DAY 1
Tuesday, 13 May 2025
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Registration and Networking
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.
KEYNOTES
10:00 AM - 10:10 AM
Aknowledgment to Country
10:10 am - 10:15 am
MC Welcome
Ex TV Producer Now Keynote Speaker
10:15 am - 11:00 am
BREAKING BOUNDARIES AND CREATIVE HORIZONS
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.
Managing Director, Pinterest
Australian Olympian
11:05 am - 11:40 am
LiSTNR SESSION TBA
Presented by Listnr
11:45 am - 12:30 pm
HITMAKERS
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.
Global Luxury and Fashion Brand Executive, Author and Doctor, Sociology
General Manager Luxury, ARE Media Australia
12:30 PM - 12:35 PM
MC CLOSE
12:35 pm - 1:45 pm
Networking break
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
1:45 pm - 1:50 pm
MC Welcome
1:50 pm - 2:20 pm
Leading With Purpose in Media
A trailblazer in the world of media, Antoinette Lattouf is set to deliver a powerhouse keynote. Drawing from her diverse experience as a journalist, executive and advocate for diversity, get ready for an engaging and provocative session that will challenge the way we think about the media industry and how to thrive within it.
2:25 pm - 2:55 pm
Leading with Vision - A Fireside Chat with Katie Page and Lou Barrett
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.
3:05 pm - 3:35 pm
Your Bias Is Killing Your Growth
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
4:05 pm - 4:35 pm
Creator Partnerships: Clicks, Chemistry and Beyond
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
1:45 pm - 1:50 pm
MC Welcome
1:50 pm - 2:20 pm
Unlocking AI’s Real Impact on Revenue and Efficiency
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.
2:25 pm - 2:55 pm
Is a Request for a 5-Star 'System1' Ad Anti-Creative?
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.
3:05 pm - 3:35 pm
How Brands Can Win in Music Culture
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.
4:05 pm - 4:35 pm
Brands in the New Live Music Era: Adapting to a Changing Scene
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.
4:35 PM - 6:00 PM
ESPN’S HALFTIME HAPPY HOUR
6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
PINTEREST’S WELCOME PARTY
This year’s epic bash is powered by Ministry of Sound