Keynote #1 – Sister Rose Pacatte
Day 1, 28 August • 9:25am
Breaking the Silence: The Power and Pitfalls of Catholic Communication in the Digital Landscape
Sr Rose will explore the transformative potential and challenges of Catholic communication in the digital era with insights from Catholic teaching, Pope Francis, and Catholic Social Teaching. Discover strategies for fostering authentic dialogue, navigating online pitfalls, and building bridges in the digital landscape. Join us to break the silence and proclaim the Good News in freedom and faith to embrace our role as digital evangelizers.
🔥 Keynote Speaker
Pauline sister Rose Pacatte, FSP, MEd., D.Min., is the founding director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies (PCMS) in Los Angeles, CA, and currently heads the Center’s international office in Rome. Rose is a media literacy education specialist and an award-winning film critic and co-authored five books in the Lights, Camera, Faith series on film and scripture (Pauline Books & Media) with Australian priest Peter Malone, MSH. She co-authored two books on media mindfulness and faith formation for teachers of students K-12 with Gretchen Hailer, RSHM (St. Mary’s Press, Pauline Books &Media).
She was also an adjunct professor at the Catholic University of America, School of Theology and Ministry (“Evangelization in a Digital Age.”) Rose recently addressed members of the International Union of Superiors General on religious life and formation in a digital world and more than 800 catechists of the Apostolic Vicariate of Southern Arabia in Dubai on “Exploring Digital Discipleship and the Christian Vocation.”
In 2023, Rose spoke to the Bishops Conference of the Czech Republic on “Evangelization in a Digital Age: Opportunities and Challenges” and the gathering of Catholic journalists and communicators of the US and Canada on embracing the digital age for Catholic creatives and journalists.
Keynote #2 – Bishop Richard Umbers
Day 1, 28 August • 11:15am
Creating a Eucharistic Culture
Details to follow
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Bishop Richard Umbers is currently an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Sydney and the youngest Latin Catholic bishop in Australia. He is also the first priest of Opus Dei to be appointed a bishop in Australia.
Keynote #3 – Tom Finnigan
Day 2, 29 August • 9:15am
The ABC of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we conduct our lives, at work and at home. This presentation will explore the types and uses of AI, its capabilities (including in the not-for-profit sector), questions we should be asking as we adopt it, its risks, ethical frameworks, regulation and what’s next. There will also be opportunities to explore the issues further in two masterclasses with Tom Finnigan.
🔥 Keynote Speaker
Tom Finnigan, founder of TalkingBrands.ai and co-founder of the Murfin Group, brings an unparalleled depth of experience to the realm of public relations and media strategy, with a career that spans over three decades. His journey includes a significant 23 year tenure in broadcast television, working with major networks such as CH10 and SBS TV, where he honed his storytelling and visual communication skills.
At TalkingBrands.ai, Tom has built an expert AI copywriter using several trained AI personas. Tom also teaches business leaders how to build generative AI tools and tactics into their businesses to take advantage of this massive opportunity. Crucially, everything comes from the core value of the safe and responsible use of generative AI.
Through Murfin, Tom leverages his vast experience to empower businesses with the tools they need to communicate their brand effectively, navigate crises, and achieve substantial growth. His work has not only positioned companies like AustCyber as thought leaders in cyber security but has also played a pivotal role in promoting the importance of cybersecurity to a wider audience, marking him as a transformative figure in the intersection of media strategy and public relations.
Keynote #4 – Adrian Cropley
Day 2, 29 August • 11:00am
Creativity with Heart
Taking a creative approach to fundraising communication through Sacred Heart Missions ‘Dine with Heart’ Initiative
Adrian Cropley OAM will take us on a journey of success of Sacred Heart Mission’s Dine with Heart campaign. Discover how innovative and multi-faceted communication strategies transformed fundraising efforts, helping feed those experiencing homelessness in St Kilda. Learn about the ambitious targets set and the creative approaches that made over 300% ROI for the campaign possible.
Adrian will explore the community engagement activities and strategic partnerships made and share the impact good strategic communication can have on the business. Gain insights into the new elements introduced to ensure future sustainability and success. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or advocate for social change, this keynote will inspire you to harness the power of creativity and compassion in your efforts. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, be inspired, and make a difference!
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Adrian Cropley is the Founding Partner of the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence. He has over 30 years of experience in helping leaders and organisations communicate purposefully.
Adrian Cropley OAM, a certified strategic communication management professional and former global chair of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), is renowned as one of the world’s leading experts in strategic communication. Over a career spanning 35 years, Adrian has collaborated with Fortune 500 companies on significant change communication initiatives, internal communication reviews, and strategies. His professional journey includes Implementing the IABC Career Road Map and spearheading the global ISO certification for the communication profession. He also established the Centre for Strategic Communication Excellence (CSCE) in 2015.
Adrian’s influence extends beyond corporate consulting and Training. He has been pivotal in community service as the former vice-chair of Sacred Heart Mission and the Dine With Heart committee chair from 2015 to 2019. As a keynote speaker and workshop leader, Adrian has shared his insights on strategic and change communication at international conferences across Canada, the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. In recognition of his contributions to professional communication and youth development, Adrian was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2017 .
Keynote #5 – Nicole Chehine
Day 2, 29 August • 9:15am
Mission, Social Justice and Communication
Details to follow
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Nicole Chehine is Caritas Australia’s Associate Director of Fundraising and Communications.
Keynote #6 – Fr Sam French
Day 2, 29 August • 11:30am
Reaching Young Audiences
Fr Sam French discusses not only the strategies for engaging with today’s youth but also the deeper implications of digital culture on our understanding of reality, relationships, and faith. He addresses both the potential and the pitfalls of social media, reminding us of the Church’s enduring mission to communicate the unchanging truth of the Gospel in new and compelling ways.
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Fr Sam French is a Catholic priest but is better known as a digital missionary in places like TikTok, Youtube and Instagram.