20-21 MAY 2025 | SYDNEY | AMORA HOTEL JAMISON
Navigating Complexity, Building Resilience, Shaping perspectives
In today’s evolving landscape, corporate affairs leaders have had to adapt rapidly – reassessing their priorities and approaches to navigate what feels like a constant permacrisis. Join the Corporate Affairs Summit 2025 and tackle these leading challenges facing the industry. Designed with strategy and tactics at its core, this event will be a catalyst for leaders looking to efficiently navigate complexity, manage uncertainty all while fulfilling their corporate objectives. The time is now to embrace change, build resilience and create the advantage needed to unlock corporate success for the future.
Why Attend
- 1Valuable Insights
- 2Candid Discussions
- 3Networking Opportunities
- 4Expert Speakers
2025 Speakers
Ben LaBolt
Jay Paxton
Chief Public Affairs Officer, Deputy Strategic Communications
Vivienne Bower
Group Executive Corporate Affairs & Sustainability & Chair QBE Global Foundation
Viv joined QBE in 2017 and was appointed Group Executive, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability in 2019 and since 2017 has been the Chair for the QBE Global Foundation. She previously held senior investor relations and corporate affairs roles, including Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations at Lendlease, Head of Group Internal Communications at Westpac and Group General Manager of Communications at Multiplex Group.
Megan Whiteside
Vice President Corporate Affairs & Communications ANZ
Megan Whiteside is Vice President of Corporate Affairs & Communications for American Express A/NZ, responsible for leading internal and external corporate communications, public relations, and corporate sustainability across the organization.
Megan has more than 20 years’ experience delivering communications solutions for multimillion dollar brands in travel and financial services. Through her work she regularly demonstrates the value of the corporate affairs function to influence brand perception and business performance.
Megan joined American Express ten years ago from Commonwealth Bank, where she was Senior Manager Communications for the Retail Bank. Prior to this Megan worked in London for Hilton Hotels, managing Brand PR for International.
Megan is a graduate of Griffith University with a Bachelor of Communications. She started her professional career in television news production in regional Australia before moving into public relations to explore her passion for creative writing.
Renée McCarthy
Director of Corporate Affairs
Lachlan Andrews
Head of Corporate and Internal Communications
Lachlan Andrews is the Head of Corporate and Internal Communications at Canva, the global online design platform and one of the world’s most valuable private technology companies. Lachlan leads the teams responsible for Canva’s business, product, financial, executive, employee, and policy communications. He is also an advisor to several startups and a guest lecturer on communications at the University of Western Sydney. Prior to joining Canva, Lachlan began his career in government and education communications. He currently resides in Sydney, Australia.
Dan Holland
Director, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability
Dan has successfully delivered responsibility & community programs, as well as being involved in key circular economy projects including the establishment of container deposit schemes.
Roger Sharp
Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer APAC
Roger has been responsible for developing and leading the implementation of Bupa’s sustainability, strategic communications and government engagement work across Asia Pacific. He is a strong believer in driving progressive change while ensuring care for our people, planet and communities. He has also held senior leadership roles with the Victorian Government’s Department of Health and Human Services, Treasury Wine Estates, Cadbury and Kraft Foods. Roger’s considerable international experience includes roles for Telefonica Europe and for the British Government as Special Adviser to the Minister for Science, Technology & Innovation, the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry and the Secretary of State of Culture, Media & Sport. Roger holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Studies, and a Master of Political Studies (Hons.), from the University of Auckland, New Zealand. In 2022, Sustainability Magazine named him one of the world’s Top 100 Sustainability Leaders. He has previously held Board positions at Wine Victoria, the Wine Communicators of Australia, and has recently been appointed to the Industry Advisory Board, Faculty of Science at UTS, and the National Board of the Y (formerly YMCA) Australia. Roger is the proud father of two children. He is a passionate supporter of both Manchester City FC and the New Zealand All Blacks. He enjoys film, music, travel and wine.
