Keynote
Dave Clare
Circle Leadership, Founder
Driven by a PURPOSE to evolve the world of work, Dave's sense of mission is clear: to redefine business success not just for the accolades but for the impact.
Simon Bush
CEO / Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA)
Simon is one of Australia’s most respected technology and policy business leaders.
Simon is one of Australia’s most respected technology and policy business leaders. As the current CEO of the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), the longest running and largest tech association in Australia, he represents both global and local companies to federal and state governments and media.
Simon has been appointed to numerous government policy and industry advisory roles including the current Government AI Experts Advisory Committee that has developed the AI guardrails and proposed new laws for Australia.
In his career, Simon has led major policy reforms in Australia driving legislative and regulatory changes in the digital, media and tech sectors on issues such as: tech skills, cyber security, sovereign procurement, AI, Quantum, R&D and tax policy, privacy law, copyright law and industry policy. He has authored major white papers that have generated significant policy changes and investments by governments.
Prior to the AIIA, Simon ran his own successful business advisory practice for 20 years advising some of the world's largest tech companies on how to grow their government business winning major procurements worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Clients included SAP, Accenture, Fujitsu, Telstra, Google among others.
During this time Simon was, for 16 years, the CEO of the Australian Home Entertainment Distributors Association (AHEDA) representing the Australian home entertainment film and TV industry in a part-time capacity. Members included Disney, Sony, Roadshow, Paramount, Universal, Warner Bros, Foxtel, Telstra and Fox.
Simon started his career as a senior adviser to a federal cabinet minister and 3 years working for Accenture helping grow its public sector consulting business in Australia driving major transformation deals and head of public affairs for AN/Z.
His tertiary qualifications include an Honours degree in Political Science from the Australian National University and the University of California, San Diego. He has been appointed a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Simon is a sought-after commentator on the government, ICT and media sectors, featuring regularly in the media and presenting at IT and vendor conferences both in Australia and overseas.
Sessions
Simon Bush’s Sessions
Keynote
Day 2 - FWD›KEYNOTE Breakfast
Included in Day Two Pass
On Thursday 8th May we are back at Market Bistro in the Maroochydore City Centre as we welcome Elea Wurth, Lead Partner Trustworthy AI, Strategy, Risk & Transactions, Deloitte. Thanks to our partners AIIA, Elea will share the morning with our DAY TWO Pass Holders as we enjoy an exquisite breakfast and key insights to kickstart day two of FWD>>>FEST 25.
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Market Bistro
FWD›››25 Speakers and Panellists
Keynote
Elea Wurth
Deloitte, Lead Partner Trustworthy AI, Strategy Risk & Transactions
Elea leverages over two decades of advanced analytics expertise to shape ethical, legally sound, and technically rigorous AI governance strategies for major institutions.
Keynote
Mark Visser
Big wave surfer, author, keynote speaker, mindset coach and founder of The Ocean Warrior
At FWD›››FEST 25, Mark will ignite your entrepreneurial spirit with his keynote on DAY TWO, Riding the Wave, sharing actionable insights to tackle challenges and seize opportunities.
Featured
Daniel Flynn
Thankyou, Social Entrepreneur | Co-Founder
Daniel Flynn is one of Australia’s most compelling social entrepreneurs, known for transforming bold ideas into powerful movements.
Featured
Ivan Carl Engelbrecht
Leonardo.ai, Head of Product and Design
Ivan thrives on solving challenging problems, is always looking to learn more and pushing boundaries through collaboration.
Featured
Kevin Wan Lum
LGT Crestone, Deputy Chief Investment Officer
Kevin has more than 25 years of financial markets and investment management experience in Australia and overseas.
Featured
Mark Woodland
Kismet, Founder & CEO
Mark has built and scaled multiple purpose-driven companies, combining technology, empathy, and relentless execution.
Featured
Peter Deans
52 Risks and Gōru, Creator & Founder
Peter is the visionary Creator & Founder of Gōru and 52 Risks®, principal of Notwithoutrisk Consulting, and a trusted advisor to fintechs and start-ups companies.
Featured
Rob Rand
Knobby, Founder and CEO
A seasoned expert in subscription business models, Rob specialises in turning customer transactions into long-term relationships.
Featured
Sam Bala
NewStore, Principal, Omnichannel Architecture
Sam Bala is a retail innovator and entrepreneur who has spent his career defining what good looks like—from the ground up.
Alex Knight
Advanced, Managing Director
Helping innovative founders turn R&D into a growth engine.
Alexander Cohen
Scope&Go AI Agency, Founder
Alexander specialises in bridging technical and non-technical environments to create impactful solutions.
Bryton Wishart
Cured Compliance, Founder
Bryton is a proud entrepreneur and technology enthusiast with an obsession for learning. Bryton is on the Silicon Coast Board.
Chad Hardy
Bookipi, Chief Operations Officer
Experienced Founder with a demonstrated history of working in the renewables and technology industry.
Chris Le Serve
Sunshine Coast Council, Head of Economic Development
Chris has extensive commercial and transaction experience in both the private and public sector throughout a range of geographies and industries.
Cliff Benns
Purpose Driven Business Coaching , Founder
Cliff Benns is a 5x founder turned purpose driven business coach who built and exited several multimillion dollar ventures in mining, climate tech, manufacturing, and waste & recycling.
Craig ‘CJ’ Josic
Co- Founder, Silicon Coast
Craig Josic aka CJ is epitomises the essence of a visionary leader and community builder. With over a decade of unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Dave Burns
Sunshine Coast Council, Chief Information Officer
Chief Information Officer, Sunshine Coast Council
David Neal
Eighth Mile Consulting, CEO
David is a highly energetic, charismatic, and committed leader that takes pride in inspiring others to reach their full potential and allowing organisations to find their competitive edge.
Dr Karen Sutherland
University of the Sunshine Coast, Senior Lecturer in Public Relations
Dr Karen Sutherland, AI Stream Host | Senior Lecturer, Public Relations | Director, Dharana Digital.
Frank Dinneen
Queensland Government, Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business, Small Business Procurement Advisor – Q - 2032 Games, Small and Family Business Division
Frank’s career has been focussed on addressing social and economic issues, through roles within government, community, and business.
Jason Garland
Sunshine Coast Tech Industry Alliance (SCTechIA), Chair
As Chair of Sunshine Coast Tech Industry Alliance and the Sunshine Coast Business Council, alongside his own technology firm Secure Access, Jason provides connection to the digital economy.
Kathryn Giudes
macroDATA Digital Solutions, Managing Director
Chair of Silicon Coast - Kathryn Giudes is a leader dedicated to creating successful organisations through strategic conversations and problem-solving.
Katie Healy
Sunshine Coast Health, Senior Director Strategy and Planning
Senior Director Strategy and Planning, Sunshine Coast Health
Kelly Lavery
Strucket, Inventor - CEO
Strucket’s seemingly overnight success was based on three years of research, design, prototype, tooling, testing, grant applications, sourcing funding, sleepless nights.
Kerry Neill
Triballink, Director
Kerry has worked within community services, health, training and education, creating and delivering Indigenous education experiences and lessons
Lachie Smart
Smartline Medical, CEO
Lachie Smart speaks with authority on the leadership required to bridge generational gaps, solve pain points and boost team engagement.
Laura Ashmole
River City Labs, Head of Growth
Laura believes the success of any business is determined by its ability to innovate, harness the potential of its people and be utterly obsessed with its customers.
Marc Watson
Unitywater, Head of Procurement
Marc has been leading Procurement and Supply Chain teams in top ASX listed companies and Government organisations for over 20 years
Matthew Rose
Queensland Government, Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business, Manager, Industry Engagement, ICT Category Management and Sourcing
Manager, Industry Engagement, ICT Category Management and Sourcing, Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business, Queensland Government
Mayor Rosanna Natoli
Sunshine Coast Council, Mayor
Mayor Natoli will lead the Sunshine Coast community to a bright future while protecting the lifestyle we love.
Michelle Reeves
Zipline AI, Founder and CEO
An international executive and entrepreneur, Michelle has led innovation strategies for brands across fashion, sports, entertainment, and emerging tech.
Naomi Elliott
Suncoast Biochem, Co-Founder
Naomi's company Suncoast Biochem delivers sustainable, traceable ingredients through a B2B model that includes bulk supply, private label services, and strategic partnerships.
Nicole Nixon
Five Faces, CEO
Nicole brings a rare blend of empathy and operational discipline, shaped by diverse roles in manufacturing, consulting, and entertainment.
Oscar Lloyd
ProxiTech, Founder
Oscar develops AI and robotics applications for manufacturing and service industries while offering educational services in collaboration with various organisations.
Richard Burrows
Performance Breathing Australia, Director
As an elite performance coach, Rich centres his approach on the mastery of the breath.
Rob Neely
Securely Group, Founder and Director
Entrepreneur, Fintech Innovator, and Community Leader who is recognised globally for his groundbreaking work in digital identity, banking, and cybersecurity.
Rob Steffler
DeLorean Project, Founder/Facilitator
Rob is an experienced educator that is passionate about innovation and disruption to Education and believing for radical change to the system.
RoomReadi
RoomReadi, Co-Founders
RoomReadi is a youth-led retail tech startup that’s rethinking how retail spaces connect with customers.
Roz White
White's IGA, Co-owner
Roz White is an award-winning business leader with over 32 years’ experience, a charity volunteer and leading advocate for various industry groups.
Ryan Hollis
everfocus, Director
Sustainability and ESG are not just feel good concepts—they are a proven path to growth, and Ryan has spent over 25 years showing companies exactly how to achieve it.
Sam Dharmapala
Transform Engine, Founder and CEO
Sam is the Founder and CEO of Transform Engine, an outsourcing company based in the Philippines and Nepal that employs survivors of slavery in technology-centric jobs.
Sarah Morgan
RSB Capital, Vice President, Business Development
CEO | Entrepreneur | Speaker | MC | Author | Panel Facilitator | Leadership Expert | Founder - Influential Leader Academy
Sean O'Neill
Nash Capital, Managing Director
Sean O’Neill is the Managing Director of Nash Capital, a mid-market private equity fund in Australia that manages $200m of high-net-worth client funds.
Simon Bush
Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA), CEO
Simon is one of Australia’s most respected technology and policy business leaders.
Susan Toft
The Laundry Lady Australia and New Zealand, CEO
As CEO and founder of Laundry Lady and TimeBoss (an AI-driven platform powering The Laundry Lady), Susan has created scalable solutions for industries like aged care, cleaning services, and pet grooming.
Tate Donohoe
Ecodia, Founder
Tate's approach to sustainability isn't just about environmental protection… it’s comprehensive, innovative, and community-driven.
Tim Collier
Cummins & Partners, National Head of Strategy
Tim Collier is on a mission to bring back what makes advertising great: simple, entertaining, and memorable ideas that drive real business results.
Tom Pollock
Gov Ready, Managing Director
Thomas brings over two decades of expertise in winning government business for the SME sector.
Tracy Sheen
The Digital Guide, AI Speaker and Consultant
As founder of The Digital Guide and Unusual Comms, Tracy specialises in implementing AI responsibly while balancing innovation and risk.
