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
Dr. Vuk Jovanovic
Medical Director
A top fertility specialist based in Los Angeles, Dr Vuk is renowned for his exceptional care of the LGBTQ community and his expertise in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. He combines advanced technology with compassionate care, helping patients worldwide achieve their dream of parenthood.
Natia Janadze
Head of International Partnership
Natia has over 11 years of experience in the field of international surrogacy and egg donation programs. During her experience, she has overseen the successful completion of over 2000 programs, primarily serving international patients from various countries.
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.
Meet Our Expert Speakers
Parents & Families Speaking at our Melbourne Event
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? What impact will the impending closure of Victorian regulator VARTA have? 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 –
10:50 AM
Domestic Parent Journeys
Recent parents discuss decision-making, surrogate relationships, disclosure to family, hurdles, legal parentage, costs and field audience questions
Sam Whelan (single dad via surrogacy); Angela Pavone (mum via domestic surrogacy)
10:50 AM –
11:30 AM
International Parent Journeys
Recent parents (Both singles and couples) discuss decision-making, surrogate relationships, disclosure to family, Differences in medication regimes; cultural barriers; hurdles, legal parentage, costs and advice for intended parents
Duncan MacRae (Canada); Liz Glickfeld (US); Nathan Francis (Colombia); Brent Pitman (Mexico) Tristan Ning (US)
11:30 AM
Morning Tea
11:55 AM –
12:00 PM
Re-setting Expectations: Changes in. the Victorian Regulatory Process for Surrogacy
With VARTA about to be absorbed into Vic Health, and a long wait time for Patient Review Panel meetings, what does this mean for future domestic surrogacy cases in regard to timelines and processes?
12:00 PM –
12:30 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 Vuk Jovanovic (US), Dr Clifford Librach (Canada)
12:30 PM –
12:50 PM
Legal Considerations in Surrogacy & Egg Donation
What is the legal status of the egg donor and the surrogate? How do Surrogacy Agreements work? Are they legally binding? is there a transfer of parentage process for domestic or international surrogacy? What role does an Australian lawyer play? Do they assist with expense re-imbursements, international contracts or citizenship and passports post-birth? When should you engage them?
Tamara Cook & Laura Villemagne-Sánchez, Lander & Rogers
12:50 PM –
01:30 PM
What Country Is Right for Me?
How does surrogacy practice differ in English 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 (The Fertility Agency, US); Nir Keren (BCT, Canada); Natia Janadze (GS Consulting, Georgia); Steven Swanepoel (Tammuz Family, Colombia); Mario Lara (Miracle Surrogacy, Mexico).
01:30 PM –
02:10 PM
Lunch & Networking
02:10 PM –
02:30 PM
Preparing for Donor IVF or Surrogacy
How does counselling fit into the process? Who needs counselling? How long does it take? What issues are covered? Why is it important? Is it required for domestic and overseas processes?
Rita Alesi, Fertility Psychologist
02:30 PM –
02:50 PM
Surrogacy & Egg Donation in the USA – Ask Me Anything
Lauri De Brito & Kathryn Kaycoff, The Fertility Agency; Vuk Jovanovic, Tree of Life Center, Brittany Sheely (surrogate)
02:50 PM –
03:10 PM
Surrogacy & Egg Donation in Mexico – Ask Me Anything
Mario Lara, Chris Reynoso, Miracle Surrogacy, Brent Pitman (parent) Maria Noriega (surrogate)
03:10 PM –
03:30 PM
Surrogacy in Canada – Ask Me Anything
Nir Keren, Create Fertility, Meghan Kolodka (surrogate)
03:30 PM –
03:50 PM
Surrogacy in Colombia – Ask Me Anything
Steven Swanepoel, Tammuz Family Sindy Rivera (surrogate)
03:50 PM –
04:05 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 can provide
Sam Everingham, Growing Families, Lucas Bakes
04:05 PM –
04:20 PM
The Reality – Outcomes for Kids
Young adults born via donor IVF & surrogacy discuss their lives, disclosure and their sense of self
Morgan Rennie
04:20 PM –
05:00 PM
Networking
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver
