An engaging event program

AICD CEO, Mark Rigotti, welcomes attendees to the Tech Governance Forum, and outline some of the major themes and discussion points.

Speaker

• Mark Rigotti MAICD, Managing Director & CEO, AICD

Artificial Intelligence is unlocking a wave of fresh opportunities for boards and their organisations. However, these innovations come with a responsibility to ensure the technology is developed and deployed in ways that are fair, transparent and aligned with community expectations. In this keynote, globally recognised tech leader Dr Catriona Wallace will explore the moral, strategic and governance imperatives of AI. Responsible AI must be central to modern governance — not just as a risk mitigation strategy, but as a foundation for trust, innovation and long-term performance.

Speaker

• Dr Catriona Wallace

A successful digital transformation isn’t just about adopting new tools—it includes rethinking strategy, culture, and value creation in a tech-enabled world. Whether your organisation is just beginning its digital journey or deep into transformation, this session will provide practical insights and frameworks to support directors in driving long-term value and growth. What questions should boards be asking? How can directors balance innovation with risk? And what capabilities do today’s boards need to govern in a digital-first world?

Speakers

• Sarah Carney, National CTO, Microsoft ANZ

• Iyari Cevallos MAICD, Chair, Women in Technology

• Patrick Kidd OBE OAM, CEO, Future Skills Organisation

Technology offers extraordinary opportunities—but also introduces new and complex risks that can escalate quickly into board-level crises. From AI failures and system outages to flawed digital transformations and data breaches, tech crises are no longer hypothetical—they are a lived reality for many organisations. What constitutes a tech crisis in today’s landscape? How can boards ensure appropriate oversight without stifling innovation? What steps should directors take when a crisis does hit their organisation?

Speakers

• Dr Leigh Farrell FAICD, Non-Executive Director, Pro Medicus Limited
• Alastair MacGibbon, Chief Strategy Officer, CyberCX
• Susan Forrester AM FAICD, Non-Executive Director, Data#3

For small to mid-sized organisations, the promise of technology is often matched by the pressure of limited budgets, capacity constraints, and competing priorities. Yet with the right strategy and governance, digital tools can be powerful enablers of efficiency, resilience, and growth. What does good tech oversight look like when resources are scarce? How can boards ensure their organisations invest wisely, manage risk effectively, and avoid common pitfalls? And what role should directors play in fostering a digital mindset, even without in-house tech expertise?

Speakers

• Rachel Bondi – VP, Small, Medium Enterprises and Channel, Microsoft Asia 

• Bill Owens GAICD, Chair, Relationships Australia (Qld) 

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in intimate, interactive roundtable discussions, each focusing on a different topic. 

Stay tuned for further details

In this thought-provoking session, join Larry Marshall FAICD—physicist, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and former CEO of CSIRO—for a candid discussion on how Australian directors can harness global innovation trends to strengthen governance in the digital age. Drawing on his deep experience in Silicon Valley and leadership within Australia’s national science agency, Dr. Marshall will explore how directors can lead with confidence amid technological disruption.

Speaker

• Larry Marshall FAICD, Chair, Fortescue Innovation, Fortescue

Cyber attacks—and ransomware in particular—have become a defining threat to Australian organisations of all sizes and sectors. For boards, the stakes are high: operational disruption, reputational damage, regulatory scrutiny, and financial loss. This session will explore what directors need to know to provide effective oversight of cyber resilience, incident response, and recovery. What does good governance look like before, during, and after a ransomware attack? What questions should directors be asking of management? And how should boards engage with stakeholders if and when an attack occurs?

Speakers

• Andrew Penn, Non-Executive Director and Strategic Advisor
• Mark Anderson, National Security Officer, Microsoft ANZ
• Stephanie Crowe, Deputy Director-General Head, Australian Cyber Security Centre
  

Big data and artificial intelligence are rapidly reshaping industries—unlocking new ways to understand customers, streamline operations, and create competitive advantage. For directors, these technologies offer a powerful opportunity to drive innovation and deliver long-term value. This session will explore how boards can actively support and oversee the strategic use of AI and data analytics to grow their organisations. What are the most promising applications of AI for Australian companies? How can data be transformed into meaningful insights that inform decision-making? And what role should directors play in ensuring their organisations stay ahead of the curve?

Speakers

• Adam Driussi, CEO, Quantium
• Kee Wong FAICDLife, Advisory Board Member, Melbourne Business School, Centre for Business Analytics - Industry Advisory Board
• Sharon Doyle, Non-Executive Director, TechnologyOne