Forward Fest 24: Pioneering business innovation on the Sunshine Coast

Forward Fest, the Sunshine Coast’s premier business festival, is set to return this year from Wednesday, July 31, to Friday, August 2, 2024, at TAFE Queensland, Mountain Creek, with the theme ‘Thriving in Paradise’.

What is Forward Fest?

Forward Fest is a three-day business festival dedicated to elevating thought leadership, fostering growth, and addressing critical issues to ensure the safety and prosperity of the Sunshine Coast’s thriving business ecosystem. It is designed to unite local businesses, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and government representatives, focusing on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship.

The festival features five core streams: Climate, Emerging, Health, Invest, and Scale. Each offers invaluable insights into emerging trends, technological advancements, investment landscapes, environmental sustainability, and transformative health solutions crucial for business sustainability and growth.

Why is Forward Fest important?

Forward Fest is a key driver of economic growth and innovation on the Sunshine Coast. It’s a prime opportunity for local businesses to showcase their strengths, attract investment, and forge new partnerships. As one participant from the previous year put it, “Forward Fest is a golden opportunity to showcase our local innovation to the world.” By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, Forward Fest creates an environment ripe for collaboration, learning, and mutual success, making it a must-attend event for anyone serious about business growth.

The festival also offers unparalleled networking and learning opportunities. Entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and government representatives can access activities like mock equity auctions, expert panels, innovation showcases, and exclusive VIP dinners designed to facilitate connections and knowledge sharing. “Everybody in business wants to move forward. Just go there and be open to possibilities of what could happen,” Silicon Coast and Forward Fest Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Craig Josic says.

Impact On The Sunshine Coast Business Ecosystem

Forward Fest embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation that defines the Sunshine Coast. The festival serves the thriving local business ecosystem. “The stories that I love from Forward Fest are where people are meeting each other and finding just the right person they needed for their next step in business,” shares a past attendee. This sentiment underscores the festival’s impact on fostering meaningful connections that drive business growth and innovation.

As one of the region’s most anticipated events, Forward Fest is more than just a festival; it’s a vital part of the Sunshine Coast’s vibrant business community. It highlights the region’s unique position as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting national and international attention. The festival’s activities, such as innovation showcases, expert panels and VIP dinners, provide valuable opportunities for participants to network, learn, and collaborate, further strengthening the local business ecosystem.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in Forward Fest 24 and help shape the future of business on the Sunshine Coast. The festival promises to be an exciting and invaluable experience for anyone involved in the business community, offering insights, networking opportunities, and a platform to showcase innovation.

Join us at Forward Fest and be part of the movement to drive business growth and sustainability on the Sunshine Coast.

CLIMATE TRACK focuses on the intersection of technology and environmental sustainability, highlighting innovative solutions and strategies to combat climate change.

EMERGING TRACK showcases the forefront of technological advancements, emphasising how these innovations are transforming sectors such as defence, communications, and AI.

HEALTH TRACK explores technological advancements with transformative potential, such as Extended Reality and Virtual Reality, that address global health challenges.

INVEST TRACK is dedicated to exploring investment landscapes, uncovering emerging trends, and providing networking opportunities for start-ups, investors, and financial institutions.

SCALE TRACK focuses on scaling technology within businesses to foster innovation and enhance cybersecurity.

Book your tickets at https://forwardfest.co/

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