HUMAN INSIGHTS

CONFERENCE

2024

29-30 August 2024  •  The Hilton, Sydney

Keynote Speakers



Barry Jennings

Director, Commercial Cloud and Business Planning Research, Microsoft Research + Insights Group

Barry Jennings is the Director of Commercial Cloud and Business Planning Insights for the Microsoft’s Research + Insights group. He has over 30 years of experience in market research, starting on the supplier side as a phone survey researcher while still in college. He later worked on international technology brand-related market research at Millward Brown/IntelliQuest. Barry spent 18 years at Dell in research roles that covered almost every product category the company offered in the consumer and B2B space. He then moved into the mobile space by joining BlackBerry, where he was the leader of market research and competitive intelligence focused on business-to-business solutions. At Microsoft, Barry and his team provide insights to drive the company’s cloud marketing and commercial business planning groups.

Barry’s research focus includes product marketing research for cloud computing, data platforms, artificial intelligence, developer tools, and business planning research focused on Microsoft’s IaaS, PaaS and SaaS businesses.


Jan Fran

Journalist, TV Presenter and Social Commentator

Jan Fran is a Walkley-winning journalist, TV Presenter and social commentator. She is the co-host of ABC’s Question Everything and is well known for her work on Channel 10’s The Project and SBS’s The Feed. 

Jan is a social commentator known for her viral internet videos. Her opinion segment, The Frant, which has been viewed more than 25 million times on social media, earned her a Walkley Award for Best Commentary, Analysis, Opinion and Critique.

Jan has shot and produced documentaries from all over the world. She’s lived in Lebanon, France, Bangladesh and Uganda and speaks three languages. 

Jan Fran is an ambassador for Plan International Australia where she advocates for women and girls and her strong reporting on women’s issues earned her a Walkley nomination for Women’s Leadership in Media. 


Steve Sammartino

Futurist

Steve Sammartino, a prominent futurist, commands the technology and AI scene with his dynamic and humorous keynote speeches, making him a celebrated speaker worldwide. Writing his first lines of computer code at at 10, Steve boasts an extensive record of tech accomplishments, including co-founding the innovative AI and robotics firm Macro3D. His three best-selling books delve into the realm of tech’s potential, and his expertise is showcased in a successful TED talk and as the host of the acclaimed TV show "The Rebound," which ran for 3 seasons nationally on Channel 9.

His knack for unraveling tech complexities into relatable content is proven by his viral videos, with over 100 million views, and his engaging commentary in the media. Steve’s insights are highly sought after, positioning him as a trusted voice in tech circles. More than just envisioning the future, Steve is at the forefront of shaping it, making his presentations essential for those looking to understand the technological horizon.


Janine Allis

Founder, Boost Juice Bars

Janine is not your everyday self-made businesswoman. She grew her juice and smoothie empire in 2000 from her kitchen bench to an international success story. Since its inception three brands: Salsa's Fresh Mex Grill, CIBO Espresso and Betty's Burgers have joined Retail Zoo.

Janine’s business approach has made her a leader in her field, with BRW listing Janine as one of the top 15 people who have changed the way business is done in the last 25 years.  Her awards are numerous including Telstra Business Women of the Year.

Janine is a bestselling author of The Accidental Entrepreneur, has featured on Shark Tank, Australian Survivor, Celebrity Apprentice and Food Stars with Gordon Ramsay.    This year launched a new online Business course called the Business Academy, to help the next generation of Entrepreneurs.


Nina Jennings

User Research & Innovation Leader, Google

Nina is a highly accomplished technologist, creative, and coach. She has a background in engineering psychology and currently holds the position of Lead of UX Research for Speakeasy Console in Core UX at Google. Prior to joining Google, Nina held significant roles in User Research at HBO (HBOMAX), Amazon (Device & Design Group), Dell Computer Corporation, Microsoft, Intuit (TurboTax), and Life Technologies.

Nina's expertise spans various technology sectors, including hardware, software, SaaS, IaaS, streaming, and fintech. She has also provided consultancy services for cross-cultural projects in more than ten countries. In addition to her technological achievements, Nina is a prolific author, having written over 20 published works of fiction, three non-fiction books, award-winning films, and several plays, including the music accompanying them. Her literary works address important topics such as young adult internet safety, women's issues, and date rape within fictional contexts. An Avid community volunteer, she volunteers for STEAM efforts focused on Black Children and Design Thinking for Non-Profit Service Design.


Matt Hall

Red Bull Air Race World Champion and former Royal Australian Air Force Top Gun Fighter Pilot

Matt is a third-generation pilot whose life in aviation has seen intense military combat, multiple near-death experiences and immortalisation in the fastest motorsport on the planet.

Matt is the reigning Red Bull Air Race world champion. He placed third in his world championship racing debut in 2009 becoming the first rookie in history to make it to the podium. Matt has since accumulated seven wins and 25 podiums. He was crowned world champion of the 2019 world series, making him the most successful air racing pilot in the modern era.

Matt is a former wing commander in the Royal Australian Air Force and combat veteran of Iraq with USAF medals for heroism under fire in his F-15E Strike Eagle jet fighter, supporting troops on the ground.

Matt is a highly credentialed and skilled fighter pilot with 4000 hours in Military aircraft including 2000 F/A-18 Hornet hours, over 500 hours in the F-15E Strike Eagle (including combat), and over 4000 hours in civilian aircraft.


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