With only 10 days to go (eek) until we open our doors for the fifth Cairns Crocodiles, presented by Pinterest, I’m sitting down to organise my calendar.
I do this every year with the full understanding that it will likely go out the window once I arrive onsite. The reality of being an event organiser!
It has been an absolute career highlight to watch our post-COVID industry gathering evolve into one of Asia-Pacific’s premier festivals, now bringing together more than 2,000 senior leaders across creativity, advertising, marketing, media and film. We of course couldn’t have made it all happen without our incredible partners – thank you to every one of you.
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A big part of our growth comes down to programming. Pippa Chambers has curated our strongest lineup yet, bringing together speakers who are sharp, relevant and ready to push the industry forward.
This year also sees the launch of a dedicated Film and Screen track, curated by Nancy Hromin, co-founder of The Misfits and Irresistible Magazine, adding a stronger focus on storytelling, production and the evolving relationship between brands and content.
So, there is more than ever to squeeze into the schedule. Here are my top sessions where, if all goes to plan, you will find me front row.
Day 1
Amy Kean: 11.05am – 11.45am Keynote Track
I will be building my calendar around this session.
I recently went down a bit of an Amy Kean rabbit hole and her thinking has really stayed with me. I am looking forward to hearing more from Amy on leadership, communication and the confidence to be a bit weird.
David Ohana: 1.50pm – 2.30pm Keynote Track
David Ohana packed the Cairns Convention Centre last year with one of the most moving sessions of 2025, so it is great to have him back to reveal new work set to make an impact to millions of lives.
Beyond the stage, Ohana and the United Nations Foundation have also set the brief for Cairns Hatchlings 2026, presented by Yahoo. 30 teams from across the region are flying in to respond live to this brief, with winners announced on Day 3.
Taika Waititi: 3.00pm – 3.45pm Keynote Track
The day we got final, final, final confirmation that Taika was joining the lineup was a big one.
Hunt for the Wilderpeople is one of my all time favourite films, and his cameo as the minister at the funeral is such a perfect example of what makes him brilliant.
I’m looking forward to hearing this legendary director, filmmaker, actor remind us how important it is to back yourself and your creative instinct.
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Day 2
Paula Bloodworth: 10.45am – 11.15am Keynote Track
Co-founding a creative studio with Idris Elba is already enough to get my attention.
Add to that her work at Nike and Uncommon, and you have one of the most interesting and coolest voices on the program. Speaking alongside Adam Ferrier, this will be a session not to miss.
Xanthe Wells: 11.15am – 11.45am Keynote Track
Xanthe Wells’ session last year was a standout, especially for anyone trying to genuinely connect with Gen Z (so, most of us!).
This year, Pinterest’s VP of global creative is tackling the interesting tension between AI acceleration and digital detoxing.
Warwick Thornton: 11.45am – 12.30pm Film & Screen Track
This is a not to be missed session on the Film and Screen track. The ‘Visionaries Behind the Vision’ panel features legendary Australian director, screenwriter and cinematographer Warwick Thornton.
He is joined by Ausha Duray, acquisitions manager at NITV, and ACS cinematographer Toby Oliver. Together, they will explore Thornton’s culture shifting work and how brands can work in tandem with both long form cinema and short form content.
Lessons in Fantasy Driven Creativity: 2.20pm – 2.50pm Rewilding Creativity Track
The lineup alone makes this session worth a shout out: Tim Farmer, CMO at DiDi; Adam Smith, who has spent decades shaping the iconic live visuals for The Chemical Brothers; Tigest Girma, a number one New York Times bestselling author; and ‘nighttime legend and flutist’, Nudgy. Who knows what to expect but I’ll be there!
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Day 3
Jane Evans: 10.05am – 10.40am Rewilding Creativity Track
Jane Evans needs little introduction. A B&T Lifetime Achievement Award winner and true industry trailblazer, she has spent her career challenging norms and opening doors for others.
Her session will unpack recent work with Cindy Gallop, which alone makes it worth attending.
IKEA Panel: 1.35pm – 2.20pm Keynote Track
Hearing from marketing leaders across IKEA Korea, Japan and Australia offers a rare look at how a global brand is managed across very different cultures.
As the festival continues to grow across Asia Pacific, this feels like a timely and important conversation. Also moderated by our CEO, David Hovenden.
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