Filter by sessions

 

 

31 July ››› Day 1

1 August ››› Day 2

2 August ››› Day 3

07:30 AM

BREAKFAST›››FWD OPENING

Unlocking your entrepreneurial potential

Hot breakfast included

Join Tania Price, Founder & CEO of Entropolis as we unlock your entrepreneurial potential by leveraging Tania’s 30 years of global corporate and start-up expertise. Tania is on a mission to empower the next generation to become more adaptable, employable, productive and competitive and she is going to translate her experience with youth into a vibrant keynote that will kickstart Forward Fest 24 ‘Thriving in Paradise’. Tania will explore how the world of work is changing and how our businesses must change to adapt to the next gen workforce, as well as inspire you to be a leader of the future – setting your business up for success! Putting theory into practice, BREAKFAST>>>FWD OPENING will also feature a youth panel that will share their experiences, views on the world, and how they are innately driven to make a difference in the world. This high energy breakfast will be the perfect kick-starter, preparing you for three days of mindset shifts and action focused learning.

thumbnail_CJ_square_f4b7bc2ee9.jpg
thumbnail_1516578852386_5b023c1ab2.jpg
thumbnail_1535751787269_eb9501087a.jpg
thumbnail_Cr_Terry_Landsberg_eb5e32b8bf.jpg
thumbnail_Kurt_Jones_69d99401f3.jpg
thumbnail_Kathryn_Giudes_9646ec1dd4.jpeg
thumbnail_Siehanna_Mickelo_5e772b3c36.jpg
thumbnail_Jordan_Josic_7f420f361e.jpeg
thumbnail_Ella_Woodborne_5c8ed8d508.jpeg

Stage 1/E Block

BREAKFAST›››DAY TWO

Breakfast @ Innovation Showcase

Continental Breakfast included

We start day two from 7.30am with a flurry of activity as our Innovation Showcase becomes the star of the day. A continental breakfast will be served on the TAFE deck as FWD delegates visit the many and varied exhibitors in the Innovation Showcase. This is your opportunity to support and learn from many innovators that are in our region, and from afar. Thanks to Sunshine Coast Council and Advance Queensland there will be over 20 exhibitors for you to explore. At 8am, those interested in viewing the ‘Innovation Procurement Pitch at Forward Fest’ will be invited into the TAFE theatre to witness over 10 businesses pitch their product or service to representatives from procurement teams from government and industry.

@TafeDeck

BREAKFAST›››EXECUTIVE

Quantum Possibilities

Hot breakfast included

PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the first commercially useful quantum computer to solve humanity's greatest challenges. Over a sit-down delicious breakfast at Maroochydore’s premier dining locations, Market Bistro, you will explore realms that you didn’t know were possible as Dr. Dylan Saunders, Director of Quantum Systems Engineering, explores the possibilities of quantum computing and what will mean to the future of the world.

thumbnail_Dylan_Saunders_4c21a5f4ba.jpg
thumbnail_CJ_square_f4b7bc2ee9.jpg

Market Bistro

08:00 AM

Innovation Procurement Pitch at Forward Fest

Innovation procurement is emerging as an important lever in state and local government strategies for digital, smart places, sustainability solution research and development and as a key economic growth strategy. Governments and economists are increasingly seeing procurement practices as an opportunity to use the power of government as a customer to drive innovation and value chains by making procurement decisions strategically, rather than simply on the basis of cost. What is innovation procurement? “Innovation procurement” is an approach where a public buyer either buys the process of innovation – such as research and development services for a specific problem or need – or buys the outcome of innovation through a novel or emerging product or service. This fast-paced ‘shark tank’ style pitch session will enable local, emerging tech founders to present to a panel of Sunshine Coast and Queensland procurement professionals in front of a live audience. All founders have been vetted beforehand by a panel from the Queensland Ignite Spark program and identified as being well-positioned to present for this session.

thumbnail_Thomas_Pollock_head_shot_29b443685f.jpg
thumbnail_tribe_profile_image_800x800px_aaronbirkby_5bd3270993.jpg
thumbnail_Carolyn_27857db7c8.jpg
thumbnail_Marc_Watson_88d4f13619.jpeg

Stage 2/Lecture Theatre

09:00 AM

two-day exhibition

Innovation Showcase

Innovative businesses and support services showcase their ingenuity and share unique solutions. Proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council and Advance Queensland, visit the many displays in the TAFE Forecourt. The innovation showcase is a dynamic platform for local and national companies to showcase their cutting-edge products, services and digital solutions.

