The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has officially released the full program for the 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference, bringing together regional businesses, stakeholders, and government representatives for a day focused on practical ideas, future opportunities, and meaningful connections.
The Chamber’s flagship event will be held from 8:30am to 3:00pm on Thursday 27 August 2026 across PCYC Whitsunday and Club Whitsunday in Airlie Beach.
Chamber President Allan Milostic said the Conference continued to evolve as one of the Whitsundays’ leading business events because of its strong focus on practical relevance and regional collaboration.
“This is about bringing together businesses, industries, educators, leaders, and emerging talent to have honest conversations about where the region is heading and how we build stronger businesses together,” he said. “We’re proud to showcase both local expertise and external perspectives that understand the realities of doing business in regional Queensland.”
Chamber Vice President and Chair of the Conference Sub-Committee, Jannah Baker, said this year’s program had been intentionally designed to deliver practical value, stronger discussion, and real-world insights for businesses navigating change and growth.
“The 2026 Conference is focused on practical conversations that matter to regional businesses right now – from workforce and leadership challenges through to AI, business growth, communication, and financial resilience,” Jannah said. “We’ve moved toward a more intensive program format this year, with deeper sessions, more interaction, and speakers who can share real experiences and practical strategies businesses can apply immediately.”
Program Highlights
The Conference will open with a plenary session featuring highlights from the Chamber’s Vision for the Whitsundays project, alongside a Rising Stars Panel showcasing local young employees, trainees, and apprentices discussing the future workforce and what they value from the ‘Whitsundays workplace’.
Award-winning media and communications expert Ian Cohen (Cozalive Media) will deliver the keynote presentation on building a brand that stands strong under pressure, drawing on decades of experience across major global sporting events, media, communications, and reputation management.
Concurrent sessions throughout the morning will allow delegates to tailor their conference experience across a range of business-critical topics.
Round One sessions include:
- Your Brand in Action – An interactive workshop with Ian Cohen exploring communication strategies, reputation management, and responding confidently under pressure.
- Future-Ready Business – A practical presentation with Rachel Hay (James Cook University) examining how businesses are using systems, automation, and AI to reduce administration and improve productivity, alongside research-backed workforce capability insights from JCU’s Professor Stephan Riek and Gabby Ryan.
- Connecting with Big Business – A panel discussion featuring the Australian Agave Project, Abbot Point Operations, and Bowen Rail Company, focused on how regional businesses can better connect with large-scale industry opportunities and own more of the value chain.
Breakout sessions in Round Two include:
- The Future Workforce – An interactive workshop with Michele Tocci exploring psychological safety, team engagement, retention, and creating workplaces where employees feel confident to contribute.
- The Numbers That Matter – A practical financial session with Gus Walsgott (Rural Financial Counselling Service North Queensland) examining common business financial traps, profitability pressures, and cashflow improvement strategies.
- Your Brand in Action – A marketing-focused panel featuring Tolita Dukes (8 Seconds) and Melissa Ardern (The Creek Whitsundays) discussing visibility, AI, marketing systems, and what is currently working for regional businesses.
The Conference will conclude with an interactive Long Lunch — proudly supported by Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine — featuring business exhibitor showcases, activations and activities, networking opportunities, and major announcements.
Early Bird Tickets Now Available!
Includes arrival refreshments, morning tea, lunch (bar and barista coffees available for purchase during lunch), plus full-day access to all conference sessions, networking opportunities, and activations.
Early Bird Tickets — available until 30 June 2026
- Members (Chamber, Weddings Whitsundays, and Tourism Whitsundays Business Level members): $79 per person
- Non-Members: $99 per person
Standard Tickets — available from 1 July 2026
- Members (Chamber, Weddings Whitsundays, and Tourism Whitsundays Business Level members): $99 per person
- Non-Members: $129 per person
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For sponsorship, exhibitor opportunities, or further information, contact us.
Conference Details
What: The 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference
When: 8:30am-3:00pm Thursday 27 August 2026
Where: Club Whitsunday and PCYC Whitsundays, Airlie Beach
Business Awards return to celebrate Whitsunday excellence