Greg Ward

Greg Ward has spoken at, hosted or performed live at events in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United States, UK, Germany, Spain, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Indonesia, Brazil and Mexico City. ​

Since March 2020, he has also digitally doubled the number of countries he has presented in. Clients range from professional and trade associations to national and regional tourism bureaus and major corporations such as Exxon Mobil, ASB Bank, Toyota and more.

Greg is a former President and Vice-President of the Professional Speakers Association of NZ, former President of the NZ Improv Society, and a founding (and current) member of the NZ Comedy Guild. Greg is also the recipient of numerous speaking awards, including; New Zealand MC of the Year, New Zealand Entertainer of the Year and the Canadian High-Impact Speaking series World Class Speaker award.

A former professional soldier, Greg was twice awarded the Army Schools Commandant's Award for Excellence, and is a recipient of the NZ Defence Service Medal.

Greg is a proponent of the conference and events industry and holds Silver membership of conference industry body Business Events Industry Aotearoa (formerly Conventions & Incentives NZ).

Mark Gallagher

During the course of a 40 year career Mark Gallagher has held senior roles in the high performance environment of Formula 1 motor racing. Today he is an author, broadcaster and industry analyst who continues to work with drivers and teams at the forefront of this global sport. He is also a renowned public speaker and since 1998 has provided keynote presentations and insights to organisations world wide.

Mark’s executive management career in Formula 1 included more than a decade on the management board of the successful Jordan Grand Prix team, running the world famous Cosworth engine business and helping establish the commercial arm of Red Bull Racing.

Mark has been a member of the technical working groups within the sport’s governing body, the FIA, tasked with tackling challenges including environmental sustainability and safety, the latter being central to the sport’s regulatory environment. He spent two years working on the energy efficiency regulations adopted by Formula 1 in 2014.

His expertise covers the commercial and operational management of Formula 1 teams, and includes the sport’s regulatory, business and technology landscape. Since 1994 he has introduced some of the world’s leading technology companies to the sport, playing a key role in the digital transformation of Formula 1. Mark’s career in Formula One commenced in 1983, working in media and communications before joining the start-up Jordan Grand Prix team in 1990. Mark joined the management board of Jordan in 1998, the team challenging for the World Championship in 1999.

In 2004 he was invited to join the Jaguar Racing organisation as it transitioned into becoming Red Bull Racing. In 2010 Mark was appointed head of the world-famous Cosworth Formula 1 engine company, supplying one-third of the teams in Formula 1 with engines and associated technologies. Beyond Formula 1 Mark was the co-founder and owner of Status Grand Prix, competing in lower formulae and international sports cars racing. Since 2012 Mark has focused on his talent management and consulting business, Performance Insights, working with clients including Formula 1 drivers, management teams and commercial partners.

He is a regular media contributor and hosts The Business of Winning podcast. He has written four books, Grand Prix - The Last 25 Years (WH Smith, 1999) and two editions of The Business of Winning (Kogan Page, 2014) with a fully revised, 2nd edition published in October 2021. His fourth book The Future Business Formula, co-authored with business coach Adrian Stalham, was published in May 2023. Mark also collaborated with David Coulthard on his Sunday Times Best Seller The Winning Formula (Blink Publishing, 2018). Between 2005 and 2010 Mark was a consultant to Pixar on its CARS and CARS 2 movies.

Dr Kristy Goodwin

Dr Kristy Goodwin is a neuro-performance scientist, speaker and executive coach who empowers high-performers to achieve sustainable success without paying the “success tax” whereby they compromise their health, wellbeing and/or relationships in pursuit of their goals. Using her Flourishing Formula, she helps people live highres, powered-up lives by translating the latest neuroscience into practical strategies.

Described by her clients as a ‘pracademic’ Dr Kristy simplifies science, to show people how to work and live in harmony with their Human Operating System (hOS)— which is their biological blueprint for thriving, not just surviving. By combining brainbased protocols and biometric data from wearable devices, she helps high-achievers sustain peak-performance and wellbeing in today’s digitally demanding world.

An award-winning author and international keynote speaker, Dr Kristy is frequently sought by the media to decode the latest research on performance and wellbeing. Her clients include Apple, Deloitte, Qantas and EY and she’s on a mission to help people amplify their lives.

Athan Didaskalou

Athan Didaskalou is the Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of July, the Australian travel brand redefining how the world moves. Since launching in 2018, Athan has helped grow July into one of Australia’s most recognised premium luggage companies, known for thoughtful design, durable materials, and a customer-first philosophy.

Under his leadership, July has expanded from a single carry-on to a full suite of travel products sold across Australia, the United States, and Asia. The brand has opened flagship retail stores in major Australian cities and partnered with leading global airlines through exclusive collaborations. July’s CaseSafe™ tracking lock technology continues to push category innovation, helping travellers stay connected to their belongings anywhere in the world.

Athan drives long-term brand strategy, international expansion, and product direction. His work blends design excellence with commercial performance, delivering beautiful products that solve real travel frustrations.

He is passionate about building Australian brands that compete on the global stage, and about elevating the travel experience for millions of people.

Dean Lombardo

Dean’s career has spanned every dimension of the Advice industry. From Adviser to self-licensed business owner, senior corporate executive and Board Member, Dean has been instrumental in shaping and transforming some of Australia’s most successful advice businesses.

With an unrelenting drive for performance and efficiency, Dean has helped businesses cut through complexity, eliminate waste, and streamline operations to achieve unprecedented levels of success. His expertise in evaluating business performance, optimising business models and implementing systemic organic growth strategies has propelled firms to the top of the industry—setting new benchmarks for excellence.

As the Founder and CEO of Effortless Engagement, Dean leads a powerhouse team at the cutting edge of business transformation. More than just strategic advisers, Effortless Engagement delivers end-to-end implementation, ensuring businesses don’t just imagine success—they achieve it.

By removing waste and unlocking untapped potential, Dean and his team enable firms to scale, grow, and outperform the competition sustainably.

A highly sought-after speaker, Dean has delivered presentations at some of the industry’s most prestigious events. His sessions are dynamic, practical, and designed to challenge conventional thinking while inspiring action.

Dean’s mission is clear—to revolutionise the advice industry, empower businesses to realise their potential and ensure clients experience the true value of advice.

Michael Kollo

As Chief AI Transformation Officer, Michael is responsible for embedding artificial intelligence into investment operations to drive new standards for capital efficiency and client service, as well as leveraging AI to build scalable solutions and identify opportunities to help accelerate the firm's growth and strategic objectives.

Previously, Michael worked in quantitative roles at BlackRock, Fidelity, Renaissance Asset Management and AXA Rosenberg, and was General Manager, Quantitative Solutions & Risk at HESTA.

From 2022 to 2025, he founded and led Evolved.ai, running executive workshops and board leadership on AI strategy, governance and operating change for a range of corporate clients. Michael holds a PhD in Finance from the London School of Economics and previously hosted The Curious Quant podcast.

Venue

Learn about our 2026 forum venue, the 5-star Langham Gold Coast, offering luxury accommodation just moments from Surfers Paradise Beach.

Destination

From iconic beaches and vibrant dining to theme parks, golf, arts and lush hinterland escapes—the Gold Coast offers endless ways to explore and unwind.

Peer activities

Make the most of the Gold Coast’s warm climate and take part in a variety of peer activities—there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Evening events

Sample local cuisine and connect with peers across three evening events, each offering its own uniquely Gold Coast experience.

Charity

We are proud to be supporting St John Ambulance, whose ongoing work provides vital assistance and care to communities throughout Australia.

Thank you to our Education & Business Partners