5-6 MAY 2025 | SYDNEY | ICC
Transforming the Future of HR Practice
The HR landscape has rapidly evolved in 2025 – driving leaders to adapt quickly to stay on the front foot of change. From navigating emerging technologies fueling business innovation and productivity, to rethinking approaches to employee experience and well-being – employers must continue to make bold moves if they are to maintain a competitive advantage in the future.
Join The HR Leaders Forum 2025 and gain actionable insights, foster invaluable connections and tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges head on. Designed with strategy and tactics at its core, the event will equip leaders with the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to optimise engagement, drive productivity, cultivate resilience and unlock growth – all while delivering on business priorities for the future.
Why Attend
- 1Valuable Insights
- 2250-300+ HR Executives
- 35-Star Networking Environment
- 4Executive Learning Agenda
2025 Speakers
Michael Fraccaro
Chief People Officer
Elisa Clements
Group Executive Talent & Culture
Sarah Jones
Chief Business Conduct Officer
Michael Kim
Head of HR JAPAC & SAMEA
Kate Dee
Chief People Officer, APAC
Jane Franks
Chief People Officer
Rebecca Donaldson
Chief People Officer
Shruti Ganeriwala
Head of Human Resources
Jane Hill
People & Culture Director
Sally Kincaid
Chief People & Culture Officer
Sarah Abbott
Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Vikki Pink
Chief People Officer
Gemma Martin
Chief People Officer
Kanella Salapatas
Head of People Data & Analytics
Katie Hodgson
Chief People Officer
Adam Oosterhoff
Executive Chief People Officer, Personal Banking & Business Partnering
Chris Eaton
General Manager People & Culture
Ingrid Massey
Director of People
Melissa Irwin
Chief Data, People & Sustainability Office
Sam Turner
Chief People Officer
Sarah Derry
Chief Executive Officer
Sarah is a seasoned CEO, business leader, and executive coach with over 30 years of experience across diverse industries. Currently, she serves as CEO of Homeward Bound (HB), a global leadership initiative aiming to empower 10,000 alumni by 2036 to promote diversity at leadership tables worldwide. Sarah is also the Founder of Sarah Derry Co-LAB, an agency specializing in executive coaching, business advisory, and leadership expertise.
Previously, Sarah led Accor Hotels Pacific, overseeing 21,000 employees and over 400 hotels. With an entrepreneurial background, she successfully ran her own business for a decade. Sarah is a GAICD-qualified director and actively contributes to community initiatives, serving as Chair and Director for Two Good Co and Advisor to BETTER Timor.
Driven by a passion for inclusion and diversity, Sarah advocates for empowering individuals to reach their potential. A respected leader and speaker, she is committed to fostering heart-led leadership, character-driven workplaces, and impactful results.
Marieke Bruinstroop
Former Chief People Officer
Erika Takahashi
Chief People Officer
Katharina Kuehn
Chief Strategy Officer
Katharina Kuehn is one of APAC’s leading consumer neuroscientists, a published author, keynote speaker, and the creator of Deep Sphere—a neuroscience-based predictive profiling method. She specializes in uncovering the unconscious patterns behind decision-making, using neuroscience to explain human behavior and how emotions and biology influence choices.
Katharina’s work spans diverse fields, including high-performance teams in sports and business and collaborations with global brands. Her expertise has been recognized by notable achievements, such as ranking in Inside Retail’s Top 50 People in E-Commerce and being published by IGI Global. She is known for her engaging and insightful presentations, earning her accolades as one of the highest-rated speakers at multiple events like Online Retailer Conferences and TEDx Haymarket.
Her speaking topics include emotional decision-making for brands, neuromarketing strategies, and the neuroscience of high-performing teams. Katharina’s sessions offer transformative insights into self-awareness, team dynamics, and consumer profiling, often tailored through keynotes or workshops. Her ability to make complex topics relatable and actionable has resonated with audiences, resulting in glowing feedback from clients such as Commonwealth Bank, Snap Inc., and Glory Global Solutions.
