2026 Agenda
Event Schedule
- 25 February - Conference Day One
- 26 February - Conference Day Two
- 24 February - Pre-conference Masterclass
Day/Stream
- Day/Stream
- 25 February - Conference Day One
- 26 February - Conference Day Two
- 24 February - Pre-conference Masterclass
Session Type
- Session Type
- Break
- Panel Discussion
- Masterclass
- Roundtables
- Skills Spotlight
Time
- Time
- Morning
- Midday
- Afternoon
- Night
09:00
Masterclass
24 February - Pre-conference Masterclass
Masterclass: Leadership, Communication & Negotiation for Women in Tech
Speaker
Speakers
Ellenor Cox
Executive Master Coach
GAIA Coaching
GAIA Coaching
24 February - Pre-conference Masterclass
Masterclass
Masterclass: Leadership, Communication & Negotiation for Women in Tech
09:00
In technology, expertise alone isn’t enough. The ability to communicate with impact, navigate complex conversations, and negotiate with confidence is what sets leaders apart. Yet too often, talented women find themselves holding back – whether through self-doubt, unclear self-advocacy, or the weight of competing workplace expectations. The solution? Building a leadership toolkit that blends self-awareness, communication mastery, and negotiation skills that create influence at every level.
This masterclass is designed for women in technology who want to step into leadership – whether formally managing people, leading projects, or shaping ideas. You will gain practical strategies to own your voice, strengthen your brand, and engage in challenging conversations with clarity and confidence.
What you will master:
Redefining Leadership
Clarity of Self
Confident Communication
Assertive Negotiation
Influence Without Authority
Applied Learning in Action
Three main takeaways:
This masterclass is designed for women who are ready to strengthen their leadership presence, expand their influence, and leave with renewed clarity, courage, and a deeper commitment to their career journey.
This masterclass is designed for women in technology who want to step into leadership – whether formally managing people, leading projects, or shaping ideas. You will gain practical strategies to own your voice, strengthen your brand, and engage in challenging conversations with clarity and confidence.
What you will master:
Redefining Leadership
- Leadership beyond titles and discovering what women uniquely bring to influence and authority
- Building confidence in leading and influencing without formal power
Clarity of Self
- Identifying your values, professional purpose, and USP or “zone of genius”
- Reigniting your personal brand for greater visibility and impact
Confident Communication
- Learning techniques to communicate with clarity and presence
- Addressing imposter syndrome and practicing self-advocacy
Assertive Negotiation
- Developing strategies for leaning in with assertiveness
- Handling difficult conversations and feedback constructively
Influence Without Authority
- Strengthening your ability to influence across stakeholders
- Navigating intergenerational workforce dynamics with awareness
Applied Learning in Action
- Scenario-based experiments, networking, and peer learning in a safe, supportive environment
Three main takeaways:
- Learning a practical approach to leadership, communication, and negotiation
- Building confidence to lead with influence, clarity, and courage
- Tools you can apply immediately to accelerate your career and impact
This masterclass is designed for women who are ready to strengthen their leadership presence, expand their influence, and leave with renewed clarity, courage, and a deeper commitment to their career journey.
Speaker
Speakers
Ellenor Cox
Executive Master Coach
GAIA Coaching
GAIA Coaching
08:15
25 February - Conference Day One
Registration and Welcome coffee
08:50
25 February - Conference Day One
Opening remarks from the chair
Speaker
Speakers
Renece Brewster
Co-Founder & Co-Managing Director
Her Tech Circle
Her Tech Circle
09:00
25 February - Conference Day One
Career playgrounds not paths - lessons in growth, rejection and resilience
Speaker
Speakers
Sarah Carney
National Chief Technology Officer ANZ
Microsoft
Microsoft
25 February - Conference Day One
Career playgrounds not paths - lessons in growth, rejection and resilience
09:00
A Drawing on a career spanning 14 roles, 3 continents, and 6 industries, explore the realities of building a career in technology. Sarah will share five essential lessons learned from navigating a “career playground” rather than a rigid path, and address how to reframe rejection and perceived blockers as opportunities for growth. The session challenges the myth of perfect timing and perfect plans, encouraging attendees to embrace discomfort with practical strategies for turning setbacks into stepping stones.
