iMedia is ready for an insightful exploration into the world of Commerce. Our event features engaging keynotes, interactive panels, and fireside chats led by industry experts. Discover valuable insights and actionable strategies to boost your business success.
*Please note that session details are subject to change and will be updated regularly.
Join us in the Pearls Bar for some refreshments before a big day of networking.
Delegates arrive at the hotel to register and check in ahead of the afternoon formalities.
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Light lunch is provided for all networkers. Learn how to make the most of your time at iMedia. Plus, ensure all meetings are scheduled for Business Connect.
Hailed as one of the most rewarding parts of the summit, business connect involves 10 x 10 minute meetings designed to float topline objectives and explore synergies. Delegates are required to request and confirm these meetings prior to the summit.
Delegates can use this time to refresh, check-in with work and explore the surroundings.
The official Welcome Dinner & networking reception held on the first night is the perfect avenue to build relationships with key conference delegates, speakers, and sponsors in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Exceptional: Leading, Living, and Learning in the Decade of Disruption
Are You Ready for What’s Next in a World That Won’t Stop Changing?
In this era of relentless disruption, success isn’t just about staying afloat. It’s about thriving amidst change, breaking through limitations, and rising above the noise.
It’s about becoming exceptional.
Dr. Paige Williams - leadership powerhouse, rule-breaker, and expert on thriving through complexity - will show you how to lead smarter, live better, and learn faster in this fast-forward world. This keynote will empower you to rise above the chaos, step into uncertainty with confidence and transform disruption into opportunity to create something truly remarkable.
Day 3 begins with breakfast and barista coffee!
Consumer shopping journeys are currently fragmented across multiple platforms, forcing shoppers to manually coordinate between different interfaces for inspiration, research, validation, and purchasing. Each platform captures only a fragment of the consumer's true intent, creating a disjointed experience.
The emergence of AI agents promises to transform this pattern. Instead of decomposing their needs into multiple discrete tasks, consumers will express high-level desires that agents can understand and execute holistically. For example, rather than separately researching office fashion, comparing prices, and managing deliveries, a consumer could simply tell their agent they need a professional wardrobe within a specific budget.
This shift will require retailers to fundamentally transform their operations. Success will depend on making product data "agent-readable," providing real-time inventory information, automating returns, and enabling agent-to-agent communication. The key insight is that consumers don't want to shop – they want to solve problems. Retailers must shift from competing on interface design to excelling at intent
As customer expectations evolve, so must the tools we use to engage them. In this fast-paced session, hear from the COO of Gingham & Heels on how they’ve harnessed agentic AI to deliver intelligent, autonomous customer interactions through virtual shopping assistants.
We’ll explore the drivers behind the shift, the implementation journey, and the impact on key retail metrics—from engagement and conversion to operational efficiency. Learn how this next-gen AI moves beyond automation to take initiative, make decisions, and create high-impact digital experiences.
Moderated By: Stewart Smith, Managing Director APAC, Global-e
Moderated By: Sam Ragusa, Enterprise Business Development Manager, Global-e
Moderated By: Matt Cerche, Director of Business Development, Powerfront
Moderated By: Sarah Allison, Program Manager | CX, David Jones
Moderated By: Thomas Heib, Head of Customer Service, JB Hi-Fi
AI-driven virtual agents are revolutionising how retailers engage with their customers — from personalised shopping assistance to seamless support and real-time interaction. But what does this look like in practice?
In this collaborative roundtable, hosted by Powerfront, you’ll hear firsthand from JB Hi-Fi and David Jones about their journey with AI-powered customer service. Learn how they identified key challenges, implemented AI assistants, and struck the right balance between intelligent automation and human connection.
Moderated By: Rachel Lim, Senior Business Development Manager, Worldpay
Moderated By: Vin Sivan, Senior Business Development Manager, Worldpay
Moderated By: Lottie Laws, Director of Retail Partnerships, Pinterest
Moderated By: Renan Maluenda , Manager Solutions Engineering, Mastercard
With today’s channel-agnostic consumers, it’s more important than ever for retailers and brands to evolve. As shopping habits continue to shift across multiple channels, new opportunities are emerging in e-commerce and online spaces, offering brands a chance to tap into untapped potential.
