SmallBiz Sessions

Thursday 7th August (9AM - 5PM)

&

Friday 8th August (9AM - 4PM)

ICC Sydney

Session Agenda Day 1

Thursday 7th August
10:30
-
11:15
Hacking Growth: Strategies for Scaling Small Businesses
Panel

Growth isn’t just about working harder — it’s about working smarter with tech. Learn from founders and experts who’ve used technology to scale their operations, reach new markets, and unlock new revenue streams.

SPEAKER:
SPEAKERS:
11:35
-
12:20
No More Guessing: Marketing & Social Media Strategies That Actually Work for SMEs
Panel

Join industry experts as they explore the latest marketing trends and tools that can drive growth for SMEs. Learn practical strategies to boost your business’s visibility, reach, and impact, and discover how to implement cost-effective marketing solutions that deliver real results.

SPEAKER:
SPEAKERS:
13:10
-
13:55
Unlocking Efficiency: Why SMEs Need AI & Automation
Panel

Learn how SMEs can harness AI and automation tools to save time, reduce costs, and boost efficiency across all departments—finance, marketing, operations, and more. This panel will show you how to stay competitive and future-proof your business with the latest technology.

SPEAKER:
SPEAKERS:
14:15
-
15:00
Starting & Scaling a Business in 2025
Panel

Join this panel of industry experts as they share real-world insights on launching and scaling a business despite rising costs. Learn how to secure funding, minimize expenses, and build a resilient business in today’s market.

SPEAKER:
SPEAKERS:
15:00
-
15:30
The New Economics of Small Business: Navigating Rising Costs & Inflation
Fireside chat

Explore how SMEs can adapt their business models, pricing, and cost structures in an environment of inflation and uncertainty. This session will unpack strategies for maintaining profitability without alienating customers, and how to balance cost pressures with long-term resilience.

SPEAKER:
SPEAKERS:
15:50
-
16:35
What Customers Want: How to Stay Relevant in a Changing Market
Panel

Consumer behaviour is shifting faster than ever — are you keeping up? This discussion breaks down what today's customers expect from small businesses and how to deliver it across service, value, speed, and purpose.

SPEAKER:
SPEAKERS:

Session Agenda Day 2

Friday 8th August
10:30
-
11:15
People Power: Hiring, Retaining & Leading Teams in a New Era of Work
Panel

From remote work to Gen Z expectations, the way we work is changing fast. This panel explores how SMEs can attract and retain talent, build strong teams, and create a culture that drives performance.

SPEAKER:
11:35
-
12:20
Starting & Scaling a Business in 2025
Panel

Join this panel of industry experts as they share real-world insights on launching and scaling a business despite rising costs. Learn how to secure funding, minimize expenses, and build a resilient business in today’s market.

SPEAKER:
13:10
-
13:55
AI Without the Hype: What Small Businesses Can Use Right Now
Panel

AI doesn’t have to be complex or expensive — it’s already reshaping how small businesses operate. This session dives into practical, low-barrier AI tools SMEs can use today to improve customer service, marketing, admin, and decision-making.

SPEAKER:
14:15
-
15:00
Cybersecurity on a Shoestring: Beyond Antivirus and Firewalls
Panel

Cybercrime is on the rise, and SMEs are increasingly targeted. Learn how to implement practical, affordable cyber security strategies to protect your business, customer data, and reputation.

SPEAKER:
15:00
-
15:30
The Art of Business Storytelling: Creating Narratives That Drive Sales and Trust
Fireside chat

Storytelling can be your most powerful sales tool. This panel explores how to craft authentic business stories that resonate emotionally with customers and differentiate your brand in crowded markets.

SPEAKER:
15:50
-
16:35
The Green Advantage: Making Sustainability Profitable for SMEs
Panel

Sustainability isn’t just for big corporates — it’s a competitive edge for small businesses too. Learn how going green can cut costs, attract customers, and future-proof your business, without breaking the bank.

