Filter by sessions
31 July ››› Day 1
1 August ››› Day 2
2 August ››› Day 3
07:30 AM
Keynote
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Stage 2/Lecture Theatre
Keynote
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.
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.
Altitude Nine
11:30 AM
Session C1
Climate with Simon Doble
Keynote
Keynote with Solar Buddy Founder, Simon Doble
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™.
Stage 4/C Block
Session E1
Sustainable Success, Without Compromise
Keynote
Sustainable Success Keynote
Stage 3/A Block
Workshop H1
Meta Verse Interactive Workshop
Experience virtual reality headsets
Stage 7/A Block
Session H1
XR Therapeutics Aus - China
This session includes presentations on XR Therapeutics and XR Radiotherapy
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.
Stage 2/Lecture Theatre
Session G1
Growing Pains
Panel
Hear firsthand from those who have experienced growing pains as part of their growth journey
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.
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!
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.
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
Stage 4/C Block
1:30 PM
Workshop H2
XR Simulation Competition Interactive Workshop
Use Extended Reality in a competition
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
Keynote
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.
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.
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
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.
Stage 4/C Block
Session H3
Wellness - Digital Innovation within Healthcare
Explore how digital innovation is changing wellness services
Stage 4/C Block
Session I2
Local Champions: Pioneering Regional Investments
Panel
Local VC Panel
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.
Stage 3/A Block
Workshop H3
XR Surgery Interactive Workshop
Interactive workshop
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.
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.
Stage 4/C Block
Session H4
Healthcare Innovation
Melanie Barlow will present before Brad Chesham facilitates a Q&A
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
Stage 3/A Block
Workshop H4
Testing from Paradise
XR vendors and people can use and experience - test and play
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!
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.
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.
Fish on Parkyn
