BUSINESS LUNCHEON
THURSDAY 16 MAY
James Johnson, SHOPIFY
Julia Spicer, QLD CHIEF ENTREPRENEUR
Brett Lightfoot, MICROSOFT
Lisa Green, TELSTRA
I am proud to welcome you to this insightful business networking event, focusing on the rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence (A.I).
City of Moreton Bay has a reputation for supporting growth in knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurship and we will continue to focus on these industries.
Promoting growth and innovation in key sectors, including advanced manufacturing, food and agribusiness, tourism, and knowledge and innovation hubs drives our city’s reputation as a productive and globally competitive city. This is a major drawcard for business, investment attraction, and expansion into supply chains.
This reputation is built by our productive and innovative local businesses and industries, which are now faced with the opportunity and potential to supercharge their businesses with the emerging power of A.I.
I’m excited to see how this rapidly evolving technology will propel City of Moreton Bay to new heights, and I hope the panel at today’s event will both inspire and provide valuable insights for you.
Mayor Peter FlanneryCity of Moreton Bay
Moreton Money gift cards create and encourage local spending, support local businesses and build a sense of community pride.
The community gift card program keeps money local! What does that mean for your business? Every $100 spent locally generates around $180 of economic impact to the City of Moreton Bay.
We invite you to join the program now. Sign up for free today by completing the registration form online and download your business asset kit to use signage in store.
Welcome to MBRIT’s second business lunch for 2024, featuring an incredibly experienced panel discussing one of the most relevant topics currently impacting small businesses.
MBRIT is proud to support our city’s innovation ecosystem by delivering on knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship activities through the Innovate Moreton Bay (IMB) program on behalf of City of Moreton Bay. Through IMB initiatives such as Innovations Day, Sustainability Demo Day and Founders Month we are growing a strong and trusted reputation among investors, innovators and entrepreneurs.
We are thrilled to announce that Redcliffe has been nominated for the esteemed title of Top Tourism Town! Now, we need your support to help us clinch the win. Voting ends 17 May. You can cast your vote here.
At MBRIT, we thrive on constant activity, especially as we dive into our major events season with enthusiasm and determination. Here is a snapshot of what’s coming up:
͢ Moreton Bay PrideFest returns to Pine Rivers Park on 8 June, promising a vibrant program that not only celebrates diversity but also unites our community in an inclusive and memorable event.
͢ Jetty 2 Jetty Half Marathon & Fun Run (J2J), Queensland’s longest-running (and undoubtedly most scenic) fun run, is poised for another sold-out success on Sunday 21 July.
͢ Redcliffe KiteFest is set to take flight on 14 & 15 September with tickets on sale now and 35,000 visitors expected for a weekend of high-flying fun.
͢ Moreton Bay Food + Wine Festival is returning bigger and better from 23 - 25 August at Apex Park, Woody Point. Tickets go on sale from 1 June- so mark your calendars!
We extend our sincere gratitude to the City of Moreton Bay for their steadfast commitment to innovation, events, and tourism development across our vibrant region. If you’re eager to connect and explore ways to collaborate with MBRIT including sponsorship opportunities for business growth, please speak to an MBRIT team member! Warm regards,
Natassia Wheeler CEO, MBRIT
Lisa Green
Data and AI Solutions Executive TELSTRA
Lisa is a visionary leader who believes in the power of data and AI to transform businesses and society. With extensive experience delivering digital solutions for the telecommunications and finance sectors, Lisa is passionate about using AI and advanced analytics to enhance customer experiences, optimise operations, and deliver high-quality products to customers.
As the Data and AI Solutions Executive at Telstra, Australia’s leading telecommunications and technology company, Lisa is accountable for driving the scaled adoption of AI and advanced analytics across the company. In her role, Lisa plays a critical role in realising Telstra’s digital leadership ambitions by embedding AI into all critical processes and delivering capability that enables the swift adoption of emerging technology.
