Check in, grab a coffee and kickstart Cairns Crocodiles by connecting with industry leaders and creative minds. Explore the space, visit our brand partners and spark conversations before diving into an action-packed agenda.
Join four-time Olympic gold medalist Ariarne Titmus in conversation with Pinterest's Melinda Petrunoff as she shares the resilience, charisma and the people that powered her record-breaking achievements. Explore her emerging creative pursuits outside the pool and uncover what's next for Titmus as she pushes her own creative boundaries.
Lucy Jackson and Nikki Westcott have turned candid conversation into a commercial powerhouse. As the creators of Happy Hour with Lucy & Nikki, founders of fashion label Jagger & Stone, and now national radio hosts, they’ve built a loyal community and a thriving multi-platform brand. In this panel, they unpack the business behind the banter—from scaling a creator-led brand to expanding into new media. This session explores the serious strategy behind building influence that lasts.
Modern brands are in the business of producing cultural hits through entertainment, merch, creative universes and experiences—replacing traditional marketing. Hitmaker brands command higher prices and stronger customer loyalty and control a greater market share while avoiding commodification. Success requires a strategy of cultural influence: creating, seeding and amplifying cultural products across different contexts to spark relevance. This talk will explore how brands shape culture, build influence and turn creativity into commercial impact.
Take a break, grab a bite and dive into the experience! Visit brand partners, collect exclusive swag and explore immersive installations designed to inspire and connect.
KEYNOTES
Antoinette Lattouf is a fearless voice in Australian media—a multi-award-winning journalist, author and diversity advocate who brings depth, wit and clarity to some of the most urgent issues of our time. In this compelling keynote, she explores what it means to lead with principle in an era of crumbling public trust and institutional spin. Drawing on her career at the frontlines of journalism and commentary —and her high-profile legal battle with the ABC—Lattouf shares bold, insightful lessons on media integrity, public scrutiny, and how to build trust with audiences when so many feel let down. It’s provocative, darkly funny, and deeply human—perfect for anyone curious about leadership, ethics, and resilience in the spotlight.
With over three decades at the forefront of retail innovation, Katie Page has transformed Harvey Norman into an international powerhouse. But beyond her achievements in the business
world, she has also developed innovative programs that have transformed the landscape of sport, education and leadership for women and girls in Australia. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a true trailblazer and be empowered to create meaningful change.
Presented by News Australia
In this keynote, one of Australia’s leading social commentators and business advisors will expose the fatal flaws in conventional marketing strategies and the overlooked forces driving real economic growth. Expect bold insights, surprising data and a fresh perspective on where the smartest businesses and marketers are finding their next wave of success.
Presented by Boomtown
In this fun and informative session, we dive into the world of creator and brand partnerships to uncover what makes them truly successful. From the science of brand-influencer chemistry to raw, real-world examples, this dynamic panel is not to be missed.
HEMINGWAY’S BREWERY
AI is delivering real business results, but success isn’t just about the tech. Lucio Ribeiro leads a discussion with Mamamia, a TBA hotshop agency and a market-leading brand on how they’re using AI to cut costs, boost margins and drive revenue. From workforce readiness to execution challenges, hear what it takes to move beyond hype and achieve sustainable AI-driven growth.
Can brands strike a balance between effectiveness and true creative risk-taking? Or is the pursuit of high ratings and the almost 'templatable' nature of modern advertising leading to a homogenised advertising landscape? Expect a lively discussion on the intersection of creativity, effectiveness and the future of advertising.
Music shapes culture, sparks movements and builds deep emotional connections—making it a gold mine for brands. But how can brands engage authentically and earn real credibility? This panel brings together industry experts to explore the evolving brand-music dynamic. From sponsorships to storytelling, we’ll unpack why some things work, why some flop and how brands can move beyond transactional partnerships to create lasting impact.
Live music in Australia is evolving, with large-scale festival cancellations – How are fan demands changing? In this session, we’ll explore insights from ‘The New Gig Economy’ study by BRING – Universal Music for Brands. We'll hear from top marketers alongside rising pop star Charley on what today’s music fans are demanding and how brands can tap into a changing live music culture. We’ll explore the fan-first experiences that matter and what’s next for live music and brand partnerships. To close out the day, Charley will treat us to a special live performance.
ESPN’S HALFTIME HAPPY HOUR
PINTEREST’S WELCOME PARTY
This year’s epic bash is powered by Ministry of Sound
After the unforgettable Pinterest Welcome Party, ease into the day with a coffee and conversation. Catch up with industry leaders, visit brand activations and get ready for another day of inspiration and big ideas.
KEYNOTES
In an era of uncertainty and a world on the brink of seismic change, leadership isn’t just about survival, it’s about shaping the future. Join Sherilyn Shackell, founder and global CEO of The Marketing Academy for a wake-up call to brands and creative leaders. In this fearless keynote, she'll unpack what it takes to lead when the old playbook no longer applies, where hesitation is fatal and where only the bold will drive culture, creativity and business forward.
