Marita is an exceptional public speaker

 Ashton Kutcher wasn’t the only star attraction Lenovo had at its ‘TECHMyWay’ presentation today.  He was preceded by Marita Cheng, the wildly inspirational and very impressive 2012 Young Australian of the Year winner, founder of Robogals and now CEO of Aubot.
IT Wire, 13 February 2015, on Marita's Lenovo #TechMyWay event with Ashton Kutcher

And finally engineer Marita Cheng stole the show with her enthusiasm for robots and passion for wanting to be at the forefront of things and how there was no reason why the next Google or Apple couldn’t come from Australia. It was inspiring stuff and it is this that will galvanise public support for science funding and which government ignores at its peril.
The Australian, 16 September 2014, on Marita's Q&A appearance 

Marita is often invited to speak at a range of conferences, corporate functions, organizations and schools.  She can talk about her work in robotics and AI and how those industries will impact the future of work, specific robots she has built and the creative process her team uses to dream up and build new robots, inspire crowds about her story of growing up in a migrant family in Cairns and how she came to where she is today, how she built Robogals into a global movement, or even just speaking about careers in engineering and why it is a career path that all young students should consider!  

Marita travels from San Francisco, USA, or is available for Virtual Events.  To request Marita as a speaker, please see contact.

Marita has worked with many of the world's most successful companies

 

 

Speaking Topics

(Click on the topic to expand description)

 

 

Upcoming Speaking Engagements

2024

7 March - S4x24, keynote speaker, Miami

11 March -

12 March -

13 March -

14 March -

15 March

18 March

19 March

20 March

8 April - Edutainment Learning, featured speaker (Virtual)

7 May - Google, Asian Heritage Month Observance, keynote speaker (Virtual)

24 June - Lions Club, 106th Lions International Convention, keynote panel, Melbourne

20 September - Project Managers Institute, PMI Global Summit 2024, featured speaker, Los Angeles

 

 

Virtual Events

Events Marita has spoken at virtually include:

2022

14 February:  iDiscovery Solutions Employee Retreat, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Robot Queen to Change the World

10 March:  REA Group, International Women's Day, keynote speaker (Virtual)

30 March:  Google, Women's History Month Series:  Women's Leadership in STEM, moderated interview (Virtual)

18 May:  Celebrating Asian Pacific American (AAPI) Heritage Month, Tenable, fireside chat (Virtual)
18 May:  Asian Pacific American (AAPI) Heritage Month, MKS Instruments, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Robot Queen to Change the World

13 Sep:  Baxter Healthcare, Baxter Geek Fest, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Entrepreneurship
15 Sep:  Electronic Arts, EA's Finance Dev Day, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Leadership

23-25 Oct:  ATD 2022 China Summit, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Artificial Intelligence

 

 

2021

18 February:  Lancôme Virtual Flagship Pop Up, keynote speaker, Australia (Virtual)

10 March:  MayBank, Business Leadership Energy Series, keynote speaker, Malaysia (Virtual)
22 March:  Laurel Springs School, Meetings with Remarkable Men and Women, keynote speaker, USA (Virtual)
31 March:  Alamo Colleges – Northwest Vista College, NVC Student Leadership Conference, keynote speaker, USA (Virtual)

14 April:  EY, Elevate Summit, Asia Pacific, Europe, Americas (Virtual).  Topic:  Leading and Inspiring Teams
22 April:  The Future Female Entrepreneurs Program, Accelerator for Enterprising Women, panelist, Swinburne University (Virtual)
22 April:  Cisco, Global Girls in ICT Day, USA (Virtual).  Topic:  Entrepreneurship

21 May:  Iron Mountain, Innovation Day, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Entrepreneurship

3 June:   Syndigo, Ignite: Experiences, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Artificial Intelligence
9 June:  Google, Google Day of Learning, moderated discussion (Virtual).  Topic:  Diversity & Inclusion
10 June:  Stanford University, Stanford Center for Continuing Medical Education, CME Live, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Managing Teams Remotely

20 July:  Cool Australia, STEAM IRL, interviewee (Virtual).  Topic:  Technology Innovation/ Disruption

18 August:  Panelist (Virtual).  Topic:  Artificial Intelligence

21 September:  Health Catalyst, Healthcare Analytics Summit 2021, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Artificial Intelligence

4 October:  Realogy, Cyber Security Awareness Month, keynote speaker (Virtual)

9 November:  Optum Technology, Make IT Happen, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Technology Innovation/ Disruption
16 November:  AT&T, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Technology Innovation/ Disruption

 

2020
2 April:  Nexus Virtual Conversations, Accelerator Spotlight: Robots of Tomorrow, USA (Virtual)

19 August:  National Science Week Women in STEM, Australia (Virtual)
27 August:  Academy of Mary Immaculate, Radical Women Forum Panel Discussion, Australia (Virtual)
27 August:  Allens Law, panel Australia (Virtual)

13 September:  Robogals North America SINE, Leadership speaker, North America (Virtual)
16 September:  The Future of Meetings Symposium, Q&A session on robotics, Australia (Virtual)

12 October:  EY, Milestones 2020:  Leadership Insights, London (Virtual)
20 October:  EY, Transformative Leadership Series: Teaming and Inspiring, London (Virtual)

15 November:  DefHacks, Marita Cheng:  AMA (Ask Me Anything), USA (Virtual)
18 November:  Leadership Energy Summit Asia 2020, Business Leaders Award, Malaysia (Virtual)

3 December:  Project Managers Institute Washington DC, Winter Symposium, Washington DC (Virtual)
8 December:  Sundaram Business Services, keynote speaker, Australia (Virtual)
 

2019
8 February:  St Francis Xavier College, Year 12 Festival Conference, speaker, Melbourne (appearing via Teleport robot)
7 May:  Victoria Park State Primary School, NBN STEMpreneur Ambassador mentoring session and speech, remotely over video-conference
8 May:  Parra Hills State Primary School, NBN STEMpreneur Ambassador mentoring session and speech, remotely over video-conference
8 May:  Parramatta State Primary School, NBN STEMpreneur Ambassador mentoring session and speech, remotely over video-conference
8 May:  Islington State Primary School, NBN STEMpreneur Ambassador mentoring session and speech, remotely over video-conference
9 May:  Larapinta State Primary School, NBN STEMpreneur Ambassador mentoring session and speech, remotely over video-conference
9 May:  Bowen Road State Primary School, NBN STEMpreneur Ambassador mentoring session and speech, remotely over video-conference
10 May:  Canadial LeadState Primary School, NBN STEMpreneur Ambassador mentoring session and speech, remotely over video-conference
26 August:  Binary Shift, Regional Innovation & Startups Conference, keynote speaker, Gippsland, Victoria