Through her innovative methods and engaging delivery, Katharina empowers individuals and organizations to unlock their potential, enhance team performance, and create emotional connections that drive success.
Meegan Marshall
Chief People Officer
Deborah Seeber
Chief People Officer
Natasha Cuthbert
Chief People Officer
Natasha is a seasoned HR Executive who builds strong relationships across businesses by developing deeply commercial and strategic understanding of the operating environment.
Natasha has led various People and Culture functions focusing on key Human Resources disciplines including business transformation and change, workforce planning, organisational design and development, strategic talent management, and industrial relations.
After a long tenure in retail, including holding leadership roles during turnaround and transformation, Natasha has moved into an industry on the cusp of significant transformation. As the Chief People and Culture Officer, the focus of her role is to create an environment across Viva Energy with highly engaged and capable team members eager to contribute to delivering on the transformation agenda while sustaining high performance in core operations. Working with the Executive and senior leadership teams, Natasha is responsible for people strategy, operations and execution, as well as fostering the Viva Energy culture to ensure it is a great place to work.
Having completed honours in Science specialising in Conservation Biology, a HR career was not necessary the plan – however over 20 years later having started in management consulting, into organisational development and progressing into generalist People and Culture roles, Natasha’s true passion is delivering business results through great people.
Speakers
Sessions
& Networking
Days
Content by leaders, for leaders
Our cutting-edge content is carefully researched and curated in step with the expertise and insights of Connect Media’s vast network of industry specialists. Timely and uniquely tailored, our content ignites innovation, addresses leading industry challenges, all while delivering the skills and tools needed to achieve business excellence in the future.
Agenda
Marieke Bruinstroop
Former Chief People Officer
Leadership in a Work from Anywhere World
Michael Fraccaro
Chief People Officer
Pioneering Innovation: Reshaping HR practices for the Future of Work
- Unpacking the latest emerging technologies shaping HR practice
- How can we foster a cultural mindset of creativity and innovation?
- Looking at HR jobs of the future – what skill will we need in 5 years?
- How will we need to adapt to the future of work and changing employee expectations?
Sally Kincaid
Chief People & Culture Officer
Vikki Pink
Chief People Officer
Adam Oosterhoff
Executive Chief People Officer, Personal Banking & Business Partnering
HR’s Role in Communicating and Implementing Employee Experience
Kate Dee
Chief People Officer, APAC
Mental Health Matters: Fostering Resiliency & Wellbeing in Times of Uncertainty
- Unpacking the current challenges and uncertainties facing Australian’s today
- How can we foster physiologically safe spaces in the workplace for all employees?
- Sharing tips for avoiding managerial burnout
- Insights into to developing a comprehensive wellness program
Deborah Seeber
Chief People Officer
Chris Eaton
General Manager People & Culture
The Inclusion Revolution: Putting DEI into Practice
- How can we shift from being supporters of DEI to taking real, tangible action in the workplace?
- Unpacking DEI training and capacity building for individual and organisational change
- Emerging technology challenges and opportunities around accessibility in the workplace
- Allyship in action – how can allies recognise their position and truly show up for a group that they are not a part of?
Ingrid Massey
Director of People
Natasha Cuthbert
Chief People Officer
Navigating Legal Dynamics: Compliance & Employee Law in 2025 and Beyond
- What’s new? Assessing the industrial relations landscape in 2025
- Where should we be prioritising resources in a rapidly shifting environment?
- Tips for anticipating change in the workplace
Rebecca Donaldson
Chief People Officer
Sarah Jones
Chief Business Conduct Officer
Human Centered Approaches to People, Culture and a Thriving Workforce
Gemma Martin
Chief People Officer
Is HR Ready for the AI Revolution?
Michael Kim
Head of HR JAPAC & SAMEA
Marieke Bruinstroop
Former Chief People Officer
Marieke Bruinstroop
Former Chief People Officer
Talent as a Strategic Differentiator: How ANZ is Reshaping Skills, Learning and Leadership for the Future of Banking
Elisa Clements
Group Executive Talent & Culture
Leadership 3.0: The Secret to a Healthy Workforce
- What are the key leadership dilemmas that we need to address in the future of work?