Showcase Forecourt/A Block

09:30 AM

FWD›››FUTURE

AI > Challenge V Opportunity

Panel

Join this extraordinary panel as they unpack the opportunities and challenges that AI has brought to our business community and in fact, the world!

thumbnail_Karen_Sutherland_a4439d325c.jpg
thumbnail_1516203356628_cb0112578a.jpg
thumbnail_Paul_Salmon_2020_99e54ca75e.JPG
thumbnail_Kelvin_Ross_82d0b7d744.jpeg
thumbnail_Ray_Guy_62fe31097d.jpeg
thumbnail_James_Gauci_685fc969cc.jpeg
thumbnail_Sean_Nicholson_20240730_092528_resized_e9dd8a2197.jpg

Stage 2/Lecture Theatre

FWD›››FUTURE

Xplor the future of an extended reality

A core session designed to explore the future of XR, AI and VR technologies. Firstly, a representative from Meta will focus on AI and XR technology before Craig Frehlich will explore the real-life impacts for all.

thumbnail_Craig_Frehlich_936a907812.jpg
thumbnail_1694068990644_f79c19b2bc.jpg

Stage 2/Lecture Theatre

EXECUTIVE›››Opening

Join us as we “get our geek on” with media personality and mathematician Adam Spencer as he shares his unique take on the amazing world we are all living in.

thumbnail_Adam_Spencer_Headshot_74cd0ebe26.jpg

Altitude Nine

11:15 AM

EXECUTIVE›››Leadership

Genesis of the New Risk and Opportunity Landscape for Australia and the Globe

Do you really understand the world you lead in? Are you constantly watching the global landscape and adapting and adjusting your organisation to combat challenges and take advantage of opportunities. This session at FWD>>>EXECUTIVE is designed to disturb your thinking, provide insights to global impact factors and provide positive solutions to leadership challenges.

thumbnail_1690881514235_8e2e247764.jpg
thumbnail_Kathryn_Giudes_9646ec1dd4.jpeg
thumbnail_1529805243505_fc4fa7a89f.jpg
thumbnail_Adam_Spencer_Headshot_74cd0ebe26.jpg
thumbnail_headshot_photo_8f3a86ee01.png

Altitude Nine

11:30 AM

Session C1

Climate with Simon Doble

Keynote

Keynote with Solar Buddy Founder, Simon Doble

thumbnail_Simon_Doble_4b82ae0c65.jpeg

Stage 2/Lecture Theatre

Session S1

Evolve the world of work

Keynote

This session is for leaders looking to make a real difference, to not just be the best in the world but the best for the world! In Dave's session you will challenge the status quo, build ecosystems of leadership where everyone is empowered to lead, and ultimately, evolve the world of work™.

thumbnail_1690881514235_8e2e247764.jpg

Stage 4/C Block

Session E1

Sustainable Success, Without Compromise

Keynote

Sustainable Success Keynote

thumbnail_Nikki_Fogden_Moore_MIDRES_8660831201.jpg

Stage 3/A Block

Workshop H1

Meta Verse Interactive Workshop

Experience virtual reality headsets

thumbnail_Craig_Frehlich_936a907812.jpg

Stage 7/A Block

Session H1

XR Therapeutics Aus - China

This session includes presentations on XR Therapeutics and XR Radiotherapy

thumbnail_Craig_Hewat_18e13d1a24.jpg

Stage 3/A Block

Session I1

What is Investing?

Workshop

VC 101 Workshop - Alezeia Brown will lead delegates through a workshop on the 101 of VC investment. Alezeia has the ability to think through strategy from both sides of the board table and ask the questions that ensure we are going in the right direction, the right way. Experienced in start-ups to global enterprise, Alezeia can help you validate the challenges worth taking on to transform your business and capture value today and in the future.

thumbnail_Alezeia_Brown_b1ce693b42.jpg

Stage 2/Lecture Theatre

Session G1

Growing Pains

Panel

Hear firsthand from those who have experienced growing pains as part of their growth journey

thumbnail_1714623319155_11cac753ba.jpg
thumbnail_Susan_Toft_7c6910641d.jpeg
thumbnail_Angie_Hammond_new_c1a28b3846.jpg
thumbnail_Michael_Bye_1_448b504888.png

