The 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference, bringing together regional businesses and industry and government representatives for a day focused on practical ideas, future opportunities, and meaningful connections.
Key Dates
EARLY BIRD TICKETS CLOSE
11:59pm Tuesday 30 June
CONFERENCE STARTS
08:30am Thursday 27 2026
Program
Registration & Arrival Refreshments
7:30am-8:30am PCYC Whitsundays
Start the day with a coffee or fresh juice from our local food truck vendors while networking, settling in, and preparing for the day ahead.
Plenary Session
8:30am-10:00am PCYC Whitsundays
Welcome
Chamber President – Allan Milostic
Vision for the Whitsundays Project Key Findings
Chamber Executive Officer, Dr Julia Evans, will provide an update on the Chamber’s project that explores the future of the Whitsundays economy, unpacking the region’s key drivers of change, emerging challenges, and the practical actions needed now.
Rising Stars Panel
Interactive panel of local young employees, trainees, and apprentices discussing the future workforce and what they value from the ‘Whitsundays workplace’.
Keynote Presentation
Award-winning media and communications expert Ian Cohen (Cozalive Media) will deliver the keynote presentation on building a brand that stands strong under pressure.
Morning Tea
10:00am-10:30am PCYC Whitsundays
Breakout Sessions: Round One
10:30am-11:30am PCYC Whitsundays
Concurrent sessions throughout the morning will allow delegates to tailor their conference experience across a range of business-critical topics:
Concurrent Session 1: Your Brand in Action
An interactive workshop with Ian Cohen exploring communication strategies, reputation management, and responding confidently under pressure.
Concurrent Session 2: 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.
Concurrent Session 3: 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: Round Two
11:40am – 12:40pm PCYC Whitsundays
Concurrent Session 4: The Future Workforce
An interactive workshop with Michele Tocci exploring psychological safety, team engagement, retention, and creating workplaces where employees feel confident to contribute.
Concurrent Session 5: 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.
Concurrent Session 6: 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.
Long Lunch
12:50pm–3:00pm Club Whitsunday
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.
Tickets
Tickets must be purchased individually.
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.
For group bookings of five and over attendees, please contact us for a group discount.
Early Bird Tickets — available until 30 June 2026
- Members (members of Chamber, Weddings Whitsundays, and Tourism Whitsundays Business Level): $79 per person
- Non-Members: $99 per person
Standard Tickets — from 1 July 2026
- Members (members of Chamber, Weddings Whitsundays, and Tourism Whitsundays Business Level): $99 per person
- Non-Members: $129 per person
Ticket prices include GST.
Partner with us
For sponsorship, exhibitor opportunities, or further information, contact us.
Conference Details
What: The 2026 Whitsunday Business Conference
When: Thursday 27 August 2026
Where: Club Whitsunday and PCYC Whitsundays, Airlie Beach