ACKNOWLEDGEMENT TO COUNTRY
In Australia, the protocol is to recognise the Traditional Owners of the land to which we are gathering. Therefore, all presentations must begin with an acknowledgement to country and to local Traditional Elders: “We wish to acknowledge and respect the traditional custodians whose ancestral lands we are to meet upon. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal peoples to Country. We also pay respects to the cultural authority of Aboriginal peoples visiting / attending from other areas of Australia who are present here”.
Indigenous Conference Services acknowledges and pay our respect to the Traditional people of the Country. "Welcome to Country" ceremony and "acknowledging the traditional custodians" of the land shows respect for Aboriginal people as Australia's First Peoples. Ceremonies and protocols are a fundamental part of Aboriginal cultures.
THE CONFERENCE
The 2025 First Nations National Business Enterprise Conference is scheduled to be held at Hilton Hotel on the Gold Coast on July 30 - August 1, 2025. This year's conference aims to bring together individuals and business professionals from all sectors, to share knowledge and insight necessary to build successful First Nations businesses enterprise. The conference is a fantastic opportunity to share successes and learn new strategies and practices from business owners who are striving to be market leaders in their field. Through strengthening connections with First Nations business owners, entrepreneurs, and their networks, our goal is to cultivate strong and successful community ecosystems that support Indigenous excellence. This conference is designed to be proactive and focus on the why and how of business. The positive outlook is designed to make the statement: it is no longer acceptable to pay First Nation’s peoples to stay poor. With this in mind, we invite you and your organisation to participate wholeheartedly in this event.
Over the years, Indigenous business enterprises and employment has changed considerably. Supporting First Nations businesses, founders, and organisations to build collaborative partnerships that promote success and ensure a strong community outlook has never been so essential. Hence, it is envisaged that these conferences will be one of the largest Indigenous gathering happening in Canberra post-pandemic. Furthermore, the conference is designed as a collaborative process structured to facilitate an exchange of ideas and information so that joint solutions could be developed. This joint leadership approach served to ensure that our Aboriginal & Torres Straits Islander cultural heritage are acknowledged and celebrated, be it in business, training and employment sectors.
THE CONFERENCE PHILOSOPHY
The conference is designed to equip and empower delegates and drives First Nations peoples forward. The conference will also take an in-depth look at present day government policies and how they may affect our future. Today we have the largest number of representatives ever elected. This has in some way given Indigenous people a voice to the highest level in Local, Territory, State and federal governments. This conference aligns with the Australian Government’s priorities for its Indigenous Advancement strategy to make sure efforts are effectively targeted towards:
The positive impact that education has on the future success of individuals, families and communities is clear. Children who go to school have better life outcomes.
Employment, economic development and social participation improve the lives of families and communities. The right conditions and incentives need to be in place for First Nations peoples to participate in the economy and broader society.
Growing up in a healthy and safe home and community is essential for families to thrive and reach their full potential.
THE CONFERENCE THEME
Indigenous enterprises is key to increasing employment and strengthening Indigenous economy. However, many First Nations businesses fail within their first year of practice. Establishing collaborative partnerships between Indigenous businesses, communities, government bodies and mainstream organisations is beneficial for all parties involved. Most importantly, it helps First Nations communities and corporations to regain the control of their economy and wealth. To succeed in the sustained employment of First Nations peoples workforces and First Nations business owners, organisations must further their communication and collaboration, and develop their processes to meet changing policies.
Similarly, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurs strengthen Indigenous enterprises through partnerships and collaboration. The conference aims to initiate the building of useful business network through collaboration to deliver mutually beneficial goals for sustainable business outcomes and employment of our mob. Building capability and capacity for Indigenous business owners drives financial independence and wealth creation opportunities for businesses and communities is now possible. The conference will provide opportunity for delegates to brainstorm and develop strategies for industry and government to engage with Indigenous communities to build stronger business and industry networks and to advance business opportunities in rural and regional communities.
The conference will highlight how First Nations and mainstream businesses are working together with government and First Nations peoples to find innovative ways to address the challenges faced by Indigenous businesses. The conference will include keynote speakers, practical workshops, exhibitions/expo and concurrent sessions as well as yarning circles and interactive panel discussions. The conference is not politically based, rather should be seen as an opportunity to access information and networking opportunity that is not readily available.
