IGNITI
Sparking BuSineSS TranSformaTion wiTh reSponSiBle innovaTion
BUSINESS LUNCHEON
THURSDAY 22 MAY
Norths Leagues & Services Club, Kallangur
DELIVERED BY IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
James Gauci, CADENT
Sreyna Rath, JAIMEE
Paul Colmer, AMAZON WEB SERVIES
Erica Mealy, UNISC
O THE MAY R A Message from
A warm welcome to guests and Industry Leaders,
Thank you for your attendance at AI Ignition, an exciting event which will provide insights into the opportunities and challenges of responsible AI adoption for businesses. This event supports City of Moreton Bay’s commitment to nurturing an innovative business ecosystem. As Our City’s Economic Strategy 2020–2041 outlines, innovation and entrepreneurship are critical pillars of our city’s long-term vision. This strategy sets bold targets: building a $40 billion economy, creating 100,000 new jobs, and becoming a top 10 innovation hub by 2041.
Today’s conversations around artificial intelligence come at a pivotal moment for businesses everywhere. From streamlining operations to unlocking new opportunities, AI has the potential to reshape the way we work and deliver value. Embracing this kind of responsible innovation can help our local businesses remain competitive and better prepared for the future.
The value of innovation doesn’t stop at the individual business level. When our local enterprises embrace emerging technologies like AI, it positions City of Moreton Bay as a leader in digital transformation and innovation. This strengthens our city’s competitiveness, attracts investment, creates skilled jobs, and future-proofs our economy. More importantly, it fosters a culture of creativity, collaboration, and responsible leadership across our business ecosystem.
City of Moreton Bay is committed to supporting that future by supporting events like today, and through investment in infrastructure, education, and the kinds of partnerships and programs that accelerate innovation.
Thank you for being part of this important conversation. I encourage you to connect, share ideas, and explore the role you can play in shaping a smarter, stronger business community.
Mayor Peter Flannery City of Moreton Bay
O THE CEO A Message from
Good afternoon, everyone.
Thank you for joining us today as we explore one of the most transformative topics shaping the future of business, AI.
Each of our speakers brings real-world insight into how AI is transforming industries, and how we can navigate these changes ethically, strategically, and responsibly.
While today’s discussion focuses on future thinking, I want to take a moment to highlight something already making an impact right now — our Visit Moreton Bay Hero Campaign ‘Just Up the Road’.
This is a fully integrated domestic awareness and retail campaign, running across digital, print, social, and in-market activations, supported by more than 15 local industry partners. It’s not just about awareness; it’s about driving real outcomes — with hot deals, product packaging, and tactical messaging that are converting interest into visitation and spend.
The team have also just returned from ATE (Australian Tourism Exchange) where the feedback from global trade was overwhelmingly positive. There is genuine international interest in Moreton Bay, and campaigns like this are ensuring we’re not just in the conversation — we’re leading it.
Thank you again for being part of today’s luncheon. Let’s take this opportunity to explore, connect, and spark meaningful ideas for the future — right here in Moreton Bay.
Luke Edwards Chief Executive Officer, MBRIT
11:45am // Doors open, Pre-event networking
12:30pm // MC Welcome; City of Moreton Bay Deputy Mayor
12:45pm // Lunch served
12:45pm // Keynote Speaker; Paul Colmer
1:00pm // Keynote Speaker; Sreyna Rath
1:10pm // Panel Discussion; Erica Mealy, James Gauci, Paul Colmer & Sreyna Rath
2:00pm // Networking
3:00pm // Close
O PROCEEDINGS Event MENU
ENTRÉE alternate drop
King prawns, avocado puree, tomato & saffron dressing
GF
Asian coconut poached chicken salad, crispy noodles, Vietnamese dressing
MAIN COURSE alternate drop
Beef sirloin steak, potato purée, caramelised onion, broccolini, red wine jus
GF
Roasted barramundi fillet, potato purée, baby carrots, citrus hollandaise
GF
THE PANEL Meet The
Dr. Erica Mealy
Academic
UNIVERSITY OF THE SUNSHINE COAST
Dr. Erica Mealy is driven to inspire the next generation of innovators and professionals. As a self-proclaimed ‘Technology and Design Evangelist,’ she is an accomplished speaker, regularly featured in the media using her broad knowledge of technology to make complex ideas easy to understand. Erica teaches across the breadth of UniSC’s Computer Science program with background in automation, AI and task allocation.
Dr Mealy’s research focuses on developing user-centered technology, including appropriate automation and artificial intelligence to improve lives, spanning digital health, sports analysis, and security & privacy. Erica’s passion is making technology accessible, safe and impactful for all.
James Gauci CEO and Founder CADENT
James Gauci is the CEO and Founder of Cadent, a pioneering ethical technology studio specialising in AI governance and human-centered software development. With a unique blend of qualifications including degrees in business and psychology, and certifications in AI governance, information security, and agile methodologies, James brings a distinctly human perspective to technological advancement.
James’s leadership has delivered major technology projects for the Australian Government, Queensland Government, and critical infrastructure organisations. As Chair of IEEE SSIT’s Australian national committee and a sessional academic in cybersecurity ethics, he is at the forefront of examining technology’s societal implications.
Through Cadent’s Ethē platform, James is revolutionising AI governance implementation for ISO/IEC 42001 AI Management Systems, reducing timeframes from months to weeks. As a certified social enterprise, Cadent reinvests more than 100% of profits into social impact initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to responsible technological advancement.
THE PANEL Meet The
Paul Colmer
Senior Technical Trainer
AMAZON
WEB SERVICES
Paul Colmer is a maestro of both technology and music, who orchestrates digital transformation at Amazon Web Services. As a Senior Technical Trainer focused on machine learning and generative AI, Paul doesn’t just teach, he inspires through storytelling, turning complex concepts into compelling narratives that stick.
Think of Paul as a bridge builder, connecting people with cutting-edge technology through his unique ability to share experiences and knowledge. With a quarter-century of IT expertise under his belt, he’s witnessed the industry evolve from simple automation to today’s AI revolution, and he’s helping others navigate this exciting frontier.
Sreyna Rath CEO and Technical Co-Founder JAIMEE
Sreyna is the CEO and technical co-founder of Jaimee - the AI companion for women. She has over 18 years’ experience in building tech as a data scientist, coder and project manager. Prior to Jaimee, she worked at startups including Xinja Bank and she started her career with 11 years at Accenture. Sreyna is passionate about building a more equitable AI, closing the gender data gap and getting women involved in shaping AI’s future.
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O SPONSORS Thank you to
PRINCIPAL PARTNER
CORPORATE SPONSOR
CORPORATE PARTNERS