Peter Filopoulos
Chief Corporate Affairs, Brand & Communications Officer
Stephanie Belton
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer & General Counsel
Haydn Lane
Chief Communications Officer
Bianca Aguis
Senior Director Impact & Corporate Relations
Sarah Macartney
Director Corporate Communications, PR & ESG
Amanda Lampe
Director of Corporate Relations
Fiona Landis
Chief of Corporate Affairs
As Chief of Corporate Affairs at the Australian Banking Association, Fiona is responsible for leading the media, government relations, research and campaign functions. This involves her having a pivotal role in shaping the Australian banking industry’s reputation.
Fiona was previously Director of Government Relations at the ABA, during which time she helped lead the sector’s response to the Banking Royal Commission recommendations.
Fiona has two decades of professional experience in politics, public policy development and issues campaigning in roles as a consultant, in-house at listed companies and associations as well as within government. She has a deep understanding of the parliamentary process. She has advised Cabinet Ministers, senior corporate leaders and has extensive experience in managing high profile communications campaigns.
Amanda Wallace
General Manager Corporate Communications
Aaron Dowling
Director, Global Corporate Communications
Aaron is the Director of Corporate Communications for Cochlear – the world leader in implantable hearing solutions, following the invention of the multichannel cochlear implant in Australia.
Aaron joined Cochlear in 2018. In his role, he oversees global external and internal communications. He is responsible for the long-term enterprise communications strategy for Cochlear, ensuring communications changes stakeholder behaviour, and strengthens Cochlear’s brand reputation. This includes leading the global corporate communications team, and enabling cross-functional headquarters, regional and country teams to communicate effectively.
Prior to Cochlear, Aaron led teams across global communications consultancies in London, New York, and Sydney. He has over 15 years’ experience in communications, marketing, and sales, primarily for pharmaceutical, MedTech, and not-for-profit organisations. He has a BSc (Hons) in Neuroscience and is a Certified Digital Marketing Professional.
Gareth Trickey
Director - Communications APAC
Gareth Trickey is Director of Communications, Asia Pacific – Baxter Kidney Care (Vantive)
Gareth joined Baxter in 2016. He has served as head of Government Affairs and Communications for Asia Pacific since 2022. Prior to this role he was Director of Government Affairs and Communications for Australia and New Zealand.
Gareth has more than 15 years of experience in brand management, media relations, government engagement, policy development, reputation management and public relations working in the medical technology, transport and energy sectors for corporations and government. Gareth started his career as a newspaper journalist for Australia’s largest daily newspaper – Herald Sun.
Gareth has a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and university Bachelor Degree in International Policy Studies and Communications.
Bill Thomas
General Manager of Corporate Affairs
Bill Thomas is General Manager Public Relations at Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA), a position he has held for 12 years. A former Editor of Wheels Magazine in Australia and Associate Editor of BBC Top Gear Magazine in the UK, Bill spent 19 years as an automotive journalist prior to joining Hyundai. He has written for media giants such as The Times in London and Car and Driver in the United States, and over his time as a journalist drove nearly every supercar in creation, including a test of three Bugatti Veyrons in one day alongside Top Gear’s The Stig. Now Bill helps tell the incredible stories of the world’s most ambitious and future-focused car company, Hyundai, based at HMCA’s HQ in Macquarie Park, Sydney.
Scott MacKillop
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Before joining Snowy Hydro, Scott led the team delivering community engagement and reputation outcomes for Sydney’s new global gateway, Western Sydney International Airport. He has also held senior public affairs roles in transport and infrastructure across the NSW Government.
Scott started his career in broadcasting, including as a producer at leading news/talk station 2GB and writing for News Australia digital channels.
Mathew Keenan
Head of Corporate Affairs
Adam Kilgour
Managing Director
Speakers
Sessions
and 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
Adam Kilgour
Managing Director
Safeguarding Company Integrity: Navigating Conflict in 2025
- Assessing the current social-political landscape – what challenges & opportunities lie ahead for companies?
