The Professional Conference Organisers Association Inc. is excited to announce its keynote speakers for PCOA25.
Tané Hunter
Co-Founder and Cancer Scientist
Tané Hunter is a cancer researcher, bio-informatician, and science communicator.
He is a co-founder at Future Crunch. He has a Masters in Bioinformatics from the University of Melbourne, and has worked for the Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital diagnosing rare genetic diseases.
He is currently completing his PhD at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, using molecular biomarkers in DNA and analysing them with artificial intelligence to improve treatments for people suffering from cancer.
He's also a former United States mountain biking champion and an avid sailor
Kath Koschel
A testament to the power of human spirit, Kath Koschel is a survivor who has overcome incredible odds and unimaginable tragedy to inspire ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
2024 Australian of the Year, Koschel is a former professional cricketer and Ironman competitor who’s world came crashing down when she broke her back twice in the span of five years and was told that she would never walk again. Instead, she faced the challenges head-on and defied all medical prognosis by teaching herself to walk again on three separate occasions. In the midst of these harrowing experiences, she believes she experienced two things in large amounts: adversity and kindness. After re learning to walk for the second time in her life, this realisation kickstarted a 2-month journey around Australia which relied solely on the kindness of strangers. No cash, credit card food or water – and no help from family or friends!
Driven by a passion to spread gratitude and kindness sin the world, she founded Kindness Factory™ with the goal of encouraging one million acts of kindness. To date, Kindness Factory has recorded over 7 million acts of kindness and is now a registered not-for-profit in three countries.
An internationally sought after speaker and author of Kindness the book, Kath has worked with some of the biggest and most well-known companies and brands in the world to help them achieve perspective, resilience, good culture and of course, kindness.
Lisa O'Neill
Renowned Speaker and Motivator
For over two decades, Lisa O'Neill has been electrifying audiences with her unique ability to deliver profound messages through side-splitting humour. After watching countless people struggle with energy, leadership and personal growth, Lisa discovered that transformation happens when hard truths are delivered with lightness and laughter.
She's authored seven books, spoken to audiences of 5000+, and works with major organisations like Ray White, Foodstuffs and L'Oreal. With
infectious energy and practical wisdom, Lisa helps people and organisations get out of their own way to create magnificent lives and exceptional results. www.lisaoneill.co.nz
Contact Us
Professional Conference Organisers Association Inc. IA 35380 | ARBN 136 627 088 | ABN: 3069 0730722
Phone
Maxine Tod: +61 435 103 912
Cindy Axisa: +61 435 374 476
Socials
Karakia
A karakia is a short Māori prayer or blessing used to open or close an event, helping to set the tone and bring people together. It acknowledges the space, the people, and the purpose of the gathering. This karakia has been selected by Liz Kereru (Ngāi Tūāhuriri) to align to the 2025 PCOA conference theme of connection and community.
Tuia ki runga, Tuia ki raro, Tuia ki waho, Tuia ki roto,
Tuia ki te here tangata,
Ka rongo te po, Ka rongo te ao, Haumi….e, Hui…e - Taiki….e
Unite from above, Unite from below, Unite from without, Unite from within,
Unite to connect people,
The night hears, The day hears, Join all, bind all, together as one
Meet the Artist
Wongi Wilson is a street artist with a reputation for high-quality, large-scale works in prominent positions around Christchurch.
Find out more about Wongi Wilson
Acknowledgement of Country
The PCO Association acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, the Cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.