The Whitsundays Chamber of Commerce and Industry has revealed the second round of concurrent sessions for the 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference — confirmed for 1:15pm-2:00pm — offering business owners and leaders a focused opportunity to build practical skills in finance, people, branding and workforce planning.
Attendees will choose the session most relevant to their goals, giving each participant a personalised learning experience.
Round two includes four engaging sessions featuring experienced regional speakers delivering insights on sustainability, motivation, financial strategy, and branding.
CONCURRENT SESSION 4
Ask An Expert: Money Matters for Modern Business
This panel brings together six financial specialists to share strategies for building strong, sustainable businesses. Topics include business structure, compliance, lending, insurance, superannuation, and growth planning.
Panellists include:
- Gus Walsgott, Rural Financial Counselling Service
- Kim Jamieson, Accountancy Plus Whitsundays
- Justin Butler, Eclipse Financial Planning
- Luke Sheppard, Bendigo Bank business banking
- Doug O’Connor, Option Insurance Brokers
- Fiona Erquiaga, Smooth Sailing Finance Consulting
Attendees will have the opportunity to ask tailored questions and gain practical tools to strengthen their financial foundations and improve business resilience.
CONCURRENT SESSION 5
International Recruitment & Migration: Driving Business and Regional Growth
Presented by Alana Hopkins from Workforce Abundance, this session outlines how attracting skilled migrants can help regional businesses overcome critical labour shortages. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how migration supports local economic growth and how to engage with relevant government programs to address workforce needs.
CONCURRENT SESSION 6
Unlocking Motivation: Leading with Purpose and Impact
Led by Brian Ward of BRIAN8, this interactive session will challenge attendees to rethink their approach to leadership and motivation. The workshop explores mindset, fear, feedback, trust, and retention through practical, people-first strategies—finishing with Brian’s signature “BRIAN8 Principles” for creating better outcomes in business and life.
CONCURRENT SESSION 7
The Power of Storytelling: Using Personal Branding to Grow Your Business
Rachael Smith, Editor in Chief of Mackay and Whitsunday Life and Core Life Magazine, will explore how personal storytelling can build brand trust and community connection. Using real examples—including her own journey—Rachael demonstrates how authenticity and visibility can strengthen business identity and influence in regional settings.
Full Program
Conference Details
What: The 2025 Whitsunday Business Conference
When: 9am-5pm Thursday 28 August 2025
Where: TAFE Queensland Whitsunday campus, Cannonvale
Registration:
- Tickets can be shared within your team, allowing you attend what you can when you can.
- Tickets include morning and afternoon tea, and lunch.
- Early bird registrations close 30 June, starting from $79.
Conference Tickets
Tickets include morning and afternoon tea, and lunch. Early bird registrations are now open.
Early Bird registrations close 30 June
Members (Chamber and Tourism Whitsundays): $79 two-for-one tickets
Association Partners: $79 each
Non-Members: $99 each
1 July to 28 August
Members (Chamber and Tourism Whitsundays): $99 two-for-one tickets
Association Partners: $99 each
Non-Members: $129 each
Thanks!
The Chamber wishes to thank our major sponsors and media partner for their generosity and support of the 2025 Whitsundays Business Conference:
Chamber Seeks Greater Transparency Following Commercial Rate Increase in Council Budget