From newsroom floors to Parliament House, diversity, equity and inclusion policies are under pressure. Do they go too far, or not far enough? Is the U.S. led backlash against DEI gaining ground here? And why are media figures split on content quotas and workforce targets? Join insiders as they unpack policy shifts, the future of representation in Australia, and what it means for you.

Award-winning actor and producer Claudia Karvan OAM, one of Australia's most celebrated and enduring talents will be delivering an unmissable keynote and Q&A.

Claudia Karvan's contribution to the screen industry has been recognised with multiple Logie Awards, an Order of Australia (OAM) for her service to the arts, and a lasting legacy of strong, complex female characters that have reshaped Australian television. Her career trajectory – from child star to industry leader – offers unparalleled insight into resilience, creativity, leadership and innovation in media.

This is a rare opportunity to hear Claudia Karvan share her experiences, lessons and perspectives at a pivotal time for women in media.

Ready or not, here comes the storm. Leading crisis communications specialists will share their approaches to common PR crises – from workplace affairs and executive misconduct, to product failures and bad reviews, the tone-deaf misstep and following ‘non apology’. Guilty or not, being embroiled in a PR crisis can be genuinely traumatic. So how do you fix the problem, keep your brand intact, and survive the storm?

Media shapes how we see ourselves – and storytelling is having a breakthrough moment. Today's women creators are flipping the script, crafting layered, surprising, intersectional characters who leap off the page and screen. From busting clichés to reshaping entire narratives, they're expanding what's possible in storytelling. Join a brilliant panel of women producers, writers and actors as they reveal how they're creating compelling portrayals that resonate with audiences everywhere.

The media world never stands still – from AI and shifting audience behaviours to new business models and industry reinvention. Join the decision-makers shaping what comes next – for a rare look into the future of the industry, showcasing leadership driven by women at the helm. What’s keeping them up at night? What excites them most? Where is it all heading? Big shifts, bold ideas and straight talk from the top.

Young women have long been underestimated – their social, political and market influence overlooked. Enter the new guard of women content creators. They're capturing millions of engaged political voices, building media empires, and landing interviews with the PM and budget lock-up invites. Discover what drives these content powerhouses and how their strategies are reshaping politics, commerce, and content.

Your salary? Just the beginning. This practical, no-BS workshop is for anyone ready to give their finances a glow-up. Whether you're starting from scratch or stepping things up, we’ll cover the juicy stuff: investing 101, saving smarter (not just stashing), and building income streams beyond your 9 to 5. You’ll leave with money confidence, real tools, and a plan to build wealth on your terms.

Ready to save yourself hours of work every day with AI? But also unsure what to ask AI to get useful results? This hands-on workshop introduces effective prompting structures to boost productivity and win back time. Learn how to get the best from tools like Gemini, NotebookLM and Pinpoint – great for writing, research, planning and more. Walk away with practical, ready-to-use prompts you can apply across different AI platforms (including ChatGPT) to streamline your workflow, sharpen your outputs and boost productivity.

Note: This workshop is pitched toward all media professionals, not just journalists.

From Disney princesses to Hollywood blockbusters, the stories we grow up with shape how we see ourselves – and who we think we're allowed to become. In this deeply personal conversation, drawing on her years scaling a video streaming startup in the USA, Olivia explores how media, gender roles, and cultural narratives have influenced her sense of identity and self-worth. She invites you on a journey of unlearning the roles you have been handed, reclaiming your voice, and rebuilding a more authentic version of self – one that isn't scripted by other people.

What makes a strong mentor-mentee relationship – and how do you even find one? In this interactive session, journalist and broadcaster Libbi Gorr hosts a spirited Q&A with experienced media mentors. You can ask anything – from how to make the first approach to what mentors look for in a mentee and what not to do. Hear real stories, common missteps, and practical tips to help you build a mentor relationship that’s meaningful, mutual and career-shaping.

One of the most distinctive voices in U.S. journalism, Hanna Rosin, is visiting from Washington DC to take the stage at the 2025 Women in Media National Conference.

Rosin brings a sharp and timely lens to what many see as a global reversal – a swing of the political pendulum that is being promoted throughout media and reshaping gender dynamics and debate over who holds power.

Hanna will be joined by Seven’s Edwina Bartholomew for a Q&A where you can ask questions.