Canva, Sportsbet, Uber to Speak at In-House Agency Council Summit

The In-House Agency Council (IHAC) has confirmed Cat van der Werff (Canva), Tim Hernadi (Sportsbet) and Tim O’Neill (Time under Tension) as the latest speakers for the IHAC Evolution Summit 2025, taking place on Tuesday September 16th at The Grounds of Alexandria, Sydney.

Now in its third year, the Summit brings in-house and hybrid agency leaders from across APAC together for a day of practical insight, brand case studies and peer-to-peer connection. Sessions will explore global in-housing best practice, creative excellence, AI in marketing and brand transformation.

Cat van der Werff, executive creative director at Canva, will offer a global perspective on building and running world-class in-house creative capability. While Tim Hernadi, general manager marketing at Sportsbet, along with Tim O’Neill will explore the reality of AI adoption for marketing teams and the strategies that make it work.

The three will join an already stellar speaking line-up that includes some of the industry’s most respected names including Angela Greenwood (Youi), Anna Jackson (Telstra), and Adam Ledbury (Uber).

The program will also feature operational transformation insights in a panel session from Gemma Poesaste, head of Telstra’s in-house creative agency, Sarah Hetherington, head of production and operations at CBAGENCY, CommBank, and Georgie Bugelly, group head agency services at Asahi Beverages' in-house agency 1House.

Mike Worden, partner and chief media officer at -lution, will present fresh research on the in-house media landscape, while Storyteq and Ideally will deliver brand showcases. Peer-led roundtables will give delegates the chance to share challenges, exchange ideas and walk away with practical solutions.

Chris Maxwell, executive chairman of IHAC and CEO of -lution, said, "We’ve built this year’s line-up to challenge thinking and unlock new approaches to creativity, media and operations. What makes it special is that these are leaders working inside some of the world’s biggest and fastest-moving brands -- they know what it takes to deliver at pace, at scale and under pressure. Delegates won’t just hear big ideas, they’ll walk away with strategies that can be applied to their own teams immediately."

Designed for impact, the Summit blends inspiration with hands-on strategies, tools and connections delegates can put into practice from day one.

Abby Blackmore, head of IHAC, said, "The IHAC Summit has become a keystone event for our community, and this year’s agenda is practical and inspiring. Whether you are scaling a new team, refining your model or exploring new capabilities, you will leave with ideas and connections to take the next step."

​Secure attendance before registrations close.

Event details – IHAC Evolution Summit 2025

Date: Tuesday 16 September 2025

Time: Summit: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | Networking drinks: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: The Grounds of Alexandria, 7a/2 Huntley Street, Alexandria NSW 2015

Attendance: Free for IHAC Members | Non-members by invitation only