DAY 3
Thursday, 15 May 2025
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Arrival and Networking
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.
REEF
10:00 am - 10:05 am
MC Welcome
10:05 am - 10:35 am
Moving the Needle: Revolutionising the Game with Chris Nay
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.
10:40 am - 11:10 am
Global Goals on an Asia-Pacific Stage
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.
11:15 am - 11:45 am
Navigating Crisis: Culture, Action & Rebound
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.
11:50 am - 12:20 pm
What Does Brave Look Like in B2B?
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.
12:20 PM - 12:25 PM
MC CLOSE
RAINFOREST
10:00 am - 10:05 am
MC Welcome
10:05 am - 10:35 am
How Music Drives Brand Influence
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.
10:40 am - 11:10 am
What the F*ck Is the Point? Finding Meaning, Leadership And Legacy in Your Career
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.
11:15 am - 11:45 am
The Wisdom of Our Scars
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 be joined by celebrated social entrepreneur and humanitarian Shaun Christie-David. Recognised as TimeOut Sydney’s Future Shaper (2024), EY Social Entrepreneur of the Year (2023), and the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Community Human Rights Champion (2021), the CEO & Founder, Plate It Forward, together with Burcham, will share hard-earned lessons on embracing setbacks, forging new opportunities and building a legacy through bold thinking and fearless leadership.
11:50 am - 12:20 pm
The Role of Brands in Building a Cohesive Australia
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?
12:20 PM - 12:25 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
1:30 pm - 1:35 pm
MC Welcome
1:35 pm - 2:20 pm
The Truth on Trial: Media, Power, and the Fight for Reputation
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.
2:25 pm - 3:10 pm
Advertising for the Planet: How Creativity Can Lead the Charge for Sustainability
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.
3:15 pm - 3:45 pm
Beyond the Script: How Aussie Talent is Redefining Creativity
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.
3:45 PM - 3:50 PM
MC CLOSE
4:00 pm - 4:45 pm
Cairns Hatchlings
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.
4:45 pm - 6:00 pm
Cairns Crocodiles Awards
Find out who wins the celebrated and sought-after Cairns Crocodiles Awards, lauding the greatest creativity from across the Asia-Pacific region.
4:45 PM - 6:00 PM
CAIRNS CROCODILES AWARDS
Find out who wins the celebrated and sought-after Cairns Crocodiles Awards, lauding the greatest creativity from across the Asia-Pacific region.
HEMINGWAY’S
1:30 pm - 1:35 pm
MC Welcome
1:35 pm - 2:05 pm
Finding Purpose in the Chaos
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.
2:10 pm - 2:40 pm
Turning Branding Into Prime-Time Entertainment
Hyundai’s leap into branded entertainment with The Big Trip broke new ground, delivering better ratings than typical prime-time TV shows. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Hear firsthand from the creators behind this bold campaign, as they discuss the challenges, missteps, and ultimate triumphs of turning a brand into a must-watch TV experience. This session will dive deep into what went wrong before it went so right, and explore the evolving role of branded content in today’s entertainment landscape. Join the panel for an eye-opening discussion on how branded content can not only capture attention but also redefine what’s possible in advertising.
2:45 pm - 3:15 pm
Session TBA
3:20 pm - 4:05 pm
The Psychology of Purchasing: Emotional Connection Overwrites Economics
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.
4:05 PM - 4:10 PM
MC CLOSE
5:30 PM - Late
Cairns Crocodiles Closing Party
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.