Brisbane Small Business Expo program

Get ready for the Brisbane Small Business Expo.

When: Tuesday 26 May 2026
Time: 9am–5pm
Where: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

Register now

Exhibition area

9.30am

  • Welcome
    Presented by: David Sinclair, A/Director-General, Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business
  • Opening address
    Presented by: Hon Steve Minnikin MP, Minister for Small and Family Business

Boulevard Auditorium

10.30–10.50am

Economic update by the Reserve Bank of Australia
Presented by: Kate Davis, Senior Representative, Head of Queensland Office, Reserve Bank of Australia

Join us for an exclusive, closed-door session presented by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) at the Brisbane Small Business Expo.

11–11.25am

Meet the Queensland Small Business Commissioner and Australian Small and Family Business Ombudsman
Presented by:

  • Nicolle Kelly, Queensland Small Business Commissioner
  • Lynda McAlary-Smith, Australian Small and Family Business Ombudsman

This session offers attendees a unique opportunity to hear directly from the Queensland Small Business Commissioner and the Australian Small and Family Business Ombudsman. The session will provide an overview of their respective roles, responsibilities, and key functions in supporting small businesses across Queensland and Australia.

11.30am–12.15pm

Representing small business
Presented by:

  • Naomi Saines, President, Brisbane Junior Chamber of Commerce
  • Kate Raymond, CEO, Master Electricians
  • Natassia Wheeler, CEO, Queensland Tourism Industry Council

This panel discussion brings together influential voices from key peak bodies and business organisations to explore the current challenges and opportunities facing small and family businesses in Queensland.

12.30–1pm

A practical guide to AI for business
Presented by: Tom Pagram, Head of AI, Virgin Australia

Generative AI is moving beyond the "help me write a better email" phase and is starting to change how businesses deliver work and engage with customers. In this session, Tom Pagram, Head of AI at Virgin Australia, skips the hype to focus on what is actually useful for small businesses today. From practical ways to use tools like ChatGPT, through to AI agents and how AI platforms are changing online discovery, Tom will break down the shifts business owners should be paying attention to. Whether you are just getting started or looking to go deeper, you'll get a no-nonsense update on where AI is heading and how to take the next step.

1–1.30pm

Brisbane 2032 opportunities
Presented by:

  • Rob McRuvie, Director of Procurement, Brisbane Organising Committee for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
  • Mike Swart, National Strategy Director, Industry Capability Network

The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Queensland's small businesses. Attendees will learn practical steps to position their businesses for success now and explore strategies to maximise opportunities in the lead-up to, during, and after the Games. This is an essential session for businesses aiming to prepare early and secure long-term benefits from Brisbane 2032.

1.30–2.15pm

Resilient by design
Presented by:

  • Aaron Hosking, Head of Small Business Queensland/NT, NAB
  • Sean Madigan, Partner, Public Sector Advisory, KordaMentha
  • Jay Narain, Partner, Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, KordaMentha
  • Rosalind Searle, Executive Manager, AAMI Business Insurance

Resilience businesses are equipped to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing environment. This session provides valuable insights into improving cash flow decision making and building workforce capability without adding to overheads. These practical strategies will empower businesses to build resilience and confidently face future challenges.

2.15–3pm

Becoming visible to government buyers
Presented by: Queensland Government Procurement

Unlock the secrets to standing out in Queensland's $35 billion government procurement market. This session provides valuable insights from Queensland Government Procurement on how small businesses can effectively position themselves to meet the expectations of government buyers. Attendees will learn what small businesses need to know about the procurement process, how to make themselves visible to government buyers, and the steps to get involved in local QBuild projects.

3–3.30pm

Getting tax right: Practical tips for small businesses
Presented by: Benjamin Lurje, Director – Small Business Experience, Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

This session provides practical guidance on common tax challenges, highlighting ATO support and resources that help small businesses get it right from the start.

Boulevard B1

10.30–11.15am

Effective contract delivery workshop
Presented by: Rachel Bernardo & Michael Lee, Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning

Join this 45-minute workshop for suppliers and learn the critical contract checks you need before signing, during delivery, and at close out. Practical, clear and no legal jargon.

11.15–11.30am

Top 10 tendering tips
Presented by: Michael Lee, Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning

Join this introductory session to gain insights on how to improve your tender submission. Tips will be provided on how to improve your profile and why you need to follow the format required by the customer. Practical, clear and with real actions you can take now.

1–2pm

Mastering business fundamentals: Financial strategies for sustainable growth
Presented by: Nicholas Hess, Small Business Financial Counsellor

This workshop will focus on essential financial concepts for small businesses, starting with a break-even analysis. Participants will also explore key topics, including cash flow management, product pricing strategies and budgeting. The session aims to equip attendees with practical tools and insights to strengthen their financial decision making and business resilience.