Workshops

Workshop:
Future-Proofing Entrepreneurship

This session will explore bold and future-ready approaches to entrepreneurship that go beyond profit, focusing on resilience, impact, and long-term value creation. Drawing from real-world insights in mining and enterprise, this group will examine how entrepreneurial mindsets can be harnessed to drive innovation, empower communities, and build regenerative economies. Participants will co-create a shared vision of entrepreneurship that is inclusive, ethical, and adaptable in a rapidly changing world. Your group will then prepare a short, creative presentation to share with another group, encouraging collaboration and cross-pollination of entrepreneurial ideas.

Bio
Nkandu Beltz, a Zambian-born entrepreneur based in Perth, is the visionary founder of Beltz Mining Limited, a prominent player in copper exploration in Zambia. Nkandu is the author of three books and a former Radio and TV Personality. With a strong focus on business and investment, she has garnered recognition as an award-winning leader in Africa and Australia. Nkandu’s strategic prowess has earned her prestigious accolades

Workshop:
Future-Proofing Political Engagement. 

This session will explore how we can empower current and future generations to participate meaningfully in democratic processes through civic tech, transparent systems, and inclusive platforms that promote agency and accountability. This group will discuss equipping digital natives with the tools to organise, engage, and lead change, even as they navigate complex challenges like misinformation, deep fakes, and public distrust. The group will co-create a short, creative presentation to share with another group, encouraging cross-pollination of ideas. 

Bio
Wilson Tucker is a former Member of the Western Australian Legislative Council, representing the Mining and Pastoral Region. Before entering politics, Wilson worked in the private sector, specialising in software engineering, in both Australia and the US. Wilson brought a practical, data-driven mindset to Parliament, advocating for digital rights, innovation, and improved regional infrastructure. A strong supporter of renters’ rights, Wilson has pushed for tenancy reform and housing security. Wilson also co-chaired the Parliamentary Friends of Technology and Innovation, aiming to educate Members of Parliament and inform policy on emerging technologies and the digital economy.

Workshop:
Future-Proofing Environmental Stewardship

This session will explore visionary approaches to embedding regenerative thinking into business, education, and governance, moving beyond traditional sustainability to systems that actively heal and replenish the planet. This group will explore these themes, enabling participants to co-create a shared vision of environmental leadership that is responsive, restorative, and future-oriented. 

Bio
Bella is the President of the Millennium Kids Youth Board. She has 11 years of experience volunteering with Millennium Kids, mentoring young people, collaborating with various stakeholders, and developing and promoting programs at a global level. Bella has the LEAP Program at UCLA. She is studying Chemical Engineering and Finance at the University of Western Australia.

Catrina (Cat) is the CEO of Millennium Kids, a youth-led empowerment organisation based in Western Australia; Cat recognises that young people have the creative ideas, innovative thinking and problem-solving skills needed to face the challenges of the 21st century. However, they sometimes need a little support to be the innovators they are born to be.  From a foundation group of only a few school students and teachers in 1999, Millennium Kids has grown to involve several dozen schools and thousands of students around Australia. It now also has two branches overseas. Adopting an approach of teaching ‘skills for life’, Cat has inspired young people to become leaders; to activate change and use their voices within their communities to create a fairer, better future for us all.

Workshop:
Future-Proofing Cybersecurity and Future-Proofing Cybersecurity Education and Awareness

This session will explore how we embed digital resilience into education, governance, and product design, so that individuals, teams, and communities are empowered to protect themselves and others in an age of data breaches, AI-driven threats, and geopolitical cyber warfare. The workshop will discuss proactive, ethical, and inclusive strategies for building a secure digital future. This includes not only the technical dimensions of cyber defence but also a cultural shift toward collective responsibility, transparency, and preparedness in an interconnected world.

Bio
Simon Carabetta is a former English and Media Studies teacher who transitioned into cybersecurity, bringing a strong voice for inclusivity and diversity across Australia’s tech industry. He began his cyber career as a Cyber Security Awareness Specialist at Water Corporation in Western Australia and has since worked across innovation hubs, not-for-profits, state government agencies, and most recently, as a consultant in cyber readiness. In February 2025, Simon co-founded the Rejected or Selected podcast with fellow cyber professional Deany Jaghdour, where they explore stories of job search struggles, hiring and firing mishaps, and the realities of working life. 

Emma is the Acting Director of the CyberWest Hub. Emma leads initiatives aimed at building a strong cyber community. She creates opportunities for business growth, showcases excellence in the field, promotes cyber careers, and enhances cyber capabilities. With a solid background in strategy, governance, community engagement, and business growth, Emma has successfully managed projects across government, startups, not-for-profits, and the Western Australia innovation ecosystem. Under her leadership, the CyberWest Hub has launched and expanded key initiatives, including the annual CyberWest Summit, the WA Cyber Capability Directory to highlight local capabilities, Cyber Connect for industry networking, and the Cyber Queens program to support diversity. Emma's commitment to fostering a strong cyber community is reflected in her proactive approach and the tangible results of her initiatives. Her efforts strengthen businesses' cyber capabilities and inspire the next generation of cyber professionals, ensuring a resilient and secure digital future for everyone.