In this roundtable, we invite retailers to join the conversation and share their experiences on how data-led insights and personalisation are shaping their strategies. Together, we’ll discuss the evolving role of technology in transforming retail and explore how brands can stay ahead of the curve. Bring your challenges, successes, and ideas as we collaborate to uncover actionable strategies for future-proofing retail in this rapidly changing landscape.
Moderated By: James Lowe, VP Digital Experience, DEPT
Moderated By: Evan Davey, Head of Australia & NZ, DEPT
Moderated By: Jack Turner, Growth Consultant, APJ, Emarsys
Moderated By: Will Wilson, Regional VP Sales, APJ, Emarsys
Personalisation at scale is often talked about—but rarely easy to deliver. In this roundtable, we’ll dive into how brands are using first-party data and AI to create meaningful, revenue-driving customer experiences—without overcomplicating tech stacks or blowing the budget.
It’s a chance to openly discuss what’s genuinely working, where the challenges lie, and how to prioritise efforts for the greatest impact. Bring your insights, your questions, and your honest take on what it really takes to make personalisation pay off.
Moderated By: Jim Vrondas, GM & Country Manager, WorldFirst
Going global sounds great — until shifting currencies, unexpected fees, and compliance roadblocks start chipping away at your margins. In this roundtable, we’ll open the floor for a conversation about what it actually takes to expand into new markets while protecting profitability. From reducing FX risk to unlocking working capital and simplifying cross-border payments, we’ll look at how modern financial tools can help retail leaders grow with confidence.
Moderated By: Durjoy Patranabish, Head of Global Business, Tiger Analytics
Moderated By: Tim Nicholas, Senior Marketing Strategist, Marigold
In today’s climate of shifting consumer expectations, rising living costs, and digital overload, traditional loyalty programs aren’t enough. Customers want more than discounts — they want connection, relevance, and experiences that matter.
Join this high-impact roundtable as we dive into how leading brands are redefining loyalty by blending rational rewards with emotional engagement — and why this evolution is critical for retention, brand love, and long-term revenue.
We’ll unpack:
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Moderated By: Thomas Hamer, CEO and Co-Founder, Marqo
Moderated By: Kimberley Braid, Strategic Account Executive, Bloomreach
Moderated By: Anna Kralikova, Manager Business Consultancy, WE, Bloomreach
Conversational commerce is changing the way people shop—and how brands build relationships. From AI-powered shopping agents that turn casual browsers into loyal customers to conversational search that redefines personalisation, it’s clear this space is moving fast.
In this roundtable, we’ll open the floor to discuss:
Moderated By: Simon Rossi, Vice President, General Manager, APAC, DoorDash
Moderated By: Paula Mitchell, Digital General Manager, Freedom Australia
Moderated By: Lisa Naismith, Head of eCommerce ANZ , PVH
Moderated By: Bevan Morris, General Manager - Online, David Jones
Moderated By: Carl Hartmann, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Lyres
Moderated By: David Dennings, Operations, Root Industries
Moderated By: Matt Rule, Digital Product Owner , Kmart
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Moderated By: Michael Hoekman, National Operations Manager – Online & Projects, Coles Liquor
Moderated By: Greg Merrill, Former Global Head of Digital Transformation, Nike
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Moderated By: Laura Middleton, Senior Digital Marketing Manager, Benefit Cosmetics
If every customer journey is unique, why are most eCommerce experiences still static and segmented? We’ll explore how retailers can apply scientific approaches - psychology, causality and randomised control testing - to improve customer experience and profitability.
2025 is not the year to invest in the dark. The brands winning today aren’t chasing ROAS—they’re chasing profit. And the best performance marketing doesn’t just scale revenue—it scales margin. All of this is achievable with the right tools, data and strategic flexibility.
In this high-impact, fast-paced session, Webprofits' Chief Strategy Officer Ben Fitzpatrick shares 6 proven strategies—3 for retail marketers, 3 for eCommerce brands—that can be implemented immediately to drive better performance and stronger profitability from your marketing investment in the year ahead.
If you want to scale smarter in 2025, this session is a must.
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Temu and Shein have rewritten the rules of retail—offering speed, convenience, and rock-bottom prices that are hard to ignore. But should traditional retailers even try to compete on the same terms? Or is there a smarter way to stand out?
This panel will explore the realities of competing in this new landscape, the role of technology in leveling the playing field, and whether sustainability can truly be a competitive advantage.
