Convene 2026: Day 1 agenda - Tuesday 20 October
Explore the full program for Convene 2026, with keynotes, panels, case studies and masterclasses across two days of ideas, energy and action.
Networking
8:00 AM – 8:50 AM
Foyer
Arrival / Registration / Networking
Start your Convene experience by connecting with fellow attendees over coffee, conversation, and purpose before the conference begins. Thanks to ACCIONA, enjoy barista-made coffee from certified social enterprises Mylestones Solutions, in collaboration with Humble Brag, where every cup helps create meaningful employment opportunities and supports Indigenous young people, and international aid programs.
While you're there treat yourself to a Worthy Cause cookie, with every purchase funding employment pathways and community initiatives. It's networking with impact, proving that even your morning caffeine fix can help create positive change.
General
8:50 AM – 9:00 AM
Plenary
Immerse yourself
You are a part of the system and the change
General
9:00 AM – 9:10 AM
Plenary
Welcome to Convene 2026: What's on
Event MCs
Join us as we officially open Convene, hear what you can expect from the sessions, to speakers, and experiences - We will share everything you need to know to make the most of your day.
General
9:10 AM – 9:20 AM
Plenary
Welcome to Country
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
The Heart of Social: Lived Experience
Melanie Greblo
Founder & CEO, Humans of Purpose
Cody Johns
Operations & Client Support Coordinator, Better Merch
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
Optimistic leadership and radical collaboration to build a social performance economy
Tara Anderson
CEO, Social Traders
Keynote
9:55 AM – 10:05 AM
Plenary
Delivering a Social Impact Economy
The Honourable David Janetzki MP
Treasurer of Queensland, Minister for Energy, and Minister for Home Ownership
Queensland is leading one of Australia’s most ambitious investments in social impact, with an $80 million Social Entrepreneurs Fund and the Office of Social Impact embedded within Queensland Treasury. In this keynote, Treasurer David Janetzki shares the vision behind building a social impact economy where social value and economic growth work together. Drawing on his experience in banking, mutuals, co-operatives and social enterprise, he explores how government can use policy, procurement and investment to support inclusive economic growth. Attendees will gain practical insights into collaboration across government, business and social enterprise to create stronger communities and lasting economic prosperity.
Keynote
10:10AM – 10:25AM
Plenary
Profit Paying for Purpose
Andrew Mellody
CEO & Co-Founder, Humble Brag
Shannen Cooper
National Sales Manager, TradeMutt
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
Shaping the Future of Social Value in Business
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
The Moral Case for Profit for Good
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
Morning Break & Connection Time
Keynote
11:30 AM – 11:50 AM
Plenary
Business and Human Rights: From Protect, Respect & Remedy to Shared Value
Lorraine Finlay
Human Rights Commissioner, Australian Human Rights Commission
Tara Anderson
CEO, Social Traders
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
Everyone's Economy: Why Social Performance Requires All of Us
Coralie Nichols
CEO, Ian & Shirley Norman Foundation
Kylie Adeniyi
Senior Manager, Strategy & Impact | Social Value & Industry Capability, Victorian Infrastructure Development Authority
Coming Soon
Session Facilitator: Tom Allen
CEO & Founder, Impact Boom, Social Traders
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
Beyond the Podium: Creating Impact through Brisbane 2032
Erin Hatton
Head of Impact, Brisbane 2032
The Olympic and Paralympic Games give us a common language – when the Games are on, many of us experience the highs and lows alongside the athletes. But the real story of Brisbane 2032 isn’t just being written on the track, it’s being written right now, in the jobs created, the suppliers chosen, and the communities included. Erin Hatton, Head of Impact shares how the Games are striving to leave Queensland more equitable, more accessible and more connected than they found it.
General
12:30 PM – 12:40 PM
Plenary
National Game Changer Awards 2026
Social Enterprise Social Performance Pioneer & Business Excellence in Social Performance
Celebrating the finalists and winners of the 2026 Game Changer Awards. Celebrating organisations that are leading the way in social performance, showcasing and awarding how certified social enterprises, businesses, and government organisations are creating positive impact for people as employees, suppliers, customers, and community members. Hear firsthand from award finalists and the winners as they share their approaches, achievements, and lessons learned in embedding social value across their operations, demonstrating how progress in social performance can drive meaningful and lasting change.
Networking
12:40 PM – 1:40 PM
Foyer
Lunch & Connection Time
Breakout session
1:40 PM – 2:20 PM
Plenary
Business as usual won't survive the next disaster!
Agustin Dellagiovanna
Sr. Manager, Global Procurement Community Impact & Sustainability, Amazon Global Procurement Organization
Marie-Helene Belisle
Chief Executive Officer, Primacy Underwriting Management Pty Limited
Coming soon!
Session Facilitator: Hanna Ebeling
Chief Executive Officer, Sefa
Australia’s disaster costs are rising, yet only a small share of funding is directed toward prevention and resilience. This panel explores why community wellbeing, sustainability and disaster preparedness are becoming material business issues, with the insurance sector as a case study. Bringing together insurance and social enterprise leaders, the discussion will examine how organisations are embedding social performance into strategy, risk management and decision-making. Attendees will hear practical examples of climate resilience partnerships, hyperlocal disaster solutions and cross-sector collaboration. The session will also explore what drives organisational change, the evidence that influences boards, and how businesses can create stronger community and commercial outcomes.