Workshop:
Future-Proofing Human Skills for a Global Workforce

This session will explore the often-overlooked yet essential human skills that underpin real-world success, particularly in today’s multicultural, interdisciplinary, and rapidly evolving work environments. Drawing from her journey of learning beyond the lecture hall, Sakshi will guide participants through reflective and practical activities to build communication, adaptability, and cultural intelligence. This session is not about ticking soft skill boxes. It is about understanding how these capabilities are core to thriving in diverse teams and creating a lasting impact. Participants will co-design strategies for navigating complex, people-centred workplaces, and finish with a collaborative activity to share key insights with others. 

Bio
Dr. Anderson is an economist, educator, statistician, and experienced business analyst with a passion for knowledge development and process improvement. She has specific corporate expertise in the mining industry in the USA, Australia, South America, and South Africa. In addition to strong financial skills, one of her key strengths is in working with and managing multi-disciplinary, cross-cultural teams focused on value generation and delivery.

Workshop:
Future-Proofing Leadership

This session will explore how to cultivate leaders who can navigate uncertainty with clarity, foster inclusive cultures, and embed ethical foresight into fast-paced decision-making, while remaining committed to continuous learning. In the workshop, the participants will co-create a shared vision of what leadership should look like in an evolving world. Your group will then prepare a short, creative presentation to share with another group, encouraging cross-pollination of ideas. 

Bio
Alicia Curtis is a leadership facilitator, award-winning speaker, and changemaker passionate about building a better world. As founder of Alyceum, she has spent over 20 years designing leadership programs that inspire purpose, courage, and community impact. Her initiatives include The Espresso Club and the Greater Good Collective, as well as the Emerging Leaders in Governance Program, which prepares young professionals for board roles. In 2013, Alicia co-founded 100 Women, a giving circle that has funded projects for over 37,500 women and girls globally. A vocal advocate for inclusive leadership, Alicia co-authored "Difference Makers" and holds a Master’s degree in Business Leadership. She’s been recognised nationally for her social innovation and influence.

Workshop:
Future-Proofing Workplace and Career 

This session will explore how we can redesign the future of work to be more human-centric, skill-fluid, and values-driven, leveraging AI, flexibility, and inclusive design to create spaces where people thrive, not just survive. The workshop will discuss shifting away from rigid job roles toward adaptive career pathways, lifelong learning cultures, and workplaces that prioritise purpose, wellbeing, and equity. 

Bios
Dr Cook is a Lecturer within the School of Science, a member of the Australian Centre for Cyber Security Excellence (ACCSE), and a Fellow of the Australian Computer Society. He is also the current president of the Education Computing Association of WA (ECAWA). David has extensive experience in both business and academia within Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Australia. He previously held the position of Manager, as well as directorships and board appointments. David has won numerous academic, professional, and industry awards.

Olivia’s career path is a unique blend of creativity, adaptability, and innovation. Starting as a hairdresser, she discovered a passion for organisation and problem-solving that led her into administration, event management, and eventually, the IT sector. Olivia is a passionate advocate for emerging professionals in the information technology (IT) industry. Since 2023, she has served as the first female Chair of the ACS WA Emerging Professionals Committee, helping to build the new committee from the ground up, as well as sitting on the ACS WA Branch Executive Committee. She has played a key role in establishing initiatives that support early-career professionals, mentorship, networking, and skill development opportunities for the next generation of IT leaders. Her journey embodies perseverance and self-belief, with a mission to create a positive social impact by empowering individuals, bridging the digital divide, and advocating for women in IT and leadership roles.

Workshop:
Future-Proofing STEAM Education 

This session will 

Bio
Donna Buckley is a creative educator, mathematics specialist, and advocate for interdisciplinary learning that connects maths with technology, the Arts, and real-world challenges. As President and Life Member of the Mathematics Association of Western Australia, she champions inclusive, future-focused mathematics education grounded in equity, innovation, and professional growth.  In 2023, Donna became the first maths teacher to receive the Australian Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching. She also received the WiTWA STAR[+] Award and was recognised in the inaugural ICT Educator Awards.  Donna teaches at Bob Hawke College and is completing her Master’s in Cybersecurity. She developed WA’s first accredited high school cybersecurity course, opening vocational pathways from school to TAFE and industry, and continues to support teachers nationally with inclusive, innovative approaches to teaching. Donna has also shaped Australia’s curriculum, particularly in the areas of computational thinking and AI education. 

