CEO Roundtables Melbourne

A11y Allies Roundtable: Accessibility Horror Stories

October topic: **Accessibility Horror Stories** 👻 Proudly supported by **Builure**. *Free event* We’re giving our monthly roundtable a Halloween twist. Bring along an “**accessibility horror story**” — an **#AccessibilityFail** you’ve experienced, encountered or spotted in the wild — and let’s unpack what went wrong and, more importantly, how it could have been avoided or improved. This isn’t about naming and shaming. It’s about learning from accessibility failures, sharing different perspectives and workshopping better solutions together. *Spooky hats are completely optional…but definitely encouraged.* 🎃 Whether you work in accessibility, advocate for inclusion, have lived experience, or simply want to learn more, you’re welcome to join the conversation. * No presentations * Open, facilitated discussion * Share experiences and ideas * Workshop practical solutions * Make genuine connections **Date:** Tuesday 27 October 2026 **Time:** 5:15pm – 7:30pm *Light refreshments will be provided. Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements so we can accommodate them where possible.* **Location: [Tank Stream Labs](https://share.google/EFqphtpudwJQM5c3u)** Level 5, 440 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 The venue includes: \- A quiet\, private event space \- Wheelchair access \- An accessible toilet on Level 6 **Building entry** * Enter the building via the Collins Street entrance. * Elevator access to Level 5 is available until 5:45 pm. **Running late or unable to access Level 5?** No problem. Send us a message on chat with your estimated arrival time or let us know if you’re waiting in the lobby near the red couches, and one of our organisers will come down to meet you. **Accessibility questions or requirements** Creating an inclusive and welcoming event is important to us. We’ve included accessibility information in the event FAQs to help you know what to expect before attending. If you have an accessibility requirement, concern or question that isn’t covered in the FAQs, please contact us before the event. We’ll do what we reasonably can to support you and help you feel comfortable participating in the roundtable.

Lead With Impact Through Powerful Facilitation

Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn how to design and run workshops that actually move teams forward. Going beyond the standard retro and sticky notes, & drawing on real examples from hundreds of workshops plus grounded in coaching and facilitation practice, we'll cover everything from setting the right goals, to a practical toolkit to design your next workshop with intent, to tips for the messy real-world stuff like handling conflict, getting people to engage, and keeping energy up when things go sideways. You'll leave with practical techniques you can use straight away, tools to help teams go from discussion to real decisions, and more confidence being the person running the room. **Our speaker** [Aseel Hamarneh](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aseelhamarneh/) is a Product lead with over 15 years’ experience in tech, working multiple organisations and countries. Over that time, she has seen a consistent pattern: teams collaborate constantly and run regular workshops and retros, yet often leave potential on the table because facilitation is treated as a format rather than a leadership skill. She has designed and led organisation-wide workshops, large-scale training programs, and numerous strategy and ideation sessions. Her focus is not on running meetings, but on using facilitation to drive alignment, generate stronger ideas, and support meaningful decisions during change and complexity. Drawing on formal facilitation training and executive coaching accreditation, Aseel approaches facilitation as a capability that shapes how teams think and collaborate. Across diverse organisational contexts, she has seen the same principle hold: strong facilitation unlocks the full potential of collective thinking. **Our hosts**: [NV AI Learning Centre](https://www.naturalvelocity.ai/) Directions Natural Velocity Head Office is located on Level One, 9 Star Cres Docklands (inside The District Docklands) next to Melbourne College of Hair and Beauty. By tram: We're at the last stop on tram routes 70 & 86 (free tram zone). Exit the FRONT of the tram, cross the road and enter the left-hand side District Docklands entrance, up the escalator near Penny Specialty Coffee, take a left over the bridge and we're next to Melbourne College of Hair & Beauty By Rideshare: Enter ‘Natural Velocity’ into your App and a driver will drop you off outside The District Docklands entrance. enter the left-hand side District Docklands entrance, up the escalator near Penny Specialty Coffee, take a left over the bridge and we're next to Melbourne College of Hair & Beauty By Car: Park in “the District Docklands East Carpark” above Woolies. From your car exit level one, walk past H&M towards Star Cres, turn left take a right over the bridge and we're next to Melbourne College of Hair & Beauty. NV can discount parking down to $7. By Motorbike/bicycle: Plenty of two wheel parking is available along Docklands Drive Our sponsor: [Pendo](https://www.pendo.io/why-pendo/) Pendo’s mission is to elevate the world’s experience with software. Built on trillions of behavioural data points, Pendo’s product intelligence platform helps companies understand how people and agents use their products and ensure every digital experience delivers real value. And through our Mind the Product and customer communities, we provide education, events, and training to support product and digital leaders everywhere. Pendo is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, with 10 global offices. Learn more at [pendo.io](http://pendo.io/).

