26th - 27th August 2026
Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
MC & Keynote Speakers
Christina Morrissy
Conference MC
Returning for a second year, your host for this year’s conference has worked in our industry before- Christina Morrissy spent her teen years and university days as a lifeguard at the Mandurah Aquatic Centre and now volunteers each summer with Surf Life Saving WA. These days, she’s better known as a television and radio presenter, international MC, and communications coach. Christina co-hosts Destination WA and Innovation Nation TV, and brings her trademark warmth, humour and professionalism to events across the country. She’s proud to be part of the LIWA Aquatics Conference and looks forward to keeping things running smoothly across both days.
Jelena Dokic
Tennis Champion
Jelena Dokic is one of Australia’s most inspiring sporting figures, celebrated not only for her remarkable achievements on the tennis court, but for her courage, resilience and powerful advocacy beyond it. A former world No.4 and Wimbledon semi-finalist, Jelena burst onto the international stage at just 16 years old when she defeated world No.1 Martina Hingis at Wimbledon in one of the sport’s greatest upsets. She went on to enjoy a successful career that included multiple WTA titles, grand slam quarter and semi-final appearances, and representing Australia at the Olympic Games. Behind the success, however, was a deeply personal story of adversity and survival. A two-time refugee, Jelena endured years of hardship, bullying and abuse throughout her childhood and professional career. Her decision to publicly share her experiences through her bestselling books Unbreakable and Fearless resonated with audiences across the world, establishing her as an influential voice for mental health awareness, resilience and personal empowerment. In 2024, her story reached new audiences through the critically acclaimed documentary Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story, which became a number one hit and earned major industry recognition in 2025. Today, Jelena is a respected commentator, columnist, TEDx speaker and media personality, widely recognised for her honesty, insight and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Jelena’s journey is one of perseverance, courage and hope — a reminder that strength is not only measured by victories, but by the ability to rise, rebuild and inspire others along the way.
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Michael McQueen
Futurist
Michael McQueen is an internationally recognised keynote speaker, bestselling author and award-winning trend forecaster who has helped organisations around the world navigate change, stay competitive and prepare for the future. Known for his engaging style and practical insights, Michael has built a reputation as one of Australia’s leading voices on innovation, disruption and the shifts shaping business and society. For more than two decades, Michael has worked with major brands, industry groups and government organisations across Australia and internationally, delivering research-driven insights on emerging trends, customer behaviour, leadership and the future of work. His ability to translate complex change into practical strategies has made him a sought-after advisor to companies looking to remain agile in rapidly evolving environments. Michael is the bestselling author of nine books, including The New Now, Mindstuck, and Teaching for Tomorrow, with his work translated into multiple languages. His research has featured across major media outlets including Forbes, The Huffington Post and CNN, and he has been recognised internationally for his expertise in helping organisations anticipate disruption and embrace opportunity. An accomplished presenter and passionate storyteller, Michael is known for combining humour, energy and thought-provoking insights that challenge audiences to think differently about the future. His presentations inspire leaders and teams to remain adaptable, innovative and ready to thrive in times of uncertainty and transformation.
Julian Pace
Founder & CEO of Happiness Co
Julian Pace is an award-winning keynote speaker, mental health advocate and Founder & CEO of Happiness Co, a social enterprise dedicated to improving mental wellbeing and creating positive social impact across Australia. Known as “The Happiness Guy”, Julian has inspired audiences in more than 10 countries through his powerful storytelling, practical strategies and deeply authentic approach to resilience, leadership and personal growth. After losing his father to suicide on his 21st birthday, Julian spent years battling grief and adversity before rebuilding his life with a mission to help others do the same. Today, he combines lived experience with the science of happiness and human behaviour to empower individuals and organisations to build resilience, improve wellbeing and create meaningful change. A Paul Harris Fellow, Australian of the Year finalist and multiple award winner, Julian has delivered keynote presentations and workshops for leading organisations, schools and community groups across the country. Through Happiness Co and the Happiness Co Foundation, he has helped raise more than $1 million for mental health initiatives and positively impacted hundreds of thousands of lives.
Mick Colliss
Keynote Speaker, Author, Writer, Sport Commentator
Mick Colliss is a gifted storyteller with a truly unforgettable — and very funny — story to tell. Widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading keynote speakers, Mick has built a reputation for inspiring audiences through humour, authenticity and a uniquely Australian perspective on resilience and determination. As a young boy, Mick dreamed of one day representing Australia in sport. Unfortunately, he quickly discovered that desire was no substitute for ability. After unsuccessful attempts at cricket, rugby league, rugby union, surf lifesaving and even lawn bowls, most people would have given up. Mick didn’t. Packed with powerful messages about resilience, finding alternative ways to achieve your goals, embracing failure and thinking outside the box, Mick’s presentation is not only highly entertaining, but deeply relatable and inspiring. Mick has presented to audiences across Australia and internationally in Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, China, Vietnam, Singapore, London, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea. In 2024, he performed sold-out shows at the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Peter Bell
Athlete
Peter Bell is one of Australian football’s most respected figures, known not only for an outstanding AFL career but for a remarkable personal journey of resilience, identity and perseverance. Born in Korea and adopted into a family in regional Western Australia, Peter overcame racism, rejection and significant setbacks to become a dual AFL Premiership player, dual All Australian and Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee. Beyond football, Peter’s search to reconnect with his birth family became a life-changing journey of self-discovery, ultimately leading to reunions with both his birth mother and father. The experience shaped his perspective on leadership, belonging and personal growth, themes that continue to resonate deeply with audiences. A qualified lawyer, former AFL executive, media commentator and passionate mentor, Peter brings a wealth of experience in leadership, culture and team development. Through a powerful blend of honesty, humour and inspiration, Peter shares lessons on overcoming adversity, embracing change and finding strength through life’s greatest challenges. His story is both deeply personal and universally relatable, leaving audiences inspired long after he leaves the stage For more than two decades, Michael has worked with major brands, industry groups and government organisations across Australia and internationally, delivering research-driven insights on emerging trends, customer behaviour, leadership and the future of work. His ability to translate complex change into practical strategies has made him a sought-after advisor to companies looking to remain agile in rapidly evolving environments. Michael is the bestselling author of nine books, including The New Now, Mindstuck, and Teaching for Tomorrow, with his work translated into multiple languages. His research has featured across major media outlets including Forbes, The Huffington Post and CNN, and he has been recognised internationally for his expertise in helping organisations anticipate disruption and embrace opportunity. An accomplished presenter and passionate storyteller, Michael is known for combining humour, energy and thought-provoking insights that challenge audiences to think differently about the future. His presentations inspire leaders and teams to remain adaptable, innovative and ready to thrive in times of uncertainty and transformation.
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Simon Forrest
Welcome to Country
Simon Forrest is a Wadjuk Ballardong Nyoongar man with kinship connections to the Badimia and Wongutha peoples, and a highly respected Elder within the Western Australian community. Beginning his career as a teacher, Simon worked across a diverse range of educational settings including remote Aboriginal communities, rural towns and regional centres, before moving into senior leadership roles in Aboriginal education, curriculum development and Indigenous affairs policy. Simon also enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the university sector, working at Curtin University from 1983 until his retirement in 2019. Throughout his career, he has been deeply committed to advancing Aboriginal education, cultural understanding and community engagement across Western Australia. As a Wadjuk Elder, Simon has performed Welcome to Country ceremonies and Smokings at numerous international, national and state events, including major sporting fixtures for the West Coast Eagles and Western Force, university graduations, conferences, school events and community gatherings. His warmth, knowledge and cultural leadership continue to make a lasting impact across the community.