- The “career playground” mindset: why flexibility and exploration matter more than following a linear path
- Five lessons for career resilience: from knowing your superpowers to setting deadlines for discomfort
- Rejection and blockers: how to reframe setbacks as fuel for growth and innovation
Speaker
Speakers
Sarah Carney
National Chief Technology Officer ANZ
Microsoft
Microsoft
Practical steps to drive equity & advance careers
09:30
25 February - Conference Day One
Concrete strategies to elevate women in tech: leveraging processes, programs and action to move from awareness to results
Speaker
Speakers
Colleen Pender
Program Director
Nab
Nab
25 February - Conference Day One
Concrete strategies to elevate women in tech: leveraging processes, programs and action to move from awareness to results
09:30
- Transforming diversity goals into tangible outcomes that shift culture
- Becoming a champion for equity through mentoring, advocacy, and inclusive design
- Using data and evidence to drive accountability and systemic change
- Leveraging programs and processes to accelerate career progression at every level
Speaker
Speakers
Colleen Pender
Program Director
Nab
Nab
10:00
Panel Discussion
25 February - Conference Day One
Panel discussion: Triumphs, failures & lessons learned on the path to diversity & career success
Speaker
Speakers
Tracey Evans
Group Chief Information & Digital Officer
Virtus Health
Virtus Health
Pia Seeto
Technology Transition Lead & Head of Planning & Reporting Technology Governance
TPG Telecom
TPG Telecom
25 February - Conference Day One
Panel Discussion
Panel discussion: Triumphs, failures & lessons learned on the path to diversity & career success
10:00
In this interactive session, the panel will draw on specific experiences to reveal what has and hasn’t worked to drive true diversity and career progression for women in tech, and what each person in the room can do to help drive progress.
Speaker
Speakers
Tracey Evans
Group Chief Information & Digital Officer
Virtus Health
Virtus Health
Pia Seeto
Technology Transition Lead & Head of Planning & Reporting Technology Governance
TPG Telecom
TPG Telecom
10:50
Break
25 February - Conference Day One
Morning Tea & Networking
From disruption to opportunity: What's next in tech
11:20
25 February - Conference Day One
Adapting to a world of robotics & the impact on tech roles & careers
Speaker
Speakers
Miranda Ratajski
Chief Information Officer, Group Business Units
Westpac
Westpac
25 February - Conference Day One
Adapting to a world of robotics & the impact on tech roles & careers
11:20
- Examining where robotics is already reshaping industries and workplaces
- Understanding how automation is shifting roles and skill requirements
- Exploring practical ways to collaborate effectively with robotic systems
- Gaining insight into the ethical and workforce implications of robotics adoption
Speaker
Speakers
Miranda Ratajski
Chief Information Officer, Group Business Units
Westpac
Westpac
11:50
25 February - Conference Day One
Partner presentation
12:10
Skills Spotlight
25 February - Conference Day One
Empowering your team, organisation & career through digital transformation leadership
Speaker
Speakers
Carrie Hu
Chief Information Officer
New Aim
New Aim
25 February - Conference Day One
Skills Spotlight
Empowering your team, organisation & career through digital transformation leadership
12:10
- Navigating organisational challenges, resistance, and cultural shifts during transformation
- Leveraging leadership skills to inspire teams and deliver sustainable change
- Ensuring you keep pace with change so it furthers rather than slows your career
Speaker
Speakers
Carrie Hu
Chief Information Officer
New Aim
New Aim
12:40
Skills Spotlight
25 February - Conference Day One
Building resilience and adapting with agility
Speaker
Speakers
Dominique Barker
Chief Information Officer
Australian Institute of Family Studies
Australian Institute of Family Studies
25 February - Conference Day One
Skills Spotlight
Building resilience and adapting with agility
12:40
- Harnessing resilience and strengthening emotional intelligence to thrive amidst constant technological disruption
- Utilising strategies to pivot quickly, embrace change, and lead confidently
- Discovering real world stories and tools that empower women to turn challenges into opportunities
