Visionaries
A Visionary is a pioneer.
A Visionary sees things that others don’t.
A Visionary inspires.
A Visionary lights the way for others.
Our Visionaries are all people who’ve made a difference in their industries by seeing opportunities others haven’t.
Explore our Visionaries by industry:
Antarctic and Southern Ocean
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Catriona HurdProfessor Seaweed Physiology and EcologyProfessor at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), Catriona researchers and educates in seaweed. In addition, she is involved in a number of restoration projects looking for thermotolerant species and finding ways to reforest underwater habitats that have been damaged by climate change.
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Professor Gretta PeclProfessor of Climate Change EcologyProfessor of Climate Change Ecology and IPCC Lead Author, Professor Gretta Pecl has been ranked in the top 200 most influential climate scientists in the world. With a rich background in research Gretta’s focus has been on the impact of climate change on natural systems and helping with the development of adaptation options for conservation, fisheries and aquaculture.
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Irene PenesisResearch Director at Blue Economy CRC, Professor at Australian Maritime CollegeIrene is the Research Director of the Blue Economy CRC, an industry-driven research and development initiative to enhance the development of Australia’s blue economy through the delivery of world-class, industry focused research into integrated seafood and renewable energy production systems.
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Dr Tara MartinDirector of Antarctic TasmaniaTara has an extensive background in Antarctic research, specializing in geophysics and research infrastructure management. Beginning her career as a research scientist, her focus was on enabling technologies and connections that are essential to delivering world-class science. During her 14-year tenure at CSIRO’s Marine National Facility, Tara held various roles, including leading the facility for two years. Now representing Tasmania as an Antarctic Gateway, Tara is dedicated to fostering connections and creating opportunities within the scientific community. Her firsthand experience highlights the vital role conferences play in building networks and advancing careers.
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Pat WongpanQuantitative Sea Ice Biogeochemist | Ecologist – Australian Antarctic Program PartnershipA quantitative sea ice biogeochemist/ecologist at the Australian Antarctic Program’s Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies based at the University of Tasmania, Pat’s involvement and advocacy in business events is in fact what first brought him to the island! |
Medical Science
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Tracey DicksonDirector – Menzies Institute for Medical ResearchProfessor Dickson is the Director of the Menzies Institute for Medical Research. She has an excellent track record, national and international reputation, and over 20 years’ experience in the fields of neurodegenerative disease research, particularly Motor Neuron disease and Parkinson’s disease. She is a passionate advocate for the Menzies mission to perform international significant medical research leading to healthier, longer, and better lives for all Tasmanians.
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Andy FliesPostdoctoral research fellow – Immunology – University of TasmaniaAssociate Professor at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research at University of Tasmania, Andrew’s work has been leading the way with the development of vaccines and immunology tools to save the iconic Tasmanian devils.
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A/Professor Seana GallAssociate Professor, Menzies Institute of Medical Research | EpidemiologistA/Prof Seana Gall is an epidemiologist studying the risk factors and outcomes for heart disease and strokes. She is currently leading Australia’s first research program dedicated to stroke prevention – Synergies to Prevent Stroke (STOPstroke) – and chairs the Tobacco Control Coalition, a Tasmanian government initiative responsible for developing the state’s tobacco control plan.
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Food and Agribusiness
Agriculture and food are the heart of Tasmania’s culture, community, and economy. With nearly a quarter of the island’s land dedicated to cultivating world-class produce, it’s no surprise that Tasmanians have long been pioneers in innovative farming techniques and sustainable agricultural technologies.
Here, you can host your conferences in vibrant city centres, all while being just a short drive away from immersive on-site tours. Visit local farms and processing plants, where growers and producers themselves will guide you through their practices and innovations.
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Sam ElsomChief Executive Officer at Sea ForestA dedicated environmentalist with over 15 years of experience in sustainability, Sam founded one of Australia’s first sustainable apparel companies. More recently, he has turned his attention to seaweed cultivation, recognizing its remarkable potential to sequester CO2 and mitigate climate change. This passion and vision led him to establish Sea Forest, a company at the forefront of this vital, climate-positive industry.
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Natalie FryarDistiller, Sparkling Wine Maker and ConsultantOften referred to as “Australia’s Sparkling Queen,” Natalie has built a distinguished career crafting exceptional wine while also mentoring others as a consultant. With over 30 years of experience across Australia’s premier wine regions—including Margaret River, the Victorian High Country, Henty, and Barossa—her unwavering passion for winemaking ultimately inspired her to establish Bellebonne.
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Anne GigneyFounder and Co-Director at The Distillers Institute | Director IBD Board Asia-Pacific | Distilling education advocateFounder of the Tasmanian Whiskey Academy and co-founder of the Distillers Institute, Anne showcases the greatness of Tasmania’s distilling industry to people coming from interstate and overseas through her distilling education courses. With a background in marketing and communications, Anne recognises the opportunity bringing people and ideas together has for producing great outcomes.
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Andi LucasFounder – X-Hemp & NSP Development, President – Tasmanian Hemp AssociationFounder and managing director at X-Hemp – Tasmania’s first fibre processing factory in Tasmania – Andi is committed to fighting climate change through the discovery of alternative natural building materials that are both long lasting and fire resilient. Andi continues to push the industry forward in Northern Tasmania and is actively involved in relevant conferences.
