Meet our Tech Summit 2025 speakers

MAIN PLENARY - 10:05AM - 11AM

Panel: Annual Cyber Security Update - Strategies to keep your systems secure

Dr Jodie Siganto is a privacy and cyber security lawyer and consultant. Over her career, she has held in-house counsel roles with Tandem Computers, Unisys Asia and Dell. She co-founded data networking and security firm Bridge Point Communications and more recently Privacy108 Consulting.

Jodie has held leadership roles with industry groups including AISA and is an experienced company director, holding positions with government-owned corporations and private businesses.

Dr Jodie Siganto, Founder, Privacy 108

MAIN PLENARY - 10:05AM - 11AM

Panel: Annual Cyber Security Update - Strategies to keep your systems secure

Dr Leonie Simpson is an expert cryptologist; with over 25 years of experience in investigating the security of symmetric encryption algorithms used to protect information. Leonie is an Associate Professor in the School of Computer Science at QUT and is passionate about information security and the application of cryptography in control measures to provide confidentiality, integrity assurance and authentication. Her main research interests include the security of efficient encryption methods suitable for protecting data transmissions between small, low-power devices used in the  Internet of Things, quantum-safe cryptography, cryptographic key management and cyber threat information sharing.   

Dr Leonie Simpson, Associate Professor, School of Computer Science, Faculty of Science | QUT

TECH LEADERS AND PROFESSIONALS STREAM - 11:30AM - 12:25PM

Panel: How will AI reshape your tech team’s roles: Workforce and career planning for now and into the future 

Alexia Ellmers has spent almost a decade in Talent Acquisition, focusing on tech recruitment for start-ups and scaling companies. She is all about building killer employer brands, creating inclusive workplaces, and flipping the script on candidate experiences to make them positive and transparent from start to finish.

Alexia Ellmers, Manager, Talent Acquisition & Employer Brand, Go1

TECH LEADERS AND PROFESSIONALS STREAM - 11:30AM - 12:25PM

Panel: How will AI reshape your tech team’s roles: Workforce and career planning for now and into the future 

Ceri Jury specialises in people strategy, leadership development, teaming, human resources, workforce planning, change management and performance management. Underpinned by over 20 years of experience across corporate, government, small business and board level consulting, Ceri not only founded but is CEO of generative AI-powered HR advice CoPilot and advisor platform Advancer.ai. Supporting businesses to transform their HR through the power of AI, we look forward to Ceri sharing her knowledge and experience to date around implementing and leveraging AI solutions to boost organisational efficiency. 

Ceri Jury, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Advancer.ai

TECH LEADERS AND PROFESSIONALS STREAM - 11:30AM - 12:25PM

Panel: How will AI reshape your tech team’s roles: Workforce and career planning for now and into the future

Denver Naidoo is the CTO and Founder of AI workforce provider, Zeligate, based in Brisbane, Australia. Denver has a rich history of working in tech with global enterprises, leading and mentoring teams who have developed technology that is currently being used by millions of people across the globe.

Since childhood, Denver has maintained a passion for emerging technologies, which he has carried throughout his career, including completing his Bachelor’s Degree with Honours in Computer Science from London. Inspired by the possibilities for tech to unlock more of our human potential, Denver developed his expertise in AI and machine learning, which ultimately sparked the vision for Zeligate. As the CTO and Founder of Zeligate, Denver seeks to use AI to empower people to be the best they can be.

Denver Naidoo, Founder and Chief Technology Officer, Zeligate

TECH LEADERS AND PROFESSIONALS STREAM - 11:30AM - 12:25PM

Panel: How will AI reshape your tech team’s roles: Workforce and career planning for now and into the future 

Dr Edwin Trevor-Roberts has spent the last two decades exploring how people find meaning through their work. He has journeyed across geographical boundaries of the UK, Canada, Bhutan and Australia; across boundaries of research and practice; and through many industries.

In addition to his role as CEO of the national career and leadership development firm, Trevor-Roberts, Edwin is Chair of the Advisory board and Adjunct Professor at the Centre for Work, Organisation, and Wellbeing at Griffith University and Co-Founder of the Gross National Happiness (GNH) Centre of Australia born out of the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan.

Edwin holds a PhD in Career Development from the University of Queensland. 