- Staying a step ahead of tech trends reshaping career paths, roles & responsibilities
Speaker
Speakers
Dominique Barker
Chief Information Officer
Australian Institute of Family Studies
Australian Institute of Family Studies
13:10
Break
25 February - Conference Day One
Networking Lunch
Building influence, impact & adaptability
14:10
Skills Spotlight
25 February - Conference Day One
Developing critical non-technical skills to open doors & improve project outcomes
Speaker
Speakers
Sam Love
Executive, Product & Technology
Quantium Telstra
Quantium Telstra
25 February - Conference Day One
Skills Spotlight
Developing critical non-technical skills to open doors & improve project outcomes
14:10
- Effective communication: presenting ideas persuasively and getting buy-in
- Influence & negotiation: securing resources, promotions, and support for your projects and career
- Personal branding & visibility: building a reputation for impact, reliability, and leadership
- Mentorship & advocacy: leveraging networks and sponsors to accelerate your career
- Resilience & adaptability: thriving through change and uncertainty while maintaining performance and growth
Speaker
Speakers
Sam Love
Executive, Product & Technology
Quantium Telstra
Quantium Telstra
14:40
Skills Spotlight
25 February - Conference Day One
Balancing tech expertise with commercial acumen: driving innovation from concept to commercialisation
Speaker
Speakers
Suneetha Boddulur
Chief Technology Officer
Service NSW
Service NSW
25 February - Conference Day One
Skills Spotlight
Balancing tech expertise with commercial acumen: driving innovation from concept to commercialisation
14:40
- Learning how to move ideas from brainstorming to real-world solutions
- Understanding the key stages of product development and market entry
- Exploring strategies for building effective partnerships and collaborations
- Gaining practical insights to overcome common roadblocks to innovation
Speaker
Speakers
Suneetha Boddulur
Chief Technology Officer
Service NSW
Service NSW
15:10
Break
25 February - Conference Day One
Afternoon Tea & Networking
Interactive champagne roundtables
15:50
Roundtables
25 February - Conference Day One
Interactive Roundtables
25 February - Conference Day One
Roundtables
Interactive Roundtables
15:50
Discuss ideas, gain practical tips, and work through challenges faced by women across the tech landscape. This is a unique opportunity to have all your questions answered while you network and build relationships with people you otherwise may not have access to. You will be able to choose three of the below to attend with each roundtable running concurrently over three time slots:
Round 1: 15.50 - 16.20
Round 2: 16.20 to 16.50
Round 3: 16.50 to 17.20
Round 1: 15.50 - 16.20
Round 2: 16.20 to 16.50
Round 3: 16.50 to 17.20
Roundtables
25 February - Conference Day One
Roundtable 1: Navigating new horizons: identifying & moving into new roles & career opportunities
Speaker
Speakers
Emma Taylor
Head of Technology
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia
Roundtables
25 February - Conference Day One
Roundtable 2: Wellbeing and work-life integration: how to make it work for you
Roundtables
25 February - Conference Day One
Roundtable 3: Thriving in the AI age by leveraging the technology as an opportunity & not a challenge
Speaker
Speakers
Aruna Pattam
Head of AI Platforms
Zurich Insurance
Zurich Insurance
Roundtables
25 February - Conference Day One
Roundtable 4: Shaping high impact culture & high performance through leadership
Roundtables
25 February - Conference Day One
Roundtable 5: Interview power play: landing your next role in tech
Speaker
Speakers
Hayley Sheppard
Head of Digital Solutions
TasNetworks
TasNetworks
Roundtables
25 February - Conference Day One
Roundtable 6: Overcoming imposter syndrome: strategies to build confidence and thrive
17:20
25 February - Conference Day One
Closing remarks from the Chair
17:30
25 February - Conference Day One
End of Day 1 & Networking Drinks
18:45
25 February - Conference Day One
Official Event Dinner
08:30
Break
26 February - Conference Day Two
Welcome coffee
08:50
26 February - Conference Day Two
Opening remarks from the chair
Moving beyond the traditional path & thriving in tech
09:00
26 February - Conference Day Two
Future-proof or fade out – reinventing your skills & career in the AI era
Speaker
Speakers
Lucy Poole
Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Strategy, Planning & Performance
