Coast businesses to Connect at inaugural event
April 28, 2015
The Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce has today announced the Sunshine Coast will play host to the inaugural Connect 2015 event, which will welcome high-profile speakers from around the country and see more than 400 business owners and operators from across the region come together to invest in their professional development.
Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce Event Chair Ross Hepworth said the event — to be held at the Mooloolaba campus of TAFE Queensland East Coast on 30 July — would include a comprehensive program of keynote speakers, business panels and networking opportunities.
“The event has evolved from the traditional business expo of years past and has been developed to meet the needs of the Sunshine Coast business community,” Mr Hepworth said.
“The feedback we’ve received from business owners and executives suggested a conference-style event would be of most benefit, so we have listened to the feedback and delivered an event that will connect people to new business ideas, assist in establishing meaningful professional relationships, and challenge business owners’ perspectives on the direction their business is taking.”
Mr Hepworth said some of the business entrepreneurs who have already joined the speaker line-up included Wayne Gerard, founder of the RedEye engineering management app which recently expanded to the US; CEO of Acumen International Greg Loudoun and local icons Kim McCosker of 4 Ingredients, Jim Berardo from Noosa’s berardo’s restaurants and Sally Desch, Director of HRM Contracting and Consulting.
“We’re also delighted to welcome the CSIRO’s principal scientist in strategic foresight Dr Stefan Hajkowicz, who has devoted his career to helping governments, companies and communities comprehend patterns of change so they can make informed decisions; ComLink Chief Executive Feda Adra; and Director of BrandGenetics Allan Bonsall, who possesses extensive knowledge of branding and has helped to build iconic brands including Toyota, Myer, Sheraton Hotels, Cadbury, Bank of Queensland, RACQ and Suncorp,” Mr Hepworth said.
“The line-up will also include Zach Johnson, CEO of Peregian-based atmail, Australia’s largest email software developer. Zach has overseen the evolution and growth of the company over the past 18 months including a significant rebrand and a strategic refinement to focus on service providers around the world.”
“During this time, atmail has taken on major clients including KDDI in Japan and Charter Communications in the US, and continues to power email for all but one of the top 10 internet service providers in Australia.”
“The speaker program reflects a broad range of industries and expertise, and offers informative start-up success stories as well as insight into topical business issues such as staff retention, branding and future planning.”
“It’s a real coup to have such talented and renowned speakers on board for the conference and we look forward to unveiling more high profile presenters as we move closer to the event.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson welcomed the announcement of Connect 2015, and said Sunshine Coast Council was proud to be sponsoring the initiative.
“It’s great to see an event in the region that not only provides practical tools for the local business community but also addresses the seven high-value industries that have been identified by council as key to the future employment and economic strength of the Sunshine Coast,” said Mayor Jamieson, who is also part of the speaker line-up for the event.
“Connect 2015 is set to be an educational and inspiring business conference and I trust local business owners and operators will draw great value from attending.”
Tickets to Connect 2015 are now on sale, with only limited number of seats available. The one-day event costs $199 per person (including GST) and includes the full-day conference program, lunch, morning tea and afternoon tea, as well as canapés and a drink at the post-event networking function.
Tickets can be purchased at www.connect2015.com.au. Please visit the website, ‘like’ the Connect 2015 Facebook page or call (07) 5443 5661 for further information.
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Speaker information
For full speaker biographies, please visit www.connect2015.com.au.
Zach Johnson, atmail
As CEO of atmail, Australia’s largest email software developer, Zach Johnson has overseen the evolution and growth of the Sunshine Coast company over the past 18 months.
Dr Stefan Hajkowicz, CSIRO
Scientist Dr Stefan Hajkowicz has devoted his career to helping governments, companies and communities comprehend patterns of change so they can make wise choices for the future.
Kim McCosker, 4 Ingredients
4 Ingredients author and entrepreneur Kim McCosker inspire readers and audiences with her simple recipe for success.
Mayor Mark Jamieson, Sunshine Coast Council
Cr Jamieson is also the former CEO of APN Australian Publishing and brings a wealth of information about the industry to the table.
Jim Berardo, berardo’s
Jim Berardo is known for having launched the acclaimed berardo’s restaurants in Noosa, which have been the proud recipients of many regional, state and national awards.
Wayne Gerard, RedEye
Since launching RedEye four years ago, entrepreneur Wayne Gerard has become one of Queensland’s most amazing start-up success stories.
Allan Bonsall, BrandGenetics
More than 30 years working with some of the best known companies in Australia has given Allan Bonsall significant insight into the power of brands.
Feda Adra, ComLink
Feda Adra covers a wide variety of roles, addressing gaps in Queensland’s transport and care services and acting as the Deputy Chair of Regional Development Australia, Sunshine Coast.
Greg Loudoun, Acumen International
Possessing extensive experience as an entrepreneur and executive manager in major corporations, Greg’s successful entrepreneurial career has spanned some 35 years.
Sally Desch, HRM Contracting and Consulting
Sally Desch is the powerhouse behind HRM Contracting and Consulting, boasting an extensive background in recruitment for local government and industry.
Media contact
Maya Gurry, Fresh PR & Marketing
0410 109 102
maya@freshprm.com.au
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