The UN Foundation’s David Ohana will be jetting in from the US for an inspiring keynote address sharing his unique insights into the power of global communications and marketing. He’ll also offer a peek behind the curtain of path-breaking global campaigns and discuss how organisations and individuals can drive positive change in a rapidly evolving world. Expect thought-provoking perspectives on aligning purpose with strategy and the challenges and opportunities of creating meaningful impact through global initiatives.
In a world where brands keep trying (and failing) to be ‘cool,’ Pinterest took a different route. By leaning into what really matters to Gen Z—authenticity, inclusivity, and utility—Pinterest found its sweet spot. And found itself again.
In this talk, Xanthe Wells offers a new playbook for going beyond “cool,” and for creating meaningful connections with your audience instead.
Presented by Pinterest
In this no-holds-barred keynote, the duo bring their signature wit, unfiltered honesty, and behind-the-scenes insights to the stage. Expect big laughs, bold truths, and a fresh take on what it really takes to cut through, stay relevant and own the airwaves in an industry that never hits snooze.
Make the most of your time! Visit partners, explore activations and grab your swag before the day wraps up.
REEF
What does it take to create long-form stories that cut through the noise—and stay with people? This session brings together bold Australian storytellers reshaping the landscape. Go behind the scenes of How To Poison A Planet, the new Stan documentary featuring Mark Ruffalo and directed by first-timer Katrina McGowan. Hear from Prison Chronicles podcaster Sid Punts, whose gripping true crime series tells the raw, rarely-heard stories of ex-prison officers dealing with daily violence and survival inside maximum-security prisons. With Curious Media’s Poppy Reid and B&T's Arvind Hickman, the session will also unpack views around content quotas, funding and the fight to keep local storytelling alive.
How do industry leaders push creative boundaries while keeping the CFO happy? In this candid session, top marketers reveal how they stretch every dollar, prioritise what truly moves the needle and turn constraints into creative gold.
Building a brand that stands the test of time requires forward-thinking strategies and innovative approaches. From retail media power moves to TV ad debuts, this session delves into the moves brands of all shapes and sizes are making today to ensure their brands remain relevant, resilient and ready for the future.
Stranger, Brother wowed crowds at the Sundance Film Festival. Join us for an exclusive preview and hear from the film's creators as they share their journey, unpacking their inspiration, the power uniquely Australian stories hold on a global stage and how they're redefining cinema's future. They'll also discuss their broader approach to creativity and the challenges of balancing artistic vision with commercial objectives. It's a must-see for anyone passionate about creativity, culture and the next wave of groundbreaking talent.
Presented by Irresistible Magazine
Sustainability sells—right? Or is it just pricey PR? As brands ride the green economy wave, are they making real change or just ticking boxes? Professor Veena Sahajwalla flips the script on waste, revealing how trash is a goldmine of untapped resources. Then, our panel gets real: Does sustainability shape media buying, or does it crumble when budgets tighten? No greenwashing, no fluff—just the hard truths on what it takes to turn sustainability into success.
RAINFOREST
Creativity is a powerful force in the fight for a sustainable future. This session brings together industry and world leaders who are using creativity to drive real environmental impact. From bold campaigns that shift consumer behaviour to innovative strategies that champion sustainability, we’ll explore how advertising can be a catalyst for change.
Join industry leaders as they share bold, actionable ideas to drive the sector forward. From redefining masculinity in media and arming brands with tools to avoid stereotypes, to creating spaces where female talent boldly thrives on its own terms, each leader will pitch one key area for real change and outline the actions needed to make a difference.
Join us for an insightful session that dives into the journeys of First Nations creatives as they navigate the media world. This panel will explore the unique challenges and opportunities faced by these storytellers, shedding light on the powerful perspectives and deep-rooted cultural insights they bring to their craft. Hear from industry trailblazers as they discuss their creative process, the impact of their work on representation and how they are reshaping narratives to elevate First Nations voices in film, television and digital media.
Leading brands are turning accessibility from a checkbox into a core marketing strategy, unlocking massive untapped value. This dynamic panel explores how inclusive content is driving customer engagement, with lessons from landmark work such as BUPA's 2024 Paralympics campaign. Discover why brands that prioritise accessibility aren’t just doing good—they’re gaining a competitive edge. Learn the key strategies, innovations and metrics that make inclusive marketing a must-have for future success.
After hosting a self-leadership session called 'Am I Okay?' at Cairns Crocodiles 2024, Chloe Hooper was asked, “Where do you get your strength?” Her answer? “My partner.” The next day, her eight-year relationship ended. She was not okay. Through this journey, Chloe discovered the missing piece in self-leadership: self-belief. With 85% of women struggling with low self-belief, it’s time to change the narrative. This session unveils The Limitless Equation: a formula for growth built on self-leadership, self-belief, self-care, and sharing your superpower.
