AHRI QLD Conference 2025
19 and 20 June 2025
Sea World Resort, Gold Coast
Conference Day 2
Friday 20 June | 8:30am – 4:30pm
8:30am
Arrival and networking
9:00am
9:05am
OPENING KEYNOTE - Normalising neuro-diversity: Celebrating different thinkers for a better future!
Traditional workplaces reward sameness, but the future belongs to cognitive diversity. In this keynote, Michelle Loch challenges leaders and HR professionals to rethink hiring, team performance, and problem-solving to unlock the untapped potential of neurodivergent thinkers.
Drawing on the latest neuroscience of insight and creativity, Michelle explores why traditional brainstorming and structured workflows often fail to accommodate different thinkers. She shows how embracing neurodiverse minds can drive innovation, engagement, and business success.
This session will provide practical strategies to design inclusive workplaces, reduce bias, and leverage neurodivergence as a leadership superpower. Because when it comes to talent — same is lame.
9:50am
Morning tea, expo and networking
10:20am
SESSION 2 - Legal and ethical considerations in AI-driven HR
Artificial intelligence (AI) has gained in popularity. It is a useful tool for undertaking tasks that would otherwise require human intelligence, such as problem solving, sorting data and certain online interactions with humans. However, there are limitations given that AI and its understanding are simulated, and it is therefore susceptible to making mistakes. There are also concerns about the data used to generate interactions with AI that may mean that there are privacy, confidentiality and bias issues that raise legal and ethical problems.
In this session, we will look to discover of how deep the fake can be and the risks this poses for organisations, both in general and specifically for HR practitioners and their practices.
11:05am
SESSION 3 - Building a coaching culture in HR: Changing the way people lead and learn
Discover how to transform your organisation by embedding coaching at the heart of HR practice. This dynamic session explores practical strategies for HR professionals to cultivate a coaching culture to support leadership development and organisational learning.
Learn how to shift from traditional directive approaches to a coaching mindset that empowers employees, enhances performance, and drives sustainable change. Drawing on international best practices, this presentation provides a roadmap for HR leaders to implement coaching frameworks that foster innovation, boost engagement, and create an environment where continuous learning thrives.
11:50am
SESSION 4 - Beyond the game: Leadership, culture & community
Great leadership doesn’t just build successful teams — it shapes communities. In this insightful Q&A, rugby league legend and the CEO of Queensland Rugby Football League (QRL), Ben Ikin, will explore how strong leadership, inclusion, and culture drive success both on and off the field. From the lessons of elite sport to the evolving role of people in business, Ben will share how great leaders create lasting impact, foster belonging, and inspire change. Join us to discover the parallels between sport and HR in shaping the future of teams, workplaces, and communities.
12:35pm
Lunch, expo and networking
1:35pm
SESSION 5 - Managed by machines: HR’s role in keeping work human
As AI and automation reshape the workforce, HR leaders must navigate the rise of “algorithmic management” – where AI-driven systems hire, oversee, optimise, and even terminate employees with dwindling human oversight.
This session explores how to balance digital transformation through AI with human connection and meaningful work; ensuring technology uplifts rather than undermines human potential. Using real-world case studies, Chris will examine ethical AI principles, strategies for embedding autonomy, connection, and purpose, and practical ways HR can advocate for employee well-being. Leave with a practical framework to guide responsible AI adoption and create a workplace where humans and technology thrive together.
2:20pm
SESSION 6 - Transforming HR through technology, analytics, and AI tools
This panel discussion brings together industry leaders to explore the impact of technology, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) on the role of HR professionals and the HR function. The panellists will delve into how these advancements are reshaping HR practices, enhancing decision-making, and driving organisational success.
3:05pm
Afternoon tea, expo and networking
3:30pm
SESSION 7 - Future-proofing your HR career: What’s next and how to stay ahead in an ever changing world
Many of us step into HR to make a real impact — to support people and shape workplaces for the better. Yet, in an ever-changing world, it’s easy to get lost in day-to-day demands and lose sight of the bigger picture.
To thrive in the future, HR professionals and leaders must reconnect with the core principles that drive meaningful work while staying agile and adaptable.
In this insightful session, Edwin will explore:
- The principles of life design and meaningful work that create a career of lasting impact
- How to build a sustainable career using an “m-shaped” career structure and micro-learning cycles
- The role of career meta-competencies and how they are evolving in today’s dynamic world.