New for this year, the Cairns Masterclass presented by News Australia brings together Cairns Crocodiles speakers and top industry leaders to share their secrets to success. This exclusive trio of sessions, followed by speed mentoring sessions, offers intimate insights into the world of advertising, marketing, and media. Cairns Masterclass are available to all Cairns Crocodiles ticket holders. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from the best!
Ever feel like some industry leaders belong on reality TV rather than in the boardroom? You’re not alone. In this fast, furious, and no-BS session, Sherilyn Shackell lays bare why leadership in our industry is so broken — and, more importantly, what you can do to fix it.
From Gen X leaders clinging to outdated playbooks to Gen Y & Z waiting for permission to step up, Shackell unpacks the myths, mistakes, and messes that hold people back. Expect raw truths, big laughs, and a serious wake-up call on why leadership isn’t about power, it’s about action.
Whether you're a boss in need of redemption, an employee craving control, or just sick of workplace dysfunction, this session is your rallying cry. Spoiler: There will be expletives, epiphanies, and a whole lot of wisdom.
Key Message:
No matter your title or where you sit on the org chart, you can start leading, right now, and transform your career, your workplace, and your life.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
Leadership Hacks: Gain practical tools to be an outstanding leader in any situation
Mastering Relationships: Learn how to navigate tricky bosses, difficult clients, and workplace politics like a pro
Ditch the Doom Loop: Recognise when it's time to move on, level up, or shake things up, before your career flatlines
How can culture supercharge creativity? This session explores the three cultural tiers—country, category, and brand—that fuel bold, high-impact creative work across markets and budgets. With creative and effective content generating 4.7x the profit, mastering this multiplier effect is essential for brand growth. Join Irene, Head of Creative for APAC at Kantar, as she blends cultural insights with powerful data. Let’s put some fun into the funnel with a one-of-a-kind creative masterclass designed to inspire, inform, and transform your approach to creativity.
In this creative masterclass, Adam Ferrier will take you behind the curtain of how brand building creative ideas are developed. He'll mix together a bit of brand strategy, marketing sciences and hard-core creativity to help you create some measured magic for the brands you work on. The workshop will be fully interactive, you'll learn from each other, as well as learn some practical skills in brand building creativity. It also promises to be fun and chaotic. Limited numbers apply, and please don't try and sneak in if you are from a competitive agency.
First Speed Mentoring Group | 5 rounds, 9mins per round
Networking and drinks
Networking and drinks
Second Speed Mentoring Group | 5 rounds, 9mins per round
Head of Strategy, Insights & Emerging Industry
Chief Product Officer, OMG
National Lead, Creators and Content, Kinesso
Chief Strategy Officer, Atomic 212
Managing Partner, AZK Media
AUNZ Creative Director, The Monks
Head of Social, Spotlight Retail Group
General Manager, Client Performance, Planning & Strategy
CMO, Flintfox
Managing Director, Media Strategy, Accenture Song
Director, The Growth Intelligence Centre & The Growth Distillery
CMO, ING
Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, United Nations Foundation
Head of Screen, Bus Stop Films
General Manager, NSW Advertising Sales
Founder & Global CEO, The Monks
Creative Partner, Akcello
Tech Lead, IAB Australia
ACD, Droga5
CEO, CRA
CEO Thinkerbell
General Manager, VIC Advertising Sales
Regional Director, Partner Sales, Microsoft
Founder, Third Avenue
JAPAC Enterprise Director, Sustainability Lead, Oracle
Founder, The Leach Partnership
Founder & Global CEO, The Marketing Academy
Brand Consultant, Trainer & Advisor
You must already have a valid ticket to the 2025 Cairns Crocodiles Festival, this is an add-on product only. To purchase a Cairns Crocodiles pass, please click here.
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