- Understanding the impacts of leadership on employee engagement
- How can we foster relational leadership and agility?
Katie Hodgson
Chief People Officer
Jane Franks
Chief People Officer
Meegan Marshall
Chief People Officer
Melissa Irwin
Chief Data, People & Sustainability Office
Transformation With Purpose
Katharina Kuehn
Chief Strategy Officer
Unlocking Potential: Enhancing Workforce Agility Through Upskilling
- How are companies developing and implementing internal mobility initiatives to upskill and improve retention?
- How can we design new roles and career pathways to drive skills-based approaches?
- Examples of effective leadership development programs to support both new and existing leaders
Erika Takahashi
Chief People Officer
Kanella Salapatas
Head of People Data & Analytics
Shruti Ganeriwala
Head of Human Resources
Creating a Culture of Belonging
Jane Hill
People & Culture Director
Sarah Abbott
Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Marieke Bruinstroop
Former Chief People Officer
What’s included in my delegate pass
Access to Full Event Program
Exclusive Networking Opportunities
Executive Insights & Event Content
Delegate registration is strictly for in-house HR professionals. service providers, vendors and consultants are not permitted to register as delegates. If you are a service provider, vendor or consultant, please reach out to jessicaef@connectmedia.com to discuss your involvement.
Registrations will be reviewed for the correct rate, Connect Media reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone not paying the correct rate. Furthermore, we will not be responsible for travel costs if you do not pay the correct rate.
Join Our Invitation List
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Our Partners
Become A Partner
Celebrating its 13th year, the HR Leaders Forum is unparalleled in the level of delegates and speakers it attracts. The Forum is driven by an ambitious business agenda, and our audience is screened for seniority to ensure you are networking with the minds shaping business.
Our limited keynote and moderated panel speaking opportunities will effectively embed you in this top-end business community. Digital and physical brand activations, as well as consultations in dedicated activation spaces further enable you to engage with this decision-making audience.
As a marketing platform to demonstrate expertise, credibility and grow your business with HR professionals, the HR Leaders Forum offers unrivalled cut-through.
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Jessica Ewing-Flynn
ANZ Commercial Director
Tel: 0400 998 248
Email: jessicaef@connectmedia.com
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Tel: +61 2 8004 8590
Email: team@connectmedia.com
Venue & Accomodation
ICC SYDNEY
Cockle Bay Room: 14 Darling Drive, Sydney New South Wales 2000, Australia
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s included in my delegate pass?
A Delegate Pass includes access to all sessions, refreshment breaks, networking lunches, and access to provided speaker presentations. Please note: Sharing of speaker presentation’s is subject to approval from the guest speaker. One delegate ticket is entry for one person only, passes cannot be shared. Organiser’s reserve the right to deny entry to anyone not registered.
Is there a group booking discount?
Yes – groups of 3 people or more are entitled to a discount. Full discount information is available on our registration page. If you have any questions about how group bookings work, please contact team@connectmedia.com
Can I transfer my pass?
A delegate pass is entry for one person only, passes cannot be shared. A substitute delegate is welcome at any time prior to the event, provided the request is made in writing to team@connectmedia.com
How do I receive my delegate pass?
Following the completion of your registration, you will receive an email confirmation. We will contact you via email the day prior to the event with a QR code, to make your arrival as seamless as possible have your QR e-ticket ready and visible on your device.
Is media registration available?
No, this is a closed and confidential event. Media registrations are not available.
Cancellation Policy:
A full refund less a $250 (GST Inclusive) processing fee is applicable on cancellation requests made in writing within 10 days of registration. No refunds are available for cancellations made more than 10 days after registration. Where Connect Media is required to reschedule the event in the interest of the event partner’s and guests, your pass will be automatically transferred to the rescheduled dates. Should Connect Media be unable to offer, deliver or fulfil any engagement within 12 months, you will be entitled to a full refund.
What is a Service Provider?
