When it comes to growing your business, it can be beneficial to step outside your office and into the wider industry to see what innovations are coming through, how the latest technology or methodology can play a part in the growth of your business, and of course, what your competitors are doing.
You can achieve all this by attending the right conference or expo, which will equip you with opportunities to:
- Expand your knowledge by learning something new, in your industry or another;
- Broaden your network by meeting people face-to-face – the people you meet could be the service provider you need or your next customer;
- Stay current with industry best practice, especially as technology evolves at pace across all industries;
- Grow your business through innovation and idea expansion; and
- Feel confident and motivated to achieve your growth goals.
If you’re looking to grow your business, upgrade your expectations on what’s possible with our list of some of the best conferences and expos in Australia and overseas for the 2019/20 Financial Year.
Illuminate 2019
Who: Procurement professionals, travel bookers, travel decision makers and c-suite executives
What: Knowledge-sharing and networking with thought leaders and travel professionals
When: 12 September, 2019
Where: The Venue Alexandria, Sydney
Illuminate 2019 will present the newest developments impacting travel professionals across the globe. From AI and technology innovation, to new distribution channels, emerging category trends and socially responsible policies, the future of travel will be an entirely different landscape to what we know today.
Supported by some of the industry’s leading suppliers and backed by the strength of the Flight Centre Travel Group, the event promises to be informative, engaging and inspiring, with a range of keynote speakers, panel discussions, booth demonstrations and unique audience participation activities. A highlight of the event will be Flight Centre Travel Group Director and former Wallabies captain John Eales speaking about transforming and transcending the world of business and sport.
Business Agility Conference Australia
Who: Business leaders, start-up founders, transformation leaders, senior consultants – participants generally represent a position of authority in their organisation
What: An intensive, hands-on conference to explore business agility
When: 16-17 September, 2019
Where: Pullman Albert Park Hotel, Melbourne
The Business Agility Conference brings together seasoned practitioners of business agility who have walked the path to greater innovation and thrived along the way. The format for the conference includes 20-minute presentations by industry leaders from Macquarie University, World Vision, Adobe and Seek, with delegates able to discuss what they’re learning, share insights and brainstorm in discussion groups.
Evan Leybourn, Founder & CEO of the Business Agility Institute said their events in New York attract organisations from the financial services, technology and healthcare industries, and Australia is catching up: “Any industry that is being disrupted would benefit from attending [and] last year we saw delegates from across SE Asia and most Australian capital cities join us.”
CeBIT Australia
Who: People in finance, marketing, HR, sales and technical roles make up 71% of visitors
What: The largest business technology conference and exhibition in the Asia Pacific region
When: 29-31 October, 2019
Where: International Convention Centre, Sydney
CeBIT Australia brings together the best in business and technology for a three-day event covering a comprehensive range of topics, including business growth, emerging technology, the future of work, data privacy, transformation and disruption.
Over 200 experts are scheduled to present keynotes, panel discussions, sessions, workshops and talks. You can visit the expo and talk to exhibitors for free or secure your seat for one day or all three days of the conference.
Dreamforce
Who: anyone in any company who wants to hear from the best in any industry
What: The largest software conference in the world, with a difference
When: 19-22 November, 2019
Where: various locations throughout San Francisco, California
Dreamforce is an event like no other. Described as part-conference, part-rock concert, Dreamforce brings thought leaders and heads of industry together with thousands of attendees across four days to collaborate, share and inspire. With over 2,700 sessions run across the city of San Francisco, there's content relevant to every industry.
SME’s can hear about current trends and best practice over more than 60 sessions especially for you. Plus, network and learn from others at the Small Business Essentials Station. Regardless of your role or the size of your company, you’re bound to learn something relevant and useful.
B2B Expo 2020
Who: Executives, senior management, business owners, founders and partners – decision makers who want to drive their business forward
What: A networking platform for SME in B2B who are looking to engage, connect and grow their business
When: 18-19 March, 2020
Where: Marvel Stadium, Docklands, Melbourne
B2B Expo 2020 provides a platform for the SME sector to showcase products and services, explore opportunities and consider innovative ideas to grow your business. Explore the zones dedicated to money, office, international trade and technology, and hear from international and local industry leaders in the Business Essentials seminars.
Ray Evans, CEO and Founder of the Australian Business Forum, says that the Expo is broad in its content as it’s targeted at all industry sectors: “Over 80 exhibitors, including companies like Dell and Facebook, as well as new companies and entrepreneurs, will showcase their innovations.”
Asia Pacific Incentives & Meetings Event (AIME)
Who: Buyers and planners of meetings and incentives will benefit most from this one-stop expo
What: The biggest exhibition and networking opportunity for the meetings and incentives industry in the Asia Pacific region
When: 17-19 February, 2020
Where: Melbourne Conference Exhibition Centre
AIME brings together professionals in the incentives and meetings industry to connect and do business. An extensive range of international exhibitors will showcase across three days, while a Welcome Event and Knowledge Exchange will provide opportunities to learn and network.
Make the most of your attendance by booking in appointments with the right exhibitors. AIME will match your needs, preferred destinations and budgets with the product offerings and services of the exhibitors and you can schedule one-on-one time to connect and discuss opportunities.
Mumbrella
Who: People in media or marketing positions in the automotive, health, sports, retail, financial and publishing industries
What: Industry awards, summits, conferences and training to recognise, inform and upskill media and marketing professionals
When: Events are held all year round, check the website for specific dates
Where: Various locations in Sydney
For all things media and marketing, stay across the events that Mumbrella puts on. Year-round summits provide updates on marketing in the automotive, health, sports, retail, financial, publishing, entertainment and communications industries, while awards provide networking opportunities and bragging rights for the best of the best. Mumbrella’s online marketing hub also promotes other relevant events in the industry.
Smart Manufacturing Experience
Who: Business leaders and innovators in the manufacturing industry
What: An event that showcases the latest technology and processes in manufacturing, it’s more than a conference – it’s an experience
When: 2-4 June, 2020
Where: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
An expo like no other for the manufacturing industry, the Smart Manufacturing Experience will bring together some of the biggest companies in manufacturing to share innovations. Delegates will see the latest in advanced technologies and how other companies are using these to improve their efficiencies and bottom line. Rub shoulders with the likes of Apple, Boeing and Ford Motor Co and take the best tips from the big players home to grow your business.
If you frequent the US, you might like to time a trip around some of SME’s other events, such as RAPID + TCT for 3D technology, FABTECH for metal manufacturing, and WESTEC and SOUTHTEC for updates on the best in the manufacturing industry.
Free industry events
Of course, there are literally hundreds of seminars and workshops that you can benefit from that won’t cost you a dime or a day out of the office. If you’re limited on time or budget, try a council, library or government event (the ATO runs free workshops), check with your industry association for topic-specific events (are you a member of SMEA?), and register for our webinars for beneficial, bite-sized sessions to help your business grow.