Master of Ceremonies

Daniela Ritorto

Daniela Ritorto has been a journalist, presenter and communications consultant here in Australia and overseas for almost 25 years.

From the BBC News desk in London, she anchored live coverage of some of the world’s biggest news events to the BBC’s global audience of millions, including the disappearance of MH370, the 2015 terrorist attacks on Paris and Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

As a correspondent Daniela brought Australian audiences major European stories such as the Eurozone crisis, the London riots and Cadel Evans’ historic Tour de France victory. She has served as a political editor at both the federal and state levels for SBS, Network Ten and the ABC, and was nominated for a Walkley Award as part of the team which uncovered Cornelia Rau’s unlawful detention.

Daniela has covered elections, budgets and state visits, and travelled internationally with prime ministers and premiers to major diplomatic summits including APEC, ASEAN and G20.

She's since led national media and communications for an ASX 50 company and worked with a strategic communications agency, developing campaigns and strategies for some of the country’s biggest brands and not-for-profits.

Now back home in Adelaide, Daniela is a sought after MC and provides media training for senior executives and offers strategic communications advice.


Keynote Speaker

Michael McQueen

Michael McQueen understands what it takes to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Recently ranked #12 among the world’s top futurists, Michael is widely recognised for having his finger on the pulse of change, helping clients ranging from Google to Toyota and Mastercard navigate uncertainty and stay ahead of the curve.

A bestselling author of 10 books, Michael’s latest release was named by Malcolm Gladwell and Adam Grant as one of the top five must-read new leadership books. He is a sought-after media commentator, with his insights regularly featured in Forbes, The Guardian, and CNN.

Having presented to over 500,000 people across five continents since 2004, Michael is a familiar face on the international conference circuit, sharing the stage with Bill Gates, Mel Robbins, and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.


David Clark

David is currently the Senior Vice President of AREMA and will become the president of the organization in September.  He is a 30 year member of AREMA holding positions including Committee Chairman and a longtime Member of the Board of Directors.  David is a graduate Civil Engineer with 35 years in transportation construction including 30 years at CSX Transportation which is one of the largest railroad systems in the U.S.  At CSX he has held operational roles including Trainmaster, Manager System Production Operations, Construction Engineer, Engineer Standards, Project Manager, and Director of Construction overseeing approximately one half of the network.  David combines his AREMA and CSX worlds in his day-to-day role constructing numerous commercial and company led railroad projects around the northern half of the CSX system.