Dr Edwin Trevor-Roberts PhD, Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Roberts; and Adjunct Professor, Griffith University

TECH LEADERS AND PROFESSIONALS STREAM - 11:30AM - 12:25PM

Panel: How will AI reshape your tech team’s roles: Workforce and career planning for now and into the future

Tony Valiantis heads up the Engineering team within Opengear, and is responsible for overseeing the design, development, release, and maintenance of all of Opengear’s hardware and software products. With a career spanning more than 30 years in the IT industry, he has worked across many different industries including Mining, Financial systems, and Transportation. Prior to joining Opengear, Tony held a senior leadership and management role for more than a decade at Dassault Systèmes, overseeing a global development team, and delivering significant customer value for many of the world’s top players in the resources sector.

He is focused on building high-performing and resilient teams, enabling them to develop innovative solutions to exceptional problems. Tony holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Electronics), a Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Engineering), a Masters of IT, and an MBA, from the Queensland University of Technology.

Tony Valiantis, Vice President of Engineering, Opengear

TECH LEADERS AND PROFESSIONALS STREAM - 11:30AM - 12:25PM

Panel Chair: How will AI reshape your tech team’s roles: Workforce and career planning for now and into the future

Nicola Steel is the Founder of JJP Talent Solutions, a values-driven IT recruitment business whose mission is to make the world a better place by helping growing tech teams in purpose led companies.

She has over 20 years IT recruitment experience in both Australia and the UK working with high growth startups, innovative SMEs and visionary corporates. Over 99% of candidates she places pass their probation period and become highly valued team members thus avoiding the pain and cost of a bad hire.

Nicola is the Preferred Recruitment Partner to both the Australian Computer Society and River City Labs. She is passionate about improving diversity within the tech industry as well as building high performing tech teams and outstanding IT careers.

JJP Talent Solutions also has a career coaching division called Career Transformations which helps tech professionals to unlock their career potential and have more rewarding careers.

Nicola Steel, Founder, JJP Talent Solutions (Session Sponsor)

TECHNICAL MASTERY STREAM - 11:30AM - 12:25PM

Real-world Microsoft Power Platform Solutions and their Governance aspects

Ryan Wilson is head of the Development team for Microsoft 365 & Azure at Pack of 7. Under his leadership over the last 6 years, his team became a powerful entity at Pack of 7 with broad experience and extensive knowledge of Microsoft’s Collaboration and Productivity Platform. Ryan is managing Pack of 7’s most important key accounts and he is well known for his hands on style in Webinars and Presentations. His specialisation and passion are Microsoft 365 Governance and Azure Security.

Ryan Wilson, Co-Director & Lead Solution Architect, Pack of 7 (Session Sponosor)

TECHNICAL MASTERY STREAM - 11:30AM - 12:25PM

Chair: Real-world Microsoft Power Platform Solutions and their Governance aspects

Jonathan Nelson is a Fullstack Developer based in Brisbane, Australia, currently honing his skills and rapidly growing in the early years of his career. With a solid foundation in Computer Science and Business Management, he brings a unique blend of technical and strategic insights to his projects.

In his current role with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, Jonathan is responsible for developing and maintaining web & mobile applications, collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure project success, and continuously learning to stay ahead of industry trends.

He is an active member of the Australian Computer Society Emerging Professionals Committee, contributing to the support and development of early-career professionals in the ICT industry. Jonathan's commitment to professional growth and his collaborative spirit highlight his dedication to both his personal development and the advancement of the tech community.

Jonathan Nelson, Fullstack Developer, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine and Committee Member, ACS QLD Emerging Professionals Committee

TECH LEADERS STREAM - 1:45PM - 2:45PM

Panel: Setting Up for Success: Sustainable Enterprise Architecture in the Digital Age

Phill Harrys is a seasoned technology leader with over 26 years of IT experience and 29 years in management. Currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at the Tony White Group Automotive Dealerships, Phill brings a wealth of expertise in digital transformation, cloud services, and enterprise architecture. His prior roles as a Global IT Director, Global Digital Development Director, and IT Director ANZ have equipped him with a proven track record in driving transformative change across global platforms.

