Silicon Coast

24/05/2026

Head to fwdfest.co/2027

What an incredible three days we’ve had at FWD>FEST 26!

Are you leaving inspired and already counting down to FWD>FEST 27? Or maybe you missed out this year, heard all the buzz and now the FOMO is real… Either way - we’ve got something for you.

Lock in your spot for FWD>FEST 27 today with just a $100 deposit and secure your ticket at 2026 pricing.

Ready to be part of it? Head to fwdfest.co/2027 to secure your place.

Please note: if upon release the dates for FWD>FEST 27 conflict with your schedule, you’ll be eligible for a full refund of your deposit.

15/05/2026

Final Program LIVE 😎👇
ACCESS PASS - https://events.humanitix.com/fwd-fest-26/tickets

Final FWD>FEST 26 Program Now Live!

The wait is over - we’ve officially released the final FWD>FEST 26 program, featuring our complete speaker line-up!

And in case you missed it, we’ve just dropped two major additions:
Daniel Flynn from Thankyou and Bill Ovenden from The Lad Collective - both taking the stage on FWD>DAY TWO.

There’s never been a better time to lock in your spot. Our 48-hour Early Bird flash sale is live right now - but only until 12:00pm tomorrow.

Don’t miss out!

Head to fwdfest.co and secure your tickets today.

14/05/2026

🌊🌊🌊

Final Reminder: FWD>AFTER HOURS 2026 is almost here!

Join us this Wednesday 20 May for an inspiring evening of connection, conversation and fresh ideas as part of FWD>>>FEST 26.

Driving Innovation, bringing together three outstanding local leaders who are shaping the future across business, people and education!

Brett Mills - Dealer Principal & Director, Ken Mills Toyota
A respected business leader who has helped grow a multi-location family enterprise while bringing national automotive and leadership experience to the Sunshine Coast.

Erin Barnes - Founder, A Human Edge
A behavioural strategist helping organisations create future-ready businesses by aligning people, systems and performance.

Rob Steffler - Dean of Studies & Head of Innovation Pathways, Glasshouse Christian College
An education innovator preparing young people for the future of work through entrepreneurial thinking and real-world problem solving.

Savvy Squire, Mooloolaba
Wednesday 20 May 2026
5:30pm - 7:30pm

If you’re a business owner, leader, entrepreneur or someone passionate about the future of our region, this is a night not to miss!

Seats are limited - secure your place now and join the conversation:
https://events.humanitix.com/fwd-fest-26/tickets

14/05/2026

Meet LEAP FWD >>> Accelerator Participant, Michael Harries 👋

Michael Harries is a global pharmaceutical launch leader with over 25 years of experience helping teams bring innovative medicines to market. He has contributed to more than 40 launches across oncology, immunology, rare disease, and primary care, working across global, regional, and country roles.

Having held senior commercial and strategic positions at organisations including Roche, Novartis, and AstraZeneca, Michael has seen firsthand what separates launches that struggle from those that succeed. He is passionate about building high‑performing teams, simplifying complexity, and ensuring that great science translates into meaningful outcomes for patients.

Michael is the founder and director of Blue Granite Solutions, where he advises pharmaceutical companies worldwide on launch excellence, agile ways of working and co‑creation.

[email protected]

Hear Michael pitch on DAY ONE of Forward Fest
https://events.humanitix.com/fwd-fest-26/tickets
- https://www.fwdfest.co/program

12/05/2026

This is THE room to be in!
Meet the entrepreneurial minds behind some of Australia's biggest unicorn companies including SafetyCulture, NEXTDC & Thankyou 🧠

Access passes starting at less than $50!!
🎟️ https://events.humanitix.com/fwd-fest-26/tickets

Check out all the fun here - https://www.fwdfest.co/program

12/05/2026

🌊🌊🌊
https://events.humanitix.com/fwd-fest-26/tickets

The Sunshine Coast Young Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with FWD>FEST 26 to present the FWD>YOUNG PROFESSIONALS WORKSHOP.

Taking place on FWD>DAY ONE - Wednesday 20th May from 3:00pm, this workshop will officially launch our 2026 Professional Development Workshop Series.

We’re kicking things off strong with an insightful session with AI expert, Adam Franklin.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and become an increasingly integral part of our everyday lives, it’s essential for young professionals to understand how to harness AI to their advantage - boosting efficiency, productivity and impact.

At the FWD>YOUNG PROFESSIONALS WORKSHOP, Adam Franklin will dive into the practical world of AI, sharing how he helps clients master this powerful technology. You’ll gain actionable insights and learn how to create leverage with AI - potentially reclaiming up to 10 hours a week.

Whether you’re an AI beginner or already exploring its capabilities, this workshop is guaranteed to deliver value for professionals at every level.

Our Professional Development Workshop Series is designed to equip you with the tools and skills needed to become the best version of yourself - both personally and professionally. Don’t miss this opportunity to kick-start that journey by upskilling in one of the most impactful technologies of our time.

Secure your spot today by purchasing your ticket to the FWD>YOUNG PROFESSIONALS WORKSHOP at https://scycc.org/events/fwdyoung-professionals-workshop/

12/05/2026

Incredible speakers from local to International 🌏
https://events.humanitix.com/fwd-fest-26/tickets

I’m excited to be part of a panel at FWD Fest 2026.

“Being an innovator or entrepreneur means backing a vision long before anyone else can see it.”

I’ll be joining two other speakers to break down what it really takes to build a business that grows sustainably, from three critical angles.

I’ll be covering the customer side of the equation. What a customer centric culture actually looks like in practice.

Not just what you say, but how your leaders operate, how your team shows up, and how your systems support real outcomes.

Alongside marketing and sales perspectives, this will be a practical, well rounded conversation on what actually drives growth.

If you’ve ever felt like culture, marketing or sales efforts are not quite landing, this will connect the dots.

Wednesday May 20th.

Tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/fwd-fest-26

12/05/2026

EOI's CLOSE IN 2 DAYS!!! THURSDAY 15 MAY! ✍️🫵👇
https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=yRX87Lz-VkqN8pyCx24qcfJQgBExPvdDipkDtbWj7PtUOU5QMlk5VERNWDdISUY0UTdET0JMQUQzSC4u

This government funded program is designed for early-stage founders in the pre-product, pre-market stage ready to explore, shape, and test their ideas in a supportive environment.