Uncommon Lunch: Brisbane's Next Growth Phase. Your Move.

About the Event

Last Uncommon Lunch in March, Anthony Ryan, from Brisbane Economic Development Agency laid out Brisbane’s growth pipeline in clear detail. The data was undeniable. The opportunity is real, expanding faster than most businesses realise, and already in motion.

But the question that lingered as people left the room was simple: what do we actually do with this?
That’s where the October Uncommon Lunch picks up. You heard the blueprint. Now hear from the Minister.

The Hon. Steve Minnikin MP, Minister for Customer Services and Open Data and Minister for Small and Family Business, joins Andre van der Merwe for a direct, practical conversation on how Queensland businesses move from awareness to readiness, and from readiness to winning work.

The discussion will unpack what it really takes to build capability, become procurement-ready, and position your business to compete and collaborate in the decade ahead.

This is not a keynote-heavy event. It is a curated, senior-level conversation designed to leave leaders clearer on what to do next.

What you will walk away with:

• How government is changing the way businesses access services, data and procurement pathways

• Where AI, open data and digital capability fit into the readiness equation for Queensland businesses

• What procurement-ready actually looks like from the government side of the table

• Practical thinking on partnerships, subcontracting and where collaboration creates a stronger position than competing alone

• How small and family businesses can engage more effectively with government programs and support

And the value continues after the lunch

Every attendee will receive a post-event summary and exclusive practical guide capturing the key insights from the day and how to apply them.

Designed to help you capitalise on the opportunities discussed, it gives you something practical to take back into your business and act on.

Who Should Attend

This lunch is designed for Business owners, founders, CEOs, managing directors, senior executives and growth-focused leaders responsible for strategy, capability, investment or long-term business development.

Event Details

Date: Friday, 9 October 2026

Time: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm, arrivals from 11:45 am

Venue: The Warehouse, 8 McLachlan Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Dress: Business attire

Seats are intentionally limited to maintain the quality of conversation.

Reserve your seat early and join a room of business leaders focused on what’s next for Brisbane.
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The Panelist

The Hon. Steve Minnikin MP

Minister for Customer Services and Open Data and Minister for Small and Family Business

Steve Minnikin was appointed Minister for Customer Services and Open Data and Minister for Small and Family Business following the election of the Crisafulli Government in October 2024. Steve is the Minister responsible for establishing a new Department focussed on delivering Australia’s most customer service focused government, including streamline government services for Queenslanders and small businesses.

Steve was first elected to Parliament in 2012 as Member for Chatsworth in Brisbane’s south-east following a successful business career, which included retail property management and the development industry. His background in private industry and work as a Shadow Minister has reinforced the importance of high-quality customer service and the value of small and family business for all Queenslanders.

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The Event

Uncommon Lunch is a bi-annual event where we sit down and interview professionals who have achieved Uncommon results in business and/or in life. They talk us through the steps they took to achieve those results, empowering the audience to do similar steps in their business and/or life and allowing them to achieve Uncommon results. 

Experience the Uncommon Lunch and watch our past events here

Your ticket includes gourmet canapes and 3-hour drinks package.

Please indicate your dietary requirements on checkout.

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Brought to you by the Verity Consulting Partners

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Get your tickets!

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