INTRODUCING OUR MC....

MONICA TRAPAGA, TV PRESENTER

BIOGRAPHY:
Monica Trapaga is one of the nation’s most loved talents. She appeals to all ages, all demographics, and her ability to successfully entertain the masses each and every time is truly amazing. Monica is known for her work on the Australian children’s series Play School, as a Television presenter and Jazz singer but she is also an accomplished, actress and author.

Hilariously funny and the ultimate professional, Monica’s versatility and dynamic energy lends itself perfectly to every type of conference and event, whether as an MC, speaker or singer. Her warm, engaging, interactive style with audiences, alongside her fabulous stage presence and amazing voice gives you the ultimate entertainer that will engage your audience from the very first second she steps on stage!

Monica's professional career began as the femme fatale front person in the outrageously entertaining 1940’s inspired "Pardon Me Boys", alongside her brother, notorious ex-punk rocker Ignatius Jones.

At nineteen, with a baby under one arm and a suitcase in the other, Monica stepped into the glamorous world of swing, sin and entertainment. Pardon Me Boys was her baptism of fire, a chance to recreate the glamour of a bygone era and learn the ropes as an all round entertainer. For three years Pardon Me Boys opened every Hotel and Casino dazzling audiences with their upbeat, witty take on Hot Jazz and Cabaret.

As if gigging all over the country wasn’t enough to keep her busy, Trapaga thought it was a good idea to get a job on ABC's "Play School" (she’d just married her tenor saxophone player and her daughter was starting to sing and dance). This was a role she held for more than 10 years. She recorded the theme song of "Banana's in Pyjamas" then released five children's videos, and five CDs of her own.

Her first solo video, "Monica’s House" sold over 165 000 copies. While all this was going on Trapaga snuck out another child, then shortly after was offered the Decorating presenter’s role on multi-Logie award-winning lifestyle program Better Homes and Gardens, which she filmed for the next six years.

After 15 years entertaining children by day, and adults by night, she deferred to the dark world of Mickey Mouse and made 325 episodes of Playhouse Disney for the Asian Disney Channel, and for Australia’s Channel 7. She also worked on many ad campaigns, and was the spokesperson for a string of charity organisations. In 2004 Trapaga made the controversial Kellogg’s Cocopops Commercial that offended some over anxious parents and stunned some bored nutritionalists thus halting a twenty five year run on television.

Monica looks forward to welcoming you to an entertaining few days!            

JORDAN NGUYEN, TV PRESENTER AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEER

BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Jordan Nguyen is a young man on a mission to change the world. He is an acclaimed thought leader on the intersection between technology and humanity.

At a moment of the most extraordinary breakthroughs in our understanding of the human brain, Jordan has a magical combination of technical brilliance with the unique ability to inspire people.

A truly inspirational communicator, Jordan presents on technology and the power of the mind at prestigious events internationally including Think Inc., Wired for Wonder, and the Engineering for Medicine and Biology Conference – the world’s largest annual biomedical conference.

Upon completing his PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney, Jordan was accepted into the prestigious UTS Chancellor’s List. Now his mission is to improve the lives of as many people as possible. As founder of Psykinetic he designs life-changing technologies focusing on intelligent, futuristic and inclusive technology.

Drawing on his experience of almost breaking his own neck, Jordan developed a mind-controlled smart wheelchair for people with high-level physical disability.

A hot topic of discussion in the media, Jordan’s amazing work has been featured in a range of TV, radio, magazine and newspaper interviews, including ABC’s Catalyst and Channel TEN’s The Project.

Jordan is a NSW State Finalist for Australian of the Year 2017.

As a speaker Jordan has the ability to translate highly technical concepts and future trends into clear and concise content, relevant to any organisation looking to proactively embrace and adapt to technological change. His recent documentary, 'Becoming Superhuman' won the 2017 Eureka Prize for Science Journalism, adding to the list of numerous awards it has achieved so far:

*Winner ATOM Award Best Factual Television Series Australia 2016
*Winner ROCKIE Award Best Science and Technology, BANFF
*World Media Festival, Canada 2017
*Winner Gold award for NSW ACS awards Australia 2016
*Winner Best Documentary Picture This International Disability
*Film Festival, Canada. 2016
*Winner Gold REMI Award 50th Annual International Independent
*Film Festival, WorldFest, USA. 2016
*Finalist Department of Industry, Innovation and Science Eureka
*Prize for Science Journalism
*Official Selection SUPER GEEK Film Festival Florida Supercon USA
*Official Selection SCINEMA International Science Festival, Australia
*Official Selection ASSIM VIVEMOS International Disability Film Festival, Brazil


With thanks to our Opening Keynote Speaker Sponsor

ELIZABETH SHOESMITH, FOUNDER & CEO, THE INCLUSIVE FOUNDATION

BIOGRAPHY:
Dr Elizabeth Shoesmith on a mission to create a world where everyone is included and valued for their difference. Combining her 20+ years of expertise in organisational transformation for Asia Pacific’s most notable organisations, a PhD in organisational culture and behaviour, and passion for inclusion; she has set the global benchmark for inclusion.

