Team
Ross Dawson – Chairman
Ross Dawson is globally recognised as a leading futurist, entrepreneur, keynote speaker and bestselling author. He is founding chairman of international consulting firm Advanced Human Technologies, futures think tank Future Exploration Network and events company The Insight Exchange. His books include the acclaimed Living Networks which in 2002 anticipated the social networking revolution. Dawson has been named as one of the 40 biggest players in Australia’s digital age, and his blog Trends in the Living Networks is ranked as one of the top business blogs in the world. He has delivered keynotes on six continents and appears regularly in the world’s leading business media.
Beth Etling – CEO
Beth Etling is an executive with over 15 years event experience, most recently as the Content Director for dmg World Media where Beth launched the digital event ad:tech in both Sydney and Singapore. In that role, Beth also launched dmg’s Australian Agency and Brand Summit and developed content for Evanta’s CIO Executive Summit. Prior to this, Beth worked with Saxton’s Speaker Bureau, learning the region’s speaker landscape. Back in the USA, Beth worked in all facets of events, concluding her US career researching, advising, and implementing global speaker strategies for Intel, Amdocs, Xerox, Polycom and Hyundai at Carat Brand Experience (an Aegis company). Beth holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of New Hampshire and an MBA in Marketing from Suffolk University in Boston, MA. She and her husband, James, are expecting their first child in September.
Jessica Nelson – Communications Manager
Jessica Nelson is responsible for communications and partner relationships at The Insight Exchange, and since 2007, has worked in The Insight Exchange’s sister organisations Future Exploration Network and Advanced Human Technologies. Jessica has an extensive background in communications, having worked in newspaper and radio journalism and the PR industry. Her roles include newsreader and journalist at Wave FM, and account manager at et cetera Marketing, Communication and Events, as well as indulging her love of great food as section editor of Taste at The Illawarra Mercury and reviewer for the Good Food Guide. A social animal, Jessica is always planning parties and events, and is an enthusiastic social networker. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from University of Wollongong with a double major (with Distinction) in English and Communications.
Nikki Kirkman – Finance and Administration Manager
Nikki Kirkman is a Financial Administrator with 15 years experience working with clients specialising in Sustainability, Media and Communications, Events Management, Graphic Design and Software Development. Most recently, Nikki was a core member of an International Sustainability Advisory firm predominantly based in the United Arab Emirates. She has operated a successful book keeping business for over nine years, assisting Business Owners and Directors implement procedures and accounting systems. Nikki holds an Associate Diploma in Business (Accounting) and is currently working towards a Masters in Accountancy.
Julianne Commins – Support Services
Julianne Commins puts her six years of administration experience to good work, supporting The Insight Exchange’s day-to-day activities, as well as providing technical support to the rest of the team.
With a diploma in Digital Media, Julianne has a passion for all things digital. She specialised in Flash, and has a talent for representing ideas visually.
