Speakers & Presenters

Exploring Male Sperm Health and how Menevit can help planning couples.

Educational style talk focussing on male infertility, causes and potential options to improve sperm health. 

Second half will focus on Menevit, a clinically proven sperm health supplement, and the possible reasons for why it works.

Key deliverables:

1. the scale of the issue of poor sperm health
2. the causes of male infertility
3. what can be done in cases of male infertility
4. how Menevit fits in in helping improve sperm health

Mike Adams is an experienced pharmaceutical professional working in scientific roles in industry for many years.  At Bayer, Tom represents the women’s health team striving to improve outcomes for all aspects of women’s health.

Psychological burden is now the #1 reason people discontinue IVF – surpassing even financial barriers.

This evidence-based talk reveals why 76% of women experience anxiety during fertility treatment and introduces the “emotional protocol” that can make the difference between stopping and succeeding. You’ll discover how trauma shows up during treatment (often unexpectedly), why your nervous system matters as much as your hormone levels, and practical strategies for building emotional resilience before crisis hits. Perfect for anyone considering or currently in fertility treatment, plus their support people.

You’ll Learn:
● Why psychological readiness is as crucial as medical readiness for IVF success
● How to recognise when past experiences are affecting your current treatment
● Evidence-based tools that reduce treatment dropout and improve emotional wellbeing
● Red flags vs. green flags: assessing your emotional preparedness
● When and how to access specialised support that actually works for fertility populations

Psychologist Liz Bancroft from Hope Affirm Thrive, provides trauma-informed, neurodivergent-affirming support for individuals navigating infertility, IVF, and reproductive health challenges. With over 14 years’ experience and advanced training in EMDR, Schema Therapy, and fertility psychology, Liz offers a unique dual perspective as both clinician and IVF veteran. Her signature group program, Your Roadmap Through IVF, equips clients with evidence-based tools for emotional regulation, advocacy, and resilience across every stage of fertility treatment.

What if motherhood didn’t have to wait for the perfect partner?

In this empowering keynote, Alisha Burns, Australia’s leading voice on solo motherhood by choice, shares how thousands of women around the world are taking charge of their fertility and creating the families they’ve always dreamed of. Whether you’re single, navigating infertility, or rethinking what family means to you, this session offers a powerful alternative path grounded in strength, clarity, and support.

Drawing from her own 12-year journey to motherhood and the experiences of the women she supports through Solo Mum Society, Alisha will walk you through what’s possible, how donor conception works, and what it really looks like to raise a donor-conceived child with pride. You’ll leave with more than information, you’ll leave with hope, options, and a renewed sense of control over your future.

Key Deliverables:

* Explore what solo motherhood by choice really involves

* Understand the donor conception process from a lived perspective

* Discover what it’s like to raise a donor-conceived child

* Hear real stories and feel supported by community

* Walk away empowered to make informed, values-aligned decisions

Fertility treatment is about more than seeing a specialist; it’s about trusting the entire clinical and laboratory team that supports your care.

This talk explains why the embryology lab plays a central role in IVF success, what technologies genuinely make a difference, and how to spot clinics that prioritise both evidence and empathy.

You’ll learn what questions to ask and what features to look for in a fertility clinic.

1. IVF success depends on lab quality—not just the doctor.
2. Time-lapse incubation and HA-ICSI can improve care when used appropriately.
3. Avoid clinics that upsell add-ons without evidence.
4. A good clinic is transparent, supportive, and scientifically driven.
5. World-class fertility care can be advanced and accessible.

 A qualified obstetrician and gynaecologist, Sascha holds specialist certification in reproductive medicine and has a long-standing commitment to patient-centred, evidence-based treatment. He is passionate about demystifying fertility and empowering people with clear, honest information about their reproductive options.

Known for his calm and compassionate approach, Sascha brings clinical expertise and warmth to every interaction, with a focus on making fertility care less stressful and more supportive.

Have you been told your eggs are “too old”? That IVF is your only hope—and even then, it’s a long shot? Let’s flip that script.

Your eggs are not old. In fact, they’re not even eggs yet—they’re tiny, dormant follicles. The 90 days before conception is your power window. Your opportunity to fuel the development of those follicles to help create healthy eggs that have the potential to create your healthy pregnancy.

Fertility Naturopath and Nutritionist Tasha Jennings shares the latest science-backed strategies to reverse the impact of ageing on fertility, naturally.

Whether you’re trying naturally or through IVF, you’ll walk away with five essential steps to take now, to support your body, boost egg quality, and help create a thriving fertile environment.

Make your 40s fertile with knowledge, heart and a little science on your side.

Tasha Jennings is a Fertility Naturopath, Nutritionist, Author and Podcast Host with over 20 years’ experience helping proactive women and couples create healthy pregnancies and healthy babies. Through her popular online programs and private consultations, she blends natural strategies with evidence-based science to improve fertility outcomes—whether you’re trying naturally or through IVF.

