General

8:50 AM – 9:00 AM

Plenary

General

9:00 AM – 9:10 AM

Plenary

General

9:10 AM – 9:20 AM

Plenary

Shannon Ruska
Aboriginal Cultural Specialist, Tribal Experiences

A bloodline descendant of Yuggera, Turrbal/Toorabul, Nunukul, Gorenpul/Cooparoo and Kombumerri peoples, Shannon carries deep knowledge of local language, stories and culture, performing to more than 35 million people worldwide, captivating from his first word, bringing energy, humour and connection, to this Welcome To Country, and will have you on your feet. A master of the stage, he’s remembered for iconic moments, including the chant that united voices at the Gabba: “Aussie Aussie Aussie.”

Keynote

9:20 AM – 9:35 AM

Plenary

Behind every social enterprise is a human story. While impact is often measured through numbers, procurement outcomes and investment, the real value lies in the lives transformed. This inspiring session explores how lived experience can strengthen organisations, drive innovation, build customer trust and create meaningful social value. Through a powerful discussion on inclusion, storytelling and opportunity, attendees will gain insights into how recognising people for their strengths and potential leads to better workplaces, stronger communities and improved business outcomes. Discover why embedding lived experience into decision-making is not just the right thing to do - it is a powerful driver of impact, connection and long-term value.

Keynote

9:40 AM – 9:55 AM

Plenary

Tara Anderson
CEO, Social Traders

Keynote

9:55 AM – 10:05 AM

Plenary

The Honourable David Janetzki MP
Treasurer of Queensland, Minister for Energy, and Minister for Home Ownership

Keynote

10:10AM – 10:25AM

Plenary

Some products have become commodities, competing on price in crowded markets. Yet Humble Brag and TradeMutt show that purpose can be a genuine competitive advantage. In this session, Andrew Mellody and Shannen Cooper share what it takes to build purpose‑driven brands in industries dominated by low‑cost alternatives and established players. They explore how to shift buyer behaviour, win commercial partners, scale impact and stay authentic through growth. Attendees will gain practical insights into convincing customers to choose purpose, competing in saturated markets, expanding partnerships and proving that profit and impact can grow together.

Keynote

10:30 AM – 10:50 AM

Plenary

Naima Wilson
Marketing and Impact Director, Patagonia Australia & Aotearoa

As expectations of business continue to evolve, organisations are being challenged to deliver more than financial returns. Customers, investors and employees increasingly expect businesses to create measurable value for society and the environment. This session explores how Patagonia has embedded purpose into every aspect of its business by choice—not because of regulation, but because it is central to how the company defines success. Discover how purpose-led leadership, responsible business practices and long-term thinking can build trust, strengthen resilience and create competitive advantage. Attendees will gain practical insights into turning purpose into performance and creating lasting value for communities, customers, the environment and business alike

Keynote

10:50 AM – 10:55 AM

Plenary

Professor Peter Singer
Emeritus Professor of Bioethics, Princeton University; V.K. Rajah Visiting Professor in Medical Ethics, National University of Singapore; Founder, The Life You Can Save; Co-Founder, Profit for Good Alliance

Professor Peter Singer, one of the world's most influential philosophers, has spent more than five decades challenging the way we think about ethics, responsibility, and creating positive change. His work has inspired global movements in philanthropy, animal welfare, and effective altruism, encouraging individuals and organisations alike to use their resources and influence to make a greater impact.

At Convene, Peter will explore The Moral Case for Profit for Good, examining how businesses can harness profit as a force for social good and why commercial success and meaningful impact are not mutually exclusive. Through this thought-provoking conversation, he'll challenge us to rethink the role of business in building a better world.

Networking

10:55 AM – 11:25 AM

Foyer

Keynote

11:30 AM – 11:50 AM

Plenary

Human rights are often seen as the responsibility of governments, while social value is viewed as the domain of business. But what if these concepts are intrinsically connected? This session explores why protecting human rights and creating social value are not separate agendas, but essential foundations of strong economies, resilient communities and successful organisations. Examine how businesses can move beyond compliance to create economic dignity, strengthen supply chains, improve social outcomes and build long-term value. Through perspectives spanning policy, business and social impact, this discussion challenges conventional thinking and demonstrates why human rights are increasingly recognised as both a social responsibility and a strategic business imperative.

Keynote

11:50 AM – 12:15 PM

Plenary

How effective is your “good” business activity, really?  Creating a fairer, more prosperous society takes more than good intentions. It requires businesses to rethink how they create value, influence systems, and drive meaningful change. From inclusive employment and purpose-led products to procurement, investment and policy, every decision shapes the economy around us.

This session explores what it takes to move beyond performative purpose and embed authentic impact into the way business is done. Join leaders challenging the status quo and discover how every organisation can help build an economy that works for everyone

Keynote

12:15 PM – 12:30 PM

Plenary

General

12:30 PM – 12:40 PM

Plenary

Social Enterprise Social Performance Pioneer & Business Excellence in Social Performance

Networking

12:40 PM – 1:40 PM

Foyer

Breakout session

1:40 PM – 2:20 PM

Breakout session

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Breakout session

3:10 PM – 3:40 PM

You asked, and we're gonna answer  

Live Q&A with business leaders and Social Traders from your questions asked before and during the day – This is your opportunity to be heard, and focuses on the how, how do we actually get there, and what can we do to help? 

Come prepared to ask and be answered! 

Networking

3:40 PM – 4:00 PM

Foyer

General

4:05 PM – 4:20 PM

Plenary

Social impact partnership of the year

Keynote

4:25 PM – 4:40 PM

Plenary

Craig Foster AM

This Kind of Work Is Hard. Why Choose to Do It? What compels people to step into difficult conversations, challenge injustice and advocate for those whose voices are rarely heard? This session explores the role of leadership, courage and social responsibility in creating meaningful change. Through powerful insights from sport, advocacy and community action, attendees will examine how influence can be used to build inclusion, strengthen communities and drive collective impact. Discover the power of storytelling, human connection and community mobilisation, and learn why using your voice in service of others matters. Leave inspired to lead with purpose and create positive change where it is needed most

General

4:40 PM – 4:50 PM

Plenary

The future of social impact belongs to the next generation of leaders who are already creating change today. This inspiring session puts youth voices at the centre of the conversation, exploring how young social entrepreneurs are shaping the future of social value, responsible business and purpose-driven innovation. Attendees will gain insights into what motivates emerging changemakers, the challenges and opportunities they see ahead, and what they expect from business and community leaders. Through fresh perspectives and lived experience, this session challenges conventional thinking and highlights the importance of empowering young people to participate in, influence and lead the future social economy.

General

4:50 PM – 4:55 PM

Plenary

Coming soon

4:55 PM – 5:00 PM

Plenary

Tara Anderson
CEO, Social Traders