27 March 2024 | Sydney
BUY TICKETS

Final weeks to book

Day
Hour
Minute
Second
Headline Partner

Discover the future of PR and communications

The game is changing. Whether you're part of an in-house or agency-side team, the world of PR and communications is shifting in real-time. Mumbrella CommsCon is your one and only chance of the year to connect with your industry peers and stay on top of the evolving trends and technology - or risk being left behind. Discover how to navigate the stormy waters of AI, economic uncertainty, crisis comms, solutions to the volatile talent market and much more. This is a day you can't afford to miss.

Industry leaders taking the stage

Patricia Routledge

Head of Communications, IKEA Australia

Patricia has had a career in Communications spanning 20 years across the UK and Australia in both agency and in-house roles.

Her broad range of experience on high profile brands includes Gumtree, American Express, and Optus - on which two of her campaigns were Cannes Lions award winners.

Patricia has been at IKEA Australia for 8 years, and as Head of Communications is responsible for the strategic use of communication both internally and externally to support the IKEA Australia commercial agenda and growth plans.

Her focus is building and securing brand positioning and brand reputation across media, government and industry stakeholders and IKEA co-workers.

Azadeh Williams

Founder & Managing Director, AZK Media

Azadeh is the Founder and Managing Director of AZK Media, a PR agency helping B2B tech companies expand into new and emerging markets.

With over 20 years' global experience in media, marketing and public relations, Azadeh’s focus is on growing the agency’s integrated marketing, PR and multimedia solutions, to deliver premium results for AZK Media’s growing client base across APAC, North America, the UK and EMEA.

A former solicitor, media lecturer and international journalist (Reuters, The Times (UK), CMO Magazine and CIO Magazine), her unique depth of experience enables her to market complex business concepts to attract the interest of prospects and the press.

 

She has been consistently recognised in Mumbrella CommsCon Awards and B&T’s Women in Media and Women Leading Technology Awards for public relations, marketing and entrepreneurship. In 2021, Azadeh was awarded the Best of the Best in PR for Australasia. Passionate about the application of AI, in 2023, she was appointed to the board of the Global AI Ethics Institute.

Chris Allan

Head of Marketing - Core Beer, Lion

As Head of Marketing - Core Beer, at Lion, Chris oversees a dynamic team responsible for crafting and executing marketing initiatives for Lion's core beer portfolio.

A highly driven professional with experience across Global and AU brands, Allan has an impressive track record of building strong brands and communication campaigns to deliver category and portfolio growth.

As the custodian of iconic brands such as XXXX, Tooheys and Hahn, Chris successfully balances tradition with innovation, ensuring that Lion's beer brands not only maintain their historical significance but also resonate with a modern and diverse consumer base.

Known for his approachability and collaborative spirit, Chris fosters a positive and creative work environment. He values the input of his team and encourages a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

In 2023, Chris and his team set on a mission to reinvigorate Tooheys for the future, including bringing back the ionic “I feel like a Tooheys” jingle for the first time in over a decade. Tapping into the power of music, memory structures and introducing the jingle to the younger generation, this campaign put a clear stake in the ground for the 150 year old brand, that it maintains relevance for the drinkers of today and is very much a brand for the future.

In his "down time" Chris is kept busy by his 3 young sons who's understanding of time management or play/life balance is currently non-existent.

Sue Cato

Partner, Cato & Clive

Sue Cato and Clive Mathieson are the principles of Cato & Clive, a fully integrated strategic communications firm. The firm has deep experience in planning and working on corporate transactions, issues management, campaigns and litigation support. Cato is recognised as one of Australia’s leading special situations management experts, having worked on business-critical issues and corporate activity for Australian and international entities for almost three decades. In 2003, she established Cato Counsel, which has since evolved into Cato & Clive. Clive has worked at the most senior levels of the media industry, state politics and federal politics. He is a former business editor and editor of The Australian, a former senior adviser and cabinet director for two NSW premiers and the former chief of staff to prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Catherine Tomlinson

Lead Earned Thinker, Thinkerbell

At Thinkerbell, Catherine is responsible for steering the team of earned media experts to interrogate, challenge and stretch their thinking to land measured magic for our clients daily - bridging the gap between creativity and earned media.