-moderated by Yvonne Adele
The way people pay is evolving—quickly. In this session, we’ll explore five key insights shaping the future of payments in Australia, and what they mean for retailers on the ground.
From the growing use of QR codes and next-gen payment hardware to smarter loyalty solutions and AI tools that lighten the load for your team—we’ll break down what’s new, what’s next, and how you can stay ahead.
Take a break and refuel with morning tea.
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Retailers and brands are under more pressure than ever. Rising delivery costs, tighter margins, and growing customer expectations are making it harder to deliver on promises. With the cost to serve increasing and the need to drive profitability, getting fulfillment right is no longer a nice-to-have; it's a must-have.
This panel brings together retail and digital transformation leaders to share how they’ve modernised their fulfillment operations to not only meet customer expectations but do so faster, more efficiently, while preserving margins. We’ll dive into what drove their decision to implement OMS, the measurable outcomes they’ve achieved, and how they continue to optimise in a rapidly-changing market.
What you’ll learn from our speakers:
Expect candid insights, lessons learned, and practical tips you can take back to your business.
While the retail environment remains tough, retailers with the AI blueprint for success are harnessing AI to create unprecedented competitive advantages. This session explores the AI strategies that have transformed global retailers into market leaders. Learn from leading brand R.M.Williams on how they are refining customer interactions, streamlining operations, and improving loyalty.
Join us for for the jam packed session where we will be sharing a practical roadmap to drive your organisation's AI transformation.
Takeaway frameworks include:
Whether you're a digital native or just beginning your AI journey, this session delivers actionable insights & frameworks to help you not just survive but thrive in retail's new AI-powered reality.
The world of SEO is evolving faster than ever, and staying ahead of Google’s constant changes is no longer an option - it’s a necessity. In this high-impact 20-minute session, we’ll dive into the future of SEO, the latest API leaks revealing Google’s inner workings, and must-know tips and tricks that will keep your strategy ahead of the curve.
What You’ll Learn:
This isn’t just another SEO talk- it’s a glimpse into the future of search and how you can dominate it. Are you ready?
Moderated By: Stewart Smith, Managing Director APAC, Global-e
Moderated By: Sam Ragusa, Enterprise Business Development Manager, Global-e
Moderated By: Matt Cerche, Director of Business Development, Powerfront
Moderated By: Sarah Allison, Program Manager | CX, David Jones
Moderated By: Thomas Heib, Head of Customer Service, JB Hi-Fi
AI-driven virtual agents are revolutionising how retailers engage with their customers — from personalised shopping assistance to seamless support and real-time interaction. But what does this look like in practice?
In this collaborative roundtable, hosted by Powerfront, you’ll hear firsthand from JB Hi-Fi and David Jones about their journey with AI-powered customer service. Learn how they identified key challenges, implemented AI assistants, and struck the right balance between intelligent automation and human connection.
Moderated By: Rachel Lim, Senior Business Development Manager, Worldpay
Moderated By: Vin Sivan, Senior Business Development Manager, Worldpay
Moderated By: Lottie Laws, Director of Retail Partnerships, Pinterest
Moderated By: James Lowe, VP Digital Experience, DEPT
Moderated By: Evan Davey, Head of Australia & NZ, DEPT
Moderated By: Jay Whitmore, Country Manager Australia & New Zealand, Castles Technology
Moderated By: Thomas Hamer, CEO and Co-Founder, Marqo
Moderated By: Renan Maluenda , Manager Solutions Engineering, Mastercard
With today’s channel-agnostic consumers, it’s more important than ever for retailers and brands to evolve. As shopping habits continue to shift across multiple channels, new opportunities are emerging in e-commerce and online spaces, offering brands a chance to tap into untapped potential.
In this roundtable, we invite retailers to join the conversation and share their experiences on how data-led insights and personalisation are shaping their strategies. Together, we’ll discuss the evolving role of technology in transforming retail and explore how brands can stay ahead of the curve. Bring your challenges, successes, and ideas as we collaborate to uncover actionable strategies for future-proofing retail in this rapidly changing landscape.