Phill’s leadership has been instrumental in modernizing complex systems, from data integration at G8 Education to leading online platform innovations for Domino’s Pizza Enterprises. He has designed enterprise-level solutions, cloud-based transformations, and high-revenue online platforms. Known for his strategic vision and passion for leveraging technology to streamline operations, Phill is committed to delivering exceptional service and is a valuable contributor to discussions on the future of enterprise architecture.

Phill Harrys, Chief Technology Officer, Tony White Group

TECH LEADERS STREAM - 1:45PM - 2:45PM

Panel: Setting Up for Success: Sustainable Enterprise Architecture in the Digital Age

Karen Keynes (KK) is a qualified Chartered Accountant with 30 + years experience working in business.  KK's career has been based around her passion to help businesses streamline their processes through the use of innovative systems and modernised thinking.  KK loves working with teams of people to collaborate, educate and achieve amazing outcomes - her eye is in the detail as she's kind of a data geek.

Karen Keynes, Co-Founder, Kx2 Management Group (Session Sponsor)

TECH LEADERS STREAM - 1:45PM - 2:45PM

Panel: Setting Up for Success: Sustainable Enterprise Architecture in the Digital Age

Backed by over 25 years experience in IT and 15 years in Financial Services, Paul Petersen is a commercially focused innovator with a passion for growing teams and leveraging new technology to make life work better for our customer community. With his collaborative coaching leadership style, Paul works with Aurion’s Cloud and Software Engineering teams to transfer his wealth of knowledge and expertise to ensure teams maintain on a positive trajectory.

Paul Petersen, Director – Cloud & Software Engineering, Aurion

TECH LEADERS STREAM - 1:45PM - 2:45PM

Panel: Setting Up for Success: Sustainable Enterprise Architecture in the Digital Age

William Ulyate has been involved in the defence and cyber security industry for over 17 years. A trusted advisor to government, military and enterprise organisations, he has an in-depth knowledge of international security issues and trends, particularly in the cyber-crime and threat intelligence arena. In 2022, he co-founded WHITE ROOK Cyber and is responsible for helping organisations implement a blueprint for security that aligns with business needs. William is also currently Vice President of Parkinson’s Queensland, and sits on a number of other boards in the technology and startup sectors.

William Ulyate, Co-Founder, White Rock Cyber

TECHNICAL MASTERY STREAM - 1:45PM - 2:45PM

Speaker: Getting the most value from your portfolio in a limited budget environment - A focus on IT Initiative Prioritisation 

Gareth Jones is the General Manager of Service and Practice for BAPL - an Australian-based business analysis consultancy. He has a wealth of experience in Business Management and Business Analysis with numerous private ASX 200 and not for profit organisations as well as both Federal and State level Government. He has a strong track record of accomplishment having delivered both large and small scale initiatives across various organisations and departments. He is a strategic thinker and strives in building honest and trusting stakeholder relationships at all levels, aligning the business strategy, operations, and technical solutions.

Gareth Jones, General Manager of Service and Practice, Business Analysis (BAPL) (Session Sponsor)

TECHNICAL MASTERY STREAM - 1:45PM - 2:45PM

Speaker: Getting the most value from your portfolio in a limited budget environment - A focus on IT Initiative Prioritisation 

Leanne Nuen is a Strategic Lead Business Analyst Consultant at Business Analysis (BAPL) - an Australian based business analysis consultancy. She has over 21 years in the IT industry and has worked on multiple strategic programs of change in multiple industries which include banking, insurance, manufacturing, transport and broadcasting. Leanne is able to bridge the gap between business and IT and ensure pragmatic project delivery. Leanne is able to simplify complexity and ensure that the real business problem or need is solved with the right solution through a structured methodology.

Leanne Nuen, Strategic Lead Business Analysis Consultant, Business Analysis (BAPL) (Session Sponsor)

TECHNICAL MASTERY STREAM - 1:45PM - 2:45PM

Chair: Getting the most value from your portfolio in a limited budget environment - A focus on IT Initiative Prioritisation 

A skilled Business Analysis Consultant at Business Analysis (BAPL), Zaya excels in fostering collaboration within cross-functional teams. Her expertise lies in conducting thorough business process analyses to pinpoint and effectively address potential areas for process improvement. Holding a Master's degree in Information Technology from Griffith University, Zaya is specialised in Information Systems. Her professional journey spans various sectors, including a notable stint in supply chain management within the mining and metals industry, where she earned recognition as a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

Zolzaya Bayarsaikhan, Business Analysis Consultant, (BAPL); and Committee Member, ACS Queensland Branch Executive Committee (Session Sponsor)

MAIN PLENARY CHAIR - 3PM - 5PM

Sarah-Jane Peterschlingmann is the owner and Managing Director of ATech, an award-winning company that delivers cloud hosting and web development for mission critical websites. Starting as a web developer, Sarah-Jane helped to grow ATech from humble beginnings to multi-million dollar revenues and an impressive list of high calibre clients including Virgin Australia, Seqwater and Brisbane City Council.