2018
14 July:  Robogals 10-Year Anniversary Gala, keynote speaker, Melbourne (appearing via Teleport robot)
22 August:  Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium, lunchtime speaker, Hobart (appearing via video) 
18 October:  Met the Duke and Duchess of Sussex at Government house via Teleport robot
2 November:  Lazer Wizard Innovation Award Dinner, keynote speaker, Sydney (appearing via Teleport robot) 

2016
2 November: James Cook University Townsville's Festival of Ideas, keynote speaker, Townsville (via Skype) 

 

Marita is able to deliver her speeches virtually or through live stream. Marita is able to work with Zoom, WebEx, Skype or your platform of choice, to ensure your event is a success.  Some of her virtual experiences include:

• A speaking tour across 7 primary schools in rural and regional Australia in her role as the National Broadband Network STEMpreneur Ambassador.  Each school's preferred video conferencing platform was used for each speech.
• A keynote speech at the Binary Shift Conference, one of Australia's top conferences focused specifically on regional innovation, technology and startups, followed by a Teleport telepresence robot demonstration by my colleague at the conference.
• A keynote speech at James Cook University Townsville's Festival of Ideas via Skype while attending Deloitte's USA Biennial Partner Meeting in Las Vegas. 

 

In addition, Marita has a range of equipment to ensure the best virtual or pre-recorded experience for your audience.

• Video:  Sony DSLR camera (purchased 2021)
• Microphone:  A variety of professional microphones
• Lighting:  14" ring light
• Background:  A range of professional backgrounds, or even a green screen if you would like your own branded background
• Connectivity:  Gigabit fibre internet

 

  

Testimonials

Marita's presentation was fantastic. She is an inspirational, intelligent, highly informed yet humble young woman. So highly deserving of Young Australian of the Year along with her other accolades.
VISION International

Marita took on the role of moderator for the artists to audience discussion after each performance of the Android-Theatre show Sayonara at Arts Centre Melbourne. She was very comfortable on stage and in the spotlight and her delightful personality put both the speakers and the audience members immediately at ease. Her passion and knowledge for the topic of robotics shone through and her skill at steering the conversation and engaging the audience was excellent. She understood the breadth of the work and subtly balanced the discussion to encompass a range of areas incorporating humour and philosophy alongside science and performing arts.
Arts Centre Melbourne

Marita as a person is the complete package - young, intelligent, pretty and modest. As a speaker, she is warm, interesting and engaging. She was able to capture her audience's attention by her message of overcoming obstacles, living her dream and working hard to achieve her goals. She is an inspirational lady who has so much potential to grow into an important leadership role in future.
Commonwealth Bank

You had the audience totally absorbed as you spoke so eloquently about the challenges you have faced and the leadership you have shown in getting so many volunteers to work for Robogals, not only in Australia but also overseas. We had many favourable comments from the various architects, project managers, quantity surveyors, builders and building surveyors who attended on the night, all saying how inspirational they found your story! A number of our engineers have been re-motivated to offer to talk at schools and mentor younger engineers. Thank you very much for your wonderful talk about Robogals and your own journey to becoming the Young Australian of the Year.
Umow Lai

What an amazing keynote delivered via teleport Robot from San Francisco.  The audience were captivated when Marita remotely manoeuvred the Robot around the room during a live Q&A at the conclusion.  Marita Cheng is a remarkable young Australian entrepreneur improving the lives of so many people through the use of technology and innovation.  Marita is an outstanding role model for young women considering a career in Engineering.
Laser Wizard

Marita is an accomplished, smart and energised young person. At such a young age she has combined academic valour and entrepreneurial spirit with a large dollop of philanthropic value. Her work with Robogals is such a proactive way to get young kids excited about the sciences. I am confident that such interventions will help increase the representation of women in fields such as engineering. Marita spoke at our company's all-of-staff briefing about her journey and every soul present left inspired and impressed! Marita is an exceptional public speaker, drawing on both her background and personal experience to tell a very interesting story, made much more digestible by her humble disposition. I would recommend her to any organization or entity that wants to promote concepts such as individual leadership and innovation.
Standards Australia

Thank you so much for coming to speak to our students yesterday. There has been a real buzz around the school since your talk… amongst both teachers and students. Your story is fantastic, your flair with "getting things done" is admirable. And, don't forget to be PM sometime as well. You could do it.
Wesley College

Marita Cheng was the keynote speaker at NAWIC Victoria/Tasmania's International Women's Day half day forum in 2012. She spoke about her love for engineering as well as for Robogals, for which helped secure her as the award winner of the 2012 Young Australian of the Year. Marita is young and ambitious and yet humble in her approach to life which makes her for a great mentor and role model for other young women not just considering engineering as a career but for young adults in general. Marita's strong initiative, drive and determination comes through in everything she does. NAWIC Victoria/Tasmania Council commend her and support her in her efforts! If you are looking for a motivational speaker...look no further.
National Association of Women in Construction

The feedback from our guests has been extremely positive. The mix of views from the panel was a recipe for such interesting discussion. You showed yourself to be a mature, intelligent woman and I have no doubt you are and will continue to be a role model for women of all ages.
Maddocks

Marita was fantastic! Her story was touching and inspirational. The girls loved the speech and although they didn't have many questions for Marita, they were full of questions back in the classroom. Her visit has generated a real buzz and as a result, our Year 7 girls will be heading to Melbourne University in a few weeks time for a 'Robogals' session. Please thank Marita again and I look forward to hearing about all the wonderful things she is doing.
Haileybury Girls Middle School

Q&A panel, with a live tv audience of 500,000 people.
From left:  Peter Doherty, Nobel Prize Winning Immunologist; Marita Cheng; Brian Schmidt, Nobel Prize Winning Astrophysicist

 

Twitter Comments

AWPA, The Future of Work Conference, Robotics - the future is now
Simon Waller ‏‪@simondwaller‬
‪@maritacheng‬ discussion on robotics has been as thought provoking and controversial as any speaker of the conference. ‪#futureofwork‬

Tim Johnson ‏‪@mistertimj‬
‪#futureofwork‬ Funny and engaging speech from ‪@maritacheng‬ about robotics. The future is here.

St. George Banking Group, A Day with Senior Leaders
Scott Bateman @batemanscott
@maritacheng great job yesterday @ st george. Lmao@ the comparison between banks and engineering when you muck something up. Robots are mad.

TEDxSydney
According to Trendsmap.com I was a trending topic in Sydney after my TEDxSydney talk
Adam Hodge @tweetadamhodge
@maritacheng easily the biggest energy in the smallest package this #tedxsydney

Tim Longhurst ‏@TimLonghurst
@maritacheng Great talk! brilliant use of handwritten survey responses to bring a terrific topic to life! Loved it. #tedxsydney

Brett Murphy ‏@brettdmurphy
"A nation that doesn't create is forced to consume" @maritacheng. What an amazing speaker. Standing ovation from me. @smh #tedxsydney

Young Minds
Tinny ‏@tinnyhon
@maritacheng That was a great talk this morning, you made me cry!

