Gold Coast Small Business Expo program

Get ready for the Gold Coast Small Business Expo.

When: Thursday 21 May 2026
Time: 9am–5pm
Where: Mercure Gold Coast Resort

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

Augusta Room

10.50–11.20am

Unlocking opportunities with Brisbane 2032
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.

11.30–12pm

Embracing AI in small business
Presented by: Permenthri Pilay, Oceania Principle Partner in Technology, EY

This session introduces small business owners to the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and it's growing role in shaping the future of business. Attendees will gain practical insights into how AI can streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and drive innovation, equipping them with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the digital age.

12.15–12.45pm

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.

12.45–1.30pm

Becoming visible to government buyers
Presented by:

  • Hon Sam O'Connor MP, Minister for Housing and Public Works and Minister for Youth
  • Andrew Bennett, Deputy Director-General, Queensland Government Procurement & QFleet, Department of Housing and Public Works
  • Lee Kemp, Queensland Government Procurement, Department of Housing and Public Works
  • Michelle Chiaparra, QBuild, Department of Housing and Public Works

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.

1.30–1.45pm

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.

2–2.45pm

From passion to purpose: In conversation with Stacey Head and The Merrymaker Sisters

Join Stacey Head, founder of she wear, and Emma and Carla Papas, The Merrymaker Sisters, for an engaging conversation on building confidence, capability, and businesses with purpose. These inspiring women share their journeys of navigating growth, overcoming challenges, and developing the confidence and capability to turn their dreams into thriving realities. Gain valuable real-world insights and practical advice to take your own entrepreneurial journey to the next level.

2.45–3.30pm

Resilient by design
Presented by:

  • Cameron Fairon, Region Manager, Gold Coast Small Business, 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.

St Andrew's Room

10.30–11.30am

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.

12–12.45pm

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.

1–2pm

Business continuity planning
Presented by: Courtney Mulder, Gold Coast City Council

Prepare your business to withstand and recover from unexpected disruptions with this hands-on session on business continuity planning. Learn how to safeguard your operations against disasters and severe weather by developing practical strategies to minimise risks, maintain critical functions, and ensure long-term resilience.