Cat has 8 years of agency PR experience, with an expertise in pushing integrated earned-first campaigns for the likes of eBay, IKEA and Lion.

Josh Drayton

General Manager Communications & Corporate Affairs, Parramatta Eels

With over two decades of experience in the communications field, Josh Drayton is the General Manager of Communications and Corporate Affairs at Parramatta Eels National Rugby League Club, one of the most iconic and successful sports organizations in Australia. Josh leads the strategic direction and execution of the club's communications, government relations and stakeholder engagement, with a mission to create positive social impact and enhance the value and reputation of the club. Prior to this role, Josh was the Head of Communications and Brand at the same club, where he successfully repositioned the club's image and reputation after a period of turmoil and controversy. He is passionate about using his expertise to advance the organisation's vision and goals, and contribute to the growth and development of the sport across the community.

Prior to entering the sports industry, Josh had a decade long career in the Telco sector including various roles in Corporate Affairs team at Optus. In this role, Josh managed media and government relations on key regulatory, network, and consumer issues, and provided strategic advice and support to senior management.

Kat Kearney

Brand Marketing Director, Who Gives a Crap

As Brand Marketing Director at Who Gives a Crap, Kat is responsible for leading global brand communications. A particular focus on earned-led thinking has allowed them to consistently punch above their weight in a category dominated by legacy brands.

Kat previously worked agency side, developing brand campaigns focused on creating social good. She is passionate about applying creativity to tackle environmental and social issues and the power brands have to drive positive consumer behaviour change.

Elgar Welch

President, Cision (former Streem CEO)

Elgar Welch is the former CEO and co-founder of Streem, the ANZ markets leading challenger media intelligence group. As CEO he led Streem from start-up, funding and through to acquisition, overseeing a business that grew to 150+ staff and over 700 customers across the region. Following Streem’s acquisition by global comms-tech company Cision in 2022, he now serves as President of the company’s global media

monitoring division (“CisionOne”) active in 24 markets around the world, and sits on the Cision ELT. Prior to founding Streem Elgar was an adviser in the Prime Minister’s Office media unit, an experience that served as a driving force behind the creation of Streem and its realtime media intelligence platform.

Mandy Galmes

Managing Director, Sefiani

With more than 20 years as an agency leader, Mandy has a proven track record as a strategic advisor and partner to businesses that are leaders, transformers and disruptors. Her work has spans complex regulatory and legislative change programs, behaviour change campaigns, consumer product recalls, brand activations, occupational health and safety issues and reputational damage. Mandy’s skills in corporate positioning and executive reputation management are complemented by her creative approach to consumer engagement and brand building.

As a business leader, Mandy is known for building people-centric agencies that are united around purpose. She is passionate about fostering the best talent in the industry and creating a workplace that enables everyone to thrive and realise their full potential.

Mandy joined Sefiani from Hill+Knowlton Strategies Australia where, as CEO, she led the agency through three years of growth and transformation. Prior to Hill+Knowlton, she was managing director of Sibling, a purpose-built integrated agency in WPP dedicated to Westfield and before that founded and led Fuel Communications, now within Herd MSL.

Peter Pippen

Head of Strategy, Edelman

Peter is an award-winning strategic planner, having spent more than 10 years working across multiple communication disciplines. He brings a wealth of experience to Edelman from his time leading the brand and creative strategy for Westpac Group Regional Brands, St George, BankSA, Bank Of Melbourne and RAMS home loans. He has also recently been leading the strategic output for all brands under the Campbell Arnott’s portfolio, some of Australia’s most iconic and loved brands.   

Originally from a qualitative and quantitative market research background, consumer insight drives his strategic process, but marrying that with a brand’s unique advantage, role in culture and society is what excites him working at Edelman, the opportunity for ideas and campaigns to take on a life of their own and generate fame.  

Peter was the strategist behind the most awarded campaign globally in 2018, The Palau Pledge, the winner of D&AD Black Pencil (Best in Show) and a total of 7 Cannes Lions, including three coveted Grand Prix Lions, the coveted Titanium Grand Prix and Grand Prix Sustainable Development Goals.  

