Screenworks has revealed the first speaker line-up for Regional to Global Screen Forum 2026, which will be held in Lennox Head on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 September.
The event is supported by major government partner Screen NSW, and financed with the assistance of Screen Australia.
Organisers say, ‘Regional to Global speakers include industry thought leaders, key decision makers and distinctive creative voices including representatives from Screen NSW, Screen Australia, Screen Queensland, Screen Canberra, Australian Writers Guild, Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), National Indigenous Television (NITV), Foxtel Group and Stan – plus beloved Australian actor, comedian and writer, Steph Tisdell, who will serve as MC across the two-day event.’
Screenworks CEO, Lisa Rose said, ‘We’re thrilled to announce our first speakers for Regional to Global. This line-up brings together some of the Australian screen industry’s most respected thought leaders, creatives and decision-makers. What makes this forum so unique is the chance to connect in a relaxed regional setting, where conversations don’t end when the session does and new ideas, collaborations and opportunities can naturally emerge. We can’t wait to share more of the program in coming weeks.’
The line up announced so far includes:
Todd Abbott – Commissioning Editor, Comedy, ABC Victoria Baldock – Director/Writer/Producer Love of an Icon: The Legend of Crocodile Dundee, Content Director for Rimfire Films, Co-Founder, Iconic Features Adrian Chiarella – Writer/Director, Leviticus Dena Curtis – Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production, NITV Delvene Delaney – Director/Writer/Producer Love of an Icon: The Legend of Crocodile Dundee, Company Director for Rimfire Films Liz Doran – Showrunner/Writer/Producer including the upcoming My Brilliant Career (Netflix) Jacqui Feeney – CEO of Screen Queensland Vanessa Gazy – Writer/Director/Series Creator including Echoes (Netflix) and Eden (Stan) Joshua Longhurst – Scripted Development Executive, Foxtel Group Kylie Munnich – Executive Director, Screen NSW Tanya Phegan – Head of Development, Narrative Content, Screen Australia Steph Tisdell – Actor/Comedian/Writer as seen on The Amazing Race (10), Bump (Stan) Holly Trueman – CEO of Screen Canberra Joshua Tyler Screenwriter/Showrunner/Producer Top End Wedding, Top End Bub (Amazon, ABC) Kelly Vincent – Production Executive, Stan
Todd Abbott, Commissioning Editor, Comedy, ABC said, ‘Our mission at the ABC is a simple one: find the best ideas – wherever they come from – and get them on screen. Regional to Global is a great opportunity to talk to creatives from all across Australia and hopefully unearth some gems.’
Dena Curtis, Head of Indigenous Commissioning and Production, NITV said, ‘I’m delighted to be speaking at Regional to Global and looking forward to connecting with talented regional creatives whose stories are shaping the screen industry in powerful ways. It’s important that we continue to build pathways for regional voices to be seen and heard on screen – not as a niche, but as central to how we understand who we are as audiences and as a nation, and to ensure these stories continue to travel and resonate more broadly.’
Liz Doran, Showrunner, Writer & Producer said, ‘I’m excited to be part of Regional to Global and to discuss practical, collaborative and creative insights from my recent work on My Brilliant Career and connecting with fellow regional creatives.’
Organisers say, ‘Held annually in Lennox Head – just 15 minutes from Byron Bay – the Northern NSW based Screen Forum unites the vibrant regional screen community with the broader industry through an accessible and dynamic program including in-depth panel discussions, intimate roundtables, one-on-ones and dedicated networking events, providing a significant engagement opportunity and contributing to a rich and diverse regional Australian screen industry’.
‘Screenworks welcomes the return of valued event partners including the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA), Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), Ballina Shire Council, Business NSW, Media Super, Netflix and Screenrights – whose ongoing support helps make Regional to Global an unmissable highlight on the Australian screen industry calendar.
‘Early bird tickets for Regional to Global – which include access to the Netflix Opening Night Drinks – are now available until midnight on Tuesday 14 July. Early Bird Tickets (on sale now) $250 Members | $380 Non-Members (excl. GST) Full Price Tickets (from July 15) $300 Members | $450 Non-Members (excl. GST)
For more info visit screenworks.com.au/opportunities/regional-to-global-2026.
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