Award-winning sustainability business expert and Firestarter Managing Director Arron Wood will join the Connect 2015 speaker line-up on 30 July.
Maroochydore Chamber of Commerce Event Chair Ross Hepworth said Arron would provide insight into attracting sustainable investment to the Sunshine Coast, having accumulated substantial experience in this area in his role as Councillor for the City of Melbourne and while sitting on the Enterprise Melbourne Advisory Board.
“Arron has played a significant role in protecting and strengthening Melbourne’s economic prosperity, and his expertise and broad knowledge base will be of huge benefit to the Sunshine Coast community,” Mr Hepworth said.
“As a passionate environmentalist, Arron focuses heavily on balancing the needs of the environment with economic development, which is a primary area of interest for our region.
“I have no doubt he will be an inspirational speaker given he has successfully turned his passions into a viable business and can share how adaptive and responsive businesses can provide solutions to the problems of our time.”
Mayor Mark Jamieson said Sunshine Coast Council was excited to bring Mr Wood to the Sunshine Coast.
“Arron’s insight and ability to identify emerging green markets and risks to existing markets has seen him engaged to speak to business at the highest level, including corporates Ernst and Young, KPMG and Sony Australia,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Arron also initiated the highly successful Kids Teaching Kids program, which Sunshine Coast Council proudly supports through delivering the annual Kids in Action conference – the Kids Teaching Kids program has attracted more than $30 million in funding (raised single-handedly by Arron) and seen a phenomenal 90,000 students participate.
“His success as a micro business owner, radio presenter, reporter, sustainable business expert, professional speaker, advisor, environmentalist, communications expert and Councillor not only reflects Mr Wood’s diverse range of skills and expertise, but also his ability to be an influencer and understand a broad range of business operations and the challenges faced by business owners on a day-to-day basis.”
Mr Wood will deliver a keynote address to Connect 2015 attendees on the morning of the conference. He joins RedEye founder Wayne Gerard, CSIRO principal scientist in strategic foresight Dr Stefan Hajkowicz and atmail CEO Zach Johnson in this year’s speaker line-up.
The Connect 2015 conference aims to connect people to new business ideas, assist in establishing meaningful professional relationships that are relevant and productive, encourage collaborative thinking and connect all areas of the Sunshine Coast business community.
Connect 2015
Date: Thursday, 30 July 2015
Venue: Mooloolaba campus of TAFE Queensland East Coast
For the conference program and list of speakers visit www.connect2015.com.au.