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.

Taylor is a Senior Economist within the Economics and Markets Research team at the National Australia Bank (NAB). He provides economic and market insights for our clients, with a focus on the Australian economy, labour markets and inflation. He is a regular contributor to the NAB Morning Call podcast. Taylor studied economics at the Australian National University and began his career at the Reserve Bank of Australia.

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.

As both Managing Director and CEO, Marwan wields his expertise in Corporate and Commercial law to empower businesses and drive their success. With razor-sharp insights and a strategic mindset, Marwan crafts growth, distribution, and expansion strategies that ignite business potential. His deep understanding of the Franchise, Real Estate and Intellectual Property areas of Law, he offers an invaluable service. Renowned nationally and internationally for his expertise, Marwan’s contributions to these industries are unmatched. Clients benefit from his extensive knowledge and proactive approach, resulting in exceptional interactions and favourable outcomes. Marwan doesn’t settle for being just a lawyer—he’s a reliable advisor, navigating clients through mergers, acquisitions, partnerships, and joint ventures with finesse. When disputes arise, he tackles them head-on, employing his exceptional skills in dispute resolution and litigation, based on his 25 years of practice. Expanding on his legal craft, Marwan has been instrumental in navigating many brand mergers, acquisitions and established brands that have been international recognised. As CEO, Marwan’s vision fuels Baybridge’s success. He crafts an empowering corporate environment where personal and professional growth flourish. This client-centric approach guarantees superior results while fostering a culture of excellence.

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.

David Highland is one of Australia’s most respected voices in real estate, with more than 30 years of industry experience. As Founder and CEO of Highland, he has grown the business from a boutique agency of six into an independent network of more than 250 professionals operating across residential, commercial, property management, finance, marketing and marine. Established in 2007, Highland now spans seven offices across the East Coast of Australia and transacts over $2.5 billion in annual sales. Known for his strategic foresight and disciplined leadership, David has built a high performing network recognised for innovation, scale and market leading results.

Will is one of the property industry's most respected strategic leaders, bringing together commercial rigour and a genuine people-first approach to drive outcomes that last. Over a decade in key leadership roles at BresicWhitney has seen him play an integral part in shaping it into Sydney's leading property group, unlocking opportunity for its people, clients, and communities. A believer that great outcomes are built by great teams, Will is a trusted steward through periods of significant growth and change.

Brent May brings 29 years of industry experience, including 15 years building and leading his own boutique brand from the Hills to the Northern Beaches of Sydney. With his wife and two girls enjoying life on the beaches, Brent embraced his next challenge as General Manager of Sales for one of Australia’s leading real estate brands, where he went on to build the number‑one franchise group in the network. With a deep understanding of fast‑paced, high‑growth environments, Brent then stepped into the role of National Sales Director for Purplebricks Group, leveraging his expertise in digital sales strategy and performance. All of this experience fuels Brent’s leadership today. As Chief of Operations at DiJones Real Estate, he brings clarity, structure and ambition - guiding DiJones toward becoming a $100m business while staying true to our independence and values.

Warren Campion (MBA, MBC, LREA) is a highly respected corporate and real estate professional, boasting over 30 years of extensive industry experience. He has thrived as a sales agent, principal, and former COO of a multi-office agency that managed over 2,500 properties with a dedicated sales team of 50. Since 1997, Warren has held influential executive management positions with national real estate training, software, and outsourcing firms, and previously served as the Managing Partner of the McGrath Sutherland Shire, Illawarra & Nowra Group. His consulting expertise spans franchise groups and independent agencies across Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, and the UAE. A seasoned driver of real estate businesses, Warren excels in optimising property management and sales team performance by enhancing operational efficiencies that increase productivity and maximise retained earnings for stakeholders. Renowned for his strategic mindset, he has successfully implemented initiatives that streamline processes, foster talent engagement, and enhance asset value. With a strong foundation in analytical problem-solving and a sharp ability to interpret market data, Warren harnesses technology and innovative practices to propel sustainable profitable growth in the real estate sector. His holistic approach aligns people, technology and financial foundations which enhance the customer experience, talent engagement that empower business owners in their pursuit of financial freedom.

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.