Presenting - 'Manager v Leader', Kennedy, Luther King...

Smashing! Try something new Thursday Interactive reality workshops- Tonight get involved and have some fun. Tonight we study and learn unique stage styles and techniques of world-class leaders. Be inspired by the styles & secrets of Barack Obama, J.F Kennedy and Martin Luther King etc Learn how to present as the Leader, rather than a manager Serious about improving your leadership - **Why mess, come to the best** Why is Smashing different to other speaking clubs? Just two member's thoughts, "The fun/laughs factor is definitely a point of difference. We keep it moving with high standards so it’s a nice balance. Too strict makes it tense and boring, too loose and we can lose the energy/commercial feel. SmashSpeak's vibe's in the sweet spot." "At other clubs I used to listen to long speeches and lectures, here we get so many chances to talk every meeting, that we have to improve" **Free parking** close: O'Connell and Cobden streets **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close when the show starts** “Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing teamwork, greater good focus, sharing the stage, etc Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, RED Room (End of corridor) More to come..

MELBOURNE TABLE TENNIS COACHING @ MSAC

$29 per person for 2 hours of training (includes table hire) ## 🏓 MELBOURNE TABLE TENNIS COACHING @ MSAC Ready to seriously improve your table tennis — or finally start the right way? Join our **ongoing in-person group coaching sessions at MSAC**, where you’ll train in a structured but fun environment with players who come regularly, as well as new faces every week. Our sessions are designed for **both total beginners and advanced players.** You don’t need experience — and you won’t be bored if you already have it. ### What to expect * ✅ **10–15 players per session** * ✅ **2 experienced coaches on court** * ✅ **Structured drills + match play** * ✅ **Individual feedback based on your level and goals** * ✅ **A welcoming group that trains regularly** You’ll work on **technique, footwork, consistency, tactics, and real match situations** — not just hit balls randomly. We organise the group so everyone is challenged at the right level. ### Why people love these sessions * Ongoing training with a real community * Fast improvement, not just social play * A great way to **move, learn, and make friends** * Fun, supportive atmosphere with serious coaching behind it Whether your goal is to **learn from scratch, get fitter, sharpen your skills, or start competing**, this is a perfect place to train. ### What to bring * 🏓 **Bat/paddle** (if you have one — if not, we’ll provide it) * 👟 **Sports shoes (runners)** * 👕 **Comfortable sports clothes** * 💧 **Water bottle** * 🧴 **Small towel** Grab your paddle, bring your energy, and come hit with us at MSAC. Please send me an email to: p.tretinik@gmail.com to confirm attendance. This helps me to book enough table for a smooth session. NOTE: If this is not your first time coming to this meet up, the cost is $36 for the whole 2 hours.

AI Workflows for Lean Product Teams

Lean product teams don't have the luxury of dedicated AI specialists or months to experiment. They need practical ways to move faster without adding headcount or complexity. Hosted by Leading the Product and generously supported by Stone & Chalk at their Melbourne CBD headquarters, this evening brings together speakers for a candid panel discussion. Speakers: * [Emily Mason](https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilymason2/): VP of Product @ The Martec * [Josh Centner](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshcentner/): Head of Product - Platform, Reliability, DX and Quality @ Netwealth * [Vijayan Seenisamy](https://www.linkedin.com/in/vijayan-seenisamy/): Author of The Pilot Trap, Enterprise AI Delivery * [Mark Oliver](https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdavidoliver/): General Manager of Professional Services @ Brainmates This session brings together a panel of product leaders and practitioners who've been in the trenches, integrating AI into their day-to-day workflows. Expect candid discussion on topics like: * Where AI genuinely accelerates discovery, delivery, and decision-making, and where it doesn't * Tools and workflows lean teams are using to punch above their weight * The organisational and cultural shifts needed to make AI adoption stick * Common pitfalls, false starts, and lessons learned the hard way * How to balance speed with quality when your team is small Whether you're just starting to experiment with AI in your product process or looking to sharpen an existing workflow, you'll leave with practical insights you can apply immediately, straight from teams who've done the work. Following the panel discussion, we'll open things up for audience Q&A before continuing the conversation over drinks and networking with Melbourne's Product community. **Evening timeline** 5.30pm – 6.15pm: Arrive, grab a drink, and connect 6.15pm – 7pm: Panel discussion and audience Q&A 7pm – 7.30pm: Networking, conversation, and connection A huge shoutout to [Stone & Chalk](https://www.stoneandchalk.com.au/ "https://www.stoneandchalk.com.au/") for their gracious hosting, venue and collaboration with Leading the Product. Stone & Chalk is a purpose-driven not-for-profit and Australia's largest and longest-running innovation community. It brings together top talent to build future-shaping technologies and helps founders and ventures grow faster. Positioned as a catalyst and convenor in the innovation space, it's a trusted super-connector and leader connecting innovators and companies to accelerate business growth. We'll have light food and drinks covered, all we ask is that you bring your curiosity, your questions, and your perspective. Reserve your spot today.