Elizabeth has thrown away the labels that distinguish the differences between people and only serve to divide us. Rather, her focus is on meeting the specific needs of all people while also advocating and empowering the traditionally under-represented and under-employed.Her innovative, yet pragmatic, approach is creating a global movement of change through the organisations, governments, and institutions we all interact with on a daily basis.

As a professional speaker and facilitator, you will be engaged and inspired to make a difference and take action toward creating a world where everyone is included.

BRONWYN WEIR, LAWYER AND CONSULTANT, WEIR LEGAL AND CONSULTING

BIOGRAPHY:
Bronwyn is a lawyer and consultant, mostly advising governments on how to regulate effectively. Bronwyn has advised regulators in many sectors including building, health, education, primary industries and food safety.

Bronwyn is well-known for her expertise in building regulation. She is the co-author of the Building Confidence Report. Bronwyn and Professor Peter Shergold were commissioned to prepare the report by the Building Ministers Forum in 2017. It makes recommendations for a national best practice approach to regulation of the building sector. Bronwyn has developed her expertise in this area over 20 years by acting for building regulators, local government, fire brigades and the architects Board in Victoria. She was a member of the Building Regulations Advisory Committee in Victoria for over 10 years giving her detailed knowledge of the National Construction Code. She is also a legal advisor to the Victorian Cladding Taskforce. Bronwyn is currently advising the Queensland government on its security of payment reforms as chair of the Building Industry Fairness Implementation and Evaluation Panel.


            

LOUISE MONGER, HEAD OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, OFFICE & INDUSTRIAL, AMP CAPITAL

BIOGRAPHY:
As Head of Property Management, Louise is accountable for the overall property performance of the AMP Capital Office & Industrial portfolio, leading, inspiring and motivating a team of property professionals across the disciplines of property management, operations, projects and customer experience.

Louise joined AMP Capital in 2011, bringing over 10 years’ experience in technical and management positions to the role, including working as an electrician in the mining industry. It is this diverse experience that underpins her passion for the role technology and innovation play in redefining real estate experiences.

Louise sits on the AMP Capital Office & Industrial leadership team and continues to be an active contributor in the property industry. She is a current member of the Property Council of Australia NSW Diversity Committee and was previously a member of the Steering Committee for the Cleaning Accountability Framework.

Louise holds a Masters of Facilities Management and remains a qualified electrician.


With thanks to our Keynote Speaker Sponsor

VICTORIA TAVENDALE, GENERAL MANAGER ASSET MANAGEMENT, OFFICE & INDUSTRIAL, MIRVAC

BIOGRAPHY:
As General Manager Asset Management, Office and Industrial at Mirvac, Victoria Tavendale is responsible for managing the practical execution of strategic plans to improve asset and facilities management services. She focuses on operations; sustainability; managing workplace technology; property and facilities management; financial reporting; and forecasting back to owners.

Victoria also oversees the people, processes and systems that encompass Mirvac’s integrated end-to-end service delivery to ensure customer’s needs are met. Her responsibility extends across Mirvac’s Office and Industrial portfolio, which includes many of Australia’s leading commercial towers and office developments.

With over 20 years experience in the property industry, Victoria has worked across all asset classes for both institutional owners and occupiers. Prior to joining Mirvac, she held the position of Global Head of Portfolio Management for Campus Living Funds Management and has also worked as General Manager at Investa office.

DEB NOLLER, CEO & COFOUNDER, SWITCH AUTOMATION

Deb Noller is the dynamic CEO and co-founder of Switch Automation, a smart building software company specializing in building performance optimization. With 20+ years of experience in real estate, technology and sustainability, she is passionate about helping enterprises leverage digital facilities management technology to execute more efficient business operations.

Deb studied environmental management and computer science at James Cook University where she is a recipient of the JCU Chancellor’s Award. She began her career as a software engineer and launched three successful companies prior to founding Switch. Noller is an active member of the Dell Women’s Entrepreneur Network (DWEN), was named one of Dell’s Founders 50 and is recognized as one of the Top 50 Female Entrepreneurs in Australia by Rare Birds.