Cairns Crocodiles, presented by Pinterest, has unveiled its full MC line-up for 2026, bringing together returning favourites and new talent to guide audiences across three days of creativity, conversation and big ideas.
Maz Farrelly, ex–TV producer turned keynote speaker, returns as the mainstage keynote MC in the Cairns Conference Centre for her third consecutive year. The standout industry event will be held from 12-14 May 2026.
Farrelly first appeared in 2023 with a keynote that became an instant festival highlight, winning over audiences with her sharp wit and unmistakable stage presence. With a career spanning some of the biggest shows on television—including Big Brother, The X Factor, The Celebrity Apprentice and Dancing with the Stars—she has worked with more famous faces than a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon and collected awards ranging from BAFTAs to Logies. She co-created Q&A for the ABC, has clocked more than eight billion content engagements and once even broke Twitter on purpose.
In 2026, she’ll returns to host the epic keynote stage which runs all day on day one, day two morning keynotes and day three closing keynotes. In addition, she’ll dazzle crowds as the MC for The Cairns Crocodiles Awards on Thursday at 4pm.
“Maz is fabulous and together with our new and returning MCs — each of which bring something unique— they elevate the entire Cairns Crocodiles experience. Roll on 2026!” enthused Cairns Crocodiles content director Pippa Chambers.
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The Reef and Rainforest breakout tracks in the Cairns Conference Centre will be hosted by Luli Adeyemo, CMO of Tendertrace and founder of Best Case Scenario, alongside Stephanie Tranquille, global speaker coach and director of SpeakerStephSpeak.
Adeyemo, returning for her second year as an MC, is an award-winning leader in the Australian technology sector with more than 30 years driving transformative change. She is also executive director of TechDiversity, a leading advocate for DEI, and previously expanded Gartner’s Asia-Pacific conference business by 250 per cent. Her mix of strategic insight, lived experience and energetic style made her a standout at last year’s event.
Tranquille, known professionally as SpeakerSteph, makes her Cairns Crocodiles debut. With two decades across advertising, tech and events—including global roles at Amazon Ads, AWS, REA Group and NAB—she has prepared leaders for major stages such as Cannes Lions and Advertising Week and recently worked with TikTok’s leadership team at SXSW Sydney. Her thoughtful, engaging approach adds a fresh dimension to this year’s breakout sessions.
At Hemingway’s, Powered by News Australia (the iconic heritage listed brewery five minutes from the Cairns Conference Centre), Australian Paralympic swimmer and motivational speaker Grant “Scooter” Patterson returns to co-host one of the festival’s most popular tracks.
Patterson began his swimming career in 2007 and became the first S3 athlete to break the two-minute mark in the Men’s 100m Backstroke in 2009. He made his Paralympic debut in London in 2012, realised his childhood dream in Tokyo—with bronze in the Men’s 150m Individual Medley (SM3) and silver in the Men’s 50m Breaststroke (SB2)—and continued his podium streak in Paris. The three-time Paralympian brings humour, heart and an easy rapport that consistently connects with audiences.
He is joined in the by Arushi Srivastava, host and MC at The Debate Club and client services lead at The Trade Desk.
Srivastava’s standout hosting work has earned her strong praise across the industry. A full-time advertising tech nerd and part-time mic enthusiast, she believes the best ideas happen “when courage meets coffee”. When she’s not leading teams or hyping up a crowd, she’s hunting down the best brew in town or, politely, debating the next big thing. Her crisp delivery and energetic style make her the perfect fit alongside Scooter at Hemingway’s.
“Maz, Luli, Steph, Scooter and Arushi know how to hold a room, spark meaningful conversations and create moments that stay with people. Audiences are in for something truly special this year – and we haven’t even announced the speakers yet,” Chambers added.
