2026 Annual Business Forum

INV-057 Annual Business Forum 2026 Eventbrite.jpg

The 2026 Annual Business Forum, hosted by the Rural City of Wangaratta, features an expanded program designed to support and inspire the local business community.  

The highlight of the day is a networking event and a keynote from Mark “Squiz” Squirrell OAM, who will share lessons from his experience as an Australian Special Forces Commando and his humanitarian work worldwide, then connect with peers over great food and drinks.

The Business Expo will run from 4 to 6 pm with free entry. It features local organisations across finance, IT, HR, training, marketing, digital services, planning, and industry development. It offers a clear way for businesses to meet regional service providers and network with like-minded businesses. 

Exhibitors include: Computing Today, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Country Universities Centre Ovens Murray, CVGT Employment, Astrowave, Merriwa Industries, nbn Local, Propel Digital, The Centre for Continuing Education, Kinscope, Tomkinson and AusIndustry. 

The program also includes two focused workshops. Business Victoria will deliver a free Cash Flow workshop covering day-to-day financial management and ways to strengthen collections and supplier management. Local business Propel Digital will present a 2026 marketing trends workshop, giving operators clear guidance on staying visible and responding to changing customer behaviour.

With a blend of free and ticketed sessions, attendees can tailor their experience and walk away with practical, immediately applicable skills suited to their needs.  

Full Agenda


4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Digital Marketing in 2026 Workshop by Propel Digital

Marketing is evolving at a pace most businesses struggle to keep up with and in 2026, visibility won’t be something you “hope for.” It will come down to strategy, consistency, and understanding how people are discovering brands today. In this session, Propel Digital will unpack what businesses can expect in the year ahead and how digital marketing is shifting for regional operators.

To reserve your spot, please register here.


3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Cash Flow Workshop by Business Victoria - Free Event

Business Victoria, in collaboration with Monarch Institute are offering this workshop for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to know how to better manage cash flow. You will learn to: spot the difference between profit and cash, follow the business cash conversion cycle, manage suppliers and improve customer collections, and control marketing and inventory for healthy cash flow. You will create a cash flow forecast that gives you a clear roadmap to future financial strength by improving your cash flow. 

This is a free event. To reserve your spot, please register here.


4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Business Expo - Free Event

The Expo brings together service providers and organisations offering solutions in marketing, finance, IT, HR, training and more. Whether you want to strengthen your operations, access expert advice or build new partnerships, this event gives you the tools and connections to make it happen. 

This is a free event and no registration is required.

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Networking Event with Keynote Speaker Mark “Squiz” Squirrell OAM

Mark “Squiz” Squirrell OAM has led a life of extraordinary challenges and achievements. From earning the Green Beret as a Commando with the Australian Special Forces to working in humanitarian aid across conflict zones, Squiz has faced situations few of us can imagine: negotiating with armed rebels, responding to the Ebola outbreak, and summiting Himalayan peaks. His keynote will share practical lessons in resilience, leadership and decision-making under pressure, offering insights that apply to business and life.

After the presentation, enjoy a relaxed networking session with hot savoury platters and finger food. Drinks are available for purchase from the bar, and complimentary tea and coffee will be provided.

 

Business Expo Participants


AusIndustry logo  AusIndustry

 

Connecting your business to the support it needs. We are here to help you with:

  • information about grants, funding, and assistance from all levels of government
  • tailored guidance from an experienced  Regional Manager from our Business Outreach network
  • tools, tips and information to plan, start and grow your business

Untitled (1080 x 1080 px).png  Commonwealth Bank of Australia
 
 Commonwealth Bank of Australia is one of Australia’s leading providers of integrated financial services, offering retail, business, institutional banking, and investment solutions.

 
Untitled (1080 x 1080 px) (1).png Computing Today
 
Computing Today is 100% locally owned ICT business servicing the greater Hume region of North East Victoria and the Riverina area of Southern New South Wales. For over 35 years, our local team have been providing IT solutions to a range of businesses throughout the area and have developed long term, successful partnerships across a range of small, medium and corporate businesses. As your IT business partner, our team work diligently to provide proactive support that anticipates your needs, minimising potential disruptions, and ensuring project outcomes are consistently delivered to the highest standard.