Digital Transformation Agency
Digital Transformation Agency
26 February - Conference Day Two
Future-proof or fade out – reinventing your skills & career in the AI era
09:00
- Diversifying skills to leverage emerging tech and meet workforce and professional development needs
- Navigating changing expectations of leaders and the blurring between ‘tech’ and ‘generalist’ skills
- Leveraging AI to provide workforce support and the notion of AI workforces
Speaker
Speakers
Lucy Poole
Deputy Chief Executive Officer – Strategy, Planning & Performance
Digital Transformation Agency
Digital Transformation Agency
09:30
Panel Discussion
26 February - Conference Day Two
Panel discussion: Finding success in non-traditional tech paths: maximising diverse and non-linear career trajectories
Moderator
Jacqueline Linke
Director Maritime Technology Delivery
Transport for NSW
Transport for NSW
Speaker
Speakers
Romina Sharifpour
Group Chief Engineer – Generative AI
Commonwealth Bank
Commonwealth Bank
Suzie Cardwell
Chief Data Product & Technology Officer
Nine
Nine
May Lam
Chief Information Officer
Australian Payments Plus
Australian Payments Plus
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Nicole Nixon
Chief Executive Officer
Five Faces
Five Faces
26 February - Conference Day Two
Panel Discussion
Panel discussion: Finding success in non-traditional tech paths: maximising diverse and non-linear career trajectories
09:30
- How can diverse backgrounds bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas?
- What transferable non-tech skills can translate seamlessly into tech skills, and vice versa?
- How can you redefine your tech career narrative and challenge the idea that tech success requires a traditional path?
Moderator
Jacqueline Linke
Director Maritime Technology Delivery
Transport for NSW
Transport for NSW
Speaker
Speakers
Romina Sharifpour
Group Chief Engineer – Generative AI
Commonwealth Bank
Commonwealth Bank
Suzie Cardwell
Chief Data Product & Technology Officer
Nine
Nine
May Lam
Chief Information Officer
Australian Payments Plus
Australian Payments Plus
Nicole Nixon
Chief Executive Officer
Five Faces
Five Faces
10:20
Break
26 February - Conference Day Two
Morning Tea & Networking
10:50
26 February - Conference Day Two
Owning your journey: how to advocate for yourself at every career stage
Speaker
Speakers
Forough Khandan
Chief Technology Officer
EMVision Medical Devices
EMVision Medical Devices
26 February - Conference Day Two
Owning your journey: how to advocate for yourself at every career stage
10:50
- Consistently showcasing your strengths, values and achievements
- Proactively expressing goals and interests that align with your desired career path
- Confidently negotiating and setting your own boundaries
- Capitalising on successes and bouncing back from setbacks
Speaker
Speakers
Forough Khandan
Chief Technology Officer
EMVision Medical Devices
EMVision Medical Devices
11:20
26 February - Conference Day Two
Partner presentation
AI innovation, risk & responsibility
11:40
26 February - Conference Day Two
Coding fairness: women leading the ethical AI revolution
Speaker
Speakers
Gabriella Hepworth
Data Ethics & AI Governance Lead
Medibank
Medibank
26 February - Conference Day Two
Coding fairness: women leading the ethical AI revolution
11:40
- Why diverse teams are critical to breaking hidden bias in algorithms
- Building responsibility into AI systems from the ground up
- How women in tech can actively steer AI toward equitable outcomes
Speaker
Speakers
Gabriella Hepworth
Data Ethics & AI Governance Lead
Medibank
Medibank
12:20
26 February - Conference Day Two
Rethinking AI: common enterprise missteps and how to get It right
Speaker
Speakers
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Dominique Harrison-Bentzen
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
Luniate
Luniate
26 February - Conference Day Two
Rethinking AI: common enterprise missteps and how to get It right
12:20
- Shiny toy syndrome: why most AI projects fail before they even start
- Humans first, tech second: the mindset shift every enterprise needs
- Lasting impact: how to build AI that delivers long-term value
Speaker
Speakers
Dominique Harrison-Bentzen
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
Luniate
Luniate
12:50
Break
26 February - Conference Day Two
Networking Lunch
13:50
26 February - Conference Day Two
