Business Matters: Culture, Commerce and the Queensland Economy
Culture, Commerce and the Queensland Economy
Culture, Commerce and the Queensland Economy - turning global attention into lasting economic value
Brisbane 2032 will put Queensland in the spotlight - but the real opportunity starts well before the opening ceremony. This is our chance to harness international attention, cultural momentum, and worldwide connections to create new markets, strategic partnerships, and long-term economic value for businesses across the state.
This Business Matters event, supported by Australian Retirement Trust, will explore how Queensland can make the most of global attention in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 to drive growth in visitor numbers, strengthen trade connections, attract investment, and unlock commercial opportunities that last well beyond the Games.
The keynote address will be delivered by Steven Marshall, President and CEO of the American Australian Association and former South Australian Premier, bringing a national leadership perspective on international engagement, economic opportunity, and the legacy potential of Brisbane 2032.
Join business, cultural and industry leaders for a forward-looking conversation about how Queensland can turn this once-in-a-generation moment into practical growth opportunities for businesses, industries and communities statewide.
Event details
Date: Thursday 17 September 2026
Time: 11:30am, with formalities commencing 12noon - 2:00pm
Venue: The Boulevard Room, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
Tickets
Business Chamber Queensland member price:
Single ticket: $180 + GST
Table of 8: $1,290 + GST
General admission:
Single ticket: $220 + GST
Table of 8: $1,580 + 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.
Meet the Speakers
The Hon. Steven Marshall AO, President and CEO, The American Australian Association
Steven Marshall AO is President and CEO of the American Australian Association, where he leads the Association’s work to strengthen the relationship between Australia and the United States across business, government, defence, technology, education and culture. Based in New York, he is focused on deepening bilateral ties and creating new opportunities for collaboration between the two countries. Marshall served as the 46th Premier of South Australia from 2018 to 2022. During his time in government, he also held a number of ministerial portfolios, including Defence and Space Industries, the Arts, Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, and Veterans’ Affairs. As Premier, he led a significant transformation of South Australia’s economy, with a particular focus on advanced manufacturing, defence, space, technology, energy and the creative industries, helping position the state as an increasingly important centre for innovation and investment. Marshall also served as South Australia’s Minister for the Arts from 2018 to 2022 and has been a longstanding advocate for the role of arts and culture in economic and community development. That interest continues in his current role in New York. The American Australian Association has a strong commitment to strengthening cultural ties between Australia and the United States, supporting emerging and established Australian talent across screen, visual arts and the performing arts. Through scholarship and cultural programs developed over more than two decades, the Association has helped Australian artists, filmmakers and performers pursue opportunities in the United States and build enduring connections between the creative communities of both countries.
Harvey Lister AM, President and Chief Executive of the Asia Pacific and Middle East for Legends Global
Harvey Lister AM is President and Chief Executive of the Asia Pacific and Middle East for Legends Global, and one of Australia’s most influential figures in live entertainment, venue management, and tourism. He began his career in public relations at Myer in 1971 and launched Tour Promotions in 1975, managing venues and entertainment agencies including the Brisbane Underground Nightclub and Premier Artists Queensland. In 1986, Lister founded Queensland Leisure, managing the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and pioneering world-class venue development in partnership with AEG Facilities. This evolved into AEG Ogden, which later merged to form Legends-ASM Global in 2019. As Chairman and CEO, Lister now oversees more than 300 premier venues worldwide, including Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, London’s O2 Arena, and LA Live. Lister’s leadership has driven immense growth in Queensland and Australia’s tourism economies. He has helped deliver over 40,000 global events and generated significant economic benefits, such as a $50 million boost from a single Pink concert in Townsville. His legacy includes innovations like the VenueShield COVID-safety program.
Jacqui Feeney, CEO, Screen Queensland
Jacqui Feeney is CEO of Screen Queensland where she leads a team dedicated to building a sustainable, future proofed screen industry in Queensland. Jacqui is a highly strategic creative business leader experience in entertainment, tech and innovation. Previously she held senior management roles at leading national and global media and entertainment companies including Fox Networks Group, National Geographic, Foxtel and SBS World Movies where she led major commissions and growth initiatives. Jacqui has held a range of board responsibilities, including directorships with Ausfilm, start-up incubator Fishburners, Foxtel joint-ventures Nickelodeon and XYZ, the ASTRA industry association, plus NFPs Documentary Australia and the Sydney Film Festival where she was chair.
Charlie Cush, CEO, Brisbane Festival
Charlie Cush has been CEO of Brisbane Festival since 2018, overseeing one of Australia’s major city-wide festivals and a cornerstone of Brisbane’s cultural calendar. Under his leadership in 2025, the Festival engaged more than 2,200 artists, attracted over two million attendances and generated $64.76 million in gross economic impact. Previously General Manager of Circa, Cush helped grow the company into a global leader in contemporary circus, touring to 40 countries. His career also spans senior public-sector roles in arts, culture and place-based strategy, alongside current advisory positions focused on sustainable and vibrant night time economies.
Jessica Reid, Chief of Staff to the President and Director of Government Relations, Brisbane 2032
Jessica Reid is Chief of Staff to the President and Director of Government Relations for the Brisbane Organising Committee for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Jessica’s career began in media and communications and has seen her live and work in locations around the world, including Australia, the UK and Asia-Pacific, as a journalist, presenter, editor and consultant to global corporates and government entities. Jessica has worked for state and federal governments, advising Ministers and the NSW Premier. She was the Chief of Staff to the Minister for Home Affairs during the Covid-19 Pandemic, supporting the management of the international border and helping to secure vital medical equipment to Australians. She was thrilled to return to Brisbane - the city that she grew up in - to take up her current role with Brisbane 2032.
Thanks to our Series Partner
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