The conference kicks off with the welcome function on Tuesday, 28 October and closes with the gala dinner on the evening of Thursday, 30 October. Departure day is Friday, 31 October
We’re thrilled to reveal our speaker lineup — with more still to come!
On Wednesday afternoon, residential delegates will attend self-selected breakouts. With nine topics to choose from, you’ll have the chance to attend three in total.
After registering and closer to the conference date, you’ll receive an email inviting you to select your breakout schedule.
A dedicated commercial stream tailored for brokers operating primarily in the commercial and asset finance space. Here, you’ll receive a specialised agenda with industry specific speakers.
The commercial and asset finance delegates will take part in Wednesday morning’s main opening plenary, before breaking off to their own stream in the afternoon. They will then rejoin the main plenary session on Thursday.
Delegates will stay across five Cairns hotels. If you wish to choose your hotel, you can do so during registration, for a supplement fee.
The broker registration fee is highly subsidised and includes the following
Howdy, y’all! It’s a honky-tonk disco, where Texas and Vegas collide in a mashup of cowboy cowgirl disco sparkle. Strap on your chaps, don a glittery cowboy hat and hit the dance hall for a boot-scootin’ party!
Click though for details on the full program agenda, accommodation, partner packages, CPD, extending your stay, dress code, FAQ and much more!
This event is being run by AFG, and we ask that as always, we all hold each other to account to act in a professional, honest, and fair manner. We also ask that you treat AFG staff, our suppliers and our hosts at the venues, with courtesy and respect. Any individual who displays inappropriate behaviour that does not meet community expectations will be asked to leave the event.
AFG may use photographs, audio, and/or video recordings of attendees at the event for purposes of promotion of this event or future events, publicity, and broker recruitment on behalf of AFG, via the Internet, print publications, and other media, including social media. Should an attendee NOT want to be photographed or recorded or have their name or biographical information used in connection with any such recording, they should remove themselves from areas in which photography and/or recording is taking place or notify the camera operator of that they do not agree to be photographed. Failure to do so may result in that attendee’s inclusion in a photograph or recording and will be treated as consent for AFG to utilise that photograph or recording accordingly.
Our conference MC is one of Australia’s most loved actors and entertainers. Shane Jacobson’s career spans 40 years, with his standout role in the 2006 film Kenny delivering him worldwide recognition and an AFI Award for best lead actor. Shane’s quintessential Australian sense of humour and ability to tell a yarn will bring maximum fun to our days spent together.
Former World Iron Champion & AIA Ambassador
Thank you to AIA Financial Wellbeing for sponsoring Guy Leech’s appearance
Australian Ironman legend Guy Leech rose to fame at 19 by winning the inaugural Coolangatta Gold in 1984, a gruelling 46-kilometre endurance race that established him as a dominant force in Ironman competitions. Throughout his 15-year career, he maintained an unbeaten record in races lasting more than two hours.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Leech has become a passionate advocate for health and longevity. Following the loss of a close friend to sudden cardiac arrest, he founded Heart180, a national initiative aimed at improving access to defibrillators across Australia.
Guy shares insights on high performance, but also a deeply personal message centred around the importance of heart health, workplace wellness, and taking proactive steps to live a longer, healthier life.
Cyber safety and Digital Transformation Advocate
Get ready to laugh and learn with one of Australia’s most dynamic and engaging minds. Adam Spencer is a renowned broadcaster and author who is known for making complex technology topics accessible. With a sharp focus on cyber safety, digital transformation, and the rise of artificial intelligence, Adam brings a wealth of knowledge about how these forces are reshaping industries, workplaces, and everyday life.
Adam will help you understand both the risks and opportunities of the digital world – from protecting sensitive data to embracing smarter tools that enhance productivity. Adam will shed light on how AI and digital innovation can streamline processes, improve client service, and unlock new opportunities – without replacing the personal expertise and relationships that define our profession. Prepare to have your eyes opened to the digital future and leave empowered to navigate it with confidence.
Survivor, Founder of Kindness Factory and 2025 NSW Australian of the Year
A testament to the power of human spirit, Kath Koschel is a survivor who has overcome incredible odds to inspire ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Kath is also the 2025 NSW Australian of the Year.
A former professional cricketer and Ironman competitor, Kath’s world came crashing down when she broke her back twice in the span of five years and was told that she would never walk again. Instead, she faced the challenges head-on and defied all medical prognosis by teaching herself to walk again on three separate occasions.
Amid these harrowing experiences, she experienced two things in large amounts: adversity and kindness. Driven by a passion to spread gratitude and kindness in the world, Kath founded Kindness Factory, with the goal of encouraging one million acts of kindness. To date, Kindness Factory has recorded over 7 million acts of kindness and is now both a movement, and a registered not-for-profit in three countries.
