AHRI QLD Conference 2025
19 and 20 June 2025
Sea World Resort, Gold Coast
Conference Day 1
Thursday 19 June | 8:30am – 5:45pm
8:30am
Arrival and networking
9:00am
9:10am
9:20am
OPENING KEYNOTE - Mind the GAP: AI disruption is a people problem
AI disruption isn’t primarily a technological challenge — it’s organisational. Workers adopt AI faster than systems can adapt, meaning transformation happens through people, not processes. Power users, those using AI daily, are lead indicators of organisational AI maturity.
Humanova’s latest research demonstrates they transform their own work while driving broader change through knowledge sharing, turning individual proficiency into organisational capability. Yet few leaders invest in developing these crucial change agents. Success requires reimagining workforce development — setting foundations with governance, making AI a team sport through collaborative learning, and transforming talent systems to embed AI capability into organisational DNA. Humanova’s message: sustainable advantage comes from building AI-savvy workforces, not merely implementing technology.
10:05am
Morning tea, expo and networking
10:35am
SESSION 2: Hiring chemistry: How recruitment team dynamics shape candidate experience
This session will dive into the often-overlooked chemistry between those involved in the hiring process and the subsequent impact on candidates. Whether you’re an external recruiter, internal recruiter, HR specialist, or hiring manager, your time, energy, collaboration and accountability throughout the recruitment process can make or break the candidate experience. This presentation will explore common behaviours that can derail hiring efforts and offer actionable insights on how to build the right team, with the right mindset to attract top talent, set them up for success and retain them.
11:20am
SESSION 3 - Holistic development and preparing for career transitions
Athlete transitions are diverse and multifaceted, much like employees’ career journeys.
In this session, Mark will explore how his work with elite athletes — spanning Olympic, Paralympic, and professional sports — can be applied to non-sporting contexts. He will share reflections, insights, and transferable frameworks that bridge the gap between the ‘field of play’ and our professional domains.
Key takeaways include how high-performance sport attracts, recruits, retains, and transitions talent, which is similar to how we seek, assess, develop, and support employees throughout their careers.
Be ready to look beyond your job title and reflect on your Purpose Statement —your own six-word story.
12:05pm
SESSION 4 - Leading with AI: Why human-centred leadership matters more than ever
AI is transforming the workplace, but great leadership remains deeply human.
In this engaging session, discover practical ways to harness AI as a strategic partner — empowering you and your leaders to be more adaptive, insightful, and human-centered. Learn how AI can enhance, not replace, empathy, curiosity, and decision-making, helping leaders inspire and navigate change with confidence.
The goal isn’t to compete with AI, but to use it to amplify what we do best — leading people toward a better future.
12:50pm
Lunch, expo and networking
1:50pm
SESSION 5 - Indigenous diversity: Where to for the future?
As we move into 2025 and beyond, the conversation around Indigenous diversity must go beyond representation — it’s about action, influence, and sustained impact. This session will explore the evolution of Indigenous leadership across sectors, the barriers still faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander professionals, and the next steps for true inclusion. How do we embed First Nations leadership in decision-making spaces? What role do both Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders play in driving change? Join us for a powerful discussion on shaping the future of Indigenous diversity in Australia.
2:35pm
SESSION 6 - Overstimulated & undernourished: Nutrition and mental wellbeing in the workplace
In this session, Sammy will take you on an eye-opening journey into how modern lifestyles are impacting our nervous system, digestion, and overall wellbeing. With 40 per cent of sick days attributed to mental health, this session is essential for providing your team with the tools and insights they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced environment.
You’ll discover:
- Body awareness: Unlock the secrets of the digestive system and its link to our mental wellbeing
- Nutrition power: Foods to nourish mind and body
- Stress management: Practical tips on mastering calm
- Mindful eating: Improve your relationship with food.
3:20pm
Afternoon tea, expo and networking
3:45pm
SESSION 7 - The HR leader’s role in employee wellbeing and burnout prevention
Employers can no longer ignore the worldwide trend towards greater accountability for employee wellbeing. HR executives can lead the way to encourage a more comprehensive and holistic approach to workplace health. The benefits of improved mental health, resilience, and effectiveness are undeniable. This session will explore the trends, key issues, and practical changes we can all implement right now.