The Sue Hayes Panel: How to Survive and Thrive in an Age of AI  
Conference

The Sue Hayes Panel: How to Survive and Thrive in an Age of AI  

Monday, Dec 8, 2025
5:30 PM - 6:10 PM
Theatre 1
English
About
AI and tech are transforming the creative industries at unprecedented pace. The shift can feel overwhelming, but it's here and it's permanent. The real question is: how do we harness it?

This panel explores the practical strategies that keep individuals and teams competitive. You'll discover which skills are becoming more valuable, how to use AI as a creative collaborator, and where the genuine opportunities lie. The professionals pulling ahead right now are already experimenting, already testing new tools, already building resilience through adaptability. They're asking ""what if"" instead of waiting to see what happens next.

Our annual Sue Hayes Panel in memorial to FOCUS' late co-founder brings together experts for an honest conversation. You'll leave with tactical moves you can implement immediately, from reframing your skill set to experimenting with unfamiliar tools. These practical insights help talent not just survive but thrive in a landscape that refuses to stand still.
 

Speakers

Neil Davidson

CEOHeyHuman

Afia Nkrumah

Writer/Director, AI EthicistBombax Media

Moderators

Avril Evans

Director.