Brisbane | Social Traders Convene | Tuesday 20 October 2026

Social Traders Convene 2026 - Social Value Through Business

Australia's largest social impact conference is back for its 12th year, brought to the sector in partnership with Westpac. 

Convene is Australia’s most influential gathering of businesses reshaping how impact is created, measured and shared, where leaders come to move beyond intention and into action.  

As expectations shift from profit alone to social value creation. Alongside executives, policymakers, the do-ers, industry bodies and pioneers, you’ll be part of what best practice social value looks like and how it delivers real competitive advantage. 

This year's theme is Social Value Through Business.  

Business is changing, and social performance is how that change is being delivered, measured, and understood. 

Social performance is about people. 
Which makes it simple… and complex all at once.

It’s the impact your organisation has on: 

• your people  

• your supply chain  

• your customers  

• and the communities connected to your business 

Understanding this impact and translating it into real business value is one of the most important and rapidly evolving challenges facing organisations today. 

Convene brings it all together 

Connecting the people, ideas and practices shaping the future of social value: 

• Social enterprises leading the way as pioneers of social performance in action  

• Corporate and government leaders redefining what value looks like within their organisations  

• The social performance journey where progress matters more than perfection  

• Practical application how organisations are prioritising, measuring and reporting on the social value they deliver in and for the business 

• Leadership and influence those embedding social performance into strategy, decision-making and business case development  

• Resilience in disruption why investing in people continues to deliver value, even amid global uncertainty  

Convene 2026 comes to Brisbane at a defining moment in social value for Australian business. Be in the room with those directing social performance and social value, leading the way and showing what’s possible, and, importantly, why it matters.  

The details: 

Welcome Reception: 5:30pm - 8:00pm - The Gardens Club - Includes 2 x drinks + catering

Convene: 8:00am - 5:00pm – Includes full day catering

Sector celebrations: 5.30pm – 8.00pm - includes food, beverages & entertainment 

Agenda & speakers: View here

Connect and accelerate impact   

Convene 2026 will see the sector come together for two days of ideas, energy, and action, where Australia’s social impact community gathers not just to talk change, but to design it.  

And when the formal program winds down, we take things skyward. The Convene afterparty will be held at Sixteen Antlers Rooftop Bar, with exclusive use of this iconic rooftop space. 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. 

Attendees can choose a one-day general access pass or go deeper into the experience with a two-day all-access pass. Day 1 delivers the big-room conference energy. Day 2 sharpens the focus, inviting participants to go deeper and build practical pathways forward. 

Why you should attend Convene: 

• Be part of the conversation shaping the future of social value in Australia - Join the discussions influencing how organisations create impact through business. 

• Step outside your usual network - Meet people from sectors you may not normally interact with, opening the door to new perspectives and collaborations. 

• Recharge your purpose - Spend a day surrounded by people committed to building a more inclusive and sustainable economy. 

• Learn from diverse voices - Hear insights from practitioners, leaders, and innovators across business, government, and the social enterprise sector. 

• Experience ideas that challenge conventional thinking - Explore new approaches to procurement, partnership, and impact that are reshaping how organisations operate. 

• Find inspiration for your organisation’s next step - Take away ideas that can influence strategy, partnerships, and future initiatives. 

• Experience a curated national gathering - Convene is designed to bring together the right mix of voices to spark meaningful conversation and collaboration. 

• Strengthen your professional community - Reconnect with peers, build new relationships, and deepen your place within the social impact ecosystem. 

• Celebrate progress in the social enterprise movement - Recognise the achievements and momentum building across the sector. 

• Leave energised and informed - Walk away with fresh ideas, new connections, and a clearer sense of where the sector is heading.  

What you can expect from attending. 

• Main room keynotes with guest speakers and policy makers 

• Masterclasses hosted by sector experts 

• Panel discussions with change makers 

• Fireside chats with those who have some big stories to tell 

• Workshop-style breakout sessions 

• Opportunity to network throughout the event with the business for good sector  

• And more to come... 

Who should attend? 

• Business professionals aiming to drive social impact and sustainability 

• Government representatives exploring innovative solutions to deliver more public value 

• Businesses creating jobs for marginalised groups, offering community-focused products or services, and tackling environmental challenges 

• Philanthropists, policy experts and researchers interested in the social enterprise sector 

• Other sector partners looking to connect and collaborate with like-minded peers 

What's happening at Convene - Choose Your Experience:

• 1-Day General Access Pass – Full day main conference + after-party networking  

• 2-Day All Access Pass (limited availability) – Includes everything in Day 1, plus exclusive access to Day 2. 

Day 1: Convene day 1 is the flagship conference experience. It’s where the social value ecosystem come together: corporates, government, social enterprises, philanthropy, and changemakers, all in one room, all leaning into what’s next.  

What to expect: 

• Access to the full day one main conference program 

• Inspiring keynote speakers with industry leaders 

• Cross-sector panel discussions 

• Real-world case studies and lived experiences 

• Purposeful networking opportunities with cross-sector decision-makers 

Day 2: Convene day 2 is for those wanting to extend the learnings of day 1 - With limited tickets available, the All-Access Pass unlocks entry into a curated selection of deeper-dive sessions designed to build directly on Day 1’s conversations. 

The All-Access Pass includes entry to two out of eight intimate curated sessions, each designed to be more hands-on, more interactive, and more outcomes-focused.   

Choose from: 

• Deep-dive discussions on key industry challenges 

• Expert-led masterclasses with practical tools 

• Interactive workshops designed for real outcomes 

Ticket options for Convene - General access pass starts from $349 and includes: 

• Invitation to the welcome night networking 

• Access to Convene main day only 

• One coffee at the cart on us 

• Access to Convene post-event networking 

• Option to include day two masterclasses at an additional cost 

All-access pass (limited availability) starts from $629 and includes: 

• Invitation to the welcome night networking  

• Access to Convene main day 

• Access to the coffee cart 

• Access to Convene post-event networking 

• Swag bag from select certified social enterprises 

• Access to the VIP lunch area at Convene 

• VIP registration area   

• Access to two masterclasses on day two 

Table of 8 starts from $2873 and includes: 

• Invitation to the welcome night networking 

• Table at the front  

• Access to Convene main day only 

• One coffee at the cart on us 

• Access to Convene post-event networking 

• Branded signage on the table  

• VIP registration area  

• Option to include day two masterclasses at an additional cost (from $249 per session) 

• Or upgrade to the All-Access table for more inclusions 

Group discounts are available and will be applied at the time of purchase. 

10% discount for 3-6 attendees 

15% discount for 7-10 attendees 

20% discount for 11+ attendees 

Where will Convene 2026 be held? 

The Pullman King George Square, Brisbane 

Convene 2026 will take place at Pullman Brisbane King George Square, right in the heart of Brisbane’s CBD. 

Perfectly positioned among the city’s business district, cultural landmarks and transport hubs, the Pullman offers a premium setting for connection, conversation and action. With everything at your doorstep, it’s an ideal base for delegates travelling from across Australia to be part of the country’s leading social value and impact conference. 

If you’re joining us from interstate, we encourage you to stay onsite at the Pullman. Delegates will receive access to a discounted accommodation rate once tickets are secured  

Please note: photography/videography will be taken at this event. By attending this event, you consent to your photograph/video potentially being used for promotional purposes in the future. Please let us know if you would not like your photo/video taken. 

Social Traders believes in an equitable future for all Australians. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do.   Convene is a safe space where everyone can relax, learn and be themselves. Participate in the day in the way that's right for you   If we can help with any adjustments to enable you to engage more fully, be sure to ask one of the Social Traders team.