Stage 3/A Block

12:30 PM

BYO Lunch & Learn

Understanding the Small Business Lifecycle and Mindset of Queensland small business

BYO your lunch from onsite FWD vendors

Understanding the Small Business Lifecyle and Mindset of Queensland small business featuring Queensland Small Business Commissioner, Dominique Lamb and special guests from local business.

thumbnail_Min_Swan_Headshot_1e7e49683e.png
thumbnail_Dominique_Lamb_headshot_blue_57aa76d20f.jpg
thumbnail_9_Mark_Cameron_Cropped_c8a6b5ad39.png
thumbnail_Ron_Perel_974d7eb2d0.jpg
thumbnail_Brady_Sullivan_bb529bc578.jpg

Stage 1/E Block

BYO Lunch & Learn

Female Founders

BYO your lunch from onsite FWD vendors

This session will be the perfect inspiration you need to take the leap of faith you have been dreaming of! Increase your chance of success by learning from these incredible women who have lived the founder's life. Hear their successes and their mistakes and walk away ready to level up!

thumbnail_1624880752779_f3fbfd7cd5.jpg
thumbnail_Sheila_Gough_Kenyon_5426f0f09b.jpeg
thumbnail_Susan_Toft_7c6910641d.jpeg
thumbnail_Elana_Morrow_IMG_6274_1e2a890821.jpg
thumbnail_K_Stano_Headshot_7345dbaea3.jpg

Stage 1/E Block

12:45 PM

FWD›››Sunshine Coast

Where economic opportunity meets lifestyle!

Panel

Under the vision and direction of the Regional Economic Development Strategy established in 2013, the Sunshine Coast region has been on a fast track to growth with significant infrastructure investments and the introduction and advancement of key industries, all designed to lift the incomes and aspirations of those who choose to call the Sunshine Coast home. Whilst much has been achieved, there is no time to stop, and this panel will explore what is next! From greenfield developments, to the latest in technological advancements, hear from those leading projects of the future, and identify ways to leverage for your own advantage.

thumbnail_Amanda_Yeates_3907f7948a.jpeg
thumbnail_1693343285212_bc398bf036.jpg
thumbnail_Min_Swan_Headshot_1e7e49683e.png
thumbnail_ROZ_WHITE_0847_f483c63e3d.jpg
thumbnail_Greg_Laverty_Headshot_22aaa80009.jpg
thumbnail_Alan_Hegerty_2023_Colour_headshot_high_res_new_b5045a013a.jpg
thumbnail_Tim_Kelly_7bd13fed49.jpg
thumbnail_Helen_MB_3_cropped_299d95ae4a.jpg

Altitude Nine

1:00 PM

Session H2

Is Healthcare concrete?

Keynote

Brad, founder of Bundle of Rays shares about the future of Health and Healthcare

thumbnail_1694068990644_f79c19b2bc.jpg

Stage 4/C Block

1:30 PM

Workshop H2

XR Simulation Competition Interactive Workshop

Use Extended Reality in a competition

thumbnail_Craig_Frehlich_936a907812.jpg

TAFE Queensland Mooloolaba campus

Balcony Lunch + Network

Light lunch included

The DNA of Forward Fest is to introduce leaders to their next opportunity. Through collaborative collisions our future is bright. Enjoying a casual lunch and enjoying the views of Australia’s largest greenfield CBD development, you will be amazed at who you will meet that allows you to take the quantum leap into your future.

Altitude Nine

2:30 PM

EXECUTIVE›››Closing

To close out a huge three-day festival of business, we welcome Dr Gayan Benedict, CTO Salesforce to the stage for our closing keynote. Dr Gayan Benedict leads regional efforts in security, engineering and architecture engagement with Salesforce product engineering, industry and key customer accounts. Gayan is co-founder of Salesforce’s global Architecture Guild and is an Industry Research Fellow at MIT’s Center of Information Systems Research at the MIT Sloan School of Management.

thumbnail_1529805243505_fc4fa7a89f.jpg

Altitude Nine

3:00 PM

Session C2

Investing for Climate: The Return and Opportunity

Panel

Join this panel discussion to find out why climate presents the greatest challenge and opportunity of our time: panel of investors and climate tech leaders. More panellists announced soon.