Tasha works closely with leading IVF clinics and fertility specialists and is a sought-after speaker at medical conferences, educating health professionals on the power of fertility nutrition. She’s the author of The Fertility Diet and The Vitamins Guide, she’s been featured in major media publications including The Age, The Herald Sun, NEWS.com, and more as well as TV and Radio.

As host of the Conceive Baby Podcast, Tasha interviews global fertility experts to bring the latest insights to your fertility journey.

After overcoming her own fertility challenges, Tasha is now mum to two beautiful children—and passionate about helping you achieve that same dream

What is egg freezing and who is it for?

Egg freezing is a method of preserving a woman’s fertility so she can try to have children in the future. Traditionally, it has been used by women whose fertility may be affected by certain medical treatments, such as cancer medications, or underlying health conditions. These days, however, egg freezing is now increasingly chosen by women who aren’t ready for children but want to protect their future reproductive options.

Egg Freezing Process

Daily hormone injections for 8-14 days stimulate multiple egg production. Ultrasound monitoring determines optimal collection timing. Eggs are retrieved under light sedation, then immediately frozen and stored.

How Age Affects Egg Quality

The age at which you choose to freeze your eggs is key to your chances of having a baby – the younger you are, the better. Egg quality declines more rapidly after the age of 35, so the best time to freeze your eggs is in your 20s and early 30s.

Costs

Estimated out-of-pocket costs will be discussed.

Options

When you are ready, you can opt to go through a vitrified oocyte cycle.

Dr Amber Kennedy completed her specialist training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at The Mercy Hospital for Women (MHW) in Heidelberg, Melbourne, and holds a Masters in Reproductive Medicine from the University of New South Wales.

She undertook a fellowship in Reproductive Biology at the MHW and was the Honorary Reproductive Services fellow at the Royal Women’s Hospital (RWH) for two years, before taking up her current public appointments at the MHW in obstetrics and gynaecology, and at the RHW, as part of The Women’s endocrine and metabolic service. Amber has also completed a PhD research degree, examining the schooling outcomes of IVF children.

Amber is currently a Clinical Director and Fertility Specialist at Newlife IVF. She is regarded by her patients for her calm and friendly approach, and her ability to explain complex information in a way that everyone can understand.

Fertility treatment is often described as a rollercoaster — but for many, it feels more like being strapped in with no seatbelt and no idea where the next drop is.

In this keynote, Lucy Lines draws on over two decades of embryology expertise and her own lived experience of infertility to shine a light on the often-overlooked emotional chaos of IVF.

With humour, science, and deep empathy, Lucy explores why so many patients feel powerless in the IVF process — and what can actually help.

This session unpacks the disconnect between patients and providers, the pressure to ‘stay positive,’ and the information gaps that fuel anxiety. It’s a call to reclaim agency, ask better questions, and stop feeling like you’re doing it all wrong. Whether you’re a patient, practitioner, or support person, you’ll walk away with practical tools and a whole lot of validation.

Key Deliverables:

• A clear understanding of why IVF feels so overwhelming — and how to navigate it
• Strategies to reduce decision fatigue and information overload
• Practical tools for improving communication between patients and care providers
• A patient-centered approach to emotional support during fertility treatment
• Hope, humour, and a reminder that knowledge is power

Lucy Lines is a clinical embryologist with over 20 years of experience in the IVF industry — and a decade-long personal experience of infertility and recurrent loss. She’s the founder of Two Lines Fertility and the creator of the IVFWTF program, helping people navigate fertility treatment with clarity and confidence.

Lucy is known for translating complex science into plain language, advocating for ethical, informed care, and empowering patients to ask better questions (without pissing off their doctor).

She’s been featured in national media, recognised as one of 10 Women Transforming Healthcare by GPeX, and regularly speaks at conferences, schools, and health events across Australia.

Navigating fertility options when you have endometriosis can be a challenge.
We will discuss the latest RANZCOG guideline for endometriosis and explore the impact of endometriosis on fertility.
Medical, surgical and supportive treatments options will be discussed with a focus on how can people with endometriosis be empowered to achieve a family.
The pathway from diagnosis to baby will be highlighted with a fresh eye approach at an old problem.

Takeaways:
● What is new in the world of endometriosis – there is an increase in focus on endometriosis in our society. The presentation of pain does not always represent the degree of disease. Pain is individual and needs addressed regardless of the pathology. Fertility can be a challenge as people need to stop their hormonal suppression in order to have a child.
● Endometriosis impacts fertility from pain in the act of conception, through to more biochemical issues such as implantation and progesterone resistance
● Is fertility preservation can be useful for people concerned about fertility in the future or those undertaking significant endometriosis surgery.
● A supportive multidisciplinary team is important for management during fertility and beyond.