Moderated By: Jack Turner, Growth Consultant, APJ, Emarsys
Moderated By: Will Wilson, Regional VP Sales, APJ, Emarsys
Personalisation at scale is often talked about—but rarely easy to deliver. In this roundtable, we’ll dive into how brands are using first-party data and AI to create meaningful, revenue-driving customer experiences—without overcomplicating tech stacks or blowing the budget.
It’s a chance to openly discuss what’s genuinely working, where the challenges lie, and how to prioritise efforts for the greatest impact. Bring your insights, your questions, and your honest take on what it really takes to make personalisation pay off.
Moderated By: Jim Vrondas, GM & Country Manager, WorldFirst
Going global sounds great — until shifting currencies, unexpected fees, and compliance roadblocks start chipping away at your margins. In this roundtable, we’ll open the floor for a conversation about what it actually takes to expand into new markets while protecting profitability. From reducing FX risk to unlocking working capital and simplifying cross-border payments, we’ll look at how modern financial tools can help retail leaders grow with confidence.
Moderated By: Durjoy Patranabish, Head of Global Business, Tiger Analytics
Moderated By: Tim Nicholas, Senior Marketing Strategist, Marigold
In today’s climate of shifting consumer expectations, rising living costs, and digital overload, traditional loyalty programs aren’t enough. Customers want more than discounts — they want connection, relevance, and experiences that matter.
Join this high-impact roundtable as we dive into how leading brands are redefining loyalty by blending rational rewards with emotional engagement — and why this evolution is critical for retention, brand love, and long-term revenue.
We’ll unpack:
Join this conversation, where you’ll share ideas, hear what’s working and what isn't, and leave with a fresh perspective on how to make loyalty your most powerful growth lever.
Moderated By: Kimberley Braid, Strategic Account Executive, Bloomreach
Moderated By: Anna Kralikova, Manager Business Consultancy, WE, Bloomreach
Conversational commerce is changing the way people shop—and how brands build relationships. From AI-powered shopping agents that turn casual browsers into loyal customers to conversational search that redefines personalisation, it’s clear this space is moving fast.
In this roundtable, we’ll open the floor to discuss:
Moderated By: Greg Merrill, Former Global Head of Digital Transformation, Nike
Moderated By: Amanda Green, GM Digital & Innovation, Treasury Wine Estates
Moderated By: Olivia Toth, Head of Online Trade & Experience, Baby Bunting
Moderated By: Lisa Naismith, Head of eCommerce ANZ , PVH
Moderated By: Georgie de Lautour, Platform Director, The ICONIC
Moderated By: Matthew Horn, Group General Manager - Customer & Digital, Country Road Group
Moderated By: Brad Foenander, Executive General Manager - Digital, GPC Asia Pacific
Moderated By: Bronte Jacobson, Head of Marketing & Ecommerce, Mocka.
Moderated By: Carl Hartmann, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Lyres
Moderated By: David Dennings, Operations, Root Industries
Moderated By: Matt Rule, Digital Product Owner , Kmart
Moderated By: Michael Hoekman, National Operations Manager – Online & Projects, Coles Liquor
Moderated By: Tracy Jones-Harris, Head of Digital and eCommerce, Camilla
Moderated By: Paula Mitchell, Digital General Manager, Freedom Australia
When the session wraps up, it’s time to dive into your chosen adventure and check-in with the iMedia Team! Here’s where to head and what to expect (and don’t worry—if the session runs overtime, we won’t leave without you)
Golf:
- Check-in: Hotel Lobby
- Lunch: Lunch pack provided
- Bus Departure: 1:15pm
Go Karting:
- Check-in: Hotel Lobby
- Lunch: Lunch pack provided
- Bus Departure: 1:15pm
Sailing in Paradise:
- Check-in: Pearls Bar.
- Lunch: Buffet lunch served here
- Departure from Pearls Bar by foot: 1:40pm
Jetboating:
- Check-in: Ballroom Foyer
- Lunch: Terraces Restaurant
- Bus departure: 1:45pm from Hotel Lobby
BBQ Like a Pro:
- Check-in: Head to the Hotel Lobby and head down to the Pandanus room
- Lunch: Buffet Lunch provided
Paint & Sip:
- Check-in: Ballroom Foyer
- Lunch: Terraces Restaurant
Mixology Masterclass:
- Check-in: Ballroom Foyer
- Lunch: Terraces Restaurant
Get ready to swing into action at the stunning RACV Royal Pines Resort for a nine-hole competition that promises laughs, some very serious friendly rivalry, and maybe a few golf swings that leave us all wondering what just happened.