A service provider refers to an individual or organisation who supplies products and/or services to the primary audience of the event.
Will there be a delegate list available?
No, Connect Media does not provide delegate lists to attendees.
Fraudulent activities
We’ve been alerted to instances of companies proposing to purchase and sell lists of attendees for our events. Please be assured, we do not engage in the sale or distribution of event-related data. Such companies have no association with us, and we are actively working to halt these deceptive practices.
Regrettably, this type of scam is not uncommon in the media industry. Any information purported to originate from our events and offered by a third party would be completely fabricated. Should you have doubts about the legitimacy of a potential supplier, we urge you to contact us directly.
For any additional questions please contact us on 02 8004 8590 or team@connectmedia.com.
Terms and Conditions
Delegate Pass:
Delegate Pass includes access to all sessions, refreshment breaks, networking lunches, networking drinks reception, and access to approved speaker presentations/on demand content. Please note: Sharing of speaker presentation’s is subject to approval from the guest speaker. One delegate ticket is entry for one person only, passes cannot be shared. Organiser’s reserve the right to deny entry to anyone not registered.
Digital Pass (only applicable for digital events):
A digital pass is valid for the use of 1 user and provides access to live content, inclusive of all keynotes, and sessions. The pass also includes access to approved speaker presentations/on demand content; this will be available to you via email in the week following the event. Please note: Sharing of speaker presentation’s is subject to approval from the guest speaker. Access must not be shared by multiple user’s or redistributed in any way. Organiser’s reserve the right to deny access to anyone who is found violating the above terms.
Payment & Discounts:
Only one promotional discount code can be applied per registrant. All prices and promotions are valid at the time of purchase only and may not be redeemed after the point of purchase.
Registrations will be reviewed for the correct rate, Connect Media reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone not paying the correct rate. Furthermore, we will not be responsible for travel costs if you do not pay the correct rate.
Organiser’s Rights:
Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd endeavours to ensure the conference programme and speaker line-up is correct at the time of the event. All advertised details are correct at time of publishing. Due to unforeseen circumstances Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd reserves the right to alter the programme prior to the event without notice. We also reserve the right to cancel or postpone the event. Where Connect Media is unable to run the event in the next 12 months (from the date of the event), you will be entitled to a full refund. In the unlikely event that it is cancelled or postponed, no compensation will be provided for cancelled/amended travel arrangements.
Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd reserves the right to deny access to any individual that engages in or is alleged to engage in practices that are considered unprofessional and inappropriate for a business conference. We reserve the right to deny access to delegates that may affect the client / vendor ratio of attendance in favour of the interests of sponsors and commercial partners of the event.
In registering for this event, delegates grant permission to Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd to take and to have full and free use of video/photographs containing their image/likeness for promotional use. Should a delegate not agree to the above image release, they must advise team@connectmedia.com.
Cancellation Policy:
A substitute delegate is welcome at any time provided the request is made in writing. A full refund less a $250 (GST Inclusive) processing fee is applicable on cancellation requests made in writing within 10 days of registration. No refunds are available for cancellations made more than 10 days after registration. Where Connect Media is required to reschedule the event in the interest of the event partner’s and guests, your pass will be automatically transferred to the rescheduled dates. Should you be provided with a credit note at the discretion of the event organisers, this credit is valid for the specified amount of passes, and not the monetary value. Should Connect Media be unable to offer, deliver or fulfil any engagement within 12 months, you will be entitled to a full refund.
Event Delivery:
In case of a change in government restrictions and advice, Connect Media reserves the right to make the decision to deliver the event completely digital, or completely in person. Should you hold a different pass, you are entitled to move your registration to digital/in person, or receive a credit for the following edition of the event.
Privacy Disclosure:
We take your privacy seriously. Information collected on this registration will be held in the strictest of confidence on a secure database. This information may be used in order to contact you regarding future events, product development and services offered. If you do not wish to be contacted please email team@connectmedia.com. To view our full privacy policy please visit: https://dashboard.connectmedia.com/privacy-policy/.