He has been a recipient of the highest honour in strategic planning, The Australian Grand Effie, Long Term Effects for his work with the Australian Defence Force and the impact the strategic planning team had on transforming the ADF brands and digital recruitment strategy.  

Peter has a Master of Commerce (Marketing) from UNSW, graduating with distinction honours and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology and Political Science) from the University of Adelaide. 

Laura Stoll

Strategy Director, Ogilvy PR

Laura is Ogilvy PR’s Strategy Director. She has a proven record of success in developing strategies and delivering integrated programs for clients, achieved through her extensive experience in research. Her passion is working with organisations to uncover a deep understanding of audiences, their cultures and what matters to them. Laura joined Ogilvy PR as a Strategic Planner in 2012, working across B2B, consumer, corporate and health clients in Australia and the APAC region. She currently works closely with teams to bring fresh thinking and creativity to the table, delivering meaningful solutions for clients including eBay, Xbox, Intuit, Ford and Atlassian. Laura also has a keen interest in measurement. She is certified by The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising with an Advanced Certificate in Effectiveness and is focused on developing Ogilvy PR's measurement capability Compass. Laura holds a degree in Human Sciences from Durham University in England.

Kiefer Casamore

General Manager, Eleven and Sustain by TBWA

Kiefer leads both Eleven Melbourne and sustainability practice, Sustain by TBWA. Having worked across both Asia-Pacific and Europe, his specialisation in integrated communications and earned-first creative has seen his work recognised globally at Cannes, SABRE and PR Week.

Furthermore, his expertise in corporate reputation, has helped guide clients such as Coca-Cola, the United Nations and PepsiCo to navigate brand risk on complex social and environmental issues.

Leigh Barnes

Chief Customer Officer, Intrepid Travel

‘Barnes’, as he is known, is responsible for leading Intrepid’s global marketing, CX and digital functions with a focus on embedding a customer-focused culture across the business. Previously chief purpose officer, Leigh is an advocate for the business for good movement and has been instrumental in building Intrepid’s reputation as a purpose-led organisation. Outside of work, Leigh is a keen supporter of Melbourne’s arts and culture scene and a passionate fan of the Aussie Football League (AFL) team, the Geelong Cats.  

Leigh's top Intrepid trip is Everest Base Camp Trek, which he credits for changing the way he sees the world.  

Hannah Moreno

Founder & Managing Director, Third Hemisphere

Hannah Moreno is founder & Managing Director of Third Hemisphere, a specialist climate, tech, and finance PR agency for innovators, leaders, and investors who are changing the world.

She has 20+ years’ experience across the gamut of communications disciplines, and has authored and placed hundreds of editorials for clients in Tier-1 media. This has included ghostwriting at the Australian Financial Review, which directly resulted in one client becoming an official “AFR Columnist”. 

Hannah is also a leading feminist advocate and author, writing on issues related to sexual assault, domestic violence, leadership, workplace dynamics, and trauma for publications such as the AFR, The Australian, Women’s Agenda, and Stockhead. 

Hannah holds a Bachelor of Commerce (USYD & Università Bocconi), a Masters of Strategic Public Relations (USYD), and a Diploma of Investor Relations (AIRA).

Lexi Penfold

General Manager, FleishmanHillard Australia

Lexi is the General Manager of FleishmanHillard ANZ. FleishmanHillard is focussed on B2C2B engagement which is a part of the global FleishmanHillard network as well as the TBWA Collective in ANZ.  

Her experience spans a series of sectors, with a specific focus on ‘corpsumer’. Lexi believes that values, actions, and corporate reputation are of equal importance to ‘product’ attributes and features. And when paired together continue to be a winning formula for earned. She has extensive experience working on global and homegrown bands, including market launches and start-ups.  

Prior to joining FleishmanHillard, Lexi ran the PR offering at 303 MullenLowe and was a member of the SLT at the consumer team within Ogilvy PR.   

