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.