Sarah-Jane is an investor, entrepreneur, business adviser and technology enthusiast who regularly speaks on the topics of technology, innovation and leadership. She is a featured author of the new international bestseller “Wholehearted Leadership Revolution”. She has been recognised with numerous awards including ARN Women in ICT Awards (WIICTA) 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year and CQUniversity 2024 Alumnus of the Year for Industry Excellence.

Sarah-Jane is Vice Chair of the ACS Qld Branch Executive Committee for 2024/2025 and a fellow of the ACS. She is a director of Autism Queensland and Enabled.VIP, and has held seats on advisory boards and executive committees for CQUniversity, QUT, University of Queensland, and Women in Technology. She has a Bachelor of IT majoring in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Electronics, a Master of Property Studies, an Executive MBA, and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Sarah-Jane Peterschlingmann, Managing Director, ATech;  and Vice Chair, ACS Queensland Branch Executive Committee

MAIN PLENARY - 3PM - 3:05PM

Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) 9 – What’s Changed and How ACS Can Help 

Lisa Syrek is a seasoned leader in training and development, with experience spanning various industries, including ICT businesses, corporate, and government organisations. At ACS, she supports members and partner organisations in implementing SFIA through skills profiling and tailored professional and career development opportunities. Lisa specializes in designing learning and development programs that align with both organizational business plans and individual professional growth, ensuring quality and value. Based in the ACT and Capital Region, she manages ACS Capability on a national scale and is a SFIA Accredited Consultant, demonstrating her deep expertise in workforce development.

Lisa Syrek, Worforce Development Manager, ACS

MAIN PLENARY - 3:05PM - 3:15PM

QUT Gold Sponsor address - Safeguarding the future with post-quantum cryptography

Craig Costello is a distinguished cryptographer renowned for his work in elliptic curve cryptography, pairing-based cryptography, and post-quantum cryptography. With a PhD from QUT and a prestigious Australian-American Fulbright Scholarship at the University of California, Craig has made significant strides in the applications of computational number theory to cryptographic problems.

His contributions to the field of secure communication include the co-invention of the FourQ elliptic curve and the Frodo key exchange scheme, the latter of which is designed to be secure even against future computers that might be able to break current encryption techniques. Craig's career includes post-doctoral appointments in the Netherlands and the USA and nearly a decade as a Principal Research Scientist at Microsoft Research. He is an active member of the cryptographic community, frequently sharing his insights through talks and tutorials at international conferences.

Craig Costello PhD, Professor, School of Computer Science, QUT

MAIN PLENARY - 3:15PM - 4:05PM

Panel: DNA of a Tech Leader

Paul Bari joined the Westpac Group in June 2021 and is the CIO of Consumer.

Paul has worked in several of the world’s financial hubs and has held executive roles in organisations including Standard Chartered Bank, Barclays Investment Bank, CBA and most recently Nordea.

Paul is passionate about People, Culture and Customer outcomes. Paul is focussed on building scale in financial services via digitisation and data. He is a strong advocate for neurodiversity and diversity of thought.

In his spare time Paul can be found spending time with his family, fishing, coding and body surfing.

 Paul Bari, Chief Information Officer, Westpac

MAIN PLENARY - 3:15PM - 4:05PM

Panel: DNA of a Tech Leader

With over 15 years in the IT sector, Adam Cliffe has consistently demonstrated a passion for technology and, most importantly, the people driving it. As SEQ Managing Director of ADITS, he has diverse experience and a track record of transforming organisations across many sectors – such as law, engineering, medical, not-for-profits and education. His focus isn't just on delivering cutting-edge tech solutions. Priority is placed on building relationships, teamwork, and being an integral part of the community. Adam’s passion for Data Governance and Privacy has also led him to champion Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) both internally and with clients, ensuring that solutions meet the highest standards of security and regulatory compliance.

