PROGRAM OVERVIEW

One room. One aUDIENCE. ONE DAY that changes EVERYTHING.

Hosted on Tuesday 15 September 2026, Discover Events is one room, one audience and one shared experience.

Every session, break and conversation happens in the same connected space to maximise learning and create natural engagement without disrupting the program. The day is designed with intent and flow to ensure practical learning, strategic challenge and meaningful connection.

2026 discover events program

  • Start the day by connecting with peers from across the events industry while exploring our Industry Marketplace, featuring leading suppliers, destinations, venues and event service providers. Grab a coffee, meet fellow delegates and discover the latest innovations shaping the future of events.

  • David Yakas | Founder, Discover Events

    David Yakas opens the inaugural Discover Events Forum, sharing the vision behind creating a dedicated event industry conference for Western Australia and exploring the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of our sector.

  • Bruce Keebaugh | Founder & Executive Chairman, The Big Group

    What transforms an event from simply good to genuinely unforgettable? One of Australia's leading experience creators shares lessons from world-class events, premium hospitality and the art of creating moments that leave a lasting impact.

DESIGNING EXPERIENCES THAT MATTER

  • Abbie McCrisken-Lee | Director, Group Head of Production & Experience, Sight

    International events are often a source of inspiration, but what ideas actually translate to Australian audiences and budgets? This practical session explores global trends worth embracing, those worth leaving behind, and how to create premium event experiences without premium price tags.

  • Take the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet speakers and explore the Industry Marketplace.

  • Melissa Yu | Founder & Director, MCO Events

    In a world increasingly shaped by AI, automation and digital marketing, live experiences have become one of the most powerful ways for organisations to build trust, create community and foster lasting connections. Drawing on her experience creating large-scale events, building brands and understanding human behaviour, Melissa explores why events should no longer be viewed as standalone activations, but as a critical part of every organisation's broader business and brand ecosystem.

  • Damian Udall | Partnerships Manager, Carbon Neutral

    Sustainability is becoming an expectation rather than an option. Learn how event organisers can move beyond good intentions to practical action through carbon measurement, smarter planning and creating meaningful environmental outcomes that resonate with clients and attendees.

  • Enjoy lunch while continuing conversations with delegates, speakers and event suppliers in the Industry Marketplace.

PURPOSE, CULTURE & IMPACT

  • Paul Iskov | Head Chef, Fervor

    Food is one of the most powerful storytelling tools available to event organisers. Renowned chef and experience designer Paul Iskov explores how local sourcing, sustainability and shared dining experiences can create deeper audience connection and leave a lasting impression.

  • Jahna Cedar | Jahna Cedar Consulting

    Authentic cultural inclusion goes beyond acknowledgements and symbolic gestures. This important session explores how event professionals can create culturally safe, respectful and meaningful experiences by embedding culture throughout the attendee journey.

  • Melissa Brown | CEO, Australian Business Events Association

    Success is about more than ticket sales and attendance figures. Discover how to measure return on investment and return on experience, align events with organisational objectives and demonstrate value to stakeholders and decision makers.

  • A final opportunity to connect with exhibitors and continue conversations before the afternoon panel sessions.

COMMUNITY, GOVERNMENT & INDUSTRY REALITIES

  • Moderated by Bonnie Davies | Creative Director, The Gelo Company

    A candid discussion with leaders from local government and community events, exploring procurement, governance, stakeholder engagement, regional delivery, cultural considerations and the lessons learned from delivering large-scale public events across Western Australia.

  • Moderated by David Yakas | Founder, Discover Events

    An honest conversation about the business of events. Industry leaders discuss profitability, procurement pressures, client expectations, staffing, growth and the realities of building sustainable event businesses in a rapidly changing landscape.

  • David Yakas | Founder, Discover Events

    The day concludes with a reflection on the common themes and practical insights shared throughout the forum, highlighting the opportunities ahead for the events industry and inviting delegates to continue the conversation.

  • End the day by connecting with speakers, sponsors and fellow delegates over networking drinks overlooking the iconic Optus Stadium precinct. Whether you're building new partnerships, sharing ideas or reconnecting with industry peers, this is your opportunity to continue the conversations that started throughout the day.

Why Attend?

Hear from some of Australia's leading event professionals.
Gain practical ideas you can immediately apply to your own events.
Explore the future of events, sustainability and experience design.
Learn from government, corporate and community event leaders.
Build meaningful connections with the people shaping the future of the events industry.

Join us for a day dedicated to designing events that deliver.

SECURE YOUR TICKET