Boost your Business: Smart Tech, Secure Future

Please note: this event is run by the Small Business Development Corporation for small business owners in Western Australia only.

With technology evolving at a rapid rate, business owners who can adapt to this changing landscape are most likely to thrive.

Whether it's using artificial intelligence (AI) to boost your efficiency, securing vital business information from cyber threats or making smarter, data driven decisions, the Boost your Business conference will arm you with practical strategies to help you stay ahead of the curve.

This highly practical one day conference, facilitated by Edith Cowan University will equip you with the knowledge and skills to integrate the right technology solutions to protect, optimise and grow your business.

This event will teach you:

• The fundamentals of generative AI and how to design effective prompts
• How to leverage data analytics to identify and target customers
• Which practical AI tools can enhance your marketing and improve conversion rates
• How to protect your business from cyber security risks

The conference will feature:

• Keynote presentations from industry leaders
• Interactive sessions designed to provide a hands on experience
• Opportunities to network with fellow business owners, industry leaders and digital transformation specialists throughout the day

Program

SESSION 1: Generative AI - An overview, options and prompt design best practices

Discover the benefits and shortcomings of AI, the importance of creating the right prompts, usage scenarios and what to consider when creating an AI framework for your business.

This session covers:

• Understanding Generative AI tools without getting too technical
• The pros and cons of using AI, with a focus on risks and challenges
• What is a prompt and how to ensure best practices for desired outcomes
• Using AI (ChatGPT specifically) to summarise documents, create templates and generate engaging content

Meet your presenter
Dr Ross Yates is an experienced IT professional with cross sector expertise in engineering, mining, higher education, healthcare and not for profit industries. He collaborates closely with professionals as an educator and competence assessor. 

SESSION 2: Using data analytics to identify and target customers

Discover the fundamentals of identifying and targeting high value customers. Watch a demonstration of a Generative AI data analytics tool used for customer analytics, enhancing customer insights and marketing strategies.

This session covers:

• How AI design prompts can assist with basic data analytics and forecasting
• Methods for analysing qualitative data for marketing purposes
• Developing strategic marketing actions based on data analysis

Meet your presenter
Dr Saalem Sadeque is the Course Coordinator of Marketing and a Lecturer in Marketing at Edith Cowan University. He specialises in consumer behaviour, marketing research and analytics, and brand management.

SESSION 3: AI tools for marketing efficiency and productivity

Discover the latest AI powered tools for marketing and learn how to use them effectively. This hands on session will guide attendees through creating AI generated marketing assets and integrating AI for business efficiency.

This session covers:

• Exploring AI tools for marketing your business
• Creating a digital avatar
• Developing AU generated marketing assets
• Integrating chat bots for customer support and inquiry management

Meet your presenter
Associate Professor Suku Sukunesan is an innovation and AI specialist with more than 20 years of experience in academia and industry. his experience spans government projects and SME collaborations. He has also contributed to AI policy, marketing analysis, and startup mentorship across Southeast Asia and Australia. 

SESSION 4: Cyber security - risk minimisation and responding to a hack

Uncover the basics of cyber security - the top threats to small businesses, what you can do to minimise your risk and how to respond to a hack.

This session covers:

• Understanding cyber security risks including those associated with AI
• Real world case studies of cyber attacks
• Protecting customer data from threats like ransomware and phishing
• What to do if you suspect your business has been hacked

Meet your presenter
Matt Kaeser has more than 15 years of experience in corporate business administration and marketing, combined with a Master of Cyber Security from Edith Cowan University. He specialises in cyber security awareness for small and medium sized businesses. 

What's included

• Access to an online learning hub with all program assets
• Free downloads and tools to support you
• Light lunch and refreshments
• Peer to peer networking opportunities
• Exclusive discount codes to enhance your business learning journey through 2025

Cost

The Boost your Business Conference is available for just $80 thanks to substantial funding from the Western Australian Government.

Important booking information

If this is your first workshop with us or you have any queries, check out our Workshop Frequently Asked Questions or get in touch with us at workshops@smallbusiness.wa.gov.au.

Bookings are limited to two tickets each, however you can make more than one booking. If you are booking for more than one person, please provide each person's email address so they receive our emails with important reminders and event information.

To book for larger groups, please contact us on 133 140 or email workshops@smallbusiness.wa.gov.au

If you can no longer attend, please cancel so your place can be made available to another business owner. You can cancel your booking from the update order button on your order confirmation email. Cancellations and refunds for paid workshops can be made up to 24 hours before the workshop starts.

Additional information for workshops

We are committed to supporting all WA small business owners, including those with diverse needs. Our workshops are delivered in a variety of buildings, locations and formats. If you would like further information about accessing a particular workshop, please email workshops@smallbusiness.wa.gov.au or call 133 140.