Kath will inspire you to embrace compassion, resilience, and the transformative power of kindness in both your personal and professional lives.
Demographer and Business Advisor
Bernard Salt is widely regarded as one of Australia’s leading demographers and social commentators. He brings a wealth of experience in analysing Australia’s demographic, consumer, social and property trends.
Bernard has a unique ability to distil complex data into relatable narratives. He is known for highlighting societal shifts through terms he has coined, such as the “Seachange Shift” and the globally recognised “Smashed Avocado” phenomenon.
Bernard will explore current and emerging trends impacting our industry. Drawing from his extensive research and experience, he will provide actionable insights to help you navigate the evolving economic and social landscape.
Former Nike Vice President & Founder, Inspired Companies
Lisa MacCallum is an internationally recognised business strategist who helps organisations build trust, reputation and customer loyalty. As a former Vice President at Nike, she spent nearly 20 years driving strategy, sales and brand growth for one of the world’s most competitive markets. Now, Lisa advises customer-focused businesses how to differentiate, stay relevant and create lasting value. Lisa also serves on boards across Australia, Japan and India, and is a Young Global Leader alumnus of the World Economic Forum.
The Property Couch Podcast
Hosts of Australia’s #1 property podcast The Property Couch, Bryce and Ben are also the driving force behind Empower Wealth, an award-winning advisory firm helping Australians build wealth through a tailored, holistic approach. Through their podcast, they deliver trusted expertise, practical strategies and no-nonsense conversations that make property and finance easy to understand. Most recently, they’ve released their third book, How to Retire on $3,000 per Week: The Property Couch’s Playbook for Passive Property Investing, giving everyday Aussies a clear roadmap to designing their ideal lifestyle through smart investing.
Want a front-row seat to Australia’s #1 property podcast? At AFG Next, Bryce Holdaway and Ben Kingsley are bringing The Property Couch live to the stage — joined by renowned demographer Bernard Salt. Together they’ll unpack what’s really going on in property, finance and wealth creation, and explore how shifting demographics are shaping the future. It’s set to be a lively, insightful and entertaining conversation you won’t want to miss.
Associate Global Partners CEO
Marty Switzer is a financial markets expert with more than 20 years in the financial services industry. He is CEO of Associate Global Partners, Director of WCM Global Growth Limited, and former COO of Switzer Financial Group. A seasoned broadcaster and business coach, Marty brings deep expertise in markets, business, and the economy.
Serial Entrepreneur
Richard Turner is a leading Australian entrepreneur, innovator, author, and business growth expert.
Richard and his family have founded three different companies that have each become billion-dollar businesses, across three different sectors – manufacturing, distribution and energy.
Twice named South Australian Entrepreneur of the Year and awarded Australian Entrepreneur of the Year, Richard’s ventures have ranked among the fastest growing in the nation.
A specialist in reinvention and industry disruption, Richard is passionate about sustainability and works with companies that drive positive change, believe in their purpose, and create value for future generations.
Neuro-Performance Scientist
Dr. Kristy Goodwin is a leading Neuro-performance Scientist specialising in the intersection of neuroscience, technology, and human behaviour. She is an expert on peak performance and productivity in a digital world.
With a PhD focused on optimising cognitive function in the digital age, she empowers individuals to harness brain science for improved productivity, well-being, and digital resilience.
Dr. Goodwin is known for translating complex scientific insights into practical strategies for thriving in a fast-paced, technology-driven world. She arms audiences with the latest evidence-based strategies to decode the neuroscience underpinning peak performance in the technological era.
When you work with, rather than against your neurobiology, you can experience success without sacrifice. Kristy’s tools for peak-performance in a digital age play a critical role in the modern workplace to optimise efficiency, facilitate communication and collaboration and drive both productivity and wellbeing.
Senior Broker, Premier Financial Advocates
Sadish Visvalingam is the founder of Premier Financial Advocates, a mortgage brokerage based in Mount Waverley, Victoria. In his senior broker role, Sadish is known for his client-first approach, working closely with individuals and businesses to craft tailored financial solutions that align with their long-term goals.
Andrew May is one of the world’s leading experts in human performance, mindset and leadership. He is the founder of Performance Intelligence, a specialist advisory, working across elite sport, business, the military and performing arts to unlock potential and build sustainable high performance.
Andrew is the Mental Skills and Leadership Coach for the Manly Sea Eagles (NRL), the Wallabies (Rugby Union), and World Champion Boxer Tim Tszyu. He’s also a trusted advisor to CEOs, senior leaders, and high-performing teams navigating pressure, change and growth.
Andrew’s presentations combine science, story and the power of data.
