Bertrand on board for Business Expo
April 9, 2013
With tickets to the 2013 Sunshine Coast Business and Workstyle Expo having just gone on sale, organisers have revealed America’s Cup winner, revered businessman, former Olympian and philanthropist John Bertrand will take the stage at the event, assisting Sunshine Coast business owners and operators with navigating the sometimes treacherous conditions that come with running a business.
Mr Bertrand is best known for skippering the Australia II to victory in the 1983 America’s Cup, breaking the USA’s 132-year winning streak.
Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce President Ross Hepworth said while Mr Bertrand’s business expertise was not as widely publicised as his sporting achievements, it had proved just as remarkable.
“Most people don’t realise John Bertrand is a successful businessman in his own right, having established a number of businesses across a broad range of industries including the marine, property and media industries,” Mr Hepworth said.
“Mr Bertrand also embodies a number of qualities that serve him well in both the sporting and business arena, with leadership and the ability to act as a team player just two of the many areas he excels in.”
Mr Bertrand will soon launch a new high level ‘Leadership Series’ for Monash University in Melbourne, benchmarking Australia’s most successful leaders from within commerce, technology, military and sport.
He is currently a mentor to many aspiring young Olympians, Chairman of both the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the Prime Minister’s Alannah and Madeline Children’s Foundation, and holds a Mechanical Engineering degree and a Master of Science.
“It’s an absolute honour to have Mr Bertrand come on board as a keynote speaker at this year’s Expo,” Mr Hepworth said.
“It’s one thing to have finance guru Ross Greenwood already signed up as a keynote speakers, but having John come on board as well really is icing on the cake.”
Mr Hepworth said the 2013 Expo would incorporate a comprehensive program of keynote presentations, workshops, seminars and networking opportunities, while also introducing a new element that had not featured in previous years.
“This year’s Expo will explore the concept of ‘workstyle’ — that is, the way in which business professionals operate within the modern work landscape as a result of technological advancements and changing attitudes towards managing a career and family.”
“Whether it’s working remotely, accessing documentation on tablets and smartphones or setting up a makeshift office at home to manage family commitments, there’s no doubt business operators are changing their work habits to better suit their lifestyles.”
The 2013 Expo will be held on 10 and 11 May at the Big Pineapple in Woombye.
Tickets to the opening breakfast where John Bertrand will speak on Friday, 10 May cost $55. Tickets to the Ross Greenwood lunch can also be purchased for $75 and places at the networking cocktail party are now selling for $44. Visit www.scbizexpo.org.au or call the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce on (07) 5443 5661 to secure your tickets.
Business owners and operators are also invited to attend the free ‘Future of the Coast’s Workforce’ interactive forum on day one of the Expo and can visit the Expo Exhibition Hall free of charge.
Ends.
Media enquiries
Maya Gurry, Fresh PR & Marketing
P: (07) 5351 1010 M: 0410 109 102 E: maya@freshprm.com.au
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