From left:  Rod Lappin, CEO Lenovo Asia Pacific; Marita Cheng; Ashton Kutcher, Actor; Cameron Parker

 

Brand Ambassador

With her brand of inspiring technology go-getting, Marita has been a brand ambassador for a number of companies, and had her face appear on billboards and buses! To request Marita as a brand ambassador, please see contact.  Some of the brands she has represented in the past are listed below.

ANZ Bank.  Marita participated in a global tv ad campaign for ANZ Bank that was broadcast to millions of people across Australia and New Zealand National, Asia Pacific Region (including but not limited to Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Japan and China plus Pan Regional Cable Channels).  Other participants included Noah Bushnell, Founder of Atari;  Martina Navratilova, former tennis world number one; and Lydia Ko, Lydia Ko, the youngest ever world number one professional golfer.

Car company Škoda created a content piece video alongside their tv ad campaign with wifi inventor Dr. John O’Sullivan.

Choose Maths campaign.

 

LinkedIn International Women's Day campaign.

 

 

National Broadband Network (NBN) STEMpreneur Ambassador

 

Victoria Department of Education and Training Tech Schools Ambassador

 

Telecommunications company Optus #YES Project

 

Previous Speaking Engagements

2022

14 February:  iDiscovery Solutions Employee Retreat, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Robot Queen to Change the World
28 February:  ASQ, Lean & Six Sigma Conference, keynote speaker, Phoenix, Arizona.  Topic:  How to Start Something from Nothing

10 March:  REA Group, International Women's Day, keynote speaker (Virtual)

30 March:  Google, Women's History Month Series:  Women's Leadership in STEM, moderated interview (Virtual)

27 April:  Economic Alliance Snohomish County, Annual Economic Forecast Conference, keynote speaker, Seattle, WA. Topic:  Entrepreneurship & Robot Queen to Change the World

18 May:  Celebrating Asian Pacific American (AAPI) Heritage Month, Tenable, fireside chat (Virtual)
18 May:  Asian Pacific American (AAPI) Heritage Month, MKS Instruments, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Robot Queen to Change the World

13 Sep:  Baxter Healthcare, Baxter Geek Fest, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Entrepreneurship
14 Sep:  Alliance of Channel Women, Women's Leadership Summit, keynote speaker, Orlando, Florida.  Topic:  Entrepreneurship & Robot Queen to Change the World
15 Sep:  Electronic Arts, EA's Finance Dev Day, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Leadership
29 Sep:  Paradigm Management Services, Paradigm Innovation Summit, keynote speaker, Chicago.  Topic:  Artificial Intelligence

23-25 Oct:  ATD 2022 China Summit, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Artificial Intelligence

6 Dec:  Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, CS Momentum Expedition, keynote speaker, Nashville, Tennessee

 

2021

18 February:  Lancôme Virtual Flagship Pop Up, keynote speaker, Australia (Virtual)

10 March:  MayBank, Business Leadership Energy Series, keynote speaker, Malaysia (Virtual)
22 March:  Laurel Springs School, Meetings with Remarkable Men and Women, keynote speaker, USA (Virtual)
31 March:  Alamo Colleges – Northwest Vista College, NVC Student Leadership Conference, keynote speaker, USA (Virtual)

14 April:  EY, Elevate Summit, Asia Pacific, Europe, Americas (Virtual).  Topic:  Leading and Inspiring Teams
22 April:  The Future Female Entrepreneurs Program, Accelerator for Enterprising Women, panelist, Swinburne University (Virtual)
22 April:  Cisco, Global Girls in ICT Day, USA (Virtual).  Topic:  Entrepreneurship

21 May:  Iron Mountain, Innovation Day, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Entrepreneurship

3 June:   Syndigo, Ignite: Experiences, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Artificial Intelligence
9 June:  Google, Google Day of Learning, moderated interview (Virtual).  Topic:  Diversity & Inclusion
10 June:  Stanford University, Stanford Center for Continuing Medical Education, CME Live, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Managing Teams Remotely

20 July:  Cool Australia, STEAM IRL, interviewee (Virtual).  Topic:  Technology Innovation/ Disruption

18 August:  Panelist (Virtual).  Topic:  Artificial Intelligence

21 September:  Health Catalyst, Healthcare Analytics Summit 2021, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Artificial Intelligence
23 September:  Manufacturing Leadership Summit, The Right Place, keynote speaker, Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Topic:  Technology Innovation/ Disruption

2 October:  Pebble Beach Authors & Ideas Festival, keynote speaker, Pebble Beach, California
4 October:  Realogy, Cyber Security Awareness Month, keynote speaker (Virtual)
October:  PK Global, Annual Company Conference, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Technology Innovation/ Disruption

9 November:  Optum Technology, Make IT Happen, keynote speaker, San Diego, California.  Topic:  Technology Innovation/ Disruption
16 November:  AT&T, keynote speaker (Virtual).  Topic:  Technology Innovation/ Disruption

 

2020

24 January:  The Institution of Surveyors NSW, The Australia Day Seminar 2020, opening keynote speaker, Sydney

28 February:  2020 NEXUS USA Summit, Washington DC

2 April:  Nexus Virtual Conversations, Accelerator Spotlight: Robots of Tomorrow (Virtual)

19 August:  National Science Week Women in STEM, Australia (Virtual)
27 August:  Academy of Mary Immaculate, Radical Women Forum Panel Discussion, Australia (Virtual)
27 August:  Allens Law, panel Australia (Virtual)

13 September:  Robogals North America SINE, Leadership speaker, North America (Virtual)
16 September:  The Future of Meetings Symposium, Q&A session on robotics, Australia (Virtual)

12 October:  EY, Milestones 2020:  Leadership Insights, London (Virtual)
20 October:  EY, Transformative Leadership Series: Teaming and Inspiring, London (Virtual)

15 November:  DefHacks, Marita Cheng:  AMA (Ask Me Anything), USA (Virtual)
18 November:  Leadership Energy Summit Asia 2020, Business Leaders Award, Malaysia (Virtual)

3 December:  Project Managers Institute Washington DC, Winter Symposium, Washington DC (Virtual)
8 December:  Sundaram Business Services, keynote speaker, Australia (Virtual)
 

2019

8 February - St Francis Xavier College, Year 12 Festival Conference, speaker, Melbourne (appearing via Teleport robot)

6 March - Business Chicks, International Women’s Day Lunch, keynote speaker, Melbourne
7 March - Cisco Live 2019 - Empowered Women's Network, keynote speaker, Melbourne
9 March - Friends of Himalayan Children International Women's Day, keynote speaker, Cairns
12 March - Brisbane Catholic Education Staff Professional Development Day – STEM Symposium, keynote speaker, Brisbane
27 March - Beaton Global, Client Choice Awards, keynote speaker, Melbourne

