Introduction:
On 13th February 2024, Bec and Paul had the distinct pleasure of representing Ace Business in attending the Xero Summer Series 2024, held at the iconic National Wine Centre in Adelaide. This event was a different style of event from Xero aimed at providing a unique blend of insightful discussions about the state of business in South Australia and Australia, both now and in the future, tips for work/life balance and extra productivity along with networking opportunities, and, of course, an exquisite selection of wine and food to end the day.
Event Overview:
The Xero Summer Series is designed to bring together thought leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to share knowledge, trends, and experiences that are shaping the future of business. This year’s event in Adelaide was no exception, offering an engaging platform for learning and collaboration against the backdrop of one of Australia’s most prestigious wine venues.
Session Highlights and Insights:
The event kicked off with a warm welcome from our MC, Aly Garrett, who set the stage for a day of learning and exploration. Each session offered unique insights, from the state of Australian small businesses to the future of work and innovation. She was humorous and captivating and kept us entertained throughout the event with her local take on things.
State of Play for Australian Small Businesses | Louise Southall: Louise Southall provided a compelling overview of the current landscape for small businesses in Australia. Her analysis, rooted in the latest Xero Small Business Insights data, painted a vivid picture of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses amid inflation and high interest rates. This session was invaluable for understanding the economic pulse of the nation and our state.
Why You Should Have Confidence in Australia’s Future | Bernard Salt: Bernard Salt’s presentation was a highlight, offering an optimistic outlook for Australia’s future. His discussion on demographic shifts, supply chain recovery, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Millennials was both inspiring and enlightening. Salt’s vision for a prosperous Australia beyond 2024 left us feeling hopeful and excited for what’s to come. It was obvious that Bernard had a keen interest in statistics and they were presented exceptionally well.
AI and beyond: reimagining the future | Andrew Hirst: Andrew Hirst’s session on the impact of technology on small businesses was a deep dive into the potential of AI and other transformative technologies. His insights into how businesses today are leveraging these tools set a compelling roadmap for our own practice’s future. He also delved into what the future may look like it ten years time, with the rapidly expanding technology improvements paving the way for a very AI filled future.
Innovate the Way You Work | Dr Amantha Imber: Dr. Amantha Imber‘s interactive keynote on driving change and enhancing productivity was a masterclass in innovation. Her science-backed strategies and psychological insights provided practical approaches to restructuring our workday for peak performance and conquering distractions. The audience was engaged with the presentation and included some great exercises.
Networking Drinks: The day wrapped up with networking drinks, where the conversations flowed as freely as the wine. This was a chance to connect with speakers, fellow attendees, and thought leaders, further enriching our experience with personal stories and shared ambitions. The wines went down beautifully on a lovely summers day in Adelaide, and we had some amazing food to feast on, including some incredible Freshly Shucked Coffin Bay Oysters.
Reflections and Conclusion:
The Xero Summer Series 2024 was more than just an event; it was a catalyst for growth and inspiration. The insights gained from each session have equipped us with a deeper understanding of the evolving business landscape and the tools needed to navigate it successfully.
As we reflect on the day’s learnings, we are grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such an enriching experience. We left the National Wine Centre not just with new knowledge, but with renewed enthusiasm for the future of our practice and the broader Australian business community.
Here’s to a future filled with innovation, growth, and success.