Countdown to Business Expo begins
1 May, 2013
With just days to go until the 2013 Sunshine Coast Business and Workstyle Expo, business owners and operators from across South East Queensland are gearing up to learn the latest business techniques and see a number of acclaimed business speakers in action.
Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce President Ross Hepworth said the Expo, to be held at the Big Pineapple on 10 and 11 May, would include presentations from finance expert Ross Greenwood and former America’s Cup champion and businessman John Bertrand.
“This year’s Expo is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. We always knew it was going to be difficult to top the stellar presentations from Ita Buttrose and John Eales last year, but Ross and John have continued to set the bar high with the breakfast and lunch events scheduled,” Mr Hepworth said.
“After skippering the Australia II to victory in 1983, and subsequently ending 132 years of American supremacy in the sailing event, John Bertrand has become a household name and Australian hero. Ross Greenwood is also revered as one of the country’s leading television personalities and finance specialists.”
Mr Hepworth said the Expo would showcase the products and services of more than 70 local enterprises, with exhibitors in the health, design, IT and education industries included in the businesses taking part. A number of budding entrepreneurs will also be provided with the opportunity to exhibit their wares via the ‘Start-up Ecosystem’ and ‘KidzBiz’ booths.
“The newly renovated Big Pineapple venue has provided us with the space to feature more exhibitors than ever before,” Mr Hepworth said.
“This year’s exhibitors include the Sunshine Coast Council, Innovate Media, CNC Promotional Products and Think Office Technology, and we’re excited to introduce a community booth that will allow local not-for-profit organisations to promote their services in the Exhibition Hall free of charge.”
“We’re also finding local businesspeople are particularly interested in the health hub booths, which will provide information about the employment and business opportunities on offer at the new Kawana health precinct.”
Mr Hepworth said an update regarding business and employment opportunities arising from the Kawana Health Precinct would also be delivered at the ‘Future of the Coast’s Workforce Forum,’ to be held on Day One of the Expo.
“The forum has been designed to examine trends regarding employment, future occupations and increasing numbers of fly-in, fly-out workers on the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Hepworth said.
“Respected macroeconomist David Rumbens will take the stage and use his considerable experience in the analysis of future workforce and skill needs to determine where the Sunshine Coast workforce is headed in the years ahead.”
Mr Hepworth said while the Expo incorporated numerous workshops and presentations, it wasn’t all work and no play for attendees.
“There is a cocktail party on Friday evening, which will allow attendees to relax over a drink, enjoy entertainment from local performer, Alys Longmate, participate in local food tastings and network with other businesspeople,” he said.
“Attendees can also make their mark on the Welcome Canvas that will be designed by internationally acclaimed Aboriginal artist Lloyd Hornsby, and offered for sale at the conclusion of the Expo.”
Mr Hepworth said Expo organisers had also introduced a number of activities for families this year given the new format incorporating a Saturday into the program.
“Parents and kids are invited to come along to the Big Pineapple markets on Saturday, wander the Exhibition Hall and try their hand at boomerang-throwing lessons.”
Some of the main events at this year’s Expo include:
• John Bertrand opening breakfast. 6.30am-8.30am, Friday, 10 May. Cost is $55 (incl. gst).
• Ross Greenwood lunch. 11.30am-2.00pm, Friday, 10 May. Cost is $75 (incl. gst).
• The Future of the Coast’s Workforce forum. 9.15am-10.45am, Friday, 10 May. Event is free of charge and registrations are essential.
• Networking cocktail party. 5.30am-7.00pm, Friday, 10 May. Cost is $44 (incl. gst).
• Family fun day. 8.00am-2.00pm, Saturday, 11 May. Free of charge.
For more information regarding the Sunshine Coast Business and Workstyle Expo and to book your ticket, visit www.scbizexpo.org or contact the Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce on (07) 5443 5661. Entry to the Exhibition Hall is free and tickets to the individual events, as well as full-day tickets are on sale now.
// Ends.
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Maya Gurry, Fresh PR & Marketing
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E: maya@freshprm.com.au
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