LG Communications Conference
The premier event for local government marketing, communications and media professionals in SA
With 15 sessions spanning two days, the Local Government Communications Conference gives direct access to the brightest minds and marketing experts to help you build strong connections with your community.
Discover how to create actionable strategies and innovative approaches in sessions covering social media, market research, community engagement and more. Learn from real-world council case studies, strengthen your professional network and connect with peers across the sector.
MarStars Award winners
Thanks to everyone who entered and congratulations to our winners:
- Winner: City of Salisbury for their Get into it – Salisbury Aquatic Centre campaign
- Finalist: District Council of Kimba for their 'I'm Kimba' campaign
- Finalist: City of Adelaide for their What you do is what we do campaign
With a special mention going to District Council of Robe for their keep Robe safe and fun for everyone campaign.
2025 Communications Conference
Thanks to all participants and sponsors for making this an informative and inspiring event!
Time | Session |
|---|---|
8:45 am | Registrations open |
9:00 am | Introduction by MC: Daniela Ritorto |
9:05 am | Welcome to Country |
9:10 am | Welcome Address: Clinton Jury, CEO, LGA South Australia |
9:20 am | Keynote Speaker: Karen Ferry What happens when brands dare to be real?: How to build genuine connections and spark innovation |
10:20 am | Sponsor presentation: Squiz |
10:25 am | Morning tea |
10:45 am | Kurtis Eichler, City of Adelaide Making relatable social media content and getting the best out of your Mayors |
11:30 am | Emma Terry, SA Tourism Commission Developing a brand that is reflective of place |
12:15 pm | Sponsor presentation: Solstice Media |
12:20 pm | Lunch |
1:20 pm | Zac Garven, Rockhampton City Council Creating an award-winning marketing campaign and collaborating with industry |
2:05 pm | Social Media Panel: Humanising your social media strategy |
2:50 pm | Afternoon tea |
3:05 pm | Chelsea Kroepsch, City of Salisbury Case Study: Launch of the Salisbury Aquatic Centre |
3:50 pm | Rob Lovegrove and Silvia Knoppien, Communikate et al Practical storytelling in an age of AI and big data |
4:35 pm | Close / Networking |
Time | Session |
|---|---|
8:45 am | Registrations open |
9:00 am | Introduction by MC: Daniela Ritorto |
9:05 am | Matt Nicholls, LGA UK Building your council narrative and bringing people together around a purpose |
9:35 am | Keynote Speaker: Annie Harvey, The Still Effect Your Inner MBA: Practical strategies for sustainable success without the burnout |
10:25 am | Morning tea |
10:45 am | Monique Palumbo and Dara Boucher, City of Onkaparinga Case Study: Initiative to promote local businesses and encourage residents to shop locally |
11:30 am | David Rawlings, Landmark Media Workshop: Effective writing for 2025 |
12:25 pm | Sponsor presentation: Hays |
12:30 pm | Lunch |
1:30 pm | Marie Thomas and Chris May, LinkedIn LinkedIn trend insights for 2025 and building your personal brand |
2:15 pm | Tracy Whitelaw, LGAQ The Robots are Coming!: Preparing Local Government for AI |
3:00 pm 3:05 pm | Sponsor presentation: Granicus Networking afternoon tea |
3:35 pm | Media Panel: What makes a successful story in 2025 and how media metrics are measured |
4:15pm | MarStars Awards Ceremony |
4:30 pm | Conference close |
Master of Ceremonies
Daniela Ritorto
Journalist, presenter, media and communications specialist.
Keynote speakers
Karen Ferry
Executive Creative Director
Karen Ferry is a multi-award-winning advertising Executive Creative Director, writer and television personality. She's known for her understanding of marketing and culture in today’s shifting landscape.
Karen’s been a driving force in transforming how brands embed themselves in culture. She’s worked at Australia’s most prestigious agencies and crafted campaigns for iconic global brands like Volkswagen, McDonald’s, IKEA, Netflix and more.
A magnetic media presence, she's appeared across Australia’s top shows including Gruen, The Project, Today, ABC News, Radio National, and A Current Affair.
Annie Harvey
Speaker, Author and Trainer, The Still Effect
Tired of hearing about resilience? With expertise in neuroscience and brain health, TEDx speaker and author Annie Harvey talks about real strategies for managing change. She also addresses the missing piece of burnout that nobody talks about.
Annie’s light-hearted approach brings a breath of fresh air around what can be a serious topic – and she might even get you laughing too!
Guest speakers
Chelsea Kroepsch
Manager Community Experience, City of Salisbury
Dara Boucher
Business Engagement and Communications Officer, City of Onkaparinga
David Rawlings
Director, Landmark Media
Emma Terry
Chief Executive Officer, South Australian Tourism Commission
Jasmine Argent
Marketing and Communication Support Officer, City of Marion Libraries
Kurtis Eichler
PR and Communications Advisor, City of Adelaide
Matt Nicholls
Head of Communications Improvement, Local Government Association UK
Monique Palumbo
Senior Economic Growth and Tourism Officer, City of Onkaparinga
Rob Lovegrove
Associate, Data Intelligence, Communikate et al
Silvia Knoppien
Account Director, Communikate et al 
Tracy Whitelaw
Chief Digital Officer, LGAQ
Zac Garven
Tourism and Events Manager, Rockhampton City Council
Our sponsors
Find out more
For any enquires about the conference reach us at marketing@lga.sa.gov.au