEYNOTE
3:10 pm
Main Conference concludes
3:00 pm
Prize draw announcements
(located at the Workshops stage in the Expo hall)

Expo Passport Grand Prize
Collect all exhibitors’ stamps on the Expo Passport for the chance to win a $5,000 cash prize!

Workshops All Star Grand Prize
Attend all workshops for the chance to win a $5,000 cash prize!

Sponsor Prize Draws
Visit the exhibitors to join prize giveaways! 

3:20 pm
Event concludes