Business Connect: Brisbane

Brisbane 2032: Manufacturing locally, competing globally

Join us for this special Business Connect event as the stopwatch is set seven years out from the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, for an insightful, real-world conversation on local manufacturing’s procurement opportunity.

Take part in a compelling Q&A with Trevor Bowman, co-founder of Play Hard Sports, a Gold Coast manufacturer revolutionising the sports equipment industry with durable, design-led solutions. With more than 30 years of experience building an award-winning product range used in elite venues like Sydney Olympic Park and the XXI Commonwealth Games, Trevor brings a wealth of insight into what it takes to grow a local business into a global supplier.

This Business Connect event is perfect for businesses, innovators, and anyone interested in what it really takes to compete (and win) on the world stage from right here in Queensland.

Date: Thursday 31 July, 2025
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Venue: Foyer of 300 Queen Street Brisbane 4000

Business Chamber Queensland Member Price: $55.00 + GST
Non-member price: $90.00 + GST

Meet your speaker

Trevor Bowman, Co-Founder – Play Hard Sports
Trevor Bowman is the co-founder of Play Hard Sports, an Australian manufacturing business known for its innovation in designing long-lasting, problem-solving sports equipment. Since 1993, Trevor has led the company from its Gold Coast base with a focus on high-quality, locally made products that meet the needs of stadiums, councils and schools. His first invention—the OzRing—set the tone for a product range built to withstand tough conditions and reduce replacement costs over time. Today, the business boasts over 300 in-house manufactured products used across Australia and internationally, including by venues like Sydney Olympic Park, Robina Stadium, and the XXI Commonwealth Games.

Trevor’s commitment to design-led innovation and lean manufacturing makes him a strong advocate for the role of local businesses in major procurement programs. Through hands-on R&D and a customer-centric approach, Play Hard Sports consistently adapts its offering to meet evolving project requirements and sporting codes. Trevor brings practical insight into the opportunities and challenges smaller businesses face when supplying to large-scale events—such as the Olympic Games—and is keen to share lessons from his experience navigating procurement for high-profile venues around the world.

For members only: Click on 'discount 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