Rob Lowe

Co-Founder & Managing Director, Poem

Rob Lowe is the Founder and Managing Director of independent PR,  Social and Content agency Poem. With over 20 years in consumer PR, working within some of the world’s leading creative PR agencies, Rob’s consistently been at the forefront of change within the industry. He was the fifth employee at One Green Bean, founded Eleven PR Australia in 2011 and launched Poem in 2015.

Poem is built on the principle of being ‘deeply human’ and therefore built to evolve as people do.

The agency has had a rapid rise in just eight years, with Sony PlayStation, Tourism Australia, Oporto, Amazon, Sonos and Uber being amongst just some of the high-profile brands that it’s currently engaged by.

Clive Mathieson

Partner, Cato & Clive

Sue Cato and Clive Mathieson are the principles of Cato & Clive, a fully integrated strategic communications firm. The firm has deep experience in planning and working on corporate transactions, issues management, campaigns and litigation support. Cato is recognised as one of Australia’s leading special situations management experts, having worked on business-critical issues and corporate activity for Australian and international entities for almost three decades. In 2003, she established Cato Counsel, which has since evolved into Cato & Clive. Clive has worked at the most senior levels of the media industry, state politics and federal politics. He is a former business editor and editor of The Australian, a former senior adviser and cabinet director for two NSW premiers and the former chief of staff to prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.

Moderator

Jeremy Liddle

Executive Director, Third Hemisphere

Jeremy Liddle is Executive Director at Third Hemisphere, a specialist climate, tech, and finance PR agency for innovators, leaders, and investors who are changing the world.

Jeremy is a capital markets, climate, and technology specialist. He is a founding partner of climate tech investment & advisory firm, SDGx, has invested in 25+ tech & climate startups and multiple venture funds, and was President for Australia at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Alliance. He also spoke at TedX, authored the book "From Idea to Startup", and has worked extensively with the UN including co-authoring the G20 & UN White paper on youth entrepreneurship and participating in the formation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Jeremy holds a Bachelor of Business (Monash) and a Graduate Diploma of Finance (Griffith).

Tim Powell

Chief Public Relations Officer, Dentsu Creative

Tim Powell has 30 years’ experience in journalism, politics, corporate affairs, and PR.  He has an extensive network across Australian business and media covering food and agribusiness, retail and sustainability.

Tim’s primary role is acting as a C-level advisor on corporate and consumer issues, public relations strategy, and crisis management.

He is the Chairman of First Nations social change agency Cox Inall Ridgeway, and sits on the Board of the Product Stewardship Centre of Excellence, a joint venture between Dentsu, UTS Institute of Sustainable Futures and AiGroup.

Sean Aylmer

Presenter, Fear & Greed Podcast

Sean Aylmer is a trained economist and an experienced business reporter. He has been a banking writer, an economics writer, a political reporter, an New York correspondent and an editor of the AFR. He ran the business sections of the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, was Editor-in-Chief of the SMH, and eventually was Editorial Director of all of Fairfax's newsrooms. He is the co-host of the Fear & Greed podcast - Australia's most popular business podcast - and also runs a content agency, Aylmer Anderson.

Sam Buckingham-Jones

Media & Marketing Reporter, The Australian Financial Review

Sam Buckingham-Jones is the media and marketing reporter at The Australian Financial Review, covering the biggest stories in the industry each week. He has been working in journalism for more than 10 years, across radio at 2GB, at national broadsheet The Australian and for marketing trade journal Mi3 (he even interned at Mumbrella back in the day). 

Nino Tesoriero

Sustainability Practice Lead, Chief Counsel, Ogilvy PR

Nino Tesoriero is a crisis management and public affairs specialist. As Ogilvy PR’s Chief Counsel and Sustainability Practice Lead, he provides corporate communications and reputation management advice to leadership teams across a wide range of public and private sector clients. 

Prior to Ogilvy PR, Nino was a communications adviser to former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and before that, a senior media adviser to a former Deputy Premier and Treasurer in New South Wales.

Nino supports leadership teams on sustainability solutions, political engagement and critical media issues. His clients have included Orsted, Boston Consulting Group, Ford, CSIRO and the Powerhouse Museum.

Nino began his communications career nearly three decades ago as a radio journalist and gained a national profile as a political reporter with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. He also has international experience, having directed large-scale education campaigns as a marketing head for the Training and Development Agency for Schools in the United Kingdom.

