The Business Development Forum (BDF) provides education, professional development and up to date information on issues to business. It is a breakfast session that is held eight times each year and is one of the many forums that Chamber members can access for networking opportunities. Regular forum attendees are provided with discount offers on breakfast costs.

2018 Dates

Wednesday 21 February
Wednesday 21 March
Wednesday 9 May
Wednesday 20 June
Wednesday 1 August
Wednesday 12 September
Wednesday 10 October
Wednesday 14 November

The BDF series is proudly sponsored by the following members;

   

Upcoming Business Development Forum:

Wednesday 6th February 2019
Topic: Social Media 
Speakers:  Newcastle Live - more details to follow

Recent Business Development Forums are listed below:

Click here to view the Business Development Forum photo gallery

Wednesday 14th November 2018
Topic: From small business to global brand – follow the Bondi Chai pathway to international success.
Speakers:  Melissa Edyvean, Bondi Chai Owner
 Dr Natalie Gillam, Regional Manager Network – Central Coast, Hunter and North Coast from AusIndustry

Wednesday 10th October 2018
Topic: Artificial Intelligence - effects on the workplace.
Speaker:  Nikesh Lalchandani, Innovation Executive, Emerging Technology, Commonwealth Bank

Wednesday 12th September 2018
Topic: 20 year Economic Vision for Regional NSW
Speaker:  Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Minister for Regional NSW, Minister for Skills and Minister for Small Business

Wednesday 20 June 2018
Topic: OpportUoNities - NewSpace and Beyond
Speakers: Julie Rich, Deputy Director Campus Development, Professor Kevin Lyons Assistant Dean, Research and Engagement, The University of Newcastle

Wednesday 9 May 2018
Topic: The 7 Secrets to Sales Growth in a SME
Speaker: Rachel Bourke, SalesSPACE
Presentation

Wednesday 21 March 2018
Topic: Scaling: Lessons About Startup Growth
Speaker: Josh Peak

Wednesday 8 November
Topic: Digital Marketing Part 2 – Making social networking work
Speaker: Gillian Maxlow, Founder, Maxedout Solutions 

Wednesday 11 October 2017
Topic: Digital Marketing Part 1 – Tools and techniques
Speaker: Bren Hammel, Director at Eureka SEM

Wednesday 13 September 2017
Topic: How everyday people become successful leaders
Panel:
*Jackie Dujmovic, Director, Hover UAV
*Kari Armitage, Managing Director, Quarry Mining & Construction Equipment Pty Ltd
*Ben Dewson, Managing Director, Holistic Security

Wednesday 9 August 2017
Topic: Changing staff mindsets
Guest Speaker: Kellie Mills, Mills-Eaton Training

Wednesday 21 June 2017
Topic: Using technology to innovate, save time and increase profit
Guest Speaker: Josh Doolan, Managing Director, Mudbath Digital

Wednesday 10 May 2017
Topic: A better way to get more value out of your customers
Guest Speaker: Matthew Hingston, Head of Marketing and Customer Service, Greater Bank

Wednesday 8 March 2017
Topic: Avoiding burnout at work using the right tools
Guest Speaker: Amit Oberoi, Managing Director/Founder, The Resilience Factor

Wednesday 15 February 2017
Topic:Securing funds from the government - case studies and contacts
Panel:
*Amber Bibby, Training Services Manager, Hunter and Central Coast Training Services NSW
*Tim Cotter, Regional Manager, AusIndustry – Business Services
*Chris Kelleher, EP Adviser, Entrepreneurs Program

Wednesday 9 November 2016
Topic: Health and Wellbeing in the Workplace 
Guest Speaker: Dr Trent Watson, CEO & Accredited Practising Dietitian, Ethos Health

Wednesday 12 October 2016
Topic: Technology in the Workplace 
Guest Speaker: Nathan Franks, Managing Director, Dynamic Business Technologies 

Wednesday 14 September 2016
Topic: Small Business Month
Guest Speaker: Jennifer Holland, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Throat Scope

Wednesday 8 August 2016
Topic: Employee Engagement, Culture and Values
Guest Speaker: Edward Geschke, Managing Director, AP Eagers Limited - Newcastle & Hunter Division 

Wednesday 8 June 2016
Topic: Product and Services Marketing - The Power of Data
Guest Speaker: Vaughn Campbell, Director of Data Analytics and Business Intelligence, PKF Newcastle and Sydney

Wednesday 11 May 2016
Topic: Innovation
Guest Speaker: Ben Hammann, Manager Asset Technology, Snowy Hydro Limited

Wednesday 9 March 2016
Topic: Borrowing to Build Wealth for the SME
Guest Speaker: Hans Kunnen, Chief Economist, St.George Banking Group which includes the Bank of Melbourne and Bank of South Australia

Wednesday 17 February 2016
Topic: Overcoming Complexity and Adapting to Change
Guest Speaker: Aaron Ward, “Wardy", Afterburner

Wednesday 11 November 2015
Lincoln Amidy, Director, Pinnacle Team Events

Wednesday 14 October 2015
Jane Beverley, Director, Evolution Business + Personal Advisers

Thursday 24 September 2015
The Hon. John Barilaro, MP, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Skills and Minister for Small Business

Wednesday 12 August 2015
David Gillies, National Business Development Manager, Goal Group
 
Wednesday 10 June 2015
Simon Johnson, Director - Corporate Finance, Pitcher Partners
Presentation

Wednesday 13 May 2015
Fiona Anson, Co-Founder and Director of Workible

Wednesday 11 March 2015
Adam McDean, Owner and Director, BusinessBasics
Christina Gerakiteys, mall Biz Connect Advisor, Business Centre

Wednesday 11 February 2015
Nick Bowditch, Small Business Evangelist, Twitter

Wednesday 12 November 2014
Danny Buderus, Newcastle Knights

Wednesday 8 October 2014
Mark Kentwell, PRD Nationwide Newcastle

Wednesday 10 September 2014 - Small Business Month
Wayne Gates - Director, Small Biz Connect
Anthony Bell - Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Bell Partners
Stephen Cartwright - Chief Executive Officer, NSW Business Chamber

Wednesday 9 July 2014
David Crook, Action Business Coach, Momentum Business Improvement Specialists and Kirsty Poretous, Partner of DFK Crosbie

Wednesday 14 May 2014
Paul Siderovski, Managing Director, SiDCOR Chartered Accountants

Wednesday 9 April 2014
Merril DeFiddes, Chief Executive Officer, The Social Media Training School
Presentation

Wednesday 12 March 2014
Jeff Julian, Creative Director for Research and Innovation, University of Newcastle
Presentation

Wednesday 12 February 2014
Holly Martin, Owner, Just Holly