9 April - Asia Game Changer West Awards Gala, award recipient, San Francisco
23 April - Professional BusinessWomen of California, panelist, San Francisco
From 29 April - 2 May - Shell Eco-Marathon Australia Ambassador, Sepang International Circuit, Selangor, Malaysia

7 May - Victoria Park State Primary School, NBN STEMpreneur Ambassador mentoring session and speech, remotely over video-conference
8 May - Parra Hills State Primary School, NBN STEMpreneur Ambassador mentoring session and speech, remotely over video-conference
8 May - Parramatta State Primary School, NBN STEMpreneur Ambassador mentoring session and speech, remotely over video-conference
8 May - Islington State Primary School, NBN STEMpreneur Ambassador mentoring session and speech, remotely over video-conference
9 May - Larapinta State Primary School, NBN STEMpreneur Ambassador mentoring session and speech, remotely over video-conference
9 May - Bowen Road State Primary School, NBN STEMpreneur Ambassador mentoring session and speech, remotely over video-conference
10 May - Canadial LeadState Primary School, NBN STEMpreneur Ambassador mentoring session and speech, remotely over video-conference

17 June - Property Council of Australia’s Leadership Summit, keynote speaker, Canberra
18 June - Property Council of Australia’s Leadership Summit, panelist, Canberra
19 June - RDA Hunter Women in STEM workshops, keynote speaker, Newcastle
20 June - NBN STEMpreneur Ambassadorship The Pitch, judge, Sydney

4 July - Department of Agriculture Innovation Month, keynote speaker, Canberra
6 July - Robocup 2019, RoboReveal panelist, Sydney
25 July - Cognizant Technology Solutions, keynote speaker, Sydney

15 August - 2019 Care and Community Conference, keynote speaker, Sydney
26 August - Binary Shift, Regional Innovation & Startups Conference, keynote speaker, Gippsland, Victoria

10 September - Queensland Department of Education, i-Educate, keynote speaker, Brisbane

3 October - Royal Australian College of Medical Administration’s Annual Conference, keynote speaker, Adelaide
15 October - Dell EMC CIO Forum, keynote speaker, Perth
23 October - IPWEAQ (Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, Queensland) National Conference, keynote speaker, Brisbane
23 October - Dell EMC CIO Forum, keynote speaker, Melbourne

17 November:  KUMON Australia and New Zealand, Advanced Student Forums, Brisbane

 

2018

1 February:  Department of Defence: Science & Technology Group, Defence Science Student Conference, keynote speaker, Adelaide
15 February:  Advance Queensland Hot Desq, Hot Entrepreneurs - Customer acquisition and marketing, panellist, Cairns
20 February:  Advance Queensland Hot Desq Showcase, Brisbane
21 February:  Singularity University Australia Summit, speaker, Sydney
27 February:  Senior Living Innovation Challenge, pitch, Brisbane
28 February:  MBN Maekyung Media Group, MBN Y FORUM, Seoul, South Korea

8 March:  AMP, International Women's Day Breakfast, Sydney
9 March:  Young Professional Women Australia, International Women's Day, Sydney
13 March:  Ideas to Startups - Exploring Multiple Successful Entrepreneurship Pathways #IDEAS Series, QUT Foundry, Brisbane
14 March:  Science Future Leaders (SFL) program, Monash, Melbourne
19-20 March:  Advance Queensland Hot Desq, Aurukun State School and Indigenous Knowledge Centre, Aurukun, Australia
23 March: Queensland Department of Education’s 2018 STEM Girl Power Camp, Brisbane
29 March:  DFAT’s Australian Office, International Women's Day Breakfast, guest speaker, Taipei, Taiwan
29 March:  Taipei Municipal Song-Shan Senior High School, guest speaker, Taipei, Taiwan

9 May:  Australian Water Association, OzWater'18, Brisbane
20 May:  International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA-X, Brisbane
21 May:  Speaking Engagement, Sydney
22 May: International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA, Industry Forum – Innovation in Industry Panel, panellist, Brisbane
22 May: International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA, Robot Launch Startup Pitch Competition, contestant, Brisbane
25 May:  Hewlett Packard Enterprise, keynote speaker, Adelaide

13 June:  Westpac, Digital Forum Luncheon, keynote speaker, Sydney
13 June:  AMP Amplify, speaking alongside Sophia the Robot, Sydney
14 June:  Vogue Codes in Conversation, Breakfast Panel with Sandra Sully, Sydney
14 June:  AMP Amplify, lunchtime keynote, Sydney
14 June:  AMP Amplify, panellist on "The Future of Work", Sydney
16 June:  AMP Young Amplify, speaker, Sydney
28 June:  Trade & Investment QLD, IET Summit, keynote speaker and panellist, Cairns

14 July: Robogals 10-Year Anniversary Gala, keynote speaker, Melbourne (appearing via Teleport robot)
17 July: National Catholic Secondary School Principals' Conference, keynote speaker, Cairns
17 July: National Catholic Secondary School Principals' Conference, panellist, Cairns
23 July: Hybrid World Adelaide Conference, keynote speaker, Adelaide

22 August:  Australian Women’s Leadership Symposium, lunchtime speaker, Hobart (appearing via video) 

12 September:  Australian Life & Underwriting Claims Association (ALUCA)’s Victorian Personal Development Day, keynote speaker, Melbourne (appearing alongside Teleport robot)
13 September:  Monash University, Professions of the Future Student Conference, keynote speaker, Melbourne

16 October:  KPMG Study Tour, guest speaker, San Francisco

2 November:  Lazer Wizard Innovation Award Dinner, keynote speaker, Sydney (appearing via Teleport robot - so Teleport robot in Sydney, Marita not in Sydney)
27 November:  Thales Australia Annual Leadership Conference, speaker and panellist, Melbourne

17 December:  UNSW Executive MBA Study Tour, guest speaker, San Francisco

 

 

2017

9 February:  Singularity University Global Solutions Program Moonshot Women webinar, panellist, Melbourne
15 February:  St Peter Claver College, keynote speaker, Brisbane
21 February: “Up Close and Personal” The Future Now, panellist, Melbourne
23 February:  Tech Schools, City of Casey Tech School Design Sprint, judge, Melbourne

2 March: The Conference Planners Inner South Region Conference 2017, keynote speaker and ran a robotics workshop for 120 principals, Lorne Victoria
8 March:  SEEK, International Women's Day, keynote speaker, Melbourne
10 March:  Council of Australian University Librarians, keynote speaker, Melbourne
14 March:  Penrith City Council Innovation Summit, speaker and panellist, Sydney
21 March: DeLaval Robotics Convention 2017, keynote speaker, Launceston Tasmania
23 March: National Future Schools Expo, speaker, Melbourne

