Smart Ideas - Get Your Smarts On!

Smart Ideas

Hear our speakers talk about ‘Where to next for a smarter future?'. Be engaged in workshop activities and get ready for an InnovationSLAM!  to develop ideas and move them onwards and upwards.

Our Speakers

Jennifer Holland
CEO & Founder, Throatscope

Jennifer Holland has researched, designed, developed, trademarked, patented and marketed Throat Scope Illuminated Tongue Depressor Medical Device.Jennifer won $50,000 from 'What's the big idea QLD' a Queensland Government Award for Throat Scope's design and prototype.
In 2015 Jennifer presented Throat Scope on Shark Tank Australia season 1 episode 2
Her career includes; contract with BHP in Port Hedland WA, assistant financial accountant for a multi-million dollar over 50's retirement community development, financial accountant for local government in Sydney and Noosa. In 2008 she left paid work to start a family. Not long after Throat Scope® was born.

Anton Kriz
Senior Lecturer of Innovation Management, University of Newcastle 

Anton has an extensive background in business, industry, government and academia. He has been a CEO, a management consultant and has secured international joint ventures and conducted major R&D projects. Anton has had over 20 years research experience in Asia. He is a specialist in innovation management and Chinese business practices. Anton has worked on the 10 year strategy for China for Tourism Australia and also been leading a major project to transform the innovative capacity of the Central Coast NSW. This has led to the development of Innov8Central. Anton's other current projects include regional innovation advancement in areas like Tasmania and enterprise specific innovation management in mining services, manufacturing, tourism, sport and health. He recently chaired a major session on innovation for the the Breath of Fresh Air Festival in Launceston. A major area of interest is innovation alliances on a national and international level.

David Least
Head Teacher, IT, Hunter TAFE 

David has 27 years' experience in the Electronics Industry and has been teaching at Hunter TAFE for the past 14 years. David still maintains strong industry connections, regularly visiting industrial worksites and liaising with industry to develop course to best produce job-ready graduates.

Smart Ideas competition

As well as hearing from our 3 keynote speakers, you will also be privy to the 3 pitches from the Herald's Smart Ideas competition.

A coffee and a warm breakfast package will available on arrival. Yes! we're supplying caffeine so you have no excuse! Collaborate, share, listen, contribute and learn - all before 9:00am!