Expert Speakers
Guest Speakers
Building a family through surrogacy and donor conception is life-changing—but it’s also complex. Without expert guidance, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by costs, legalities, and uncertainty. That’s why Growing Families, with over a decade of experience, is here to help. We’ve guided thousands of intended parents to success—now it’s your turn.
Why You Can’t Afford to Miss This Event:
Navigating surrogacy and donor conception comes with big decisions and potential challenges. This event will give you the clarity, expert advice, and connections you need to move forward with confidence. We bring together the world’s top experts, the most reputable agencies, and parents who have been in your shoes—so you can avoid pitfalls and move forward with confidence.
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
Learn the latest medical advances on egg and sperm selection, embryo development, and how factors like age can affect fertility.
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
SPEAKERS AT OUR MELBOURNE
NATIONAL CONFERENCE
Minoos Hosseinzadeh
Reproductive Endocrinologist
A nationally recognized expert in reproductive medicine, double board-certified in Obstetrics, Gynecology, and REI, with extensive experience founding and directing IVF programs and helping families worldwide.
Alex McNab
Surrogacy Lawyer
A reproductive law specialist, Alex has extensive experience in surrogacy, egg and sperm donation, and adoption. With a legal career spanning two decades, he has represented families in courts across Canada and actively supports fertility advocacy initiatives.
Jason Smith
President
The Founder and President of International Fertility Insurance (IFI), Jason specialises in insurance for surrogacy and egg donation. Driven by his own fertility journey, he helps over 2,000 intended parents annually, working with agencies, attorneys, and clinics worldwide.
conference Agenda
10:15 AM
Welcome
10:20 AM –
10:40 AM
What to Consider in Choosing a Path
Starting your family through surrogacy or egg donation comes with important decisions. What pathway is appropriate for my situation? This session explores global options, key considerations, and what to expect in terms of costs, timelines, risks, and resources. Discusses vital issues in regard to success rates, timelines, availability, emotional, cultural and practical considerations. We’ll also walk you through the agenda to help you get the most out of the weekend.
10:40 AM –
10:55 AM
Domestic Donor & Surrogacy Processes
Provides a step-by-step overview of what is involved in domestic Donor IVF and surrogacy pathways
Anna McKie, Surrogacy Australia
10:55 AM –
11:15 AM
Determining when Donor Eggs
and/or Surrogacy are indicated
Many women go through years of unsuccessful IVF without their IVF doctor identifying the problem. Why does this happen? When should a woman be considering donor eggs? What tests can be done to assess viability? How old is too old to carry? Can stimulation be commenced in Australia and donor eggs be used offshore? Benefits of fresh vs frozen eggs?
Dr Rahi Victory, VRC, Canada
IVF for Those New
to the Process
Medical considerations & screening for egg and sperm providers. What can IVF specialists do to assess Sperm & egg quality prior to IVF? What impact does age have? What can I do to improve quality? Carrier screening, Discuss embryo development, blastocysts, grading, Pre-Genetic-Aneuploidy Testing and how embryos are selected for transfer.
Dr Nick Lolatgis, Centre for Infertility Solutions, Melbourne
11:15 AM –
11:30 AM
Egg Donor Rules & Counselling in the Australian context
What requirements need to be met in regard to counselling, family limits, motivation, post-birth contact? Can my friend or relative donate? Can overseas donors come to Australia to donate? What about importing eggs from international clinics? How does counselling operate then?
11:30 AM
Morning Tea
12:00 PM –
12:25 PM
Donor & Donor Recipient Panel
An Australian mum via Donor IVF & experienced egg donors discuss their motivations, relationships with recipients, counselling, experience with medications and what they went through. Includes Q&A
12:25 PM –
12:45 PM
The Altruistic Headspace
Provides a step-by-step guide to Australia’s friendship-based Surrogacy model
12:45 PM –
01:05 PM
Australian Surrogacy Laws & Parentage Orders
What should be included in these, what is their purpose, do they differ by state? How does legal parentage work after Australian surrogacy? Can my surrogate be in a different state? Does she need to be an Australian citizen? Can we do the IVF part offshore?
01:05 PM
Lunch & Networking
01:45 PM –
02:30 PM
Parent Panel
Counselling requirements, what counselling involves and how to look after yourself whether you are a surrogate or intended parent
02:30 PM –
02:50 PM
Counselling – Looking After All Parties
Counselling requirements, what counselling involves and how to look after yourself whether you are a surrogate or intended parent
02:50 PM –
03:30 PM
Surrogate Panel
Given the morning sickness, weight gain, fatigue & unending medical appointments, what motivates them? Australian surrogates discuss their motivations, decision-making, what they look for in recipients, relationships and hurdles. How do their partners support them? What makes a good IP profile? What do surrogates want to know about? What is in-appropriate? What elements stand out? New surrogates provide their feedback. Includes Audience Q&A
03:30 PM
Afternoon Tea & One-on-one with Experts
6:30 PM
SURROGACY COMMUNITY DINNER
(INDEPENDENT DINNER, NOT INCLUDED IN TICKET)
09:30 AM
Welcome
09:35 AM –
09:55 AM
Considerations in Selecting a Country
Where can I engage? Timeframe costs, Success rates. What are the pros and cons of each destination? How do timelines differ? Legal protections? How do costs compare?
Are there fixed cost programs? How do surrogate relationships differ? What egg donors are available? Covers five jurisdictions
09:55 AM –
10:20 AM
International Surrogacy Experts Panel
Learn directly from experienced professionals who will cover program options, costs, agency selection, and country-specific regulations. Get insights into the best destinations for your unique circumstances.
10:20 AM –
10:50 AM
Maximising Success – IVF & Egg Donation – Q&A Panel
What should patients look for; Why is medical screening so important? Pre-Genetic Screening, Genetic Carrier screening & tests during pregnancy
What are the typical issues that are red flags/ rule out a surrogate or donor? Do international clinics insist on PGT-A testing? How are success rates measured?
Dr Vuk Jovanovic (USA), Dr Rahi Victory (Canada), Dr David Smotrich (US)
10:50 AM –
11:10 AM
US Surrogacy – Surviving the Process
This hilarious gay dad and podcaster will detail his six year rollercoaster ride which culminated in the birth of twins
Scott “Sassy Scott” O’Halloran
11:10 AM
Morning Tea
12:00 PM –
12:25 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
12:25 PM –
12:50 PM
The Reality – Outcomes for Kids
Teenagers born via international surrogacy discuss their lives, disclosure and their sense of self
12:50 PM –
01:10 PM
Breakout 1
Surrogacy in the USA – Ask Me Anything
Breakout 2
Surrogacy in Georgia – Ask Me Anything
01:10 PM –
01:30 PM
Breakout 1
Surrogacy in Canada – Ask Me Anything
Breakout 2
Surrogacy in Colombia/Mexico – Ask Me Anything
01:30 PM
Lunch & Networking
02:10 PM –
02:30 PM
Meet Your Needs via Hybrid Programs
Making embryos somewhere and using them somewhere else
02:30 PM –
02:50 PM
Legal Processes for Australians after Overseas Surrogacy
What countries present a challenge; what issues do intended parents need to address?
Sarah Bevan, Surrogacy & Family Lawyer
02:50 PM –
03:05 PM
Concierge Support to Smooth Your Journey
Why is this so important? What does it cover?
Sam Everingham & Anita Fiorenza, Growing Families
3:05 PM –
4:30 PM
Afternoon Tea & One-on-One with Experts
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver
