Dr Louise Grimmer is a leading Australian retail marketing expert. A Fulbright Scholar and Senior Fellow of the Institute of Place Management, she has a PhD in retail marketing and a Masters in Public Relations and Communications. Her research on consumer behaviour, retailing and how retailers can respond to changes in shopping behaviour is published internationally and she is Associate Editor for two leading international retail and consumer journals. In addition Louise is a regular media commentator, featuring in hundreds of interviews, and a retail columnist. She has worked as a national radio presenter for the ABC, currently works as a radio news journalist and presenter, and is a leading contributor to The Conversation.

Louise works with local councils, trader associations, place marketers, individual retailers, chains and department stores, government and centre managers to advise on retail strategy, consumer behaviour, market trends and workforce capability.

Louise is a sought-after speaker, MC and facilitator. 

Dr Terri Simpkin is an Associate Professor of Management, with experience leading MBA programs around the world. A Churchill Fellow, Terri earned a PhD in management and workforce development, and she has worked internationally across strategy, leadership, management and human resources. Terri is an accredited 'GCologist' (utlilising the people and organisation assessment tool - 'The GC Index') which underpins her work as a trusted advisor for government, industry associations, large organisations and SMEs. Terri is also an international authority on the Imposter Phenomenon and her work aims to diminish the individual and organisational impacts of the experience of Imposter Phenomenon.

Elizabeth (Liz) Joldeski is an impact-driven leader with 20+ years’ experience in small business, economic development, government relations, leadership, strategy, stakeholder engagement, collaboration/strategic industry partnerships. With a talent for planning and establishing collaborative, integrated project, and engagement teams, she has successfully delivered on strategic, commercial, and investment outcomes. As a proven connector and negotiator, Liz creates strong strategic alliances and partnerships to develop and deliver innovative solutions. She is a Graduate member of the AICD, hold a Master’s in Public Policy and Management, and a Bachelor of Commerce.

Liz is currently Executive Officer with Mainstreet Australia, bringing her passion for small business and her lived experience of running and owning family retail and hospitality businesses to the role. In addition, she brings a strong economic development focus, ensuring that our retail businesses around Australia have access and support to tools, drivers and capabilities that will enable small business success.