Harnessing the power of agentic AI & navigating the risks
Speaker
Speakers
Gaby Carney
Senior Fellow, Strategic AI, UTS Human Technology Institute
University of Technology Sydney
University of Technology Sydney
26 February - Conference Day Two
Harnessing the power of agentic AI & navigating the risks
13:50
- Exploring how agentic AI moves beyond traditional models to autonomously set goals, make decisions, and adapt in complex environments
- Diving into multi-agent frameworks, memory systems, and planning algorithms that allow AI agents to operate with minimal human intervention
- Understanding the opportunities and risks for organisations across industries
- Exploring what leaders need to know about governance, trust, adoption & the impact on tech professionals
Speaker
Speakers
Gaby Carney
Senior Fellow, Strategic AI, UTS Human Technology Institute
University of Technology Sydney
University of Technology Sydney
Embracing collaboration and broadening skill sets
14:20
Skills Spotlight
26 February - Conference Day Two
Achieving success through cross-team collaboration
Speaker
Speakers
Sarah Vale
Head of Technology Architecture
Domain
Domain
26 February - Conference Day Two
Skills Spotlight
Achieving success through cross-team collaboration
14:20
- Breaking down silos by working effectively across your whole organisation - product, engineering, legal, and beyond
- Strengthening communication to align diverse teams around shared goals
- Contributing to ethical, accountable outcomes no matter your role or level
- Applying enterprise architecture practices to build trust and improve results
Speaker
Speakers
Sarah Vale
Head of Technology Architecture
Domain
Domain
14:50
Break
26 February - Conference Day Two
Afternoon Tea & Networking
15:10
Skills Spotlight
26 February - Conference Day Two
Thriving through change: tech driven transformation for everyone
Speaker
Speakers
Shantell Williams
Chief Technology Officer
Tiimely
Tiimely
26 February - Conference Day Two
Skills Spotlight
Thriving through change: tech driven transformation for everyone
15:10
- Unlocking new skills, career growth and smarter ways of working
- Business change isn't just for leaders – how to contribute and shape outcomes
- Exploring and encouraging your abilities to embrace new tools and systems
Speaker
Speakers
Shantell Williams
Chief Technology Officer
Tiimely
Tiimely
The future of women in tech
15:40
Panel Discussion
26 February - Conference Day Two
Panel discussion: Empowering the next generation of women in tech
Moderator
Susan Gibson
Head of Data Analytics & AI
University of Technology Sydney
University of Technology Sydney
Speaker
Speakers
Katrina Troughton
Vice President & Managing Director
Adobe ANZ
Adobe ANZ
Natalie Saunders
Head of Technology – Service Management
AGL
AGL
Margo Stephen
Chief Technology Officer
Yarra Trams
Yarra Trams
Stevie-Ann Dovico
Group Executive for Technology & Chief Information Officer
Beyond Bank Australia
Beyond Bank Australia
26 February - Conference Day Two
Panel Discussion
Panel discussion: Empowering the next generation of women in tech
15:40
- How can we establish strong networks and communities to share experiences, resources, and support women in tech?
- How can we promote policies that address gender disparities, such as equal pay, parental leave, and flexible working conditions, to help women advance their careers?
- What can we do to inspire and provide opportunities for girls at a young age to explore STEM fields through outreach programs, hands-on activities, and mentorship?
Moderator
Susan Gibson
Head of Data Analytics & AI
University of Technology Sydney
University of Technology Sydney
Speaker
Speakers
Katrina Troughton
Vice President & Managing Director
Adobe ANZ
Adobe ANZ
Natalie Saunders
Head of Technology – Service Management
AGL
AGL
Margo Stephen
Chief Technology Officer
Yarra Trams
Yarra Trams
Stevie-Ann Dovico
Group Executive for Technology & Chief Information Officer
Beyond Bank Australia
Beyond Bank Australia
16:20
26 February - Conference Day Two
Closing remarks from the Chair
16:30
26 February - Conference Day Two
End of Women in Tech Fest 2026
Day/Stream
- Day/Stream
- 25 February - Conference Day One
- 26 February - Conference Day Two
- 24 February - Pre-conference Masterclass
- 25 February - Conference Day One
- 26 February - Conference Day Two
- 24 February - Pre-conference Masterclass