CUC logo Country Universities Centre (CUC) Ovens Murray

CUC Ovens Murray is a Federally funded Regional University Study Hub offeringFREE services to students any course, at any university or higher education institution and have a facility in Wangaratta, Building F at the GOTAFE Docker Street campus (the building just behind the library).


CVGT logo  CVGT Employment

CVGT Employment is a for- purpose charitable employment service organisation. We’ve been supporting people to find meaningful work for over 40 years. We offer a range of employment programs and specialities in Victoria, New South Wales, and Tasmania. We believe in inclusive employment for every person and business and understand the positive impact meaningful and matched employment can make to people and communities.


Astrowave logo Astrowave

Astrowave helps Australian businesses take the stress out of HR and compliance by offering clear, practical and people-first support. We partner with employers to create confident leaders, compliant workplaces and positive cultures where teams can thrive.


Merriwa logo  Merriwa Industries

 For 50 years, Merriwa Industries has provided support for people with a disability in our community through meaningful employment and by creating pathways for growth and success. As one of Australia’s leading disability employers, we use an integrated employment model that brings together people with and without disability across our three packaging sites, laminated timber manufacturing, grounds maintenance teams, community services and our commercial nursery, Park Lane.


nbn local nbn Local

 

nbn Local is the regional engagement arm of NBN Co, dedicated to improving connectivity and digital capability in regional, rural and remote communities across Australia. Your nbn Local Team from Northeast Victoria works closely with local communities, businesses, and councils to deliver tailored solutions, support economic and community development, and ensure equitable access to the nbn™ network. Our focus is on fostering partnerships that help regional Australia thrive in a digital economy.


Propel digital logo  Propel Digital

 

Propel Digital is a specialist regional marketing team helping businesses build professional, consistent visibility across their entire digital footprint, from Google and Meta through to websites, email marketing, social media, branding, OOH creative and design. With a team of experts across strategy, content, creative and digital advertising, we support businesses who want to show up well online and stand out in their market. At the Expo, we’ll be offering rapid-fire 10-minute audits to help you understand what’s working, what’s holding your brand back and where your biggest opportunities lie in 2026. You’ll be able to ask questions about visibility, content, digital ads and audience behaviour and walk away with practical, immediate actions to strengthen your online presence. 


The Centre logo  The Centre for Continuing Education

The Centre for Continuing Education Inc is a trusted Registered Training Organisation committed to empowering individuals and businesses across Wangaratta and surrounding regions. Providing essential short training courses, including First Aid, RSA, Food Hygiene, Barista and digital literacy to Certificate training in Education Support, Individual Support. The Centre also provide foundational skills programs—covering literacy, numeracy, and workplace communication—to help participants build confidence and succeed in further training and employment.



Kinscope logo Kinscope

 At Kinscope, we solve planning challenges by combining bold thinking, creative strategy, and deep local insight. We believe that constraints are an opportunity for creativity. The more complex the challenge, the more potential for a remarkable outcome. It’s something we thrive on. It provokes us to reimagine the future, and to design remarkable places that reflect community values and deliver real outcomes.


Tomkinson logo  Tomkinson

Tomkinson provides ‘paddock to plate’ services for creative solutions in land use. We are the progressive landowner’s consultant for comprehensive advice, regional expertise, and leading-edge technology. A multi-disciplinary organisation featuring wide-ranging capabilities, proactive leadership, outstanding service and current technology. Our team provides Project Management, Civil Engineering, Town Planning and Land Surveying services.


 

 

 

 

Get Your Tickets Now

When

  • Thursday, 12 February 2026 | 03:30 PM - 09:00 PM

Location

Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre, 33-37 Ford St, Wangaratta VIC 3677, Suburb 1, 3677, View Map