What’s best— cash, control or a capital partner? For agencies and startups alike, the right growth path isn’t always clear. Should you chase venture capital for rapid scale, bring in private equity for strategic expansion, sell through M&A, or stay independent and fully in control? In this session, we'll share real-world insights on making the right call for long-term success.
In a world where attention is currency and culture moves at warp speed, brands can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines ... and Pinterest knows this all too well. This fast-paced session unpacks how decoding trends and tapping into the zeitgeist can be a powerful shortcut to staying relevant and driving revenue.
Presented by Pinterest
Known for his sharp insights and bold approach, Henry Innis, Mutinex’s co-founder, certainly has strong opinions. With millions in VC funding and a vision reshaping the industry, this fireside chat is a must-see. Hear first-hand about his journey, from breakthroughs to mistakes and the lessons learned. Expect thought-provoking ideas, humour and a glimpse into the mind of an industry disruptor.
Get ready for a wild, fast-paced quiz show that’s as eye-opening as it is entertaining! Brought to you by The Experience Advocacy Taskforce, this interactive session takes aim at ageism in our industry—one question at a time. Join our lively session co-hosts for 30 minutes of laughs, surprises and inspiration, where (almost) every attendee plays a part in spinning the wheel, tackling myths and competing for prizes. Expect big energy, bold truths and a wake-up call you won’t forget!
Podcasts and creator-led shows are reshaping media, turning personal stories into cultural movements. But with this influence comes big questions: How do creators build sustainable careers and grow audiences without losing authenticity? And how can brands go beyond sponsorship to become active participants audiences love? Join this deep dive into appointment-to-view media, exploring bold predictions for the future of creator-led content—and how it’s shaping the industry, audiences, and the way we engage with media.
ESPN’S HALFTIME HAPPY HOUR
It’s the last day—make it count! Grab a coffee, reconnect with industry peers and visit brand activations before diving into the final sessions. Wrap up your Cairns Crocodiles experience with fresh ideas and lasting connections.
CEO of Wheelchair Rugby Australia Chris Nay, is transforming the para-sport landscape. Challenging traditional systems and seeking new opportunities, Nay’s persistence to break the norm has redefined wheelchair rugby’s future—breaking barriers, rewriting rules and forging key strategic partnerships to drive success. From securing a game-changing deal with Foxtel Group to cultivating industry support, here's proof that adaptive thinking can fuel remarkable change. Discover why reframing 'no' is just the beginning of a new way forward and hear insights that extend far beyond sport.
What does it take to drive global brand success? In this dynamic session, top media and marketing leaders share what it’s like to lead global strategies from the Asia-Pacific region. From navigating time zones and cultural complexities to influencing HQ decision-making, they’ll reveal the unique challenges and advantages of shaping global brand narratives.
In times of uncertainty, how do brands respond, rebuild, and regain trust? In this fireside chat, Cam Luby unpacks the three critical phases of crisis navigation—what happens to culture, the actions leaders must take and how to think about recovery. From the power of shared vulnerability to the importance of purpose-driven action, discover how trust, communication and strategy can shape a brand’s rebound. Expect bold insights, candour and real-world lessons on leading through turbulence.
In B2B marketing, brand investment can take a back seat to lead gen as measuring its ROI is often thought to be more challenging. But should feels and emotional resonance outweigh features and more product-centric marketing? And what does bravery look like in B2B? Discover insights from industry leaders on how brands can find a balanced approach that boosts both reputation and results.
Joining us in person from Mumbai, Rajeev Raja, Founder and Soundsmith of BrandMusiq, is at the forefront of sonic branding and crafts distinctive audio identities for some of the world’s biggest brands. From creating Mastercard’s global sonic identity to transforming the customer experience of HDFC Bank, one of India’s largest banks, he’ll reveal how the strategic use of music and sound can make brands more memorable, emotional and powerful.
If you’ve ever questioned why you do what you do, this session is for you. Forget corporate ladder-climbing hacks and AI adoption roadmaps—this is a raw and honest take on what it really means to build a legacy, lead with impact, and shape a career worth having. With decades of experience between these incredible women, our speakers share the best advice they’ve received, the lessons they’ve learned, and the key ingredients for making your time in this industry truly matter.
The biggest wins in life and business rarely come from where you expect. This session shifts perspectives on adversity, reframing challenges as catalysts for creativity, resilience, and unexpected success. Drawing from his own journey as an entrepreneur, creative leader, and business advisor, Clive Burcham will share hard-earned lessons on embracing setbacks, forging new opportunities, and much more!