11 April:  GE Australia, Decoding Industry speaker, Sydney

11-13 May: Global Summit of Women, Youth Forum - Tech-based Enterprises, panellist, Tokyo, Japan

3 June: Department of State Development’s Brisbane Maker Festival 2017, speaker, Brisbane
6 June: Just Better Care Community Care Business Transformation & Innovation Conference, speaker Brisbane
8 June:  Serpell Primary School, Staff Conference, speaker, Melbourne
14 June:  Myer Innovation Fellowship, end-of-Fellowship presentation, Melbourne
15 June:  Vivid Sydney, Adobe Artificial Intelligence Debate:  Does Creativity Require Humanity?  Negative team, Sydney  (We managed to sway the public's opinion from 29% positive, 5% negative and 66% undecided before the debate, to 31% positive, 69% negative after the debate!  We won!)
19 June:  Crawford Australian Leadership Forum, Preparing for the Future:  Artificial Intelligence lunch-time panel with Jeremy Howard, moderated by Genevieve Bell, Canberra
20 June:  Future Shapers Forum, opening keynote speaker, Canberra
24 June: Centacare Cairns and FNQ Regional Migrant Economic Forum, keynote speaker, Cairns

27 July:  Sportsbet Leadership Summit, keynote speaker, Melbourne
31 July:  Remarkable Accelerator Program, Demo Day Pitch, Sydney

4 August: Catholic Business Managers, Professional Development Day, keynote speaker, Werribee
21 August:  Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI), National Convention, keynote speaker, Sydney
23 August:  Service Management 2017, keynote speaker, Melbourne
24 August:  Methodist Ladies College, Festival of Stories keynote speaker, Melbourne
24 August:  Australian Computer Society, August Lunch on Artificial Intelligence, panelist, Melbourne
29 August: Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mobile-ising Women in Business, keynote speaker, Melbourne
31 August:  Technology Forum, keynote speaker, Sydney

29 September:  University of Sydney School of Physics, CUDOS Legacy Showcase, keynote speaker, Sydney 

10 October:  Tech Schools Monash, opening event, Tech Schools Ambassador Speech, Melbourne
24 October:  Service Now, Women In Technology Lunch, panelist, Sydney
25 October:  ExecConnect Program, The Executive Stream at the NowForum, keynote speaker, Sydney

1 November:  Women in Gaming Australasia initiative, keynote speaker, Melbourne
2 November:  DXC, Regional Partner Advisory Council 2017, keynote speaker, Gold Coast
3 November:  Flight Centre, Technology Conference, keynote speaker, Gold Coast 
9 November:  NSW Department of Education and Training, Education Symposium, Sydney
11 November:  KUMON Advanced Student Forum, keynote speaker, Canberra
12 November:  KUMON Advanced Student Forum, keynote speaker, Melbourne
13 November: Laboratory Technicians Association of Victoria (LTAV), LABCON 2017 Conference, Melbourne
15 November:  Tech Schools Ballarat, guest speaker, Ballarat Victoria
16 November:  Tech Schools Geelong, guest speaker, Geelong Victoria
21 November:  ACCA Australia & New Zealand, keynote speaker, Melbourne
27 November:  Tech Schools Berwick, guest speaker and judge, Melbourne Victoria
28 November:  ACCA Australia & New Zealand, keynote speaker, Sydney 

1 December:  Queensland University of Technology, Bluebox Accelerator, retreat speaker, Binna Burra Queensland
4 December:  University of Southern Queensland Ascilite Conference, teachers and principals presentation "The Gender Divide", Toowoomba Queensland
5 December: University of Southern Queensland Ascilite Conference, keynote presentation "Robotics in the Future of Work", Toowoomba Queensland
6 December:  Scotch College, End of Year Programme, keynote speaker, Melbourne 
8 December:  Tech School Mini Maker Faire, keynote speaker, Melbourne

 

 

2016

9 February - Westpac, A GroupTech Odyssey, keynote speaker, Sydney
17 February - QANTAS and TEDxSydney, Tech Talk, on plane in flight over the Pacific Ocean from Sydney to San Francisco

4 March - AC Events, Teaching Kids to Code Conference, closing keynote, Sydney
6 March - KUMON, The 37th Kumon Japan Instructors Conference, keynote speaker; Kobe, Osaka, Japan
8 March - David Jones, "Women in Conversation" with Lucy Turnbull, Lisa Wilkinson, Gretel Killeen, etc., panellist, Sydney
16 March - Deakin University, Workshop is on Iranian Women's Leadership, speaker and discussion facilitator, Melbourne
18 March - City of Melbourne, Future Melbourne Digital City Hack, keynote and judge, Melbourne
23 March - Green Cities Sustainable Environment Conference, panellist, Sydney

26 April - Tech Schools Summit, opening speaker, Melbourne (teleported in via NASA Ames, California)
29 April - Premier’s Advance Queensland Innovation and Investment Summit, panellist, Brisbane

10 May - La Trobe University Hallmark Program, interactive talk and Q&A, Melbourne
12 May - Perth speaking engagement
17 May - YWCA Canberra She Leads Conference, keynote speaker, Canberra
25 May - UnitingCare Ageing Network Innovation Forum, speaker and panellist, Melbourne

9 June - Rare Birds Panel Discussion with Jan Owen, Sydney

22 July - Education State Talks: “Are robots going to take our jobs?”, speaker and panellist, Melbourne
24 July - University of Melbourne Student Union People of Colour Conference, speaker, Melbourne

3 August - TEDxMelbourne, "If the blind could see", speaker, Melbourne
18 August - Department of Education and Training, "Most Likely to Succeed" screening, panellist, Melbourne
28 August - Foxconn, H.Spectrum by Yonglin, Healthcare Startup Conference Speaker, Taipei, Taiwan
29 August - Rockhampton Management, Hong Kong

6 September - M.A.P. International CEO Conference, keynote speaker, Manila Philippines
8 September - Victorian Water Industry Association Annual Conference, keynote speaker, Melbourne
14 September - Warren Centre Annual Innovation Lecture, keynote speaker, Sydney

19 October:  TheSTEPS Speakers Academy, keynote speaker, Sydney
20 October:  KPMG Partners Conference, keynote speaker, Gold Coast
21 October:  Cultivator Inc., keynote speaker, Mildura Victoria
24 October:  Office for Digital Government, Department of the Premier and Cabinet SA, Open State, keynote speaker, Adelaide
27 October:  Asia Game Changer Award Ceremony, United Nations, New York City

