What to Expect at our Melbourne Surrogacy & Donor Event?
Embark on a journey to explore the full spectrum of surrogacy and donor options at this one-of-a-kind event in Melbourne. Connect directly with leading providers, meet other parents, and engage with donors and surrogates from both Australia and around the world.
The road to parenthood is unique for everyone—filled with questions, emotions, and countless decisions. Our Melbourne event is designed to offer comprehensive, personalized support, helping you navigate every step of this important journey.
What You’ll Experience:
In-Depth Knowledge
Uncover the critical aspects of international family building, including financial planning, timelines, and nurturing relationships with surrogates and donors.
IVF Fundamentals
Get the latest medical insights on egg and sperm selection, embryo development, and how factors like age impact fertility.
Surrogacy Planning
Learn about the logistical challenges of surrogacy, from transporting embryos and sperm to finding the right match and choosing the best location.
Building Support Networks
Explore the value of peer networks, prenatal education, and post-birth support, whether you’re a heterosexual or gay parent.
Real-Life Stories
Be inspired by firsthand accounts from parents and surrogates who have navigated their own surrogacy and donor IVF journeys.
Interactive Expert Panels
Participate in engaging Q&A sessions with parents who’ve successfully built their families. Connect with global experts through one-on-one discussions at their booths and explore different paths to achieving your parenthood goals.
Private Consultations
Your ticket also grants you the opportunity to book personalized consultations with our experts. Browse the profiles of our speakers, and contact them directly to schedule your private meetings.
SPEAKERS AT OUR MELBOURNE
SURROGACY & EGG DONOR EVENT
Lauri De Brito
Co-Owner & Co-Director
Lauri’s daughter was born via surrogacy in May 2005, and eighteen months later, the same surrogate gave birth to her son. After experiencing infertility and a television career, Lauri finds bringing a much-wanted child into the world most rewarding.
Steven Swanepoel
Territory Manager, ANZ & UK
Steven is a parent via surrogacy in Colombia. With a diverse career background, he passionately shares his surrogacy journey and educates others on Tammuz’s plans.
Dr. Clifford Librach
Create Fertility Centre, Canada
Dr. Librach is the Director of the CReATe Fertility Centre and an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He co-directs the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Clinic and conducts research at Women’s College Hospital and the University of Toronto.
Meet Our Expert Speakers
Melbourne Surrogacy & Egg Donor Event Agenda
10:00 AM –
10:20 AM
What to Consider in Choosing a Path
Where can I engage? What pathway is appropriate for my situation? What are the pros and cons of Australia vs international? Discusses vital issues in regard to success rates, timelines, availability, emotional, cultural and practical considerations; Are there fixed cost programs? How do surrogate relationships differ? What egg donors are available?
Sam Everingham, Growing Families
10:20 AM –
10:30 AM
Steps in the Process
What are the key steps in the process? Which order should they be done in? What can hold up the process?
Heather Anderson, Growing Families
10:30 AM –
11:00 AM
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 Vuk Jovanovic, Tree of Life Center (US); Dr Clifford Librach, CReATe Fertility Centre (Canada); Lori Arnold, CACRM (US)
11:00 AM –
11:30 AM
Cultural Differences in Surrogacy Processes
How does surrogacy practice differ in English speaking countries vs non English speaking countries in regard to surrogate screening, care, reimbursement and contact pre & post birth? How do hybrid programs work? Timeframes, success rates, legal protections; how do costs compare? What egg donors are available? Covers five jurisdictions
Lauri De Brito, Cindy Wasser, Tamari Kachlishvili, Steven Swanepoel
11:30 AM –
12:00 PM
Morning Tea
12:00 PM –
12:40 PM
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
12:40 PM –
01:10 PM
Surrogate Panel
Surrogates from Australia, Georgia, Argentina, US & Canada discuss their motivations, expectations, journeys and contact with IPs and children.
01:10 PM –
01:50 PM
Lunch & Networking
01:50 PM –
02:10 PM
Parental Recognition
What legal issues do intended parents need to consider?
02:10 PM –
02:35 PM
The Reality – Outcomes for Kids
Local teenagers born via donor IVF & surrogacy discuss their lives, disclosure and their sense of self
02:35 PM –
02:55 PM
Surrogacy in the USA – Ask Me Anything
Lauri De Brito & Kathryn Kaycoff, The Fertility Agency; Lori Arnold, CACRM; Vuk Jovanovic, Tree of Life Center
Surrogacy in Georgia – Ask Me Anything
Tamari Kashlishvili, GS Consulting
02:55 PM –
03:10 PM
Surrogacy in Colombia – Ask Me Anything
Steven Swanepoel, Tammuz
03:10 PM –
03:25 PM
Surrogacy in Canada – Ask Me Anything
Cindy Wasser, Hope Springs Fertility Law; Clifford Librach, CReATe Fertility Centre
03:25 PM –
03:40 PM
Surrogacy in Argentina – Ask Me Anything
Tamari Kashlishvili, GS Consulting
03:40 PM –
04:00 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, Growing Families
04:00 PM –
05:00 PM
Afternoon Tea & Networking
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