thumbnail_1685124206869_6f6704ccd5.jpg
thumbnail_1662445031437_5aa9b08106.jpg
thumbnail_Jason_Fielding_1ac680becd.jpeg
thumbnail_Michelle_Armistead_4bce0188e9.jpeg

Stage 2/Lecture Theatre

Session E2

How to leverage today's cyber landscape for success

Panel

Join us for an exciting panel about all things cyber for a panel hosted by Kathryn Giudes with Tracey Gosling and other guests to be announced

thumbnail_Kathryn_Giudes_9646ec1dd4.jpeg
thumbnail_Dale_Cogenuity_c24bc43901.jpeg
thumbnail_0_0_480_1_70_News_CRN_690_Scott_Reid_Head_Shot_R_Io_T_Solutions_ed3183f290.jpg
thumbnail_Matt_Nevin_Headshot_5f7dcc1efa.png

Stage 3/A Block

Session S2

Scaling from a Region

Panel

A panel of local businesses who have lived and breathed the scale journey from a regional location.

thumbnail_LB_098_SB_PB_E_a7fe54dce1.jpg
thumbnail_Kim_Randle_Fair_Supply_47761c1093.png
thumbnail_BD_pic_3_347b977920.JPG
thumbnail_Jason_Atkins_a63b1e950a.jpeg
thumbnail_David_Biggar_67a4031a20.jpeg
thumbnail_Lauren_Brisbane_c8c32c3c24.jpeg
thumbnail_Mick_Fielding_289705cf6e.jpeg

Stage 4/C Block

Session H3

Wellness - Digital Innovation within Healthcare

Explore how digital innovation is changing wellness services

thumbnail_1713864627821_bf5973d06f.jpg
thumbnail_Araiza_Alba_Paola_299eaa47d0.jpeg
thumbnail_headshot_Rachael_Brand_c521c8de99.jpg

Stage 4/C Block

Session I2

Local Champions: Pioneering Regional Investments

Panel

Local VC Panel

thumbnail_1660874742979_9d263a992a.jpg
thumbnail_1516275376463_5d3f574a97.jpg
thumbnail_Alex_Knight_Headshot_2cb4ed924a.JPG
thumbnail_img_team_llew_j_819x1024_65cfe56003.jpg
thumbnail_Photo_Shelin_David_1_New_f9e7502b4d.jpg
thumbnail_steve_telburn_2020_orig_21bb64e4a1.jpeg

Stage 2/Lecture Theatre

Session G2

Marketing for Growth

Workshop

Explore different approaches to marketing in this very practical workshop that will propel your organisation to the next level.

thumbnail_Jasmine_Batra_Profile_Shot_Blu_73f8b13fb2.png
thumbnail_Paola_Piccinno_Headshot_5c91c6ce18.jpg
thumbnail_1624880752779_f3fbfd7cd5.jpg

Stage 3/A Block

Workshop H3

XR Surgery Interactive Workshop

Interactive workshop

thumbnail_Craig_Frehlich_936a907812.jpg

TAFE Queensland Mooloolaba campus

4:00 PM

Session C3

Force of Nature: unlocking Australia and the Sunshine Coast’s superpower

Panel

Unlocking Australia and the Sunshine Coast’s superpower with the global growth opportunity of climate tech. Session includes small talks from climate tech entrepreneurs and innovators, before finding out about the power of network and community with Cleantech Network, Jasmin Holmes.

thumbnail_Michael_Fox_0ff3ce8af8.jpeg
thumbnail_Nick_Paul_researcher_Profile_Image_32879cefcf.png
thumbnail_Jasmin_H_d08f664971.jpg
thumbnail_Kylie_Crouch_9092ea4b5d.jpeg
thumbnail_Raeleen_Draper_bb451176d5.jpeg
thumbnail_Sally_Jensen_96a85113a6.jpeg

Stage 2/Lecture Theatre

Session E3

Elevate your business with ACSC Cyber Uplift

Keynote

A session with Australian Cyber Security Centre

Stage 3/A Block

Session S3

Scaling LIVE - creating a market leading strategy

Workshop

We are on a mission to create one hundred $100m business in the next 10 year in our region. But how do achieve this? The first phase of the entrepreneurial journey is to transform your idea from a start-up to a viable business. But how do you then evolve your business to become a high growth market leading company? As any business grows, so does the complexity. As a result, there are different set of systems, strategies and leadership that are needed to take your company to the next level. In this session, Alan Hegerty, will lean on his 25 years of experience of growing companies, and show you the systems that all high growth companies need to have in place. Then he will dive into how to create market leading strategy that propel your business growth.

