SPEAKERS

Doug Kamo - MC

Doug Kamo is one of New Zealand’s most sought-after MCs, entertainers, producers and creative directors, renowned for delivering engaging, high-energy experiences across conferences, awards ceremonies and corporate events.

Stuart Carr - Keynote Speaker

Stuart C. Carr, is the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Livelihoods and a Professor of Psychology in the Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology Programme at Massey University of New Zealand. Stuart is a co-founder of Humanitarian Work Psychology, which focuses on eradicating poverty through universal access to decent work.

Welby Ings - Keynote Speaker

Dr Welby Ings is Professor of Narrative Design at Auckland University of Technology and an internationally respected advisor on education, creative thinking and technology. Not a stranger to controversy, he has been both reprimanded and awarded for his approach to teaching. Recipient of New Zealand’s Prime Minister’s Supreme Award for Tertiary Teaching Excellence and author of the influential "Disobedient Thinking" and bestselling "Invisible Intelligence", Welby challenges conventional approaches to assessment and learning and believes that humanity and human relationships are at the core of educational transformation.

Dr Rihi Te Nana - Keynote Speaker

Ko Ngāti Hāuā, Ngāpuhi, Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Maniapoto, me Ngāti Raukawa ōna iwi. Dr Rihi Te Nana stands as one of Aotearoa’s most respected kaupapa Māori researchers, practitioners, and thought leaders, recognised nationally for her commitment to strengthening whānau (family), revitalising mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), and shaping Indigenous futures. Dr Te Nana has played a significant role in Māori strategic development within the social services sector, supporting the alignment of Iwi Hauora and Whānau Ora plans with government resourcing and policy frameworks. Her work has contributed to more culturally responsive systems, strengthened Māori leadership in decision making spaces, and advanced the visibility of Indigenous knowledge in national planning. 

Jay Tihema - Keynote Speaker

Jay Tihema, works with several non-profit organisations in areas of youth, workforce, community and economic development in regional Aotearoa, New Zealand. In collaboration with industry, education, government and community stakeholders, Jay leads various projects and strategic initiatives to create equitable growth and learning opportunities for those who typically lack access and support, particularly in isolated and under-resourced areas.  Jay has a background in career and community development, collaborating across organisations to create opportunities for young people to thrive.

David Carney - Plenary Speaker

David is a recognised leader in career development, with over 25 years of experience shaping policies and practices to enhance career services. As the Executive Director of the Career Industry Council of Australia (CICA), he has driven innovative, research-based strategies to advance career development. His expertise spans career development policy, practice, and advocacy, with a strong focus on evidence-based guidance, workforce readiness, and skills development. His work has made him a key voice in policy discussions, shaping impactful programs that optimise human potential. Beyond his leadership at CICA, David advises government and industry groups on employment, training, and workforce transitions, influencing policies that enhance career development infrastructure in Australia and internationally. As a Board member of the International Centre for Career Development and Public Policy, he contributes to global discussions on best practices. His tenure on the Australian Government’s National Careers Institute Advisory Board helped shape national career development strategies. Committed to innovation, David has played a pivotal role in integrating career development into broader workforce planning, setting a benchmark for national and international career services.

David Morgan - Plenary Speaker

David Morgan, Chief Executive, Career Development Institute (CDI) As Chief Executive of the UK’s professional body for career development, David supports career development practitioners and champions the profession with governments, stakeholders and the public across the UK. David is a member of the Careers England Board and the Career Development Policy Group, is a member of the Department for Education’s Task and Finish Group for Widening Access to Higher Education as well as the Advisory Group for Nuffield Foundation-funded research into AI in careers. He was a Commissioner on the Skills Commission inquiry into Skills 2030 and was on the Advisory Groups for Discover! Creative Careers and the WWF’s careers programme. David’s background includes a decade working in education, first at City & Guilds then at AQA, bringing experience of both vocational and academic education. He is also Vice Chair of The Rainforest Foundation, protecting indigenous people’s rights.

Deirdre Hughes - Plenary Speaker

Associate Professor Deirdre Hughes OBE specialises in careers, employment, and skills policies at international, national, and regional levels. She established dmh associates in 2008 and is an Associate Professor at the University of Warwick's Institute for Employment Research (IER), England. She is also co-founding Executive Director of CareerChatUK – an AI pioneering careers chatbot tech company - focused on career exploration for young people and adults. Deirdre is the Founding Director of the International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGs) at the University of Derby (1998-2008). She is a Vice-President of the International Association for Vocational and Educational Guidance (IAEVG). She was previously Co-Editor of the British Journal for Guidance and Counselling- International Symposia Series (2015-2021). In 2012, she was awarded an Order from the British Empire (OBE) from Her Majesty the former Queen for services to European lifelong guidanc

Sareena Hopkins - Plenary Speaker

As CEO of the Canadian Career Development Foundation (CCDF), Sareena bridges policy, research, and practice in order to strengthen the reach and impact of career development across Canada and internationally. Sareena currently chairs the International Centre for Career Development and Public Policy (ICCDPP) and is an International NICEC Fellow. Sareena has deeply rooted frontline experience, a strong background in mental health, and over 30 years of leadership in the career development sector. Sareena was awarded the International Gold Medal for Leadership in Career Development in 2014 and the Etta St. John Wileman Award for Outstanding Achievement in Career Development in 2026.

Tristram Hooley - Plenary Speaker

Tristram Hooley is a British writer and researcher specialising in career guidance and employment policy. He is Professor of Career Education and the Head of the International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) at the University of Derby. A social justice advocate, he studies how public policy and technology impact career development. His latest book is co-authored with Rie Thomsen and is entitled simply Careers. In it Tristram and Rie discuss the theories, research and concepts of career in an accessible way for a general audience. For further information about Tristram visit his blog at Adventures in Career Development.