Speakers

Steve Sammartino

Steve Sammartino, globally esteemed futurist and expert in Artificial Intelligence, is best known for his dynamic and humorous keynote presentations that delight and illuminate audiences. His unique blend of energy, humor, and profound insights sets the stage for truly engaging experiences.

Beginning his technological journey at the young age of 12, Steve dove into the world of computational intelligence systems. His in-depth understanding of digital innovation and future technology has spurred him to create several world-first technological feats, demonstrating his ceaseless ambition to redefine possibilities. This same dedication led him to co-found Macro3D, an innovative AI and robotics company that is shaping the future of the industry.

Steve is also an accomplished author of three influential books. Among these, 'Think Like a Startup' stands out as a game-changer, equipping companies and individuals with essential tools to reset their mindset for the AI era. His incisive explorations into the interplay of technology, business, and society offer readers deep insights into our rapidly evolving digital world.

As the host of the national Technology TV show on Channel 9, "The Rebound," Steve brings his tech expertise to a broader audience, reinforcing his position as one of Australia's leading tech voices. His ability to provide expert commentary on the latest technological trends is highly regarded in the industry.

Josh Richards

Physicist, Commando, Explosives Engineer, Comedian, Astronaut Candidate, Exploration Cave Diver – one thing Josh Richards can never be accused of is being boring.

After a decade of picking up booby traps with the Australian Army, slogging through mud with British Commandos, being science adviser to the richest artist in the world, and performing comedy wearing a giant koala suit to confused audiences around the world, Josh decided to take on the final frontier by applying for a one-way mission to Mars. Selected from over 200,000 initial applicants to the Mars One project in 2012, Josh was shortlisted as one of 100 astronaut candidates launching to the red planet one-way in 2031. For the next decade, Josh travelled the world - training, preparing, speaking, and writing books with the single goal of helping our species evolve in order to establish a permanent Human presence on Mars.

When the Mars One mission was eventually shelved in 2020, Josh faced a clear choice: lament the loss of his Martian dream, or venture deeper into the planet he was already on. He chose the latter - turning his exploratory zeal to the depths of Earth's underwater cave systems. As the founder of the "Soggy Wombats" cave exploration team, Josh's dedication to applied science and passion for exploration has led to three of the most significant cave discoveries in South Australia's Limestone Coast region from the last 20 years - extending Engelbrecht's East by more than 400 meters in 2022, doubling the length of Iddlebiddy Cave in 2023, and most recently receiving national television coverage for uncovering the "Crazy Wombat Tunnel" in Pines Cave with its potential connection to nearby Stinging Nettle Cave.

Carmen Braidwood

A familiar face and voice, Carmen is seen nation-wide as a presenter on the Nine Network’s Destination WA, a regular on Weekend Today, and is known for her time hosting breakfast shows on Perth radio stations 96fm and 6PR. Her appearances as a contributor include Sky News, Nine News, The Today Show, The Project and Today Tonight. Carmen is also in demand as a corporate media trainer, confidence on camera coach and speaker. Her dynamic keynotes, trainings and workshop presentations have developed a reputation for allowing delegates to go safely out of their comfort zone and are often voted a favourite by attendees.

She's also a proud poodle mum, an equally proud step-mum and considers herself an unofficial ambassador for her much-loved home state of Western Australia. Carmen loves to talk — in particular about health, functional/dysfunctional families and travel — and for a run of 7 years, lent her voice to co-hosting 96fm Perth’s breakfast show, “Carmen & Fitzi”.