thumbnail_Alan_Hegerty_2023_Colour_headshot_high_res_new_b5045a013a.jpg

Stage 4/C Block

Session I3

Global Reach, Local Impact

Panel

Invest Session

thumbnail_Chris_Le_Serve_567e634012.png
thumbnail_Timothy_Hui_73be1b1c05.JPG
thumbnail_Untitled_design_9_d3694a5573.png
thumbnail_Matiela_Baker_Headshot_e6d2dd64c8.jpg

Stage 2/Lecture Theatre

Session H4

Healthcare Innovation

Melanie Barlow will present before Brad Chesham facilitates a Q&A

thumbnail_1694068990644_f79c19b2bc.jpg
thumbnail_Melanie_Barlow_bfa50eb502.jpeg

Stage 4/C Block

Session G3

Scale with Government Funding

Panel

Hear from the organisations that participated in the Regional Futures Collaborative Project and how Government programs can advance your growth. Hosted by Jennifer Black, Advance Queensland

thumbnail_Vreugdenburg_Jasmine_993e07d19a.png
thumbnail_Jennifer_Black_c0f43370a9.jpeg
thumbnail_1516203356628_cb0112578a.jpg
thumbnail_1694068990644_f79c19b2bc.jpg
thumbnail_Dom_Vrolijks_b918fa77bc.jpg

Stage 3/A Block

Workshop H4

Testing from Paradise

XR vendors and people can use and experience - test and play

thumbnail_Craig_Frehlich_936a907812.jpg

TAFE Queensland Mooloolaba campus

5:00 PM

NETWORKING

FWD›››CONNECTOR

Canapes and beverage on arrival included

Proudly brought to you by the Sunshine Coast Tech Industry Alliance (SCTechIA). Whether you have been part of Forward Fest for the whole day, or you wish to join just for the end of day connector event, all are welcome to FWD›››CONNECTOR. This networking event may just be where you meet the person who has the solution to your biggest business problem. Forward Fest is built for collaborative collisions and FWD>>>CONNECTOR is the perfect way to experience just that!

thumbnail_Jason_Garland_58f0f9f297.jpeg

Stage 6/Tafe Deck

NETWORKING

FWD›››COLLABORATE

Canapes and beverage on arrival included

With national and international businesses joining local organisations on Day 2 of Forward Fest, FWD>>>COLLABORATE is proudly brought to you by UniSC. What better way to mix and mingle with industry groups, government departments, and organisations of all levels on the boardwalk at TAFE sharing learnings from the past two days.

thumbnail_Vreugdenburg_Jasmine_993e07d19a.png

Stage 6/Tafe Deck

6:00 PM

GALA DINNER

EXECUTIVE›››Gala

Three course dinner included

FWD>>>EXECUTIVE and Forward Fest is wrapped up in a delicious three course meal at the exquisite Fish on Parkyn Mooloolaba. The Sunshine Coast and Mooloolaba in particular, are famous for their world-famous seafood and Fish on Parkyn is the perfect place to enjoy, wind down after a big festival of business and share your stories, learnings and future actions. Fish on Parkyn offers a contemporary dining experience with exceptional seafood from ‘dock to table’. Don’t eat seafood? Not to worry, we have you covered! Mix and mingle with all levels of government, enterprise and business at this grand finale of Forward Fest 2024.

thumbnail_1690881514235_8e2e247764.jpg
thumbnail_1529805243505_fc4fa7a89f.jpg

Fish on Parkyn

31 JULY - 2 AUGUST 2024 Sunshine Coast

Acknowledgement of Country

Silicon Coast and partners pays our deepest respect to the Traditional Custodians of this country; the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples of the coastal plains and hinterlands of the Sunshine Coast, as we honor them as the original storytellers, innovators, and custodians of this land, embracing their wisdom to innovate while respecting the sacred ground on which it takes place.

© 2022 - 2024 FORWARD FEST | SILICONCOAST. All Rights Reserved.

Version 1.0.7[PRODUCTION]

♡ PIXELPIXEL