Mental Health Foundation bipolar support group

Innova x DiUS: AI Investment to Commercial Outcomes

Innova Search, in partnership with DiUS, are hosting our first Women in Tech event in Melbourne, and we'd love you to join. The theme is AI Investment to Commercial Outcomes: how technology leaders are measuring commercial results and getting real return from AI investment. Our panel will talk about what's working and what isn't, and there's an hour afterwards to meet Melbourne's tech community over food and drinks. **This is an invite-only evening for senior technology leaders.** If you'd like a place, please message me directly: [linkedin.com/in/mariehiggins-womenintechseniorleadersrecruiter](https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariehiggins-womenintechseniorleadersrecruiter/) Thursday 22 October, 5.30pm to 8.00pm DIUS, 3/31 Queen Street, Melbourne **Agenda** • 5.30pm: Arrive • 6.00pm to 7.00pm: Panel and Q&A • 7.00pm to 8.00pm: Networking, with food and drinks Part of the Innova Search Women in Tech community, which supports and connects women in technology and DiUS are kindly sponsoring the evening.

Round table - what are our Thoughtful priorities? In the current turbulent times

You're invited to an informal meetup for experienced professionals, educator, skills building facilitators who are thinking differently about your work. **What's this about?** Melbourne-based education and management consulting practice **MYTNC** **The agenda:** *Brief intro - Facilitated conversation: *what makes you wake up in the morning and decide what energy, knowledge and time you are putting in to acheive your goals.* Informal mingling + coffee - Optional: One-on-one chats if you'd like to explore working together **Questions?** Please leave a comment.

Innova Search x DiUS: AI Investment to Commercial Outcomes

Innova Search, in partnership with DiUS, are hosting our first Women in Tech event in Melbourne. AI Investment to Commercial Outcomes: how technology leaders are measuring commercial results and getting real return from AI investment. Our panel will talk about what's working and what isn't and enjoy networking after to meet Melbourne's tech community over food and drinks. **Invite-only evening for senior technology leaders.** *If you'd like a place, please message me directly:* *https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariehiggins-womenintechsoftwareengineeringrecruiter/* Thursday 22 October, 5.30pm to 8.00pm DIUS, 3/31 Queen Street, Melbourne **Agenda** • 5:30pm: Welcome drinks and canapés • 6-7pm: Panel and Q&A • 7-8pm: Networking, with food and drinks Part of the Innova Search Women in Tech community, which supports and connects women in technology and DiUS are kindly sponsoring the evening.

Capability ≠ Capacity: What I wish I’d known about neurodivergence leading tech

Capability ≠ Capacity: What I wish I’d known about my neurodivergent brain when I was leading in tech I was diagnosed ADHD and autistic at 41, following severe burnout at the peak of my career in technology leadership, transformation and digital delivery. I was clearly capable of doing complex work. What I didn’t understand was why things that seemed like they should be easy could sometimes require an enormous amount of effort. In this talk, I’ll explore some of the less visible things that use our capacity at work — and how this helps us to find the right strategies to work sustainably as a neurodivergent leader. **Agenda (time in Melbourne/AEST)** * 5:30pm Networking * 6:00pm Welcome * 6:05pm Main Presentation * 6:35pm Q&A * 7:00pm Networking * 7:30pm Close **This will be a HYBRID event:** **Zoom link -** will be posted 1hr before event starts. **Our Speaker** **Ani Møller** Ani Møller is a neurodivergent leadership coach and ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) who works exclusively with neurodivergent leaders. Before becoming a coach, Ani worked in technology, transformation and digital delivery, including as an Executive Director leading large teams and multi-million-dollar programs. They were diagnosed ADHD and autistic at 41 following severe burnout, and subsequently trained as an ADHD coach. Their work now brings together lived experience, coaching and decades of leadership and transformation experience to help neurodivergent leaders understand how they work and build more sustainable ways of working and leading.

