BRISBANE 2026 speakers

Chris Mercer is a Chartered Accountant and visionary leader in the real estate industry, with a career spanning over two decades. His journey began in a Chartered Accounting firm, where he quickly distinguished himself by focusing not only on compliance but on helping clients improve their businesses through innovation and actionable insights. Chris’ extensive experience in the real estate sector dates back to 2001 when he developed KPI software for the Ray White Group, known as Wealth Partners. This groundbreaking tool became the real estate industry's premier real-time data tracker for lead and lag KPIs, empowering agents to make informed decisions. In 2007, Chris founded Live Real Estate Accounts, which has since grown into The Live Group, encompassing three core pillars: data and analytics, revenue maximisation, and profit protection. His unique approach has enabled him to work with nearly every major real estate franchise group, guiding business owners to understand that numbers reflect actions - so to improve results, actions must change. Chris excels at breaking down complex concepts into simple, actionable strategies, inspiring clients to unlock their full potential. Driven by a commitment to transparency and performance, Chris spearheaded the creation of REAP Dashboard, a revolutionary platform designed to cut through industry ego and misconceptions. By combining an innovative chart of accounts with real-world HR metrics, REAP Dashboard delivers unmatched data and benchmarking insights. It equips real estate business owners and thought leaders with the tools they need to measure true performance and drive sustainable growth. Chris’ work reflects his passion for simplifying the complexities of business, empowering his clients to achieve measurable success, and transforming the real estate industry through data-driven decision-making.

In this industry, figures tell stories and Lachlan’s a seasoned interpreter as an API Certified Practicing Valuer (Business). Analysing, then understanding data and its potential, he revels in the opportunity to help his clients transition from one chapter of their lives to another. That, and ensuring that the reward exceeds market (and personal) expectations by continuing to achieve record-breaking multipliers for his clients. This is the difference that engaging a professional can make; and with over a decade in property, Lachlan’s vocation as a facilitator of value is shaped by first-hand experience. Providing strategic guidance from portfolio analysis to asset transfer, he thrives in the challenge of unravelling the complex and proactively communicating at every stage. Because there’s advocating for good decisions, but it’s by Lachlan investing in better processes that sees his clients go further.

Tanya Delkou is a Partner at Baybridge. She started her legal career at a law firm specialising in mergers & acquisitions and commercial & corporate law, and shortly after commenced practising law with a focus within the real estate industry. Tanya’s practice is focused on mergers & acquisitions, rent roll transactions, sale and purchase of shares and corporate structuring.

With nearly 15 years in the recruitment industry at Hudson, the largest privately-owned recruitment and talent management business in the Asia-Pacific region, John serves as the Chief Executive Officer at OC. Since assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2020, John has been pivotal in shaping and executing the company's vision. He ensures optimal organizational performance and fosters a leadership approach that prioritizes both strategy and people. In 2020, John completed his Master of Business Administration with Adelaide University and GAICD with the Australian Institute of Company Directors. John’s focus extends beyond the boardroom to encompass broader aspects of team empowerment and achievement. Leveraging his expertise in developing and implementing strategy, financial oversight, and fostering a supportive work environment, he is committed to leading the company towards operational and financial success. John embraces a values-based approach to leadership and is dedicated to assisting others in achieving their career aspirations.

Sally is a widely respected economic and financial markets professional. She has a demonstrated track record of producing high quality research within leading Financial Services organisations and enjoys building long-lasting and trusted relationships with clients. Sally completed her Bachelor and Master’s degrees in Economics at Sydney University, graduating with First Class Honours and the University Medal. Sally went on to complete a Doctor of Philosophy in Economics at Oxford University.  She is currently Chair of the Board of SCEGGS Darlinghurst Ltd, a member of the Grattan Institute Public Policy Committee, and sits on the Finance and Investment Committee of the Children’s Medical Research Institute.

Darin Cook is the State Director of nab’s Business Markets Origination team for Qld and has been with nab over 34 years, 24 of which have been spent in the financial markets segment.  Darin’s team work across nab’s diversified business banking, agribusiness and specialised segments, providing support to clients with market insights and risk management solutions around foreign exchange, interest rates, commodity prices and broader financial markets. He works closely with relationship teams and market specialists to deliver strategic, client‑focused outcomes aligned to business growth and market conditions.

Justin Green has worked with NAB since 2009, holding a variety of roles across Financial Markets. Prior to joining NAB, Justin worked with several Australian financial services organisations, where he was responsible for providing advice and specialised strategies across investments, foreign exchange, and interest rate derivatives. Justin has over 20 years’ experience in financial markets, having worked extensively across Queensland and New South Wales. His product expertise also includes short‑term investments such as commercial bills, commercial paper, and alternative deposit products. Through this exposure to money markets, Justin developed a deep understanding of funding and liquidity dynamics. In his current role as Senior Financial Markets Manager, Justin provides flexible commodity, foreign exchange, and interest rate risk management advice and solutions, helping clients mitigate risk and effectively manage cash flows. Justin holds a Bachelor of Economics, a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning and a Master of Commerce and is a Professional Member of the Economics Society of Australia.