Insights
Insights and practical guidance from keynote speaker Brett Wiskar on conferences, events, innovation, and organisational change.
This Insights section brings together writing drawn from my work as a keynote speaker, advisor, and practitioner working with organisations, event organisers, and leadership teams across Australia and the region.
It includes reflections from conferences and corporate events, practical guidance on engaging speakers, and analysis of innovation, adaptability, and organisational change as they play out in real‑world settings.
Some articles are written for event organisers and conference teams planning high‑impact events. Others are aimed at leaders navigating change, capability uplift, and strategic direction. All content is grounded in my own experience rather than theory, and written to be practically useful rather than promotional.
Writing
Guest Appearance on the Zero Shot Podcast AI & Business. Anti-Hype.
Brett Wiskar joins the Zero Shot Podcast as the first guest to discuss AI adoption, organisational culture, and why many enterprises are failing to close the talent gap despite the hype.
The one about that time the Lights Went Out (Literally) at the CROSSMARK Conference
A keynote on AI and adaptability became unexpectedly hands‑on when a power outage hit CROSSMARK’s leadership conference before breakfast. No lights, no slides, no coffee — just a room full of people quietly solving problems and a speaker rebuilding a keynote in the dark.
Big Thinking isn't just for the Big Smoke – Innovation in the Regions
Innovation isn’t just a capital‑city sport. My recent work with the MCS team in Toowoomba was a reminder that regional organisations are pushing hard on growth, learning and future‑focused leadership. Big thinking, ambitious people and a genuine appetite for change — all happening well outside the “big smoke.”
Knowledge Hub
Event Resources
Should I Use a Speaker Bureau?
Not sure whether to use a speaker bureau? Lets look at how, when, and why event organisers should consider bureaus, where they add value, when direct booking works, and how to decide.
Why Book a Professional Speaker?
Why organisations choose professional speakers, what they bring that internal presenters often can’t, & when investing in a professional speaker genuinely adds value. Whether it’s a conference, leadership offsite, annual meeting, school event, or association gathering, the right speaker can lift energy in the room, sharpen thinking, and give the event a sense of purpose….
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Pre-Event Planning Calls: What to Cover with Your Speaker
Learn how to run effective pre-event planning calls with your keynote speaker to confirm event goals, audience details, and content customisation – ensuring your big presentation is tailored for maximum impact.
Keynote Speaking
Why Some Keynotes Feel ‘Canned’ (And When That’s Actually a Good Thing)
If you’ve been to enough conferences or events, you’ve probably had this experience. You’re sitting in the audience, listening to a keynote, and something feels… familiar. Not because you’ve heard that exact talk before. But because it feels like it could have been delivered anywhere. This is often what people mean when they describe a…
How to Brief a Keynote Speaker
The Speaker Brief Template Event Organisers Use to Get a Great Session If you’ve ever watched a keynote land perfectly — the opening story hooks the room, the examples feel made for that audience, and the takeaways get quoted for weeks — there’s usually a simple reason: the speaker was briefed properly. And if you’ve…
Finding a Keynote Speaker in Australia | An Event Planners Guide
For Meeting & Event Planners and conference professionals looking for engaging innovation keynote speakers – What you need to know about finding and engaging a keynote speaker for your event. Brett is a sought after innovation focused keynote speaker. He speaking on innovation, adaptability, the future of industry, futurism, innovation psychology and decision making.
Speaking Topics and Presentations
Brett tailors his presentation and keynote messaging for each event. Over the years he has amassed a number of powerful keynotes that clients and audiences have found powerful and engaging. A number of these are listed here and can be requested by contacting Brett or elements or messages from these can be integrated into keynotes for your event.
Custom Conference Keynotes
Discover the forces shaping the next decade and how they will transform industries, customers, and work. Brett’s future‑focused keynotes unpack the trends, technologies, and disruptions redefining the competitive landscape — giving leaders the clarity and confidence to navigate what’s coming next. Built on real-world innovation experience, these sessions turn “what’s next” into clear, actionable insight.
Adaptability & Organisational Transformation Keynotes
The pace of change has never been faster. New technologies, shifting markets, and evolving workforce expectations are reshaping the business landscape at unprecedented speed. Adaptability — the ability to respond, evolve, and adjust at pace — has become the defining capability of future‑ready organisations.
Future Trends & Disruption Keynotes
Discover the forces shaping the next decade and how they will transform industries, customers, and work. Brett’s future‑focused keynotes unpack the trends, technologies, and disruptions redefining the competitive landscape — giving leaders the clarity and confidence to navigate what’s coming next. Built on real-world innovation experience, these sessions turn “what’s next” into clear, actionable insight.
Destinations
Brisbane Conference and Event Venues
Brisbane offers a wide range of conference and event venues supporting business events of varying size and complexity. From large convention centres to boutique corporate spaces, the city provides flexible venue options for conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events.
Brisbane Keynote Speakers
Brisbane Keynote Speakers and Events attracted to the city thrive in one of Australia’s strongest and fastest‑growing business events destinations. The city hosts a steady calendar of conferences, corporate meetings, industry forums and large‑scale conventions, supported by a mature venues sector and an active convention bureau.