Navigating Fertility: Empowering You with Insight and Options

Understanding Fertility is an educational session designed to help individuals and couples better understand their reproductive health and options. Led by Create Fertility specialists Dr Tom Manley and Dr Haider Najjar, the presentation covers the foundational aspects of fertility, how conception works, key differences between male and female reproductive systems, and the many factors that can influence fertility, including age, lifestyle, and medical conditions like endometriosis or PCOS.

The session explains when to seek help, what to expect from fertility testing, and the importance of early intervention. It also outlines a range of treatment options, from ovulation induction and IUI to IVF and egg/sperm preservation. Alternative pathways, such as donor-assisted fertility and surrogacy, are also discussed.

This keynote presentation aims to demystify fertility care and empower patients with clarity, confidence, and compassion—no matter where they are on their journey.

Takeaways:

• Understanding the factors that affect fertility
• Get clarity on when to seek help from a fertility specialist
• Gain insights into fertility testing & diagnosis
• Provide information on different treatment pathways & options

Dr Haider Najjar is a pioneer of single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) in Australia and abroad, with expertise in fertility surgery and complex laparoscopic procedures.

As co-founder of Create Fertility, Haider offers individualised care for infertility, including advanced laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis and fibroids.

Dr Najjar’s techniques are internationally recognised, and he regularly speaks at leading global conferences.

Known for his calm, compassionate and reassuring manner, Dr Najjar combines clinical excellence with the latest medical technologies. He consults in English, Arabic or German.

Egg Freezing Explained

Join fertility expert Dr Anne Poliness as she explores the science, purpose, and potential of fertility preservation. In this informative session, Dr Poliness will clarify what egg freezing involves, who might benefit from it, and why an increasing number of people are choosing it as a proactive approach to their reproductive health.

What to Expect 

• The biological clock: how fertility shifts with age
• A detailed overview of the egg freezing process
• Latest success rates and technological developments
• Emotional, financial, and lifestyle considerations
• Who should consider egg freezing and why

With her straightforward communication style and supportive approach, Dr Poliness encourages attendees to look beyond the medical aspects and consider how egg freezing integrates into broader life planning. Whether you’re exploring fertility preservation for medical reasons, personal goals, or career considerations, this session aims to inform, empower, and inspire meaningful discussions.

Dr Poliness has extensive experience in gynaecology and infertility including treating all fertility issues.

She treats each patient as an individual to help and support them on their fertility journey to complete their family.

Dr Poliness listens to patients’ needs and is dedicated and motivated to problem solve fertility issues. No fertility question is too simple or difficult to work through.

Dr Poliness qualified as a doctor in 1993 and as a gynaecologist in 2002. Since then she has also completed a doctorate degree in endometriosis and a master’s in reproductive medicine (fertility). She began a Doctor of Medicine degree in 2003, through The University of Melbourne, while working as a gynaecologist in the public system at the Royal Women’s Hospital and Mercy Hospital for Women. In 2001, Dr Poliness worked for 12 months in Winchester (UK) for a gynaecologist who was a preceptor for laparoscopic surgery.

Returning to Melbourne in 2002, she took up a 12-month fellowship position in laparoscopic surgery at the Royal Women’s Hospital for the endometriosis unit. Dr Poliness consults at St Kilda Road, and has a public appointment at the Mercy Hospital for Women.

She has expertise in treating patients in all areas of fertility, with special interests in endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Shaun Resnik, Naturopath, Hypnotherapist & Mindset Strategist, decided at the age of 40 years old to bite the bullet and begin the journey towards fatherhood. At the time, he was single and hadn’t found a life partner who shared the desire to have kids.

His presentation will take you on a personalised journey into the world of surrogacy and share with you, valuable insights into what many describe as a “rollercoaster journey”.

Surrogacy is a marathon and not a sprint and in 2022 Shaun welcomed his son Eli and thus became the first single Victorian male to successfully complete a local surrogacy journey on Australian soil.

His hope is to inspire you, open your eyes a little wider, reveal the pitfalls as well as lessons learnt along the way. Rather than re-invent the wheel, hearing him speak about his successful journey, may enhance your chances of success. Shaun’s candid and naturally engaging style will entertain and inspire you.

His intention is to also give you a pragmatic view of what is possible in the world of local surrogacy.

Key outcomes:

• Understand your “Why”
• Learn who to surround yourself with on your journey
• Red flags to look out for
• When to change strategies
• What type of mindset will better your chances of successfully finding a suitable egg donor/ surrogate
• Practical tips to speed up the process.