SPEAKER:

Some of 2025 Speakers

Sneak Peak: Key Themes for 2025

Get inspired and informed at the SmallBiz Sessions, where over 100 industry leaders and innovators take the stage to share their expertise.

From mastering AI to enhancing operations, HR, and marketing, these sessions are packed with practical advice and future-focused insights to help your business succeed in a rapidly changing world.

AI and Emerging Technology

How AI is transforming the SME landscape and what it means for your business.

Talent Acquisition and Retention

Strategies to attract top talent and compete with larger corporations.

Industry Trends and Future Outlook

Stay ahead of the curve and understand the future of small business.

Marketing and Branding

Effective marketing strategies for an oversaturated market and budgetingtips.

Financial Support

Accessing funding and resources to fuel your business growth.

Business Growth and Innovation

Tapping into new markets and driving innovation.

Entrepreneurship and Leadership

Building a successful business from the ground up.

Digital Transformation

Embracing technology to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

Global Markets and Expansion

Entering new markets and navigating international business.

Customer Experience

Delivering exceptional customer service and building loyalty.

2024 speakers

MELBOURNE & SYDNEY 2025

Reasons Visitors Attend

"Great event for businesses who work with small business owners. I made valuable connections with exhibitors and met not only leads but also potential business partners and supporters."​

Elena Chirich

Director, MiniBoss Business School

"Really good expo connecting small business owners and keeping them up to date with new technology. "​

David Carnegie

Founder, Whinhurst Coaching

Very professionally run event. The selection of exhibitors was great and loved the Salesforce booth and keynote.

Mark Wheeler

Director, Stratiform

"Very good and informative for start-ups like me" ​

Michelle

Director, Genfinity

"It was great to chat to people without the gatekeeper interfering." ​

Dominic Papasergio​

Owner, Northside Hawk Drone Tech

"I enjoyed meeting SME owners and managers and learning about the latest developments during the educational sessions.”

Michael Gladkoff

Owner, Word Nerds​

"The luncheon was amazing it spawned a lot of discussions in the office and how we can integrate AI in the operations of our business”

Grace Patti

Financial Controller - the xine

"The sessions on buying and selling businesses were all highly informative." ​

Jeremy Worthington

Principal, Worthington & Associates (Business Advisory)

"The noise-cancelling headphones were wonderful. No distractions and noise for the rest of the people in the room" ​

Paul Tero

Principal Consultant, Dellium Advisory​

2024 Live Sessions

If you would like to partner with SmallBiz Week, please complete the form below and a member of our partnerships team will be in touch to discuss your enquiry shortly.

FAQs

Got a question? Check out our FAQs below before you get in touch. These questions will be updated regularly, with all of our latest information and FAQs.  

Yes, simply register for a free ticket to attendthe event.

o Melbourne: April 29-30, 2025 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
o Sydney: September 24-25, 2025 at the International Convention Centre (ICC)

Yes, children and school kids are welcome to attend, but they will need to have aregistered ticket.

Yes, there will be a variety of hot food and beverages available for purchase withinthe venue, including options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with glutensensitivities.

Unfortunately, pets are not permitted, except for service dogs.

Professional photography and video are not permitted unless you have a media pass. However,you are encouraged to capture the event on your mobile devices and share yourphotos and videos on social media.

Yes, SmallBiz Sessions and SmallBiz Workshops are free to attend for registeredticket holders. Please ensure you register in advance to secure your seat atany workshops you wish to attend.

Yes, your SmallBiz Week ticket will cover both the main event and the LightCommercial AutoShow, which is taking place in conjunction with SmallBiz Week atthe same venue.

Great! While speaking engagements are typicallyreserved for exhibitors, you can reach out to our team to discuss potentialopportunities.

Please submit a media pass application on our website

Yes, there will be plenty of opportunities to network with other attendees,exhibitors, and speakers throughout the event.

Yes, there is paid parking available at both the MCEC and ICC.