Human Edge Conference
Where people, technology and wellbeing power productivity
The Ritz Carlton, Melbourne
Thursday, 30 October 2025
In collaboration with Mercer Marsh Benefits
AI and demographic shifts are transforming the workplace — but your people remain your greatest asset. Join us for Mercer’s inaugural Human Edge Conference, in collaboration with Mercer Marsh Benefits, to uncover the latest workforce trends, insights and solutions with industry experts and your peers.
Event details
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When
Thursday, 30 October 2025
Conference: 8:15 AM - 4:40 PM AEST
Networking drinks: 4:40 PM - 6:40 PM AEST
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Where
The Ritz Carlton
650 Lonsdale, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
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Contact
Questions?
To ensure that the Australian workforce truly benefits from the gains of AI, we must shift the conversation from simply doing more with less to empowering our people with the right skills—enabling them to effectively leverage AI and secure their future employability.
Workforce Solutions Leader, Mercer
Who should attend
- Senior HR, risk, finance and business leaders
Why attend
- Stay ahead of the curve: Stay informed about the latest trends, regulations and strategies in people risk management. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools to proactively address challenges and future-proof your workforce.
- Access expert guidance: Learn from industry experts and thought leaders who will share their expertise and practical insights. Take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable guidance that can enhance your talent and risk management strategies.
- Get inspired: Immerse yourself in sessions that explore the interconnectivity between people, culture, finance, risk, and technology. Discover innovative ideas to inform your strategic planning and decision-making processes.
Unlock the full potential of your people at the Human Edge Conference.
Conference agenda:
Time |
Agenda |
8:15 am AET |
Registration and breakfast |
9:00 am AET |
Welcome to Country |
9:05 am AET |
Introduction Cynthia Cottrell Partner and Workforce Solutions Leader, Mercer |
9:15 am AET |
Keynote: The Human Edge: Navigating risk in an AI-Enabled Workforce Dr Catherine Ball Award-winning company director, best selling author and globally recognised futurist |
10:15 am AET |
Panel discussion: AI, Skills and Productivity - A Skills Powered Journey Georgina Slade Principal, Organisation and Workforce Transformation Mercer |
11:00 am AET |
Morning tea |
11:30 am AET |
Panel discussion: Forensic cost optimisation of people-related insurances Steven Cakaric Sales Leader Marsh Pacific |
12:15 pm AET |
Keynote: The rewards revolution Mark Phillips Partner, Workforce Solutions Mercer |
12:45 pm AET |
Networking lunch |
1:50 pm AET |
Panel discussion: The rising impact of mental health claims Geoffrey Grace Managing Director, Head of Placement, Asia & Pacific Mercer Marsh Benefits Ann McCutcheon Senior Rehabilitation Consultant Zurich Life Marc McLennan CGU National Claims Program Specialist Alison McLean AIA Australia General Manager, AIA Vitality & Shared Value |
2:40 pm AET |
Keynote: Reimagining HR in the AI era David Guazzarotto Senior Principal, ANZ Leader, Digital HR Strategy Mercer |
3:25 pm AET |
Afternoon tea |
3:50 pm AET |
Keynote: Building sustainable workforces at the frontier of digital and human collaboration Lucy Debono Impact-driven executive leader and former Senior Director at Microsoft |
4:25 pm AET |
Panel discussion: Bringing it all together - Unpacking opportunities, dilemmas and critical actions for HR, risk and business leaders - |
4:45 pm AET |
Closing remarks |
5:00 pm AET |
Networking drinks |
Mercer Marsh Benefits empowers employers to navigate the complexities of people risks, costs management and employee benefits with confidence, helping them make the best decisions for the health and protection of their employees, so their people and businesses can thrive.
We are one of the leading people and health risk consultancies in Pacific, drawing from an extensive global network to provide insights and expertise on people risk solutions, workers compensation, employee health and benefits, and more.
‘MERCER' is an Australian-registered trade mark of Mercer Australia.
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