King George
Social Value Driving Behaviour Change
Anna McChesney-Gordon
Chief Strategy Officer, Social Value Portal
Aaron Reid
GM Social Value, Ventia
Kat Dekker
Founder & Director, Give Industries
Michael Stuart
Head of Impact, Data & Digital, Social Traders
Recognising social value can drive behaviour change in business. With clear direction from Government, the UK has made understanding and embedding social value into Government projects BAU. What led to this success and how can Australian businesses demonstrate best practice in social value measurement to Government? Taking the opportunity to inform, not simply respond, to Government social value mandates.
Olivers
Everyone’s using AI. Are we using it on the right work?
James Gauci
CEO & Founder, Cadent
Darren Taylor
Director, Special Projects and Brand, Transformation and Growth Lead, Benefolk
Scott Taylor
AI Technology Delivery Lead, Benefolk
AI is already changing how organisations work, but are we applying it to the work that matters most? This thought-provoking panel moves beyond the hype to explore where AI creates genuine value, where processes need redesign, and where human judgement remains essential. Relevant to social enterprises, purpose-led organisations, business and government, the discussion will examine where teams spend their time, what work should be automated, simplified or stopped, and how organisations can measure success. Through practical examples and candid insights, participants will gain a clearer understanding of AI’s opportunities, limitations and governance considerations, helping them make more informed decisions about adoption.
Breakout session
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Plenary
Coming soon
King George
Coming soon
Olivers
Buying for Impact: How Procurement Creates Inclusive Employment
Shaheen Hajira
Founder, Ta’leem Consulting
Stella Heesom
CEO & Head of Impact, TechForGood
Benjamin Blythe
Procurement ESG & Analytics Lead, Programmed
Session Facilitator: Mark Daniels
Chief Operating Officer, White Box Enterprises
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) is fundamentally about people and the role inclusive employment plays in creating stronger businesses and communities. Inclusive workplaces drive innovation, productivity, resilience and long-term success while expanding access to opportunity. This session explores why human rights are business issues, the economic and social value of inclusive employment, and the real costs of exclusion. Through practical examples and lived experience, attendees will learn how to attract, recruit and retain diverse talent, create meaningful pathways into work, and embed inclusion into workforce strategy. When people thrive, organisations thrive, delivering lasting social and commercial impact.
Breakout session
3:10 PM – 3:40 PM
Plenary
Live Q&A on the Main Stage
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!
King George
Coming soon
Olivers
What if Wealth Created in a Region Stayed in a Region?
Matt Pfahlert
Co-Founder and CEO, ACRE
Session Facilitator: Dr Zara Lasater
Frankston Social Enterprise And Innovation Hub Executive Officer
Community Wealth Building is transforming the way regions think about prosperity, moving beyond extractive economic models and towards systems that create, retain, and grow wealth where it is generated.
Drawing on the principles of regenerative economics and the new economy movement, this approach harnesses the power of local procurement, employment, investment, land ownership, and enterprise to build stronger communities and lasting economic resilience. The opportunity is clear: every organisation, regardless of size or sector, has a role to play - This session to explore how Community Wealth Building is creating tangible impact and why it's rapidly emerging as a model for the future.
Networking
3:40 PM – 4:00 PM
Foyer
Afternoon Break & Connection Time
General
4:05 PM – 4:20 PM
Plenary
National Game Changer Awards 2026: The Power of Opportunity
Social impact partnership of the year presented by ACCIONA
Kristina Ward
Group Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager ANZ, ACCIONA
The Social Impact Partnership of the Year recognises collaborations between certified social enterprises and business or government organisations that create meaningful social, environmental, or community outcomes.
Presented by ACCIONA, winner of the Social Traders 2025 Impact Partnership Award, this session, The Power of Opportunity, highlights how strategic partnerships can drive lasting social and economic value. ACCIONA has demonstrated leadership in embedding social procurement and inclusion into its business operations. Moving beyond compliance-driven project requirements, the organisation has integrated social performance as a core business practice. By exceeding an initial 2% social procurement target and resetting its ambition to 5%, ACCIONA has expanded its focus from workforce inclusion to creating impact throughout its supply chain, setting a benchmark for social performance excellence and showcasing the transformative power of creating opportunities through purposeful partnerships.
Keynote
4:25 PM – 4:40 PM
Plenary
This kind of work is hard – Why it’s worth it from elite sports to human rights advocacy
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
Voice of our future: Youth Perspectives on Social Impact & Social Enterprise
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
Closing remarks
Coming soon
4:55 PM – 5:00 PM
Plenary
Final reflections
Tara Anderson
CEO, Social Traders
Networking
5:15 PM – 8:00 PM
Rooftop
Time for food, drink and connecting
When the formal program winds down, we take things skyward. The Convene afterparty hosted by certified social enterprise TechForGood will be held at Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar. Expect city skyline views, elevated conversations, and a vibrant atmosphere as the sector comes together to celebrate, connect and continue the momentum into the evening. Enjoy wines from Goodwill Wines, where every bottle purchased generates profit for charitable purposes, and community initiatives. So let's cheers to that!
Secure your place at Convene 2026
Convene is where leaders come to move beyond intention and into action. As expectations shift from profit alone to social value creation, you'll be alongside executives, policymakers, the do-ers, industry bodies and pioneers, shaping what best-practice social value looks like and how it delivers real competitive advantage.
