World Congress Agenda

Welcome reception to be held at the Overseas Passenger Terminal on Sydney Harbour. Join us for the opportunity to mix and exchange ideas and experiences with local students, who will provide an insiders guide to their favourite Sydney locations.

Registration opens with welcome tea and coffee

Welcome speeches and opening remarks – Chair, President & CEO, Incoming Chair/ Host

Welcome to Country ceremony, acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land.

Speaker to be announced

The Australian Government has committed to achieving a circular economy by 2030. This panel will discuss how we overcome the economic and regulatory barriers so that we can realise the opportunities for business and regional development. Hear from the Productivity Commission and its inquiry into the circular economy.

What’s really happening in the small business engine room – hear from a range of leaders on what’s happening and what we can do to support the small business and SME sectors to charge up the engine so they can grow and prosper.

Panellists to be announced

This panel will explore the latest trends in responsible financing and investment, with a focus on innovative funding mechanisms, investment strategies and financial tools and products that empower and enable businesses to adopt sustainable practices. It will also discuss whether financial institutions are ready to assist businesses to make the green transition and take advantage of future opportunities.

Panellists to be announced

Key takeaways from Day 1 and a preview of Day 2, highlighting the importance of small businesses in driving a sustainable future.

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and network with fellow attendees at the Hyatt Regency.

Celebrate the first day of the Congress with a memorable evening at the Hyatt Regency.

Welcome tea and coffee

Dr Len Humphreys is an entrepreneur, innovator and veteran of the science, technology, and clean energy industries, with many award winning eco-technology start ups. Len has pioneered low-carbon technology solutions and renewable energy in Australia and internationally for over 35 years. He is the Co-founder of Licella Holdings, global leaders in Hydrothermal Liquefaction using Licella’s pioneering Catalytic Hydrothermal Reactor (Cat-HTR™) technology. Len is the inventor of several patents, with Licella’s technology being used in biomass to advanced bio-fuels in some of the world’s leading projects and facilities. It's advanced recycling platform is a circular solution for problem plastic, with further innovations in battery technology being used around the world.

This panel will explore strategies to boost innovation and entrepreneurship in Australia, drawing lessons from countries with high entrepreneurial activity including Switzerland and the US. The discussion will address the challenges faced by Australian entrepreneurs, including the high failure rate of startups, and explore ways to foster a more supportive environment for innovation and risk-taking.

Drawing on the ASBFEO's report "Energising enterprise: 14 Steps to Boost Australia's Small and Family Businesses," this address will examine the shrinking small business sector in Australia. The Hon Bruce Billson will discuss the concerning trend of declining small business contributions to GDP and employment, and the challenges faced by small businesses, including profitability. He will offer insights into reigniting the entrepreneurial spirit and fostering a thriving small business ecosystem.

Speaker to be announuced

This session will look at new forms of start ups, debunking some of the myths around rapid growth. Instead, the concept of sustainability in start ups is worth considering. One example is family businesses which can be established as start ups with a focus on long term impact, team cohesion and sustainability, rather than just quick growth. Our speaker offers a case study with valuable insights into a successful German start up.

This panel will explore the transformative potential of technology, focusing on how small businesses can leverage innovation in products and services in implementing sustainable practices to support productivity, profits and purpose.

Panellists to be announced

Reflect on the key outcomes of the Congress, thank participants, and outline next steps for continued engagement on the themes discussed.