Workshop:
Future-Proofing Blockchain and Web3. 

This session will explore how we can move beyond hype and harness the potential of decentralised technologies to truly democratise access, build ethical smart contracts, and create systems of trust, transparency, and value exchange that serve everyone, not just the tech elite. In this workshop, participants will discuss what inclusive, responsible, and sustainable Web3 ecosystems might look like, where decentralisation empowers communities, protects rights, and amplifies diverse voices. Together, your group will co-create a shared vision for a future where blockchain isn’t just disruptive, but it’s constructive.

Bio
Blockchain, AI Strategist and Innovator with a strong interest in MedTech, FinTech, Web3, and DeFi. Jacek is Founder and Director of Spektrumlab Pty Ltd, specialising in AI, blockchain, digital assets, and digital health. With a background in Laboratory Medicine and a Graduate Certificate in Blockchain-Enabled Business, his focus is on driving the adoption of emerging technologies. As an RMIT alumnus, Jacek takes pride in being a Digital Dexterity Leader, Influencer, Liaison, and Author. In the AI space, Jacek focuses on large language models (LLMS) and Agentic AI, exploring their practical and responsible applications for individuals and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMES). Jacek provides tailored education, consulting, and mentoring services to support innovation and tech empowerment.

Workshop:
Future-Proofing Identity in the Age of Digital Noise and AI Personas. 

This workshop will explore how we can empower individuals, especially young people, to stay grounded in their values, embrace digital literacy, and express themselves authentically in an era shaped by algorithmic filters, synthetic voices, and curated online personas. The workshop will discuss cultivating self-awareness, critical media engagement, and identity resilience in digital and hybrid spaces. Together, participants will co-create a shared vision of identity that thrives not in spite of digital complexity, but through conscious, values-driven navigation of it.

Bio
Alana leads training and certification for the Software and Digital Native Business segment at AWS across Australia. She partners with AWS customers to upskill and enable their teams, supporting their talent retention and acquisition strategy. This includes onboarding graduates and new starters, enhancing the skill functionality of existing staff to enable well-architected and secure environments, and increasing the specialist skills of existing staff to drive innovation securely and deliver business and technical outcomes for their customers. She is passionate about skills and enablement, as well as technology innovation and its potential to drive positive economic and social impact. She has her AWS Certified Solutions Architect Associate Certification, which she completed to complement her commercial acumen, providing additional technical insight and understanding to assist customers further.

Workshop:
Future-Proofing International Collaboration

This workshop will explore how we can build resilient, meaningful, and future-ready international collaborations in an era shaped by global uncertainty and opportunity. Through the lens of collective intelligence, shared responsibility, and cultural awareness, participants will co-create strategies for forming lasting cross-border connections. Whether your goal is to expand global networks, foster inclusive communities, or cultivate international partnerships in business or education, this session will guide you in designing collaboration models that are adaptive, values-driven, and built for the long term. The workshop will culminate in a shared visioning exercise to connect insights across groups and catalyse action.

Bio
Dr Lisa Cluett is the External Relations Director at the Perth USAsia Centre, where she leads communication, media, stakeholder engagement, and educational programs focused on Indo-Pacific relations. She developed the Centre’s inaugural micro-credential on Australia’s strategic connections to Asia. With over 18 years of experience in strategy, community building, governance, and program evaluation, Lisa holds a PhD in environmental science and an Honours degree from the University of Leeds. She is a graduate of the AICD Director Pipeline Program. She has received national recognition for her work in online engagement and student support, such as a National finalist in the Defence Connect Marketing and Communications Professional of the Year Awards.

Workshop:
Future-Proofing Innovation 

This workshop will explore how we can build resilient, meaningful, and future-ready international collaborations by future-proofing innovation for lasting impact. In an era shaped by global uncertainty and opportunity, we will move beyond chasing the next big thing to focus on ideas that grow slowly but take root deeply. Through the lens of collective intelligence, shared responsibility, and cultural awareness, participants will co-create strategies for forming lasting cross-border connections. We will explore how true innovation is inclusive, intentional, and grounded in real human needs. Whether your goal is to expand global networks, foster inclusive communities, or cultivate international partnerships in business or education, this session will guide you in designing collaboration models that are adaptive and values-driven. You will learn to balance speed with depth and disruption with wisdom, ensuring your collaborations are built for the long term.

Bio
An experienced leader with a diverse background spanning Oil & Gas, Financial Services, and Hospitality. He excels in people management, strategic planning, and project delivery, consistently building successful teams and fostering strong stakeholder relationships. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, he leverages cutting-edge technology to drive continuous improvement while upholding rigorous standards. A highly skilled presenter and trainer, he is recognised for his approachable manner and strong team spirit, making him a valued mentor and colleague.