Andrew Hopper
Director-General, Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games
As Director-General, Department of Sport, Racing and Olympic and Paralympic Games, Mr Hopper is leading the Government's objectives to drive grassroots sports participation across the State; strengthening the integrity, viability, while maintaining high animal welfare standards in the racing industry; and ensure every part of Queensland benefits from the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Mr Hopper has enjoyed a highly successful career in government, tourism, sport and major events. He has extensive experience in sports administration, operations, governance, asset management and venue leasing in the public and private sector. He is recognised for his leadership skills, strategic thinking, commercial acumen and communication skills.
Courtney Akrigg
Communications Manager & MC
Guiding us through the day of the conference, Courtney is an experienced Communications Manager with a strong background leading communications and PR campaigns across major international sporting events, including the Commonwealth, Asian and Pan American Games, Olympic and Paralympic Games and World Championships.
Known for her energetic presence and strong connection with athletes, stakeholders and audiences, Courtney brings a polished and engaging approach to every event. Alongside her communications expertise, she is an experienced commentator and MC, regularly hosting sporting events, conferences, awards nights and media panels.
Brisbane 2032 and the Mass Participation Industry
A high-profile panel that explored the intersection of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games with Australia's mass participation sporting events sector.
Mark Arbib
CEO, Australian Olympic Committee
Mark Arbib is the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Olympic Committee, leading Australia's peak Olympic body as it prepares for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Dominic Olliff
Director of Venues and Villages, Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee
Dominic is Director of Venues and Villages at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee, leading the delivery of competition venues, athlete villages and key non-competition venues.
With over 25 years' experience, he has delivered major global events including Olympic and Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cups at iconic venues worldwide. He is known for his collaborative, solutions-focused leadership and commitment to creating lasting legacies.
Trish Apps
General Manager, 2032 Games Coordination, City of Gold Coast
Trish is a senior executive with over 30 years' experience across local government, known for delivering complex programs through strong stakeholder engagement and practical innovation.
She has led major city-shaping initiatives, including Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games delivery, and now directs the City of Gold Coast's role in Brisbane 2032, focusing on coordination, delivery and lasting legacy outcomes.
Grant Baldock
Director, Beyond The Break Consulting
Grant is a co-founding director of Beyond the Break Consulting, a consultancy that specialises in sport delivery, working across communications, events and broadcast for some of Australia's leading National Sporting Organisations, major events and iconic brands.
With more than 25 years' experience in sports administration and membership-based organisations, Grant has served as CEO and Senior Manager for well-known NSOs including Swimming Australia, Surf Life Saving Australia and Equestrian Australia, specialising in event delivery, stakeholder communications, governance reforms, sponsorship, marketing and broadcast.
Legends Panel
Some of the sport's most respected Running Legends took the stage at AMPSEA 2026 for a special panel discussion. From record-breaking performances to shaping the future of endurance events, they shared stories, insights, lessons learned, and what continues to inspire them to lace up and lead from the front.
A session not to be missed!
Rob De Castella AO MBE
1983 Australian of the Year · 1983 World Marathon Champion · Four-time Olympian
Steve Moneghetti AM
Member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame · Four-time Olympian
Benita Willis OAM
2004 World Cross Country Champion · Four-time Olympian
Pat Carroll OAM
Nineteen-time Australian Representative · Four-time Gold Coast Marathon Champion