2 November: James Cook University Townsville's Festival of Ideas, panellist, Townsville (via Skype while attending the Deloitte USA Biennial Partner Meeting, Las Vegas) 
10 November: Spotlight on STEM with Catholic Education Dioceses of Wollongong, keynote speaker, Sydney 
13 November:  Kumon Advanced Student Forum, keynote speaker, Sydney
15 November: Melbourne Grammar School Community Speaker Series, keynote speaker, Melbourne 
28 November: Open Text Company Townhall, “Women in IT”, keynote speaker, Sydney
30 November: Rowe Advisory Client Dinner, keynote speaker, Brisbane

4 December: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Valuing Volunteers, 33 Creative, panellist, Melbourne
5 December: Alpine Shire Council, “Ideas for the Future” program, keynote speaker, Bright and Myrtleford
7 December: Scotch College, last mathematics lesson of 2016, keynote speaker, Melbourne 
8 December: Gardiner Foundation ADLA Summit, panellist, Melbourne 
9 December: City West Water Launch of new business strategy, keynote speaker, Melbourne

 

 

2015

27-28 January:  MIT Technology Review, EmTech Singapore, speaker, Singapore
30 January:  Trinity Grammar, speaker, Melbourne

9 February:  Wheeler Centre, "In Five.  A Gala Debate on 2020.", panellist, Melbourne
13 February:  Lenovo, #TECHmyway, speaker and panellist alongside Ashton Kutcher, Sydney

6 March: IPAA ACT, CEOs and Young Professionals Network Breakfast, keynote speaker, Canberra
12 March: City of Casey Youth Services, Student Leaders’ Reception, speaker, Melbourne
17 March: Women in Print, Breakfast Series, keynote speaker, Melbourne
18 March: Women in Print, Breakfast Series, keynote speaker, Sydney
19 March: Women in Print, Breakfast Series, keynote speaker, Brisbane
24 March: Women in Print, Breakfast Series, keynote speaker, Perth
25 March: Women in Print, Breakfast Series, keynote speaker, Adelaide

20 May:  UniLever, People Week, keynote speaker, Sydney
26 May:  Mater Christi, Year 7, 8 and 9 STEM Awareness, Melbourne

From 13 June - 2 September, Marita was in the USA studying at Singularity University, located at NASA AMES Research Park and funded by Google.  The course teaches using exponential technologies to impact the lives of a billion people.

3 September:  Newman Senior Technical College, Manufacturing and Engineering Innovation & Capability Expo, keynote speaker, Port Macquarie
11 September:  Tech For Good & The Future of Everything, Telstra CTO & Innovation, keynote speaker, Melbourne
17 September - APEC Women and the Economy 2015 Fora, Women as Prime Movers of Inclusive Growth, panellist, Manila, Philippines

19 October - City of Melbourne, Melbourne Conversations, panellist, Melbourne
28 October ~ 7 November - Young Entrepreneurs Trade Mission to Israel, co-leader alongside Wyatt Roy MP Member for Longman, Australia-Israel Chamber of Commerce, Israel
11 November - Southern Cross University, UNI-BOUND Residential School, closing keynote, Lismore
19 November - Santa Sabina College, Year 10 Maths Ignite Day, keynote speaker, Sydney
19 November - Eltham High School, Valedictory Evening, keynote speaker, Melbourne
24 November - Department of Education and Early Childhood Development Victoria, Tech Schools Ambassador Launch Event, ambassador, Melbourne
25 November - RMIT University Leadership Forum, closing keynote, Melbourne
27 November - AICC - ASIA SOCIETY event - “A path to an innovation culture - an Australian-Israel-Asia view” with Avi Hasson, Chief Scientist of Israel, Assistant Minister for Innovation, Wyatt Roy MP and Miss Marita Cheng, panellist, Sydney

5 December - DDD Brisbane 2015, opening keynote, Brisbane

 

 

2014

30 Jan:  MacRobertson Girls’ High School, Year 12 Conference, speaker, Melbourne

6 March: NAB Women in Tech Forum, panellist, Melbourne
6 March: NSW Women in Mining Awards Dinner 2014, keynote, Sydney
19 March: Rotary Young Achievers Lunch, Melbourne
19 March: Google Summit, Canberra

15 April:  Standards Australia Young Leaders Forum, speaker, Sydney
22 April:  Geelong College, invited speaker, Geelong

5-9 July:  World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, World Conference, keynote speaker, Hong Kong
25 July:  Moonee Valley City Council’s Business Gala Lunch, panellist, Melbourne

6 August:  University of Melbourne Engineering Graduation, valedictorian speaker, Melbourne
13 August:  St Columba’s College Essendon Science Week Talk, speaker, Melbourne
18 August:  The Future Chasers Book Launch, interviewer, Melbourne
19-20 August:  City of Darwin Libraries, Science Week, various events, Darwin
22 August:  YWCA of Adelaide, SHE Leads Conference, panellist, Adelaide
26-27 August:  Blackboard Learning and Teaching Conference, speaker, Gold Coast
31 August:  Unleashed Summit, panellist, Melbourne

13 October:  Nuerva School, entrepreneurship class, guest speaker, San Francisco, USA
19 October:  Girl Scout National Convention, panellist, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
22 October:  World Entrepreneurship Forum, keynote speaker, Lyon, France
28 October: Nexus Australia Youth Summit, speaker and facilitator, Melbourne

5 November: Telstra, Networks XY Factor, panellist, Melbourne
9 November: KUMON NSW, Advanced Student Forum, keynote speaker, Sydney
12 November:  Brisbane Global Café – G20, speaker and panellist, Brisbane
16 November: KUMON WA, Advanced Student Forum, keynote speaker, Perth
22 November: KUMON, Advanced Students Honour Roll Awards Ceremony, keynote speaker, Melbourne
23 November: KUMON SA, Advanced Student Forum, keynote speaker, Adelaide
26 November: Engineers Australia, Women in Engineering Luncheon, panel, Melbourne
30 November: KUMON New Zealand, Advanced Student Forum, keynote speaker, Auckland, New Zealand

2 December: St Catherine's School, Speech Day, Sydney
3-6 December:  World Engineering Education Forum, speaker, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

 

 

2013

1 February:  Northcote High School, Year 12 Conference, "Achieving Excellence", speaker, Melbourne
9-10 February:  Robogals UK SINE Conference, Manchester, UK
19 February:  Social Media Week, SMPLCT Lab, Rapid Fire Chats, speaker, New York City, USA
27 February:  TEDActive, "The Young.  The Wise.  The Undiscovered", closing remarks on session, Palm Springs

2-3 March: Robogals North America SINE Conference, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, (simultaneously held in at Columbia University in New York City), USA
9 March:  SXSW, Robotics Meet Up, host, Austin, Texas, USA