As political and cultural divides grow, brands and advertising play a crucial role in shaping a more cohesive Australia. This session explores how marketing, media and iconic campaigns influence national identity, global perception and social unity. Featuring exclusive new research on public sentiment toward "Brand Australia," industry leaders will discuss the challenges and opportunities in representing a diverse yet polarised nation. How can brands drive unity and what responsibility does the industry hold in shaping the country’s narrative?
Take a break, grab a bite and dive into the experience! Visit brand partners, collect exclusive swag and explore immersive installations designed to inspire and connect.
KEYNOTES
The world feels more divided than ever and it’s not just your imagination. From political battles to culture wars, polarisation is on the rise, and it’s being fuelled by the very systems we engage with daily. In this essential session, Madigan will unpack how we got here, who benefits from the chaos and what we can do to resist the pull of extremes.
In an era where information spreads in seconds, reputations can be built—or destroyed—overnight. Sue Chrysanthou SC, one of Australia’s leading defamation barristers, has been at the center of high-stakes legal battles, challenging misinformation, defending reputations, and shaping the evolving relationship between media and the law. A must-attend for media, communications, and business leaders, this keynote will challenge your understanding of power, truth, and the legal fights defining the future of public discourse. This session will be followed by fireside chat hosted by Maz Farrelly.
From the screen to the stage, Australian creatives are rewriting the rules. In this exclusive fireside chat, acclaimed actress Miranda Otto and leading popular culture journalist Poppy Reid dive into the evolving landscape of storytelling, performance and artistic expression. How are Aussie artists breaking boundaries, shaping global culture, and staying true to their craft in an industry driven by change? Expect raw insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and a powerful discussion on what it takes to stay ahead in a creative world that never stops moving.
Presented by Yahoo
The inaugural Cairns Hatchlings Winners, Presented by Yahoo, will be revealed. Celebrating emerging leaders from around the Asia-Pacific region with three to eight years of experience, the Cairns Hatchlings is the place to spot the next big things in advertising, marketing and media.
Find out who wins the celebrated and sought-after Cairns Crocodiles Awards, lauding the greatest creativity from across the Asia-Pacific region.
Find out who wins the celebrated and sought-after Cairns Crocodiles Awards, lauding the greatest creativity from across the Asia-Pacific region.
HEMINGWAY’S
Parenting while building a career in media is no small feat, especially when the mental load feels never-ending. In this interactive masterclass, The Village—created to empower parents in media to thrive both personally and professionally—teams up with special guests to help you reset, refocus and reclaim your sense of purpose. Through practical strategies and real-life insights, you’ll learn how to lighten the load, align your values and find greater clarity and fulfilment in both work and family life. Walk away feeling empowered to thrive, not just survive, in the juggle of career and parenthood.
What’s the secret to changing the world—on purpose? In an era defined by short attention spans and fractured media, creating systemic change is harder—and more necessary—than ever. Being in the right place at the right time is not a happy accident. This talk from 36 months director Greg Attwells, unpacks the anatomy of change and how cultural shifts happen when advocacy intersects with smart strategy, broad coalitions and relentless execution.
Retail media is rewriting the playbook and this session holds up a mirror to the buzziest part of the industry right now. It’s not just about what retailers are building, but how brands and agencies fit into the transformation. From navigating internal politics to proving value beyond impressions, we’ll unpack the real dynamics at play. Trust, timing, and cross-functional alignment are the new power moves. Expect sharp insights, honest reflections and a challenge to rethink your role in shaping this dynamic media ecosystem.
Debate Club Returns to Cairns! What drives consumer decisions — emotion or economics? In this dynamic debate, two teams go head-to-head to unpack the psychology of purchasing. One side argues that compelling creative shapes desires through storytelling and emotional connection, while the other counters that macroeconomic forces, like the price of petrol, are the real decision-makers, influencing purchasing behaviour at scale. This interactive session will challenge assumptions, spark fresh thinking and reveal what truly moves the market.
Join us to wrap up the industry’s most exciting and inspiring week. Expect a night full of non-stop dancing, tropical beverages, tasty snacks and unique activations.
Rosie Oakshott – Managing Director
0431 387 971
rosie@bandt.com.au
Erin Green – Head of Marketing
0432 993 388
erin@bandt.com.au
Nicola Fender-Fox – Senior Partnerships Manager
0414 703 780
nicola@bandt.com.au
Aakash Panjabi – Digital Marketing Manager
0405 887 543
aakash@themisfits.media
Vanessa Rolfe – Director of Client Services
vanessa@themisfits.media
Romy Bradridge – Head of Owned Events
romy@themisfits.media
Pippa Chambers – Content Director
pippa@themisfits.media
Erin Green – Head of Marketing
0432 993 388
erin@bandt.com.au
Greg Graham – Sparrow
sparrow@themisfits.media
Submission enquiries –
events@themisfits.media