Away from the tech world, Adam's heart is firmly at home with his family, enjoying BBQs and tending to his food forest gardens. It's this balance of work and home, technology and nature, strategy and relationships that makes Adam a holistic leader in today's digital world.

Adam Cliffe, Managing Director   South East Queensland, ADITS

MAIN PLENARY - 3:15PM - 4:05PM

Panel: DNA of a Tech Leader

Joshua Ho is a university student and business owner who founded Acenci, a Software-As-A-Service (SaaS) business, in 2022. Acenci is the developer and seller of PointDash, a house points management system for schools, aimed at fostering healthy competition and building house culture.

Joshua is studying a Bachelor of Engineering and Information Technology at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) where he has been recognized as a Dean’s Scholar and awarded the Westpac Young Technologist scholarship. He is an Assistant Web Developer and Student Ambassador for QUT and is committed to sharing his passion for technology with others. In his role as an Australian Computer Society (ACS) Young Tech Ambassador, Joshua regularly visits schools to talk about his experiences and inspire the next generation of tech enthusiasts. Other initiatives include the development (concept to delivery) of a student-led STEAM conference and after-school program called Launch, which continues to inspire students today.

Joshua's aim is to create privacy-focused, user-friendly solutions that enhance wellbeing and make advanced technologies accessible to everyone.

Joshua Ho, Founder of Acenci | 2023 Westpac Young Technologist

MAIN PLENARY - 4:05PM - 4:55PM

Panel: Building products zero to one and what it takes – A tech entrepreneur’s journey

Elli Hanson is Principal Investor at Side Stage Ventures, a founder-led seed fund & community backing the top 1% of founders in Australia and globally. Prior to joining Side Stage Ventures, Elli led the design and market launch of the world’s first patented electric flosser as Co-Founder of Flaus. Under Elli’s stewardship, Flaus was listed in TIME Magazine Inventions of the Year and named one of Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas. Prior to co-founding Flaus, Elli was Global Director of Design Strategy at Ogilvy Worldwide, where she led global client engagement for fortune 200 brands and won over 25 Cannes Lion Awards for her client work.

Elli Hanson, Principal Investigator, Side Stage Ventures

MAIN PLENARY - 4:05PM - 4:55PM

Panel: Building products zero to one and what it takes – A tech entrepreneur’s journey

Faith Rees is the Founder of SixPivot, Cloud Ctrl and 6X Ventures. An Innovator, Entrepreneur, Advisor and Thought Leader. Faith is an advocate and role model for the IT industry sitting on a number of advisory boards and helping some of the world’s best known and not yet known brands innovate. Her background in psychology and her passion to have people truly understand the art of the possible have made her a sought after thought leader. SixPivot has won many awards with the latest achievement taking out the coveted #1 Overall Best Place to Work in 2024 Australian Financial Review (AFR) Best Places to Work and, #1 Best Technology Company and #1 Best Small Business in ANZ. SixPivot also ranked #2 In the Great Places to Work in Technology 2023. Faith has worked for global organisations such as Microsoft and some of Australia’s leading private and ASX listed tech companies. Faith is passionate about growing purposeful businesses, challenging the status quo and leaning into the future of work.

Faith Rees, Founder, SixPivot

MAIN PLENARY - 4:05PM - 4:55PM

Panel Emcee: Building products zero to one and what it takes – A tech entrepreneur’s journey

Pauline Fetaui is the Director of Innovation for the Australia Computer Society, which includes Technology Innovation Hubs; River City Labs (Brisbane), Bay City Labs (Melbourne), Harbour City Labs (Sydney) and technology trade mission brand Startup Catalyst. Co-Founder of Something Fest and Something Tech. Queensland’s Digital, Innovation and Technology Festival, Co-Founder Seven Sisters Foundation.  Prior to joining the emerging technology and startup ecosystem,  Pauline spent 20 years leading and delivering Digital, Tech Transformation and Regulatory Change for Global and national large organisations across Banking, Superannuation, Insurance and Government and was Co-host of Podcast, Splash of Colour, Founder of CheeHoo (Personal Assistance Platform for the busy people). 

Pauline Fetaui, Director, ACS Innovation Labs