Taking the festival to new heights

We’re thrilled to welcome two incredible leaders to the Hunter IF team! With their expertise and passion, Zara and Baidy are set to take our beloved Hunter Innovation Festival to new heights.

Zara Crichton, our new Festival Director, is a global convener and business leader with a deep belief in the power of technology and innovation to elevate the human condition. With extensive experience leading organisations across Japan, Europe, the Americas, and Australia, Zara brings a wealth of knowledge in driving business growth, optimising strategies, and achieving long-term success. "The Hunter's future isn't just about progress, it's about transformation," says Zara. "It's an opportunity to shape the future, today. I'm passionate about connecting and growing communities of unlike-minded thinkers, and I believe that Hunter iF has the potential to be a catalyst for truly transformative change."

Baidy Barton, our Festival Coordinator, is a powerhouse in helping scale B2B and enterprise startups. With over 12 years of experience, including roles as Chief Revenue Officer at Yellow Canary and Partner at PKF, Baidy now supports climate tech and advanced manufacturing ventures at The Melt and Melt Ventures. A seasoned speaker and coach, she empowers startups and leaders in ESG, scaling, and innovation, bringing invaluable expertise to the festival.

"We're absolutely ecstatic to have Zara and Baidy on board," says Alex Brennan, Chair of Hunter iF. "Theer passion for innovation, global perspectives, and commitment to building thriving communities align perfectly with our vision for the festival. With Zara and Baidy at the helm, we're confident that Hunter iF will become a beacon of innovation for the entire region."

Together, Zara and Baidy are shaping the future of innovation in the Hunter region and beyond. Get ready for an unforgettable festival experience!