Ahead of the Game: Townsville
It’s time to get Ahead of the Game
The next decade will bring huge opportunities for Townsville businesses. But when you’re running a business, it can be hard to find the time, headspace and support to prepare for future opportunities while managing day‑to‑day demands.
Our Ahead of the Game event creates dedicated time away to plan your next steps, bringing insights, practical sessions and meaningful connections together so you can prepare your business for growth.
You’ll leave with:
New business connections
Techniques to build strategic partnerships
Practical ideas and tools you can use in your business right away
Insights from local experts on the opportunities ahead
Format
This half-day event runs across three sessions – you can choose to attend one part or the whole event, depending on what suits you. Just choose your session when you book your ticket.
Session | Time |
Workshops only | 9:00am-11:30am |
Lunch, expert panel & networking | 11:30am-2:30pm |
All sessions | 9:00am-2:30pm |
Details
Date: 16 July 2026
Time: 9:00am-2:30pm
Venue: The Ville Resort Casino Townsville
Tickets
Ticket type | Time | Ticket pricing (Members) | Ticket pricing (Non-members) | Table of 8 - members | Table of 8 – non members |
Workshops only | 9:00am-11:30am | $70 +gst | $90 +gst | N/A | N/A |
Lunch, expert panel & networking | 11:30am-2:30pm | $100 +gst | $120 +gst | $720 +gst | $880 +gst |
All sessions | 9:00am-2:30pm | $145 +gst | $165 +gst | $999+gst | $1,152+gst |
For members only: Click on 'access code' on the registration page and enter the email address associated with your Business Chamber Queensland membership and hit 'apply'. This will apply member discount. Please contact the Business Chamber Queensland's marketing team at marketing@businesschamberqld.com.au for any assistance. Tickets are non-refundable. Ticket prices are excluding GST. Terms and conditions apply. See here
Meet the Speakers
The Hon Dale Last MP, Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development
Dale Last is the Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development. Born and raised in country Queensland, Dale has dedicated his career to serving regional communities. Dale joined the Queensland Police Service in 1981 and was awarded the National Police Medal in 1988 for diligent long service to the community. He was appointed Officer in Charge of Townsville Police Station in 2000, leading frontline law enforcement in Queensland’s largest regional centre. Following his service in the Queensland Police Service, Dale was elected to Townsville City Council, where he served as both Councillor and Deputy Mayor. In 2015, he was elected to the Queensland Parliament as the Member for Burdekin. Dale is a fierce advocate for regional communities and rural development. His electorate of Burdekin is home to major resources projects and key transport infrastructure, including numerous mines and the Port of Abbot Point. Dale lives on a small farm at Alligator Creek with his wife, two of his children and a menagerie including two horses and a pet pig called Honey.
Councillor Nick Dametto, Mayor of Townsville
Joseph O’Brien, Founding Partner and CEO of VisIR and Co-Founder of the CopperString project
Joseph O’Brien has 25 years’ experience in the Australian electricity supply industry, with an investment track record across infrastructure development and funds management, venture capital, and unique experience in major energy infrastructure development. Joseph was involved in establishing numerous industry-leading advisory businesses and has advised government, regulators, industrial and electricity industry since the National Electricity Market was established. He was a co-founder and CEO of the CopperString transmission project, a $5 billion network development considered one of the most important economic developments in Northern Australia presently being delivered by the Queensland Government. Joseph has a long experience as company director in private and publicly listed businesses as well as the philanthropic sector, including VisIR Pty Ltd, Queensland Art Gallery Foundation, Mater Hospital Foundation, Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, Windlab (formerly ASX:WND, resigned 2020), CuString Pty Ltd and most recently Queensland Renewable Energy Council (QREC). He has studied at Harvard Business School, University of Queensland, and James Cook University, and is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Dominique Lamb, Director of Community Affairs to the President of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Dominique Lamb has a diverse background in corporate affairs, industrial relations, and not-for-profits. Dominique was previously the CEO of the National Retail Association and a director of NRA Legal. In her role as CEO, Dominique advocated on behalf of 60,000 shop fronts across the country about a diverse range of issues, including but not limited to crime, ESG, youth employment, industrial relations, leasing and tenancy, franchising, and the digital economy. Dominique served as the Queensland Small Business Commissioner from December 2022 until October 2025, where she focused on improving the operating environment for small businesses and reducing the time and cost of resolving disputes. From October 2025, Dominique has taken on the role of Director of Community Affairs for the Brisbane Olympic Games, where she will continue her commitment to community engagement and advocacy. Beyond her professional endeavours, Dominique is deeply committed to social causes, particularly those addressing domestic and family violence and closing the gap in our regional, remote, and rural communities.
Workshop topics
Get procurement-ready: how to position your business to win
Delivered by: Ruby Fox & Fair Co. Big government and major projects create real opportunities for Queensland SMEs - but it’s not always clear what you need to do to get onto supplier panels and win work. Many capable businesses miss out because they’re not ready to tender. Often the best time to meet buyer requirements is before a tender drops so you can say “yes” when the right opportunity arises. This workshop breaks down what buyers look for, tips to get the basics in order, and how to present your business so you can pursue procurement opportunities with confidence.
Stand out in a crowded market: brand, trust and visibility
Delivered by: Constant Contact More businesses than ever before are competing for the same customers, contracts, and attention. Many capable SMEs miss opportunities not because of what they do, but because they’re customer value proposition is not immediately clear. This workshop will help businesses clarify their value, build trust, and improve visibility using practical branding and digital marketing tools, making it easier to be understood, found, and remembered in a crowded market.
Strategic workforce development: right people, right time
Delivered by: Business Chamber Queensland Brisbane 2032 will reshape Queensland’s labour market for years to come. This practical seminar helps business leaders understand how the Olympics will impact workforce supply, demand, cost, and capability—and what to do about it now. Participants will gain a clear, structured understanding of strategic workforce planning, how different industries face different risks, and how to move from planning to action. With a strong focus on execution, timing, and real world decision making, this session equips organisations to reduce workforce risk, control costs, and position themselves for success before, during, and after the Games.
From compliance to competitive advantage: using sustainability to attract customers and cut costs
Delivered by: ecoBiz (Business Chamber Queensland) Businesses are now being asked to demonstrate their sustainability and ESG credentials to meet customer demand and participate in procurement and supply chain opportunities. This practical workshop will help SMEs understand the simple actions they can take to reduce waste, energy and water costs while establishing their ESG credentials. Participants will walk away with a clear plan for how to save money, while strengthening their value proposition to address tender and regulatory requirements, meet consumer demand, and get ahead of the competition.
With thanks to our supporters
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
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