- How can we balance risk with taking appropriate action to stay ahead for the future?
- What tools & strategies can be used to mitigate risk & preserve corporate reputation?
- How can we adapt these approaches to navigating conflict on a global scale?
Sarah Macartney
Director Corporate Communications, PR & ESG
Megan Whiteside
Vice President Corporate Affairs & Communications ANZ
Stephanie Belton
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer & General Counsel
The Role of Corporate Communications in Combatting Disinformation
- How is the role of corporate communications evolving in the current landscape?
- What role does AI currently play in disinformation? What impact will it have on truth/authenticity in the future?
- What challenges must be considered by corporate communicators when tackling disinformation in our growing digital landscape?
- How do we build trust with stakeholders & consumers in times of division & misinformation?
Fiona Landis
Chief of Corporate Affairs
Scott MacKillop
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Aaron Dowling
Director, Global Corporate Communications
Purpose-Driven Storytelling: Crafting Your Authentic Brand Narrative with Impact
- How do you define purpose in your brand identity?
- How does your purpose underpin your ESG strategy?
- How can we build trust through authenticity & align corporate actions with values?
- Sharing goals, strategies, & tactics for crafting & communicating sustainability & impact narratives
Peter Filopoulos
Chief Corporate Affairs, Brand & Communications Officer
Bill Thomas
General Manager of Corporate Affairs
Gareth Trickey
Director - Communications APAC
Bianca Aguis
Senior Director Impact & Corporate Relations
Adam Kilgour
Managing Director
Adam Kilgour
Managing Director
Cultivating Connection: Inclusive Approaches to Next Gen Corporate Affairs
- Setting the scene – how is the current landscape shifting? How does DEI play into the corporate affairs function combined with HR & Legal?
- How does DEI shape your reputation?
- What strategic frameworks can be implemented companywide to deliver more inclusive, internal & external communications?
- How can leaders dramatically scale their DEI measurement & accountability efforts to ensure that inclusion goals are not just commitments, but tangible actions?
Haydn Lane
Chief Communications Officer
Dan Holland
Director, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability
Bridging the Digital Divide: Navigating AI & Emerging Technology for Communications Excellence
- Unpacking the challenges & opportunities of AI: Evaluating ethics & use-cases in the corporate affairs context
- How can we leverage AI efficiently as a starting point for creativity & effective communications?
- How do we balance innovation with implementation & operational efficiency across internal teams?
- How far ahead should we be planning when devising future digital strategies?
Lachlan Andrews
Head of Corporate and Internal Communications
Amanda Wallace
General Manager Corporate Communications
Mathew Keenan
Head of Corporate Affairs
From Insights to Impact: Harnessing Data for Purpose-Driven ESG Strategies
- How can we interpret data insights to shape purpose driven strategy & objectives business wide?
- How should ESG data be quantified?
- How should businesses be measuring the effectiveness of there ESG & sustainability initiatives? What are the relevant data points that should be leveraged?
- What strategies can be leveraged to ensure sustainability programs drive growth & performance across businesses?
Renée McCarthy
Director of Corporate Affairs
Amanda Lampe
Director of Corporate Relations
Roger Sharp
Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer APAC
Adam Kilgour
Managing Director
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 Corporate Affairs and Communications professionals from consumer or government facing organisations. Please note, service providers are not permitted to attend through standard delegate registration. If you are a Service Provider, please email zoeb@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.
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Our Partners
Become A Partner
Celebrating its 15th year, the Corporate Affairs Summit is unparalleled in the level of delegates and speakers it attracts.
The Summit 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 the Corporate Affairs and Communication profession, the Corporate Affairs Summit offers unrivalled cut-through.
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
GENERAL ENQUIRIES
Tel: +61 2 8004 8590
Email: team@connectmedia.com
Venue & Accomodation
amora hotel jamison Sydney
11 Jamison St, Sydney NSW 2000.
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/.
