Immersive Technologies
Driving Industry
Transformation

CEO, Queensland XR Hub

Rhiannon brings more than 20 years experience in business, leadership, software design and development, and event direction.

Driven by an enduring passion for innovation and emerging technologies, Rhiannon has led pioneering software projects in health, education and video games, and worked on a range of complex R&D projects in agriculture, mining and manufacturing.

Founding Director and CEO, Meta Moto

With over a decade of experience as the Founding Director and CEO of Meta Moto, a leading provider of strategic management, project management, and technology consulting services, Richard is a passionate and visionary leader who thrives on delivering innovative and impactful solutions for complex challenges.

Richard aims to leverage his expertise in digital twin, smart cities, BIM and spatial data infrastructures to help government and industry sectors improve their planning, decision-making, and performance for societal, economic and environmental well-being.

Head of Spatial Computing, XYZ Reality

Mark C Ransley is the Head of Spatial Computing at XYZ Reality where he leads development of the ATOM - the world’s first and only engineering-grade XR headset that’s been purpose built for construction. In his talk Mark will cover the development of the ATOM, the unique challenges posed by bringing XR to the AEC industry, and numerous case studies where XYZ’s solution has delivered huge wins on mission-critical building sites around the world. Mark has worked in the industrial XR space since 2014 and holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from University College London.

XR Strategist, Queensland XR Hub

Karen earned a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Queensland, marking the beginning of a multifaceted career that transitioned from technical engineering to groundbreaking work in Extended Reality (XR). As a co-founder of a globally recognised XR studio, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry.

With 17 years of experience in engineering and over 15 years in XR, Karen blends technical expertise, innovative thinking, and strategic vision. Her dedication to integrating technology into project delivery drives initiatives with measurable impact, reflecting her belief that innovation and technology are cornerstones of a sustainable and prosperous future.

Operations Director and Co-Founder, Salix Construction Technologies

Daniel is a world-renowned leader and pioneer of digital technology in construction. With 15+ years of experience in the successful development and execution of digital strategies at the corporate and project level, Daniel is the 'go to' for customers seeking to operationalise digital technology as part of how they do business. From implementing artificial intelligence to digital twin technology, Daniel has applied his experience from construction projects through to operations & maintenance phases of the world's largest buildings and infrastructure assets.

Chief Executive Officer, Master Electricians Australia

Kate commenced as CEO, MEA in April 2024. She has over 25 years’ experience working in the construction industry and not-for-profit sector, including industry associations, senior executive public sector roles and has worked as a construction lawyer in the private and public sectors. She is also a non-executive board member of a community housing provider.

Kate is a proactive, strategic leader with a passion for delivering solutions to complex problems. She has a focus on creating positive, collaborative work environments and achieving goals while enhancing team well-being and development.

CEO, Next World

Next World is a global leader in immersive learning, providing a subscription-based library of VR safety and soft skills training modules specifically designed for high-risk industries.

Hayden brings a wealth of knowledge on how to unlock unique value for organisations who desire to think differently and innovate for the future of learning.

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Bright People

Ryan is an accomplished senior HR leader, business executive (CHRO), and company director renowned for partnering with organisations to deliver innovative solutions and lift capability. He has a track record in successfully delivering value through his expertise by developing and implementing commercially focussed, innovative, people and organisation projects and initiatives. He has been recognised as an innovative, values-based leader, with significant experience leading teams in complex, global and challenging environments. He has led geographically dispersed teams operating across 21+ countries in high reliability, capital-intensive industries.

Business Director, Real Serious Games

Emma is passionate about applying extended reality technologies to solve real-world problems and wants to share this excitement with those new to XR.

After graduating with a Civil Engineering degree from QUT, Emma worked in the construction industry before spending two years working as the General Manager of a youth leadership organisation. She joined Real Serious Games in 2010, working cross-functionally with developers, 3D artists and production staff to deliver products for clients. She oversees the coordination and management of projects and handles client interactions by virtue of her technical knowledge and communication skills.

Immersive Software Designer, Composit

Having grown up with an unhealthy obsession for both Lego and MacGyver, Ben was destined for a career rooted in both problem solving and making things.

Drawing on his experience designing real-world products for people, his approach to building immersive experience mixes learnings from the psychology of user-centred design and behavioural economics.

Ben is a diligent devotee to the evolving practice of building compelling virtual reality experiences that make looking at a 2D screen feel like reading latin off a stone tablet.

Chief Executive Officer, Manufacturing Skills Queensland

With an extensive career spanning over 25 years, Rebecca has a wealth of experience in driving economic development initiatives and delivering impactful outcomes, especially within the manufacturing sector.

Before joining Manufacturing Skills Queensland, Rebecca held pivotal leadership roles, including her position as the Queensland State Head of the Australian Industry Group and Deputy Director-General of Small Business in the Department of Employment, Small Business, and Training. She has also contributed her insights and expertise to various boards and advisory groups, including the esteemed Ministerial Manufacturing Council.

Head of Product ANZ, HTC VIVE

Nandun Abeynayake is the Head of Product for HTC VIVE across ANZ and comes with a wealth of knowledge having been in the industry in various roles for the past 15 years. He is a skilled technical expert across all areas of the XR / AR / VR eco-system and has been able to utilise this to support key developer relationships, product roadmap development and lead product and software partnerships that have delivered unique user cases across the region.

Head of Sales ANZ, HTC VIVE

Ian Walls is the Head of Sales for the ANZ region and has held a number of tech-based roles across various organisations over the last 20 years. He has an extensive track record of product launches with telecommunications companies, retailers, and B2B channels. He has driven and supported innovative XR (Extended Reality) solutions with global partners across various industry verticals that include, location-based entertainment, soft skills training, education, and healthcare.