Can’t Cannes? Maybe You Can Cairns.
- Apr 16
- 5 min read
Mavens is proud to partner with Cairns Crocs conference in 2026. Here’s why.
By Leah Morris.
I’ve always liked going to industry conferences because they offer a chance to pause and fill my creative cup. Good conferences offer bold perspectives, fun times shit-talking your job and the industry at large, wholesome new connections and hard-won insights you can actually use in your work.
Bad conferences, though? They’re gatekept for executive leaders only, with all-male panels and dingy auditoriums packed with more sausages than a Bunnings barbie.
Cairns Crocs is helping change that with a turbocharged lineup of high-profile women speakers, and by ensuring tickets make their way to people who don’t have a couple of grand to drop on professional development.
It’s why Mavens is proud to be a Cairns Crocs supporting partner for the second year in a row. We even have five three-day passes to give away worth $3,298.90 each), so make sure you read to the end and you’ll have a good shot at winning (T&Cs apply)*.
What’s Cairns Crocs?
Presented by Pinterest, Cairns Crocs is Asia-Pacific’s premier festival bringing advertising, creativity, marketing and media together. Last year, it drew over 2,100 attendees (including me), cementing its place as the must-attend event for the region’s most ambitious brands and creative minds. It will take place from May 12-14 at Cairns Convention Centre.
That’s the official spiel. The unofficial spiel is: It’s a delightful creative pop-up zoo set in the tropics. If your hair is prone to frizzing, it will frizz. There is a lagoon and a very nice wharf. You can go to the Barrier Reef and the Daintree. There are real crocodiles. The airport is small. There are some surprisingly nice hotels, good food and great coffee for what feels like a small town. But the speakers? They’re actual celebs.
TV producer Maz Farrelly will MC again in 2026. As Mel B’s testimonial on her site says ‘Maz has the X-Factor’, and I couldn’t agree more. She’s fucking funny. Last year, I was starstruck by Antoinette Lattouf, Ana Andjelic, Jasmin Bedir and Dee Madigan. Here’s the sessions and speakers I’m most excited about in 2026.*
Mavens top picks
‘What's A Sheila Got To Do To Get a Beer Around Here? Invent it.’
Day 1, Hemingway’s Track
Okay, this one’s a little biased because I have the honour of participating alongside the iconic Jane Evans – B&T Lifetime Achievement Award Winner, Founder, Author, Keynote Speaker, Matriarch, Futurist and Myth Buster. She brought James Squire to Australia, and plans to share the uniquely female insight that made it a smash hit. Grab a pint and gear up for some serious storytime.
‘G-Ruin: Industry Retro & Roast’
Day 2, Hemingway’s Track
Do you like to laugh at the industry? There’s a lot to laugh about, and even more to roast. In the spirit of Gruen, four creative legends (Alex Sol Watts, Seamus Fagan, Shyaire Ganglani and Elle Bullen) will tear apart their own work, posts and pet projects before inviting brave creatives to submit theirs for public critique. Nothing is sacred. Everything is fair game. Hosted by Mum the Drag Queen (also known as adland creative and Friends of Rhonda Founder, Jules Stretch).
Psst… There’ll also be a Friends of Rhonda Crocs Meet-up for queers in ads on Day 2. These are legendary. Learn more via Instagram, @friendsofrhonda.
From Brandside: The Brand Race Inside Formula 1®
Day 2, The Auditorium at Cairns Convention Centre
Four women talking about cars – that is my jam. There’s no denying Formula 1® is a cultural force with one of the most influential, brand-engaged and high-spending audiences in the world.The panel will discuss how brands are moving beyond logos to create meaningful connections with enthusiasts, with voices including Alexandra Bokeyar (GM, MECCA-Maginations), Emma Pinwill (CCO, Australian Grand Prix), Catherine Bowe (Senior Director of Marketing, ANZ, Salesforce) and Naysla Edwards (Brand, Marketing & Member Experience, AMEX).
‘Creativity Needs Different Brains’
Day 3, The Auditorium at Cairns Convention Centre
There are some people this industry is beyond lucky to have, and this crew contains four of them. Nat Taylor (Founder & Executive Producer at Poppet) will be joined by Charlotte Adorjan (ECD, Taboo), Josh Mann (Head Creative, Movember) and Michael Skarbek (Creative Director) to talk about neurodiversity as a source of creativity. If you haven’t heard of Taylor and Adorjan, get to know them via their respective episodes on Mavens’ podcast here.
‘The Great Media Breakaway’
Day 3, The Auditorium at Cairns Convention Centre
Jan Fran (Ette Media), Osman Faruqi (Lamestream Podcast) and Abbie Chatfield. These powerhouses are major players in the creator world and they know their shit. They’re also not afraid to speak truth to power.
I wouldn’t miss this one if you bribed me with a Birkin bag full of diamonds.
Win a three-day festival pass
For your chance to win 1 of 5 three-day passes to Cairns Crocs, take a look at the agenda here then email leah@themavens.com.au with a little note on which session you’d be most excited to attend. See T&Cs below.
*Mavens Cairns Crocs Giveaway: Terms & Conditions
The Promoter: The promoter is Mavens. We are a movement championing equality in the communications industry.
Eligibility: This competition is open to anyone (regardless of gender) in the Australian advertising and media industry who wants to see equality become the new norm. Men can enter! We love our allies.
How to enter: Take a look at the Cairns Crocs agenda (cairnscrocodiles.com) and email leah@themavens.com.au with a note sharing which session you are most excited to see.
The Prize: There are five (5) prizes to be won. Each prize consists of one (1) three-day pass to Cairns Crocs.
What’s not included: Please note that the prize is for the event pass only. Winners are responsible for their own flights, accommodation, and any other travel expenses. We recommend checking your calendar and budget before entering if you aren’t based in Cairns.
Selection of winners: This is a game of skill, not a random draw. We’re looking for bold and fresh perspectives. Winners will be selected based on the passion and insight shown in their email entry.
Notification: winners will be notified via email. We’re busy people, just like you, so please keep an eye on your inbox so we can get your pass to you quickly.
Privacy: We respect your privacy. Your details will only be used for the purpose of this competition and to keep you updated on the Mavens movement.
Entries close midnight AEST on 26/4/2026. By entering, you agree to these terms. Good luck! I’m watching my inbox for your entry.