Lisa represents Telstra on the Global System for Mobile Communications Alliance (GSMA) AI for Impact Taskforce, co-authoring the GSMA AI Ethics Playbook and a Guide for Policymakers and Regulators in the Mobile Industry. Lisa has received global recognition for her innovative approaches to efficiently utilise data to unlock value and leadership in leveraging AI and Decision Intelligence to transform customer experience.
James Johnson
Director of Technology Services & Enterprise SHOPIFY
James is Director of Technology Services & Enterprise at Shopify. With more than 20 years global retail experience as a practitioner (Michael Hill, Colorado Group and Virgin), a consultant (EY) and technologist (Demandware, Salesforce and Shopify), he understands the challenges that retailers face and helps retailers meet their customer’s needs.
In James’ roles he has built and managed award winning physical and virtual teams in retail and technology verticals, as well as launching successful multi-region, multi-brand, global commerce solutions. The Michael Hill Digital team was awarded Best Multichannel Retailer at the 2014 Online Retail Industry Awards (ORIAs), the inaugural 2014 Demandware Pacesetter Award (recognising organisations that have driven innovation and business results), were the winner of the 2014 ADMA Creativity & Effectiveness Award for eCommerce and were finalists in the 2015 World Retail Awards - eCommerce retailer of the year.
James has experience in all things digital, including digital strategy and transformation, commerce, marketing, customer experience development, product development and project delivery.
Brett Lightfoot
Asia Regional Business Leader Public Sector
MICROSOFT
As the Regional Business Leader Public Sector Brett collaborates with government agencies, digital platform companies and start-ups to apply innovative technology that enhances the digital citizen services’ quality and efficiency. Brett’s passion is improving the access to services’ quality and fairness, especially for those in need, helping preserve our environment and safeguarding our citizens.
Julia Spicer OAM Queensland Chief Entrepreneur
Julia Spicer OAM was appointed as Queensland’s fifth Chief Entrepreneur in late 2022. The Queensland Chief Entrepreneur is the flag bearer for innovation and entrepreneurship in Queensland and Julia approaches this role with a strong focus on bringing the wealth of knowledge from the regions and creating connections throughout the Queensland Innovation Ecosystem to unlock practical solutions and tangible outcomes.
Julia’s priorities in her term as Queensland Chief Entrepreneur are: Resilience and Transition - Build a sustainable and resilient innovation ecosystem where communities, people and planet are supported, protected and prosperous Impact - Advocate for innovation and entrepreneurship in Queensland, showcasing success stories to the world and driving positive economic and social impact for Queenslanders
Specialising in helping retail and ecommerce organisations over the last decade, Nathan helps businesses solve problems with innovative thinking.
Connection - Foster a connected and thriving Queensland innovation ecosystem ensuring inclusive and equitable access for all Along with her role as Queensland Chief Entrepreneur, Julia is the Founder of multiple regional businesses based in Goondiwindi, Qld where she lives. Julia continues to run her businesses and has a particular gift for engaging woman and First Nations businesses in her work.
As a business owner, corporate retail leader, consultant, strategist and podcast host, he has a broad perspective to help organisations address challenges from a customer-centric perspective.
11.45am // Doors open, Pre-event networking
12.30pm // MC Welcome Nathan Bush, & Entrée served on arrival
12.40pm // Mayor Peter Flannery, City of Moreton Bay
1.00pm // Natassia Wheeler, MBRIT CEO
1.15pm // Lunch served
1.45pm // Panel Discussion: Lisa Green, James Johnson, Brett Lightfoot, Julia Spicer OAM
3-4pm // Join us for the Exclusive Networking Function (Grand Ballroom patio)
CLICK HERE to post your question to the panel
Chargrilled Moroccan chicken salad, chipotle relish, red vein sorrel NF | GF | DF
Carpaccio of Bresaola, exotic mushroom melange, fresh burratina, rocket & balsamic glaze
GF | NF
Pan seared skin on barramundi fillet, braised brussels sprouts, pommes fondant, lemon beurre blanc
GF | NF
Mediterranean influenced sous vide lamb shank, truffle mash, broccolini & pan juices
GF | NF | DF
*All meals served with a range of wine, beer and soft drinks
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