Expert Speakers
Guest Speakers
After a meaningful visit in July, we’re returning to Melbourne next March. Many people told us how helpful it was to finally get clear, reliable guidance on pathways that can feel overwhelming. This next event builds on that momentum and gives new and returning attendees a chance to explore their options with confidence.
Spend a full day learning from specialists in surrogacy, egg donation and cross border family building. You’ll hear from experts across Australia, the USA, Canada, Argentina, Colombia and Mexico, along with first hand experiences from parents and surrogates who’ve already walked the path.
Event Details
Date & Time:
Sun, 15 Mar
Venue:
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
Address:
328 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC
Ticket Price:
$35 Early bird
–
until Jan 31
Event Details
Date & Time:
Venue:
Rendezvous Hotel Melbourne
Address:
328 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC
Ticket Price:
$35 Early bird
until Jan 31
Why Attend
This event helps you cut through uncertainty. You’ll gain clarity on legal frameworks, donor programs, surrogate matching, clinic selection, risks, logistics and practical next steps. It’s an opportunity to meet respected providers, ask questions freely and connect with a community navigating similar decisions.
Direct Access to
Experts in the field
Hear directly from leading fertility specialists, lawyers, and agency representatives who have helped thousands of families.
Real Stories from Parents & Surrogates
Hear directly from people who’ve been through the exact journey you’re trying to start. Learn from their experience and improve yours.
Local & International
Options
Get clarity on whether an Australian or overseas program is best suited for you and understand the legalities of each.
Avoid Common (and Costly) Mistakes
Learn what works—and what doesn’t—so you can make informed decisions, avoid unnecessary setbacks, and ensure your journey is as cost-effective as possible.
Networking with
the Right People
Connect with professionals, surrogates, and like-minded intended parents who are on the same path—people who truly understand your challenges.
Personalised
Guidance
Get your most pressing questions answered in dedicated Q&A sessions and face-to-face discussions with experts.
Your Ticket Includes:
Morning and afternoon tea, lunch, and drinks throughout the day.
Private one-on-one consultations with select experts to discuss your specific situation.
Access to all speaker sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
Conference Commitee Members
This event is headed by trusted members of the surrogacy community, including:
- Elisa Ricordi
- Amy White
- Felicity Chew
- Adam Zuchetti
- Trudy Urquhart
- David Novella-Reilly
- Sheila Vijeyarasa
Surrogacy & Donor COnception Conference Agenda
11:00 AM –
11:05 AM
Welcome
Paul Hadfield-Jia, Board member, Rainbow Families
11:05 AM –
11:25 AM
The Reality – Outcomes for Kids
Five local teenagers born via international donor IVF & surrogacy discuss their lives, disclosure and their sense of self
Moderator: Sam Everingham. Panelists: April, Emmeline, Ameesha, Vivian & Kareen
11:25 AM –
11:45 AM
Changes in Surrogacy Law for West Australians
What is the status of WA’s bill to reform surrogacy law? How does the bill affect the surrogacy rights of gay couples and single men? Will existing WA children have their parents recognised on a WA birth certificates? Can gay singles and couples now engage in domestic altruistic surrogacy? How can WA family lawyers assist? What legal issues do intended parents need to consider?
Marty Kavanagh, Kavanagh Lawyers, WA
11:45 AM –
12:00 PM
Family Building via Donor or Surrogacy
What are the key steps in the process? Which order should they be done in? What can hold up the process
Sam Everingham, Growing Families
12.00 PM –
12:25 PM
Important Considerations in selecting an IVF clinic
What should international patients look for; Why is medical screening so important? What are the typical issues that are red flags/ rule out a surrogate or donor? What is genetic carrier screening and how popular is it? Do international clinics insist on PGT-A testing? How are success rates measured?
Dr. Rahi Victory, VRC, Canada, Dr Michelle Evans, Pacific Fertility Center, LA
12:25 PM –
12:45 PM
Surrogacy in Georgia
Why are only heterosexual married couples eligible? How are donors and surrogates screened and supported? What donor ethnicities are available? Is there a legal process transferring parentage?
What timelines should I expect?
Anasatasia Polonska (Silk Medical)
Surrogacy in the US
How do you choose between the scores of agencies available? What level of contact should you expect? What’s included in agency fees ? Where do agencies differ on value and transparency. What to budget for surrogate matching & compensation. What other factors impact costs? Why are fixed cost programs becoming so popular?
Lauri De Brito & Kathryn Kaycoff (Hatch)
12:45 PM –
01:30 PM
Lunch
01:30 PM –
01:50 PM
Hybrid Programs in Colombia & Mexico
Embryos can be made in one country and used for surrogacy in another. This is done due to the better availability of donors and quality IVF in some countries (eg Argentina, Australia or Canada) combined with a shortage of surrogates in that location. This session explains the options in some detail and how one company can offer guarantee programs for hybrid options.
Nir Keren, Babies Come True
01:50 PM –
02:15 PM
Legal processes for Surrogacy Arrangements
A leading WA family law barrister provides a layman’s guide to what to consider from a legal perspective when it comes to meeting legal requirements for transfer of parentage. When to engage? What do surrogacy agreements include? Who needs to be involved? How does transfer of parentage occur, what does it costs and how long does it take?
Rachel Oakeley
02:15 PM –
02:50 PM
International Parent Journeys
Recent parents discuss decision-making, surrogate relationships, disclosure to family, Differences in medication regimes; cultural barriers; hurdles along the way, legal parentage, costs and a myriad of audience questions
Moderator: Greg Chang Panelists: Christian (via Georgia), Bailey Blight (via Mexico), David Cookson (via USA), Davide Tonizzo (via Canada)
02:50 PM –
03:05 PM
International Surrogacy & Best Interests of Your Child
Shares the research evidence supporting single embryo transfer, non-anonymous surrogates and egg donors, early disclosure to children.
Dr Ezra Kneebone, The Kids Research Institute
03:05 PM –
03:25 PM
Afternoon Tea
03:25 PM –
03:55 PM
Egg Donor IVF in WA Under The New Legislation
With WA having introduced laws to disband its regulatory body and allow male singles and couples to engage in IVF & surrogacy, what does this mean in practice? How ready are clinics? What can they offer in regard to counselling, egg donor options, surrogate screening and support? Will they allow embryo creation before surrogate match? Will embryo testing still require special permission? What kind of cases will they accept? Can embryos be shipped if my surrogate is in a different state? My sister wants to carry, but she lives overseas. This Hypotheticals style panel with WA’s leading IVF Directors looks at these issues and much more
Moderator: Sam Everingham Panelists: Professor Roger Hart (Fert Specialists of WA); Dr Sebastian Leathersich (Concept); Dr Tamara Hunter (Monash IVF)
03:55 PM –
04:35 PM
Domestic Family-Building Journeys
Local parents and surrogates via domestic surrogacy discuss their journeys
Moderator: Jen Chambers; Panelists: Angela Davey, Kim Grieves, Hayley Ross
04:35 PM –
04:50 PM
Supporting Your Journey
Understand how Growing Families Concierge Support can assist, from organising sperm or embryo shipping, choosing providers to suit your budget and specific needs, agency liaison, assistance with crucial decisions, emotional support, organising citizenship, passports, bassinets seats, vaccinations, Medicare and Centrelink connections, milk banks, insurance, cord blood banking, nanny and doula support, ante-natal classes. Understand what support surrogacy social media group in WA can provide
Sam Everingham
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