Andrew is the host of the Performance Intelligence Podcast, where he interviews some of the world’s leading thinkers, athletes and business minds.
Better Sales Coach
Dean is one of Australia’s leading sales performance coaches with 30 years of legal, finance, sales and management experience.
Dean mixes a unique blend of sales experience, psychology and motivational theory to help organisations grow sales. He is known by his clients for pushing leaders and teams to strategically and relentlessly chase new business and grow existing clients.
Dean draws on personal experience developed across a diverse range of industries. He completed his General Registered Representative qualifications with the London Stock Exchange whilst working with Morgan Stanley in London. Dean then went on to finish his Law Degree and was admitted as a Solicitor practicing in litigation and negotiating complex disputes for some of Australia’s largest construction companies. His next role, as CEO, was leading a property development and childcare management company to build and manage a team of 140 employees. This business was successfully developed and sold. He then developed and led a highly successful sales team in the technology space and simultaneously grew his consulting business.
Dean holds a Law Degree from QUT, an Executive MBA from the AGSM and he is also a qualified Yoga teacher.
Amy Jacobson is a recognised authority on emotional intelligence and human behaviour, with extensive experience supporting organisations to enhance individual performance, workplace culture and leadership capability. Amy applies evidence-based frameworks that help strengthen self-awareness, communication, and decision-making. Amy’s work is grounded in practical application, equipping audiences with strategies to build lasting success in dynamic and challenging environments.
A dynamic and highly facilitated networking experience where participants engage in meaningful conversations, sharing personal insights, stories, and ideas in response to a curated set of thought-provoking questions and scenarios.
Seated in two concentric circles, you’ll connect face-to-face with a new partner every five minutes, each time discussing a new topic.
Rapid rotation ensures that every participant, whether new to industry or highly experienced, gets the opportunity to tap into a broad range of perspectives; crowdsourcing ideas, sharing wisdom, and building connections that count.
Dr Kristy Goodwin
Neuro-Performance Scientist
This session is proudly sponsored by AFG Women on the Move, HSBC and AFG Home Loans.
Explore how the invisible domestic and digital loads, shouldered by many women, have left them feeling overwhelmed and stressed, both at work and home.
In the 2023 Women’s Agenda data revealed 77% of women said they’d experienced burnout in the past 12 months. The State of Workplace Burnout 2024 report revealed that 42% of women, compared to 30% of men, are experiencing burnout.
With burnout rates disproportionately affecting women, this session blends data-driven insight with practical, science-backed solutions to help you:
In this session, a group of high-performing mortgage brokers and mortgage broker groups will come together to share their knowledge, experience, and unique insights on what has driven their success.
Through candid discussions and real-world examples, they will reveal the strategies and mindsets that set them apart from their peers.
Be inspired and equipped to aim higher and elevate your own performance, via engaging conversation that will deliver practical takeaways and motivation for all attendees.
What is the broker who is growing their business twice as fast as you, doing differently? And what if you found out they’re doing it with less time, effort and energy.
During this session, Dean will:
Whether you’re stuck in a rut, looking for new ideas or just need some inspiration, this session will deliver.
Andrew May
Expert in human performance, leadership and mental skills
Many organisations invest heavily in building leadership capability – skills, knowledge and competencies – but overlook the critical foundation of leadership capacity.
Leadership capacity is about having the time, energy and mental clarity to lead strategically, make decisions, and stay resilient through change.
In this engaging and science-backed session, Andrew draws on performance psychology, exercise physiology, neuroscience and twenty years working at the point end of leadership in elite sport, business, and the military to provide attendees with practical tools and actionable insights.
Takeaways:
This session is perfect for people leaders and emerging leaders who want a sustainable blueprint for high performance leadership to help navigate the change, complexity and increasing demands in today’s fast-paced world.
In this game-changing session, discover how one forward-thinking broker is transforming his business by taking BrokerEngine Plus to the next level with the strategic use of AI.
Through real-life examples and practical insights, you’ll see how AI-powered tools can unlock new levels of efficiency, accuracy, and client engagement when using BrokerEngine Plus.
This is not just about using the technology – it’s about using it intelligently to scale, stand out, and stay ahead. Whether you’re new to BrokerEngine Plus or already using it in your business, this session will open your eyes to what’s possible when innovation meets ambition.
Emotional Intelligence (EI) is ranked among the Top Five skills of the future – yet 75% of people can’t define what it really means, let alone know how to develop it.
In this session, Amy will explore how self-awareness, emotional regulation, communication, and decision-making shape our relationships, performance, and long-term success in today’s fast-changing world. You’ll gain insights into the emotional brain, uncover the five core areas of EI, and learn practical strategies to strengthen your own emotional intelligence – starting now.