You’ll be teamed up in squads of four, where golf lovers (and those just here for the fun) can unite for the most social game around—Ambrose! After your team's valiant efforts to conquer the course (or, you know, just pretending to know what you’re doing), join us for well-deserved drinks and the all-important awards ceremony. Who’s taking home the trophies for First Place, Longest Drive, and Nearest to the Pin? Spoiler alert: It’s anyone’s game!
Brace yourself to swing, sip, and socialise like a golfing pro... or at least look the part while you’re at it!
Dress Code Alert: Collared shirts only, no singlets or t-shirts, and please, no thongs (we’re not on a beach). Closed shoes only—leave your metal spikes at home, it’s a soft spike course.
Buckle up and get ready for the ride of your life with the only 3 Level Indoor Go Karting Centre on the Gold Coast! The fun doesn’t stop there with the track's outdoor section great for getting the knees in the breeze (weather permitting of course). Whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned speedster, this track will challenge even the most skilled drivers.
The track itself is 475m long and can be run rain hail or shine which makes it perfect for a Gold Coast wet weather activity! The go-karts can zoom up to a heart-racing 70 km/h, so hold on tight, things are about to get fast and furious.
Dress code alert: Closed flat shoes only—leave your flowing capes, dresses, and scarves at home.
Are you a fan of the culinary world? Whether you're a kitchen maestro or more of a sous-chef in training, BBQ Like a Pro serves up a deliciously fun challenge! You and your team will face off in a sizzling team vs. team cookoff. Start things off with a dash of fun in "Guess That Herb," then unleash your inner chef as you prep and cook a signature dish for the judges.
What’s on the menu? A whole lot of laughs, a pinch of friendly competition, and a hearty serving of good times.
Prepare for the Gold Coast’s most exhilarating water adventure! Step aboard the ONLY jet boating experience that dives straight into high-speed thrills—no slow build-up, just instant action! Brace yourself for heart-pounding spins, tight turns, and the kind of excitement that might just have you shouting (in pure joy, naturally) as you race across the waves. Once you’ve caught your breath and dried off a bit, it’s time to unwind with drinks and canapés at a stunning waterfront location. It's the perfect blend of adrenaline and relaxation, all served with a side of scenic views!
Dress code alert: keep in casual and comfortable. Perhaps bring a set of dry clothes – just remember you are going to get wet and wild!
Step aboard your very own private catamaran and get ready for an afternoon of sailing through the stunning Gold Coast Broadwater—your new personal playground. Surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters and breathtaking views, you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped into a postcard.
Sail the Gold Coast's magnificent waterways from Southport to Sovereign Islands, cruise past sensational superyachts, visit isolated islands and pristine beaches, experience the thrill of sailing in complete comfort, and if the wind strikes, we will 'raft up' for a party on the water.
It’s the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and laughs, all set against the best backdrop imaginable. So, hop aboard for an unforgettable day on the water!
Dress code alert: Swimmers and towel (if you plan to swim), jacket (for cooler days), sunglasses and sunscreen, and shoes that you can easily slip off.
Get ready to shake things up in the most fun way possible with a Mixology Masterclass that’ll have you stirring, shaking, and sipping your way to cocktail greatness! Your very own cocktail Guru will guide you through the art of crafting top-notch drinks, teaching you the secrets behind popular cocktails and the magic of mixology.
Working in teams, you’ll embark on a creative mission to invent your own signature cocktail. With all the mixology secrets you’ve learned (and a few well-timed samples along the way), your inner cocktail artist will come to life.
But wait, there’s more! All your concoctions will be judged at the end, and the winning drink will earn the title of Best Cocktail. No pressure!
Ready to unleash your inner Picasso? Join us for a 3-hour paint and sip session at the Sheraton Grand Mirage, where you'll get to sip wine, snack on nibbles, and (attempt to) create a masterpiece. Our team of expert artists will walk you through everything from beginner brushstrokes to advanced techniques, but don’t worry—we’ll leave plenty of room for you to go rogue.
By the end of the day, even if your “abstract” art looks like a toddler’s masterpiece, you’ll still leave with something you can proudly hang on your fridge.
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