IN PERSON! Apache Kafka® Meetup (Oct 2026)

Hello everyone! Join us for an Apache Kafka® meetup on **Oct 22nd from 5:30pm**, in Melbourne! The address, agenda, and speaker information can be found below. See you there! **📍Venue**: 394 High Street Northcote, Victoria 3070 **Important:** For expense auditing reasons, all attendees are required to register through this page and provide the requested information. Unfortunately, anyone who has not registered will not be able to attend the event. \*\*\* **🗓 Agenda:** * 5:30pm: Doors open * 5:30pm - 6:00pm: Pizza, Drinks, and Networking * 6:00pm - 6:30pm: Paras Sitoula, Technical Lead, Tabcorp * 6:30pm - 7:00pm: ​Evelyn Bayes * 7:00pm - 7:30pm: Additional Networking \*\*\* **💡 Speaker:** Paras Sitoula, Technical Lead, Tabcorp **Talk:** Who Watches the Streams? Building an AI Kafka Operator **Abstract:** In this talk, I’ll explore whether an AI agent can help troubleshoot common Kafka problems. Instead of an engineer manually checking dashboards, consumer groups, topic settings and schemas, we’ll give an AI agent access to this information and see if it can work out what is going wrong. We’ll test it with real examples such as growing consumer lag, schema errors and a consumer falling behind the topic’s retention period. We’ll also look at where AI can be useful, where it can get things wrong, and how much control we should actually give an AI agent over a Kafka environment. **Bio:** Paras is a seasoned software/date engineer with significant experience in developing and optimizing realtime scalable systems. At Tabcorp, Paras leads a high-performing team, developing and optimizing real-time transaction monitoring systems utilizing technologies like Apache Kafka and Neo4j. With a robust background in both real-time and batch data processing, Paras has extensive experience across various platforms and tools, including AWS, Databricks, and Spark, which he leverages to deliver high-performance data solutions. \-\-\-\-\- **💡 Speaker:** Evelyn Bayes **Talk:** Stuck On You: How a Kafka Performance Fix Took Down a Fortune 500 **Abstract:** KIP-480 promised Apache Kafka a nifty performance boost. Instead of spreading keyless records evenly across every partition, the producer would stick to one partition until a batch filled, then move on to another. And it worked! Bigger batches meant better compression, fewer requests and lower latency. Everyone wins. Until they don't. In this talk, we'll dig into a real major incident at a Fortune 500 company where that optimization turned into a trap. A subtle feedback loop caused producers to get stuck sending a disproportionate share of traffic to the slowest brokers, which made those brokers slower still until everything fell apart. We'll cover how the issue was diagnosed, what was actually happening inside the producer, and how it led to a new approach to partitioning in Kafka. \*\*\* If you would like to speak or host our next event please let us know! [community@confluent.io](community@confluent.io)

Presenting - 'Speaking on the spot'

Smashing! Try something new Thursday Interactive reality workshops- Tonight get involved and have some fun. Ever walked away from a conversation thinking you should have said this or that, but instead suffered 'brain freeze'? Learn methods to respond on the spot, and follow up with practice in small groups. Learn by doing! Serious about improving your leadership - **Why mess, come to the best** Why is Smashing different to other speaking clubs? Just two member's thoughts, "The fun/laughs factor is definitely a point of difference. We keep it moving with high standards so it’s a nice balance. Too strict makes it tense and boring, too loose and we can lose the energy/commercial feel. SmashSpeak's vibe's in the sweet spot." "At other clubs I used to listen to long speeches and lectures, here we get so many chances to talk every meeting, that we have to improve" **Free parking** close: O'Connell and Cobden streets **IMPORTANT: Be on time, as doors close when the show starts** “Proudly Australian" – Free-flowing teamwork, greater good focus, sharing the stage, etc Multicultural Hub, 506 Elizabeth St (Opposite Queen Vic Market) Level 1, RED Room (End of corridor) More to come...