The stage is set, and the energy is building. The keynote lineup for the 2025 Annual Conference has just dropped—and it’s bold, thoughtful, and fiercely relevant.
From 27–29 October in Naarm/Melbourne, engagement professionals will gather for three days of ideas, insights and industry-shaping conversations. Leading the charge are keynote speakers who don’t just talk about change—they make it happen.
Becky Hirst – Real Talk from the Frontlines
Becky Hirst brings deep experience and disarming honesty to her work. As the founder of HeyEngage and author of For the Love of Community Engagement, Becky’s message is clear: values matter, and connection is everything.
Her keynote will push practitioners to rethink how they build trust, centre community, and lead with authenticity. Expect a powerful call to recalibrate our practice—and stay grounded in what engagement is really about.
Isabella GiaVulva – Unleashing Truth Through Satire
Making a highly anticipated return to the stage, Isabella GiaVulva, the Community Engagement Drag Queen Participation Consultant Extraordinaire, will deliver Off Leash – A Keynote Cabaret.
Blending satire with insight, Isabella unpacks the often absurd world of local government consultation with humour and heart. It’s a performance that invites reflection, challenges comfort zones, and leaves no buzzword unturned.
Amy Hubbard – Guiding the Conversation
Master of Ceremonies Amy Hubbard brings clarity, poise and deep sector insight to the program. As co-founder of Capire Consulting Group and creator of the Engagement Triangle, Amy is a steady voice in the field—trusted for her ability to make complexity accessible and meaningful.
As MC, Amy will shape the rhythm of the conference, helping us make sense of what we’re hearing, and how we might act on it.
Why It Matters
This year’s keynote speakers reflect the moment we’re in—one that demands courage, candour and creative thinking.
These aren’t just presenters. They’re practitioners, performers and provocateurs, speaking directly to the challenges and opportunities facing our field.
Conference 2025 is more than a professional development event. It’s where the sector reconnects, resets and reclaims the future of engagement.
Explore the full speaker lineup and register now.