10 April:  National Youth Week, AGOG - A Girls Only Gathering, keynote, Mt Gambier, South Australia

4 May:  TEDxSydney, speaker, Sydney
15 May:  The Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering, Governor's Luncheon, keynote speaker, Sydney
16 May:  St George's Banking Group, Day with Senior Leaders, Sydney
20 May:  St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research Annual Forum, "How can we engineer innovation?", hosted by Sir Gus Nossal, panellist, Melbourne
21 May:  Datacom Systems Company Dinner, keynote speaker, Canberra
26 May:  The Association of Independent Schools Conference, closing keynote speaker, Sydney

18 June:  Vajrayana Institute, Young Minds Conference, speaker (the Dalai Lama attended and spoke the previous day), Sydney
18 June:  The University of Melbourne, Melbourne School of Engineering Dean's Lecture Series, keynote presentation, Melbourne

2 July:  Talent100, Grand Opening of the HSC Learning Centre, keynote speaker, Sydney
3 July:  John Holland Group, Diversity Function, keynote speech, Brisbane
23 July:  Samsung, Asia Pacific leadership team, speaker, Sydney

28 August:  CGU Insurance, Imagine@CGU, Annual Offsite, speaker, Melbourne
30 August:  New Venture Institute/Flinders University, Entrepreneurs in Conversation, the other entrepreneur interviewed was Maggie Beer, interview and speech, Adelaide

2 September:  University of Newcastle, two keynote speeches - one for university students, one for high school students, Newcastle
6 September:  Women in Technology, WiT Awards, keynote speaker, Brisbane
28-30 September:  Robogals Asia Pacific SINE national conference, Canberra

1 October:  Google for Entrepreneurs, speaker, Sydney
4 October:  Australian Council for Educational Leaders (ACEL) National Conference, "The Future is Now", speaker, Canberra
9 October:  Melbourne Accelerator Program, Demo Day, Melbourne
14 October:  The Big Issue, The Big Shift with MC Lisa Wilkinson of Channel 9's 'Today Show', panellist, Sydney
15 October:  Melbourne Accelerator Program, Demo Day, Sydney
29 October:  Tech23, Sydney

17 November:  KUMON Australia and New Zealand, Advanced Student Forums, Melbourne
19 November:  St. Scholastica College, Speech Night, keynote speaker, Sydney
27 November:  Association of Tertiary Education Management (ATEM), Breakfast Meeting, keynote, Melbourne

1 December:  KUMON Australia and New Zealand, Advanced Student Forums, Brisbane
11 December:  Hoppers Crossing Secondary College, Awards Night, speaker, Melbourne
20 December:  Kumon Craigieburn Study Centre, End of Year Recognition Day, keynote speaker, Melbourne

 

 

2012

Below is a list of all of Marita's speaking engagements during her term as the Young Australian of the Year for 2012.  Some of these were speaking tours organized by the National Australia Day Council (who gives the YAOTY award), where specified.  You'll also notice the occasional event run by Marita's own organization, Robogals, and the rest were Marita being invited to speak at a certain school, organization or event.

January
28/29th: Robogals UK national conference, Bristol, UK

February
25/26/27th: Robogals USA national conference, Pasadena, CA, USA

March
7th: Maddocks Women, International Womens Day panel discussion, Melbourne
8th: Haileybury College Keysborough, International Womens Day keynote, Melbourne
8th: University of Melbourne, International Womens Day keynote, Melbourne
9th: St Leonard's College, International Womens Day breakfast keynote, Melbourne
9th: National Association of Women in Construction, International Womens Day forum keynote, Melbourne
10th: Cairns City Council, Young Australian of the Year cocktail reception, Cairns
10th: International Womens Day dinner, Cairns
15th: Halogen Foundation, National Young Leaders Day, Melbourne
15th: Nossal High School, leadership assembly, Melbourne
19th: UNSW Careers Expo, Sydney
22nd: National Council of Jewish Women, International Womens Day lunch keynote, Melbourne
23rd: Foundation for Young Australians, Young People Without Borders launch speaker, Sydney
26th: UNSW engineering graduation ceremony oration, Sydney
27th: University of Melbourne, Australia Day Honours celebration, Melbourne
28th: NICTA, dinner with Australia's Chief Scientist Ian Chubb, short speech, Melbourne
29th: Commonwealth Bank, speaking to staff, Sydney
29th: Umow Lai, Celebrating Women in Building Industry keynote, Melbourne
30th: Student Entrepreneurs Inc, Making Melbourne a Global Entrepreneurial Hub, Melbourne

April
13th: Hastings Macleay Order of Australia Association, Port Macquarie NSW
13th: Hastings Education Fund, Port Macquarie NSW
19th: University of Melbourne, Destination Melbourne, Melbourne
20th: IET, Present Around the World dinner keynote, Sydney
26th: Trinity College, Oak Program dinner and informal chat, Melbourne
27th: Janet Clarke Hall, Leadership Dinner keynote, Melbourne

May
1st: Energy Networks Association, Panel on "Building for the Hypothetical Future", Brisbane
10th: Wesley College, Public Question Society, Melbourne
11th: NEAS, ELT Management Conference closing keynote, Sydney
15th: Robogals supporters' luncheon and launch of Robogals Science Challenge, Melbourne
17th: Australian Construction Achievement Awards, presented award and short speech, Perth
18th: Manufacturing Skills Queensland, keynote, Brisbane
23rd: Australian Defence Force Academy, Petro Fedorczenko Lecture, Canberra
24th: Keysborough College, Pathways Expo, Melbourne
25th: AMMA National Conference, Special Q&A with Tony Jones, Perth
28th: Vivid Sydney, "Bridging the Digital Divide" keynote and panel, Sydney
30th: Standards Australia, speaking to staff, Sydney
31st: Engineering Leadership Conference, short speech during opening plenary, Adelaide
31st: Engineering Leadership Conference, session presenting her Churchill Fellowship research, Adelaide

June
25th: St Michael's Collegiate School, Hobart
27th: Premier's VCE Awards, presenting award, Melbourne
28th: Codarra Robotics Challenge, opening and closing speech, Canberra
28th: Questacon, Live@Q nationwide video conference with schools, Canberra
29th: Vibewire, fastBREAK lightning talk, Sydney
30th: AINSE winter school, Sydney

July
2nd: Engineers Australia, Inspired Leaders Dinner, keynote speaker and panellist, Brisbane
5th: NADC Launch Event, panellist, Melbourne
19th: ABC Big Ideas Panel, "Untold stories of teachers' work", Brisbane
20th: Consult Australia Symposium, panellist, Sydney
21/22/23rd: Robogals Rural and Regional Ambassadors Training Weekend, Sydney
23rd: Robogals Supporters' Luncheon, Sydney
28th: Institution of Surveyors Victoria Awards Gala Dinner, keynote speaker, Melbourne
Australia Day Council of Western Australia Tour of Honour
31st: University of Western Ausralia, "An Evening with Marita Cheng", keynote speaker, Perth

