Fresh brand tones, an unrivalled content slate, ground-breaking initiatives, masterclasses and more — Cairns Crocodiles, presented by Pinterest is back!
Following the smash-hit success of Cairns Crocodiles 2025, where more than 2,100 attendees descended on Cairns for three days of creativity, the homegrown event is powering ahead for its 2026 return.
GET YOUR CAIRNS CROCODILES, PRESENTED BY PINTEREST, SUPER EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW!
Once again, backed by longstanding headline partner Pinterest, it’s time to get ahead on your 2026 plans.
News Australia also re-joins the event as a Platinum Partner. As well as again supporting the Cairns Masterclass, News Australia has reinforced support for the landmark event by securing a branded takeover of the Hemingway’s Brewery Track.
What’s On For Cairns Crocodiles Presented by Pinterest 2026?
Taking place Tuesday 12 to Thursday 14 May 2026, Cairns Crocodiles, presented by Pinterest will once again feature three days of keynotes and breakouts at the Cairns Convention Centre, plus a dedicated afternoon content track at the heritage-listed Hemingway’s Brewery. Here’s a look at everything that’s new and returning for Cairns Crocodiles 2026:
Cairns Crocodiles Content
Dive into three days of creativity at Cairns Crocodiles 2026! From inspiring keynotes to breakouts and afternoon sessions in the Hemingway’s Brewery content track, the conference brings global marketers, top creatives, media leaders, and trailblazers together. Share ideas, spark connections, and witness creativity in action across these core areas:
Cairns Crocodiles Awards
Celebrating the boldest, brightest and most daring ideas in APAC creativity! The Cairns Crocodiles Awards shine a spotlight on exceptional APAC campaigns. The ones that break the mould, and the innovators pushing the industry forward. Don’t miss the glamour, the recognition and the inspiration.
Cairns Hatchlings, Presented by Yahoo
Cairns Hatchlings spotlight emerging talent and rising stars of creativity. This is where up-and-coming innovators, fresh voices and bold ideas take centre stage, with all 50 of round one finalists from across APAC being flown up to Cairns to compete live in front of judges. Cairns Hatchlings is all about being inspired, connecting with the next generation and seeing who’s shaping the future of creativity. Find out more here.
Cairns Crocodiles Masterclass, Presented by News Australia
Level up your skills with hands-on masterclasses and speed mentoring at Cairns Crocodiles 2026. Learn from industry leaders, creative trailblazers, and innovators who’ve been there, done that. Whether it’s strategy, storytelling, or bold new ideas, these three sessions are your fast-track to creative brilliance. The masterclasses take place on day three and are followed by speed mentoring.
Cairns Extras
Cairns Crocodiles 2026 isn’t just about panels and keynotes — it’s about the full experience. With exclusive VIP dinners, networking lunches, and unmissable opening and closing parties, Cairns Extra brings the festival to life. Rub shoulders with industry leaders, swap stories with fellow creatives, and enjoy unforgettable moments designed to inspire, connect, and celebrate.
From intimate gatherings to big, bold parties, this is where ideas spark and relationships grow. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the extra magic that makes Cairns Crocodiles more than an event — it’s a creative adventure.
GET YOUR CAIRNS CROCODILES, PRESENTED BY PINTEREST, SUPER EARLY BIRD TICKETS NOW!
What to know now:
Topics in the Tropics Submission Portal Open
Got a bold idea ready to roar? Cairns Crocodiles 2026 wants fresh, brave, unique pitches for the APAC festival of creativity. Submit session ideas now. SUBMISSIONS CLOSE 31 OCTOBER.
Into the Wild @ Cairns Crocodiles * NEW for 2026
Got something new to unleash? Into the Wild is your chance to debut it live on stage at Cairns Crocodiles. Innovators will take the mic for fast-paced showcases to reveal a fresh product, bold platform, partnership, or big creative idea ready to break cover for the very first time. This is where new things get their first roar.
Super Early Bird Tickets Open
Cairns Crocodiles 2026 hits the tropics 12–14 May! Super Early Bird rates are live — catch them before they fly on December 31. Three days of keynotes, masterclasses, and trailblazing insights await.
LOCK IN YOUR CAIRNS CROCODILES TICKETS NOW!
Media Accreditation Open
Sharpen pencils, charge cameras — media accreditation for Cairns Crocodiles is open! Cover keynotes, panels and rainforest-deep discussions from regional and global industry leaders.
“Coverage grows each year, and we welcome all press to experience it first-hand,” says content director Pippa Chambers. Apply for your media pass here.
Want more? Check out on demand sessions here past speakers here, our new shiny advisory board right here.
“Cairns Crocodiles was built for the industry by a team of passionate people who believe in championing creativity across APAC. We couldn’t be prouder and we can’t wait to do it all over again in 2026,” said The Misfits co-founder David Hovenden.
Fresh off a regional tour of Singapore, Thailand and Japan, alongside Cairns Crocodiles chief vibes officer Greg ‘Sparrow’ Graham, Hovenden said the appetite for the event is growing rapidly across Asia.
“After our third APAC tour, it’s clear that Cairns Crocodiles is resonating well beyond Australia,” he said.
“We’re building something truly unique for the region — a festival with global ambition, but a local heart.”
In 2025, the event welcomed an extraordinary line-up. From Olympic legend Ariarne Titmus, journalist Antoinette Lattouf and luxury CMO Ana Andjelic, to UN CMO David Ohana, Harvey Norman CEO Katie Page and defamation lawyer Sue Chrysanthou.
“Top brands, creatives, leaders and many bold, weird, and-wonderful speakers all help make Cairns Crocodiles the unique and thriving event it is today,” said Cairns Crocodiles content director Pippa Chambers.
“I’m already deep into planning and research for 2026 and can’t wait to hear from the industry through the Topics in the Tropics submissions process.”
Launched in 2022 the event has fast become a fixture for the advertising, marketing and media industries across ANZ and APAC.
The Cairns Crocodiles team also continues to swell, with former B&T head of marketing Erin Green joining Cairns Crocodiles as its first GM. Green joins content director Pippa Chambers and Cairns Crocodiles Adviser Sparrow as the dedicated crew helping drive the festival’s rapid growth.
“What started off as B&T event with 600 attendees three years ago, has steadily morphed into a standalone brand and event that has huge APAC ambition,” Green said.
“Seeing Cairns Crocodiles grow into its own beast has been the highlight of my career and with 2026 just around the corner, it’s shaping up to be our biggest and boldest year yet.”
Snap up your Cairns Crocodiles super early bird tickets right here before prices go up.
And in case you missed it, catch all the 2025 keynote videos and more via the Cairns Crocodiles YouTube channel here.
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