Sydney Gift Fair Masterclass Speakers

Jen Bishop | Founder of Interiors Addict

Former journalist and magazine editor Jen Bishop is the original Interiors Addict. An ordinary girl with no design qualifications, just a serious passion for everything interior design.

Jen believes that everyone should be proud of their living space, regardless of budget and whether you own or rent.

What started as a hobby in 2011, Interiors Addict has been Jen’s full-time job for over eight years and attracts over 100,000 unique readers each month and has an Instagram following of over 90,000.

We are excited to again be partnering with Jen Bishop as our official media partner at Sydney Gift Fair 2020.

Ben Lazzaro | Chief Executive of Australian Made Campaign Limited

Appointed in 2018 as Chief Executive of the Australian Made Campaign Ltd; the not for profit organisation responsible for promoting and administering the iconic green and gold, Australian Made logo. Ben has been a key contributor to the success of the organisation for many years.

With an engineering and communications background, and more than 15 years experience across a variety of management, sales, marketing and communications roles in consultancy, agency and in-house capacities. His experience includes integrated strategic marketing communications and full-spectrum branding campaigns optimised to deliver successful business outcomes.

Ben joined AMCL in 2011 as Marketing & Communications Manager and in 2016 took the role of Deputy Chief Executive.

Natalee Bowen | Founder of Indah Island

Natalee Bowen has been in the design industry for over 20 years. Indah Island has been commissioned both Australia wide and internationally. Natalee’s work has received many industry awards and has featured in many magazines, gained over 160,000 followers on social media and viewed on TV programs such as Dream Homes, Ready Set Reno, Luxury Homes Revealed, Best Houses Australia and Through the Front Gate (viewed by 4o million in America)

She is also the interior designer on Channel 9 TV show ‘Open Homes Australia’ and is about to showcase her much anticipated ‘Hampton’s Farm Project’ on Ready Set Reno this year.

Natalee has a unique style that incorporates the classic style of the Hamptons with the Tropical lush of the coast. Having also travelled and worked around the world, Natalee has experience in the commercial sector designing, renovating and designing spaces.

Emily Osmond | Founder of emilyosmond.com

Host of the hit marketing podcast, The Emily Osmond Show and with her own blog getinmyhome.com, Emily Osmond is a marketing educator who teaches business owners how to use Instagram strategically to build a loyal audience and make more conversions.

Emily has a Master of Communications, focusing on the topic of social media for her thesis, as well as experience working with hundreds of small business owners through her events and online programs.

Charles Watson | General Manager Human Resources & Employment Relations / Lawyer

Charles has a strong background in HR and employment relations. His experience includes roles such as GM Workplace Relations and legal services at the Printing Association of Australia, as well as employee relations at NSW Road Transport Association. Charles has also previously worked for Clayton Utz and Freehills Solicitors.

Sarah Quinn | Strategic VM & Retail Expert and Co-founder of TalkShop

Hi, I’m Sarah! I’m creative, a maker, a dreamer, an inspirer a mentor and a doer. I’ve been a visual merchandiser for the past 20 years managing, leading, teaching and inspiring business owners. I’ve merchandised everything from truffles to wine, to boutique and fast fashion as well as homewares, gifts and stationary. After a long stint working for big retailers, I have realised that my true passion lies with small business.

Fun facts about me: I surf every week (even in Victoria winter) and I love to have fun – a night out dancing is one of my favourite hobbies.

Jarrod Franklin | Divisional Manager of SME and Schemes & Affinity, Austbrokers ABS

Jarrod has 19 years experience in the insurance industry as a broker and underwriter working internationally in Europe as well as domestically in Sydney & Melbourne.

Jarrod’s experience has predominately been in the SME space of the insurance industry, being responsible for over 2500 clients across the portfolios he currently manages providing risk management advice, structuring insurance programs, negotiating large association schemes within the retail sector and handling complex claims involving property damage and business interruption.

Given the ever-changing world, Jarrod’s role is to also provide advice on new insurance products such as cyber, that has a massive effect on the retail sector and online shopping industry.

Jane Tweedy | Business Connect Advisor – Service NSW

Jane is founder and lead trainer of FAQ Business Training, that aims to educate and empower small business owners. Jane is also a part time Business Connect advisor for Western Sydney Business Centre, mainly servicing The Hills district.

Jane is passionate about helping small business owners succeed, with corporate, volunteer and small business experience. Jane also holds a Master of Applied Finance, Bachelor of Commerce and Administration, and a Certificate IV in Small Business Management.