Shaun Resnik is a Naturopath, Hypnotherapist and Mindset Coach who specialises in helping his clients overcome fears, phobias, depression, anxiety and addictions. For over 26 years, he’s helped thousands of people reach their goals and become better versions of themselves. He also  facilitates  corporate workshops in the mindset space.

After years of unsuccessfully trying to find a life partner who also wanted to become a dad, Shaun resorted to surrogacy as a single man. In 2022, Shaun became the first single Victorian male to complete a local surrogacy journey in Australia. His story went global and paved the way for many other singles pursuing surrogacy.

He’s been part of the surrogacy community for 6 years and has mentored many others to navigate their own surrogacy journeys. He’s since partnered to a wonderful man and they are the proud fathers to Eli and have another bubs on the way.

Endometriosis and Fertility – Understanding the Full PictureEndometriosis affects 1 in 7 women and people assigned female at birth, yet it often takes years to diagnose. For many, it’s linked not only to pelvic pain and fatigue, but also uncertainty around fertility.

In this keynote, Professor Luk Rombauts will provide a clear and compassionate overview of what endometriosis is, how it can impact reproductive health, and the options available for managing symptoms and preserving fertility.

Whether you’ve been diagnosed or are still trying to understand your symptoms, this session will help connect the dots, from diagnosis and treatment to planning for the future. You’ll leave feeling more informed and confident about what steps to take next.

• What endometriosis is and how it can affect the body
• How to recognise common symptoms and know when something’s not right
• How endometriosis may impact fertility, now or in the future
• What treatment options are available.
• When to seek help and how to advocate for yourself in the healthcare system

Professor Luk Rombauts is the Medical Director of Monash IVF Group and one of Australia’s most respected fertility specialists. He is the Immediate Past President of the World Endometriosis Society and has spent over two decades supporting people with endometriosis and helping them grow their families.

Luk combines his expertise in fertility care, surgery, and research with a deep understanding of the patient experience.

He currently consults in Richmond, Clayton and Mornington, offering personalised care through every stage of the fertility journey. His warm and thoughtful approach helps patients feel informed, supported and empowered.

What if the most painful chapters of your life held the greatest keys to your healing?

In this deeply personal and transformative keynote, Fertility Coach Liz Walton shares her 10-year journey through unexplained infertility, six rounds of IVF, and the heartbreak of almost giving up—only to naturally conceive her daughter at 46. But this is not just a story of motherhood. It’s a story of reclamation, emotional healing, and becoming who she was always meant to be.

Liz will explore the idea that there is treasure in our trauma—if we are willing to look within. That fertility isn’t just a physical path, but a powerful emotional and spiritual one. And that through the darkest moments, there is always an opportunity to come home to ourselves.

You’ll leave inspired, grounded, and reminded that your journey—no matter how it unfolds—can be your greatest teacher.

Keynote Outline

• A Personal Story of Resilience
• The Power of Emotional Healing
• From Survival to Self-Discovery
• Hope Beyond the Outcome

Liz Walton is a Fertility Coach, Emotional Therapist, and the creator of the Feeling Fertile program. After experiencing her own 10-year fertility journey—including six rounds of IVF and a natural conception at 46—Liz felt called to support others walking a similar path. This led her to create the Canberra Fertility Summit, and now, in partnership with Helen Zee, co-found the Melbourne Fertility Expo, with a vision to bridge the gap between medical and complementary fertility care.

Liz’s work is deeply grounded in compassion, lived experience, and emotional insight. She guides clients using powerful healing tools such as hypnotherapy, EFT, subconscious reprogramming, and emotional release therapy—helping them reconnect with themselves, reduce stress, and find peace amidst uncertainty. Based in Canberra and working globally, Liz is known for creating safe, nurturing spaces for those navigating the invisible weight of fertility challenges.

Male factor infertility contributes to around half of all fertility challenges, yet it’s often overlooked in discussions about reproductive health.

In this keynote, Dr Gareth Weston will explore the key causes, investigations, and treatments relating to male infertility. He’ll discuss how factors such as lifestyle, environment, and general health can influence sperm quality and fertility outcomes and how modern diagnostics and evidence-based treatments can improve chances of success.

Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of:
• The key factors that influence male fertility
• How semen analysis and other investigations are used to guide treatment
• Lifestyle and environmental factors that can affect sperm health
• Current and emerging treatment options available to men and couples

Dr Gareth Weston is a Fertility Specialist and Clinical Director at Monash IVF, holding the Carl Wood Senior Lectureship in Gynaecology at Monash University.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr Weston takes a compassionate, evidence-based approach to care. He helps individuals and couples, including same-sex couples and solo parents navigate their fertility options with confidence. His clinical interests include IVF, egg and sperm freezing, conservative infertility treatments, donor programs, endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroids.

Dr Weston consults across Bairnsdale, Point Cook, Sale, Springvale, Sunshine, Traralgon and Richmond.