August
1st: The University of Western Australia and the Chamber of Minerals and Energy, "Great Australians Breakfast", keynote speaker, Perth
1st: RAC, speech to staff, Perth
1st: Wooroloo Primary School, presented awards and short speech, Perth
1st: Rotary Club of Karrinyup, keynote speaker, Perth
2nd: Kelmscott Senior High School, speech with the gifted and talented maths and science students, Perth
2nd: Kalgoorlie Youth Council, speech, Kalgoorlie
2nd: Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME), Eastern Region Sundowner, keynote speaker, Kalgoorlie
3rd: GEM (Girls Exploring Mining) Forum, keynote speaker, Kalgoorlie
End Tour of Honour
National Australia Day Council Tour of Honour
Together with Geoffrey Rush, Australian of the Year 2012
6th: Commonwealth Bank, Private Dinner, panellist, Sydney
7th: Newtown High School of Performing Arts, facilitted chat, Sydney
7th: James Cook High, facilitated chat, Sydney
7th: Moorefield Girls, facilitated chat, Sydney
7th: Commonwealth Bank, Welcome Function, facilitated chat, Brisbane
8th: Brisbane State High School, facilitated chat, Brisbane
8th: Kelvin Grove Middle School, facilitated chat, Brisbane
8th: Queensland Academy of Science, Mathematics and Technology, facilitated chat, Brisbane
8th: Empire Theatre, Community Reception, Facilitated Q&A session, Toowoomba
9th: Royal Queensland Show, Brisbane
End Tour of Honour
National Science Week Ambassador
10th: National Science Week, National Launch, SciTech, welcomed everyone to the week, Perth
13th: National Science Week, Victorian Launch, William Angliss Chocolate Lab, event launcher, Melbourne
14th: Star of the Sea College, keynote speaker, Melbourne
End National Science Week
22nd: AECOM, keynote speaker, Melbourne
24th: Melbourne Arts Centre, Sayonara, afternoon session, panel moderator, Melbourne
24th: Melbourne Arts Centre, Sayonara, evening session, panel moderator, Melbourne
25th: Melbourne Arts Centre, Sayonara, afternoon session, panel moderator, Melbourne
25th: Melbourne Arts Centre, Sayonara, evening session, panel moderator, Melbourne
Australia Day Council Northern Territory Tour of Honour
27th: Charles Darwin University, presentation, Darwin
27th: Palmerston Regional Business Association, Sandbar Cocktail Party, keynote speaker, Darwin
28th: Inspiring Australia & Engineers Australia, Breakfast, keynote speaker, Darwin
28th: City of Palmerston, Mayoral Reception, keynote speaker, Darwin
28th: City of Darwin, Mayoral Reception, keynote speaker, Darwin
28th: Northern Territory Library, evening talk, Darwin
29th: Katherine Town Council, Mayoral Reception, keynote speaker, Katherine
30th: Tennant Creek High School, guest speaker, Tennant Creek
30th: Barkly Shire Council, evening speech, Tennant Creek
31st: Centre for Appropriate Technology, Centralian College, guest speaker Alice Springs
31st: Alice Springs Town Council, Mayoral Reception, keynote speaker, Alice Springs
31st: Engineers Australia, Dinner, keynote, Alice Springs
End Tour of Honour

September
5th: Bialik College Parent's and Teacher's Association, keynote speaker, Melbourne
17th: Engineers Australia Biomedical Engineering Conference, keynote, Brisbane
17th: Methodist Ladies College, keynote speaker, Sydney
18th: Pymble Ladies College, year 9 and 10s, Sydney
18th: Pymble Ladies College, year 11 and 12s, Sydney
18th: Pymble Ladies College, year 7 and 8s, Sydney
20th: LGMA National Community Development Conference, keynote, Fremantle
21st: CSIRO, keynote speaker, Brisbane
22/23/24th: Robogals Asia Pacific national conference, Brisbane
25/26th: Robogals Asia Pacific post-conference retreat, Brisbane & Gold Coast

October
2nd: NT Youth Conference, keynote, Darwin
4th: AWPA, The Future of Work Conference, Robotics - the future is now, speaker and panellist, Sydney
5th: Rio Tinto, Pilbara sundowner, keynote speaker, Yandicoogina WA
8th: Australia's Institute of Project Managers Conference, Perspectives on Career Management session, speaker, Melbourne
18th: Consult Australia QLD Division, 2012 Dinner, keynote and panellist, Brisbane
26th: Kiehl's Robo Dance, World Record Challenge, speech, Melbourne
31st: Robogals ANU End of Year Lunch, Canberra

November
23rd: VISION International, Professional Development Seminar, keynote, Melbourne
23rd: Melbourne Grammar School, Grimwade House, Year 5 Student Leadership Conference, keynote, Melbourne
23rd: Robogals Industry Gala, keynote, Melbourne
26th: Royal Institution of Australia, Best of the Best: Women in Science, panellist with Baroness Professor Susan Greenfield and Professor Fiona Stanley, Melbourne
29th: Robogals AKORN Christmas Challenge, speech and robotics workshop, Melbourne
29th: Lauriston Girls School, Grade 6 Presentation Night, keynote, Melbourne

December
1st: Robogals Science Challenge Awards Ceremony, MC, Melbourne
China speaking tour as part of the 40 Year Anniversary of Australia-China Diplomatic Relations
This tour was generously funded by the Australia-China Council, and organized by the Australian Embassy Beijing and the Australian Consulates-General in Shanghai and Guangzhou
5th: Guangdong University of Technology, keynote, Guangzhou
6th: Shanghai Jiaotong University, Engineering and Technology Training Centre, keynote, Shanghai
6th: Australia-China Alumni Association Cocktail Party held at Consul-General's residence, keynote, Shanghai
7th: East China University of Science and Technology, keynote, Shanghai
7th: Nanjing University, keynote, Nanjing
8th: Jiangsu Academy of Science and Technology, keynote, Nanjing
8th: Southeast University, School of Instrument Science & Engineering, keynote, Nanjing
10th: Beihang University, keynote and robotics workshop, Beijing
11th: Australian Embassy, Launch of the "Marita Cheng AustCham Engineering Scholarship", keynote and robotics presentation, Beijing
12th: Tianjin Sino-German Vocational Technical College, keynote and robotics workshop, Tianjin
13th: Tsinghua University Primary School, informal talk with students and robotics activities, Beijing
13th: Tsinghua University, keynote and robotics workshop, Beijing
14th: Peking University, keynote and robotics workshop, Beijing
End China Tour
19th: University of Melbourne Extension Program Graduation Event, keynote, Melbourne
19th: Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Celebration Evening, keynote, Melbourne