Schedule

7am Morning Yoga in the Gardens (optional)

Start your day with intention in the stunning surrounds of The Calyx, nestled within Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens. This optional morning yoga session is designed to help you connect with nature, calm the mind, and energise the body ahead of a full day of learning and inspiration.

Suitable for all levels, this gentle flow will leave you feeling refreshed, centred, and ready to absorb new ideas with clarity and focus.

8.30am Coffee and networking

Ease into the day with a coffee in hand and great company all around. This 30-minute window is your chance to connect with fellow event professionals, swap stories, share ideas, and expand your network before we kick off the day.

Whether you’re catching up with familiar faces or meeting someone new, it’s the perfect warm-up for a day designed to spark inspiration and collaboration.

9am Now That’s an Opening | Mykel Dixon, Nigel Mintern (AV1)

This isn’t your average conference welcome. Join Mykel Dixon as he kicks off the day with energy, insight, and a powerful reminder of just how impactful the opening moments of an event can be. Expect an experience that draws you in, shifts your perspective, and shows - rather than tells - what’s possible when creativity and production come together.

From there, Mykel will set the tone for the day ahead, helping you feel empowered, curious, and ready to learn. You’ll also hear from AV1’s Managing Director, Nigel Mintern, as he shares the thinking behind this event - why we’re here, and what we hope you’ll take away.

9.45am Breakout Workshops

We’ll split into two groups and cover…

What’s in the Rack? A Hands-On Guide to AV Gear | Tim Lynden (AV1), Connor McEwen (AV1)

This session is your chance to get hands-on with real AV gear and connect directly with the technical crew who bring events to life. Through live demos and practical insights, you’ll get familiar with the core equipment used in events - what it does, how it works, and why it matters.

We’ll explore the different elements of a typical AV setup, and show how each one impacts the audience experience. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what’s behind the scenes and what delivers the most value for your budget.

Tech, Time & Budget: The Event Planning Trifecta | Keith Wootton (FSTVL GRP), Brooke Perry (AV1)

Behind every seamless event lies a careful balancing act between technology, timing, and budget. This session dives into the strategic side of event planning, with a focus on the logistical and theoretical elements that often make or break a production.

We’ll explore how early ideation and collaboration with your AV team can elevate the value of your event, and how technology, when used purposefully, can enhance both experience and efficiency. You’ll gain insight into budget allocation strategies, including when it makes sense to lean into in-house solutions.

We’ll also look at the importance of structure: why runsheets, floorplans, and rehearsals are essential tools for managing complexity and ensuring clarity across teams.

12pm Morning close and intensive Q&A | Mykel Dixon, Keith Wootton (FSTVL GRP), Nigel Mintern (AV1)

To wrap the morning program, this session offers a chance to pause, reflect, and ask the questions that matter most to you. Whether you're seeking clarity on something you saw, heard, or experienced, or you’re curious about how to apply what you’ve learned, this open Q&A is your moment.

Designed to ensure no one leaves with questions unanswered, it's a chance to consolidate your takeaways and get practical, personalised insights before heading off, or heading into the afternoon for more learning.

12.30pm A Little Laissez-Faire Lunch

Enjoy a delicious networking lunch curated by the team at Laissez-Faire Catering, known for their fresh, seasonal menus and beautifully presented fare. This is your chance to connect with fellow attendees in a relaxed setting, continue conversations from the morning sessions, and refuel for the rest of the day. Great food, great company, and the perfect environment to share ideas and make meaningful connections.

1.15pm Morning Ticket Departures

As the morning program wraps, we’ll bid farewell to our half-day attendees. Whether you’re heading back to the office or off to your next adventure, we’re sure you’ll leave inspired, informed, and energised.

1.30pm Next-Level Thinking (Mykel Dixon)

We’re back - and ready to dive deeper. This short session will help you shift gears and get into the mindset for the afternoon ahead, which is designed for those looking to level up their knowledge and explore more advanced aspects of AV and event production.

1.45pm Safe, Smart, Successful: An Introduction to Managing Risk in Event Planning | Kealan Coleman (AV1)

As your events grow in scale, so do the risks - and the expectations.

In this practical and eye-opening session, Kealan Coleman, AV1’s WHS and Production Manager, will unpack what it really takes to plan and deliver high-stakes events safely, legally, and with full confidence. From risk assessments and insurance checks to incident reporting and documentation, you’ll gain insight into the systems and thinking that protect not just your audience - but your team, your suppliers, and your reputation.

Kealan will demystify critical WHS requirements that every event planner needs to understand, including:

Understanding your role and obligations as a PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking)
How to complete a meaningful Risk Assessment for events of any size
Supply chain due diligence: what you need to check around contractor insurances and compliance
The importance of Staff Inductions and Toolbox Talks for onsite crews
Incident reporting: how to prepare for, respond to, and document incidents appropriately
How to build strong evidence of due diligence and consultation - protecting yourself, your team, and your business

Whether you're stepping into larger venues, managing complex builds, or simply planning your biggest event yet, this session will show you how to de-risk your event delivery without diluting the magic - so you can operate with clarity, professionalism, and peace of mind.

2.15pm From Boardrooms to Ballrooms: Core Principles of Event Success | Dylan Batterham (AV1)

What makes an event unforgettable - and how do you deliver it under pressure?

In this behind-the-scenes session, AV1’s Dylan Batterham unpacks the real-world craft of creating memorable, impactful events, no matter the scale.

Whether you’re running a boardroom presentation, a conference, a gala dinner or a stadium-scale production, the principles of great experience design and smart production strategy remain the same.

You’ll explore how to shape the emotional energy of an event across its entire arc, harness the five senses for deeper audience connection, and align every technical element - lighting, content, sound, staging, timing - to reinforce a clear, powerful story.

2.45pm The Future of Gathering (Mykel Dixon)

To close out the day, Mykel Dixon returns to spark our imagination and reframe the way we think about coming together. In a world where attention is short and expectations are high, how can we create gatherings that matter deeply, memorably, and with impact?

This session is a call to action for event professionals. It’s about embracing creativity, leaning into purpose, and shaping the future of Australian events, together. You’ll leave energised, inspired, and ready to lead the next wave of meaningful connection.

3.30pm Botanical Sundowner

As the day winds down, join us for one final connection under the canopy at The Calyx. The Botanical Sundowner is your chance to reflect on the day’s insights, reconnect with fellow planners, and share a drink in one of Sydney’s most beautiful settings.

5pm Event ends