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Stephanie TrethewayFounder & CEO – Motherland, Co-Founder – Tasmanian Agricultural Company, 2022 Rural Woman of the YearSteph, a seasoned television journalist, moved to Tasmania in 2019 after having her first child. Embracing farm life with her husband Sam, a third-generation farmer, she faced isolation and struggled with motherhood. Inspired by her experiences, she founded Motherland, a charity focused on supporting the emotional wellbeing of rural mothers and improving mental health outcomes.
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Fiona TurnerCEO and Co-Founder of Bitwise AgronomyCEO of Bitwise Agronomy – a company providing innovative technology delivering operational and yield insight for farmers – Fiona Turner is a trailblazer for the agricultural industry. A farmer herself she understands the challenges farmers face and works to create new solutions for age old problems. She’s an advocate for the exchange of new ideas and always ready to share her knowledge with visiting delegates.
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Culture and Tourism
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Rachel PowerOwner, Mt Field Retreat, Waterfalls Cafe & GalleryDuring her time as writer for one of Australia’s first ever family travel blogs – The Great Aussie Road Trip – that was designed to inspire families to experience Australia; Rachel and her family fell in love with Tasmania and quickly decided to move here for the foreseeable future. With Mt Field National Park becoming the family’s favourite location in Tasmania, Rachel became Tasmanian business owner after purchasing the Waterfalls Café & Gallery.
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Sam ReidManaging Director – Du Cane Brewing, Director – Willie Smith’s CiderCo-founder of Willie Smith’s Cider Makers – one of Australia’s leading craft cider companies – and Managing Director at one of Tasmania’s newest brewing companies up North – Du Cane Brewing – Sam Reid is a leading voice for both the tourism and alcoholic beverage industry in both northern and southern regions of the state.
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Education
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Greg OatesAssociate Professor Mathematics Education, Programme Director BEd (Primary) and Deputy Associate Head Teaching and Learning, School of Education, University of Tasmania. Professor Greg Oates has committed his career to passionately advocate and advance mathematics learning and teach. Associate Professor in Mathematics Education and Associate Head of Learning, Teaching and Performance at the University of Tasmania, Greg is a leader in mathematics education and active contributor to conferences in Tasmania.
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Maritime Industry
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Dr Jeffrey HawkinsManaging Director | Pivot Maritime InternationalDr Jeff Hawkins is the Managing Director of Pivot Maritime International, a Tasmanian company that specialises in maritime simulation systems and maritime consultancy services. Jeff has over 30 years professional experience in the maritime industry. A Master Mariner, he has a solid background in international shipping, port management, and strategic and financial management.
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Dr. G. Reza EmadSenior Lecturer | AMC Masters of Applied Science Course Coordinator | Cognitive Human Element and Maritime Education ProfessionalReza has worked and trained around the world in classrooms and ships in the pursuit of rectifying the disconnect that can be present between what is taught in the classrooms of universities and what is vital knowledge for those working within the maritime industry.
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Sean Van SteelOperations Director at Core MarineTassie raised; Sean is an AMC alumnus who alongside business partner Ben founded Core Marine over three years ago in Norway. Now running the Australian branch from here in Tasmania the focus is on providing engineering solutions that unlock the ocean space as a sustainable resource.
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Community and Culture
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Ally BradleyExecutive General Manager (Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Northern Territory) – Southern Cross AustereoAlly is a dynamic media leader with over 20 years of experience. Her career began in regional Australia, fuelled by a passion for radio. Since moving to Hobart in 2015, she became General Manager at Southern Cross Austereo in 2018. By 2023, she expanded her role to oversee SCA Channel 7 assets across South Australia and the Northern Territory.
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Dr Louise GrimmerRetail & Consumer Expert | Speaker, Advisor, Commentator, Columnist | AuthorDr Louise Grimmer from the University of Tasmania is Australia’s leading expert on local and small city retailing and consumer shopping behaviour. Her research focuses on small stores, improving main streets and consumer trends. She was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship, and is the only Australian awarded Senior Fellow status of the Institute of Place Management in the UK.
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Theo KapodistriasLawyer, Public Speaking and Communication Coach, NFP Director, Executive Director, Licensee, and Curator at TEDxHobartMulti-award-winning lawyer having worked in the higher education, cyber security, tourism, and energy industries. Theo was named one of Australia’s Most Influential Lawyers by the Australasian Lawyer magazine. Theo owns and operates a business as a speaker, trainer, MC and public speaking, communications, and presentation coach. Working with professionals to empower them to make an impact with their voice and words.
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Robyn Moore AMProfessional Speaker, Voice ActorA passionate Tasmanian, Robyn has been one of Australia’s top speakers for 30 years. Her “Life-Altering” presentations transform corporate cultures, re-engage people in their vocations and relationships, and restore communities. As an educator, she has inspired thousands across Australasia and her iconic characters in animation and political satire have captivated audiences since the 1980s.
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Adam MostoglEducator | Advisor | FacilitatorAs the CEO & Chief Entrepreneur of The Van Diemen Project, Adam helps people start businesses with confidence, supporting existing businesses to grow and be resilient in these changing times, kickstarting social enterprises, running engaging workshops and events as well as private advisory work to help larger organisations change for the better.
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Dorothy RobertsGeneration Minister, Door of Hope Christian ChurchDorothy Roberts is dedicated to delivering programs and events that provide parents with a safe, positive environment for their whole family. With a background in education, Dorothy has passionately spent her life creating safe environments that foster growth and learning for children. |
