Nominee masterclass #1: Brand and Marketing Workshop

Facilitated by Jess Etheridge | Vice President and Director of Marketing & Communications - WAITTA

What's on the workshop agenda: Telling your story / Socials / PR & media  / Q&A

You're an INCITE Awards nominee. That's a big deal. Now it's time to make sure the right people know it.

This hands-on online workshop is designed to help you, as a nominee, get the most out of your INCITE Awards nomination.

Jess Etheridge, VP of WAITTA and co-chair of the INCITE Awards, will share practical guidance on how to tell your story in a way that cuts through.

What you'll walk away with:

• You'll know how to distil your innovation into a clear, compelling story people actually remember.
• You'll leave with a stronger LinkedIn profile, ready for the extra eyes that come with being a nominee.
• You'll understand how to show up in social media, PR, and media, and how to do it consistently.
• And you'll get access to your INCITE Awards marketing toolkit, including ready-to-use assets for your website, socials, email signature, and more.

About the facilitator

Jess Etheridge is a media and marketing leader with 16+ years of experience across Oceania, the past six on Whadjuk Noongar Country.

Originally from Aotearoa-New Zealand, Jess has led marketing and communications for some of Australasia's largest institutions. Her background spans journalism, public relations, and strategic communications, including major IT transformation projects, commercial deals, and integrated campaigns across both public and private sectors. She's also covered technology and politics as a working journalist, which means she knows how to tell a story that lands.

A sought-after speaker and MC, Jess has appeared in national media for her expertise at the intersection of traditional news media and social. She holds a Bachelor of Communication Studies from AUT and is an Accredited First Nations Ally through Evolve Communities.

An award-winning LGBTQIA+ professional, Jess is known for her inclusive approach to marketing and communications. In 2022, she was recognised with the Rising Star Award for Marketing at the Women in Technology WA Tech [+] Awards.

Jess joined the WAITTA Board in March 2024 and was appointed Vice President in December 2025. She co-chairs the INCITE Awards program alongside Cameron Zivkovic, and chairs WAITTA's Marketing, Digital and Communications Committee.