Didi Lo

Founder, Soulfresh

For the last 20 years Didi Lo has been at the forefront of healthier food and beverages. As founder and major shareholder of Soulfresh, he has overseen the growth across Australia before expanding internationally into NZ and then Europe.

A passionate and long-time advocate of purpose, sustainability and organics, Didi has built 10 brands across a wide range of food and beverage categories and today boasts some of the most recognised organic and better-for-you brands including Nutty Bruce, Lo Bros Kombucha, Pico Chocolate and Wildly Good.

Didi’s expertise lies in innovation, category design, brand development, sustainability and impact, path-to-market development – local and international, and a wide array of food and beverage manufacturing.

Claire Maloney

Founder & Director, The Bravery

Claire is Founder and Director of The Bravery, one of Australia’s longest standing purpose-led communications and social impact agencies, solely dedicated to positive social and environmental change.

Claire is driven by a deep desire and mission to work towards a brighter future for purpose, the environment, sustainability and social causes. She’s compelled to make the world a better place, working with brands and organisations to create change for good.

The Bravery launched over a decade ago in 2012, where under Claire’s stewardship it has has grown from start-up roots to a thriving boutique agency, having worked with the likes of Kimberley Clark, WWF, Pernod Ricard, Unicef, Australian Ethical, Ben and Jerry’s, Patagonia, Coca Cola, Hort Innovation, Corporate Carbon, Night Time Industries Association, Circular Australia and more.

Claire is a purpose leader, sustainability campaigner, a creative director, and a compelling storyteller at heart. With over 18 years experience in PR and communications, including international aid and development, not-for-profit, consumer, corporate and cause-led communications, Claire shapes the narratives in Australia, and globally, that creates true impact to last.

As a governance expert, Claire has also served on multiple boards, including the girls and women’s education empowerment not-for-profit, One Girl, and is currently a Board Member of Comms Declare, a communications, marketing, media and advertising organisation designed to supercharge the transition to a climate-friendly future.

Tom Wenborn

Executive Creative Thinker, Thinkerbell

Tom began his creative career as a designer, before becoming a copywriter, then a designer again, then an art director before settling somewhere in-between.

He has spent the last decade working at Australia's top agencies including CHE Proximity and Saatchi & Saatchi, creating some of the country's most popular and effective campaigns for clients including Cadbury, Westpac, Toyota, Devondale, Furphy, Foxtel, Hahn and Bega.

His work has been recognized more than 100 times at major award shows including D&AD, Cannes, Clios, New York Festivals, London International Awards, The Effies and Young Guns. His campaigns have also been featured in Contagious' Best & Bravest as well as the Financial Review's Most Innovative List.

He’s helped create the world’s fastest coffee cart, the world’s largest oil painting, the world’s first AI powered bee hive, the world’s first coffee to leave you with fresh breath, the world’s first submarine viewing experience for the lounge room, the world’s most ridiculous list of world firsts.

He is passionate about simple work that makes a difference, whether that’s helping unfuck the environment or making your Nanna laugh, both are equally important.

Charli Walters

CEO, Koh

Charli brings a proven track record in building brands, with 10 years of experience in leading transformational growth in established stagnant categories. Combining creativity and commercial acumen she has conceived, launched, grown and successfully exited household FMCG brands to a public listed entity, SunRice. Now as CEO of cult cleaning brand Koh, Charli continues to drive change whilst challenging the status quo. Koh is Australia's leading purpose-driven home care system, loved by more than 1 million Aussies and a true high-impact disruptor in the category. Charli's expertise across retail consumer goods and brand building will support Koh's transition from D2C darling to omnichannel disruptor. Charli is thrilled to be with Koh at a time when mass impact is needed, with Koh's deep brand love and distinctive positioning Koh will continue to disrupt categories and channels all whilst giving back to the planet.

Clive Dickens

Vice President, TV, Content & Product Development, Optus 

Clive Dickens joined Optus as VP, TV, Content & Product Development in May 2019. Clive is responsible for product development, lifting Optus’ digital capability and importantly leveraging Optus’ important exclusive content assets, content, and OTT partnerships, including Optus Sport.

Clive was also Chief Digital Officer at Seven West Media. He is an experienced digital leader with extensive worldwide media relationships formed over many decades. He has delivered innovation and hyper growth in numerous start-ups and mature businesses and driven shifts in consumer behaviour through technology, including advising Shazam (now acquired by Apple), Audioboom, Omny Studio. Other previous non-Executive roles include Yahoo7, Health Engine and AirTasker, and previous corporate executive roles include Southern Cross Austereo, Global and Absolute Radio.

Clive is currently Non-Executive Director and Co-Founder of OxisMedia, which invests in, operates, and provides consultancy services to media organisations and digital/mobile products in the UK/US and Europe.

Fiona Parker

Head of Corporate, Edelman Australia

Fiona Parker is the Head of Corporate, Edelman Australia, based in the company’s Sydney office.

With a 20+ year career in corporate communications, public relations and marketing, and with specialisms in technology, fintech and finance, Fiona’s experience spans a wide range of industry sectors and international markets.

Fiona is a passionate corporate storyteller, helping brands and their spokespeople articulate compelling, locally relevant narratives. She also has extensive cross-border crisis, issues and reputation management experience, and is an accomplished media, communication skills & crisis preparedness trainer.

Fiona recently joined Edelman from leading Australian finance agency, Honner, where she held the role of Chief Strategy Officer and also led the firm’s fintech and digital assets business.

Previously Head of Corporate Communications, Australia, for FleishmanHillard, and before that the dual role of Asia Pacific Technology Practice Director & HK Tech Lead for the former H+K Strategies, Fiona’s corporate, B2B and B2C experience covers a long list of blue chip global, regional and local companies.

Fiona holds a Bachelor of Arts (Communication) in Organisational Communication, Marketing and English from Charles Sturt University (Mitchell) and a Masters’ Degree in English (With Merit) from The University of Sydney.

Browse the full program

Time
Session
Speakers
Sponsor
Buy a ticket for CommsCon. Panelists in discussion to a full room.

Program

Join the industry for an unrivalled experience across 14 inspiring and enlightening sessions lead by more than 20 big-league PR and comms experts.

BUY TICKETS
Who should attend CommsCon?

Buy a pass

If both professional and business growth are high up on your agenda, Mumbrella CommsCon is the perfect ticket for you. Grab a pass today and learn directly from the industry's biggest heavyweights.

BUY TICKETS
Enter the CommsCon Awards.

Enter the awards

The Mumbrella CommsCon Awards are Australia and New Zealand’s biggest celebration of PR and communications excellence, judged by the biggest names in industry.

FIND OUT MORE

Bring your team to secure a saving

Individual ticket

$819+GST

  • 14 sessions
  • 20+ speakers
  • 2 streams of content
  • Networking drinks

 

BUY TICKET

5 tickets for 4

$655+GST

  • Get 5 tickets for the price of 4
  • Save $164 per ticket
  • 14 sessions
  • 20+ speakers
  • 2 streams of content
  • Networking drinks
BUY TICKET

10 tickets for 7

$573+GST

  • Get 10 tickets for the price of 7
  • Save $246 per ticket
  • 14 sessions
  • 20+ speakers
  • 2 streams of content
  • Networking drinks
BUY TICKET

Who should attend?

CommsCon is catered to PR and communications professionals working in in-house roles or agency side. If you work in any of the following areas, this event is for you:

  • Specialists, Advisors, Managers, Directors and Heads of Communications or PR
  • Brand Communications
  • Social Media
  • Stakeholder, External, Media or Community Relations
  • Corporate or Public Affairs
  • Employee Communications
  • Marketing Communications
  • Publicists
  • Accounts and Business Development
  • Managing Director, CEO, Owners and Directors

Partner

Headline Partner

Partner

Supporter

Event details

Event Date: 27 March 2024

Venue: Four Seasons Hotel, Sydney

 

Times:

Conference: 8:25am - 5:00pm

Networking drinks: 5:00pm - 6:00pm

 

Getting there:

199 George Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000

Click here for more information on getting there.