Conference Speakers

Jessica Ridley is a media commentator and TV journalist regularly showcased on Nine’s Today Show. Prior to this, she was on Channel 7’s Sunrise breakfast show as the Sydney correspondent, also working on 7NEWS Australia across finance, real estate, consumer, health and entertainment news.

Having worked in Australia’s largest TV and radio newsrooms for more than a decade, Jessica has developed a reputation as a highly engaging and versatile journalist with solid skills in live television and breaking news. She’s covered major events including the COVID-19 pandemic, elections, floods, bushfires and high-profile court cases.

She has been afforded access to the most powerful players in Australian politics and business, regularly interviewing government policy makers and corporate decision makers.

More recently, Jessica has redirected her skills to training corporate spokespeople on how to deal with the media and share their unique stories through compelling video content and communications, through her company By The Way Media. Away from the spotlight, Jessica is a busy mum and passionately supports other women at the crossroads of parenthood and ambition. She’s enthusiastic about fitness, music, good food and good wine.

Todd Chapman is a respected professional who operates at the senior levels of the aviation industry. As the principal of Leading Edge Management Consulting, he partners with airlines, airports, and other aviation organisations to drive genuine transformation. This may be through strategic resets, leadership development, finding efficiency, bringing cultural improvement or finding sustainable growth.

What sets Todd and the Leading Edge approach apart is a deep commitment to people. His work is grounded in genuine engagement, ensuring that solutions are not only effective but also embedded within the organisation. His goal is to leave a lasting legacy—building leadership capability and fostering a culture that continues to thrive long after his involvement.

Shannon Wandmaker is an aviation security adviser to the Pacific Aviation Safety Office, an Airports Council International trainer, a Queensland Accessible Transport Advisory Council Independent Member, and a Queensland Government licensed security adviser.

He is an experienced international aviation leader who has worked with government and industry stakeholders for 25 years in over 50 countries in the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Europe, and has in-depth security, international relations and diplomatic experience backed up by years of regulatory and operational knowledge.

Shannon is the former Head of Aviation Security for G4S Risk Consulting in Kuwait, the former worldwide Head of Cargo Security for the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and former Chair of the Global Air Cargo Advisory Group Security Task Force. In addition, he led the aviation security audit and capacity development programme across 44 pan-European countries for the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC).

Prior to this Shannon spent 12 years in Australian Government aviation policy, operational and diplomatic positions, including as First Secretary (Transport) for the Australian Embassy, Abu Dhabi, and in addition led aviation security capacity development activities in the Asia Pacific region.

He is AVSEC PM qualified, and is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society.

Michael McQueen understands what it takes to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Recently ranked #11 among the world’s top futurists, Michael is widely recognized for having his finger on the pulse of change, helping clients ranging from Google to Toyota and Mastercard navigate uncertainty and stay ahead of the curve.

A bestselling author of 10 books, Michael’s latest release was named by Malcolm Gladwell and Adam Grant as one of the top five must-read new leadership books. He is a sought-after media commentator, with his insights regularly featured in Forbes, The Guardian, and CNN.

Having presented to over 500,000 people across five continents since 2004, Michael is a familiar face on the international conference circuit, having shared the stage with the likes of Mel Robbins and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.

Formerly named Australia’s Keynote Speaker of the Year, Michael has also been inducted into the Professional Speakers Hall of Fame.