THE CONFERENCE AIMS
The 2025 First Nations National Indigenous Business Enterprise Conference aims to give a voice to First Nations peoples to share their concerns, their story and experiences whilst seeking or maintaining their business enterprise especially during the pandemic. This conference presents a chance for First Nations engage with industry leaders and peers, to learn cutting edge innovations and techniques as well as hear firsthand experiences from First Nations peoples. The conference objectives are designed to empower and stimulate discussion in a positive manner that can and may be used back in our work environments to further develop strength, unity and education. Moreover, one of the most powerful objectives that Indigenous peoples have is the strength to overcome adversity through the power of sharing knowledge and therefore the conference will attempt to foster all of the issues set out in this conference. The conference believes that the participation of First Peoples in the consultation, planning, formulation of policies and programs is fundamentally important to achieve our desired goal for Indigenous economic development. Moreover, the conference also aims to:
Provide an open and frank forum for discussion
To promote Aboriginal self-determination and self-management
To promote further First Nations economic, social and cultural development
To highlight that First Nations Peoples are intricate part of the Australian fabric
To promote leadership in Indigenous communities
To highlight First Nations Peoples are succeeding
Strengthen the existing networks of First Nations Entrepreneurs
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Indigenous Men & Women
Indigenous Business Operators
Aboriginal Community Groups
Community Elders/Leaders
Employment Agencies and RTOs
Researchers
Policy makers
Community representatives
Government – Local, State/Territory and Commonwealth
Students & Jobseekers
Community cooperatives
CEOs, Executive Management, Program Managers
Government and Non-Government Organisation Representatives
Economists, Researchers, Scientists
Chairs, Principals and Board Members
Department Heads: Indigenous Education, Economic Development, Indigenous Employment
Aboriginal Corporations
Aboriginal Councils and Shires Not-for-Profits
Mainstream Corporations
Public & Private Schools
Higher Education
YOUR INVITATION
We wish to invite Indigenous and non-Indigenous business operators and consultants from Australia and throughout to attend the conference to share and gather information. We also extend an invitation to participants to join us at the conference dinner in a relaxed atmosphere. To ensure that delegates attend and participate, it is important to note that to show accountability of delegates in meeting their obligation, each delegate will receive a Certificate of Attendance only when they attend 85% of all the conference sessions. In addition, delegates will receive a compilation of all papers & presentations presented at the conference.
Who: First Nations Peoples, Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Businesses, Government Agencies & Others
When: July 30 - August 1, 2025
Where: Hilton Hotel on the Gold Coast
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm
SHARE & CELEBRATE FIRST NATIONS STORIES & EXPERIENCES
Come and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, strengths, successes and empowerment. So that we may share each other’s stories and ideas in an atmosphere that empowers and strengthens all delegates.
Why Attend
This conference presents a unique opportunity for delegates to participate in a positive environment that is dedicated to the sharing of information and the empowering of all who attend. In our everyday working environment the day to day stresses of our positions tends to limit us in expanding our knowledge and networking. Whether you work at a community level or at governmental level the opportunity to network and gain contacts outside of your local region tend to be limited, this is why this conference will be so valuable to participants. Hence, all Indigenous people and non-indigenous people whether professional or community-based, who have a vested interest in juvenile justice are invited.
BENEFITS OF ATTENDING FOR THE EMPLOYER
As an employee, we are asked to present valid reasons why we should attend. Listed below are valid points that can be raised with your employer to justify your attendance: Staff attending conferences regularly tend to become long term employees. An event such as this adds to the positive morale of staff.
- Staff attending conferences regularly tend to become long-term employees.
- An event such as this adds to the positive morale of staff.
- Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training.
- Provides the opportunity to further enhance the organisation's knowledge base.
- The opportunity for saving organisations money because of the short duration of the event.
- Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and internationally.
- May provide organisations with new ideas.
- Gives organisations a showcase and voice at a national level.
- Provide an opportunity to evaluate various programs.
- Because this event is conducted over a short period, staff are only absent for a minimal number of days.
CALLING FOR PAPER
To ensure grassroots community programs are highlighted, no less than 50 per cent of the conference proceedings are and is devoted to community groups. If your paper is selected, you may have more than one presenter to present your paper. However, only two presenters will be entitled to the registration discount. If you are chosen to present at the conference, your paper will form part of the conference proceedings and be distributed at the conclusion of the event with all other presentations.
Guidelines in Submitting Paper:
- Papers should not contain offensive language and take into account cultural sensitivities of Australian first nation people.
- Papers must treat the themes in a manner that contributes to further discussion of conference aims.
- Conference papers must be presented in the finished format not less than 60 days prior to the event.
- Papers that are not chosen in the first round may be resubmitted in the second round.
- Papers MUST be submitted in Microsoft Word format. Papers in other formats will NOT be considered.
- Authors of papers presented at the conference will be formally notified of their acceptance in writing.
- A registration fee of $750 will apply to all persons submitting papers, payable within 7 days upon notification of acceptance.
- Papers should explore ways in which the themes show up in the philosophy of the conference.
- All papers must be presented in a positive and informative light.
- To submit a paper, please complete the online form at this link: SUBMIT A PAPER HERE.
- Conferences are a great way of providing ongoing training and provide the opportunity to further enhance the organisation's knowledge base.
- Allows delegates to showcase the organisation nationally and internationally.
- May provide organisations with new ideas and gives organisations a voice at a national/international level.
- Provides an opportunity to evaluate various programs.
- Because this event is conducted over a short period, staff are only absent for a minimal amount of time.
GUEST SPEAKERS
The event is blessed with a kaleidoscope of guest speakers, sharing stories, successes and challenges they’ve overcome, presenting great opportunities and inspiration for delegates to participate in an event that is devoted to the sharing of Culture, Empowerment, Education & Networking. Drawn from a variety of cultural backgrounds, professional careers, and grassroots community commitments, this year’s conference speakers are the difference between an ordinary and extraordinary event; one that is soon forgotten and one which lingers in attendees' memories, a source of tremendous benefit long after the conference is over.
REGISTRATION
Register early to get a discount! Please note that registrations are set out in an affordable way for organisations, which changes on a monthly basis. Hence the earlier you register, the more savings for your organisation. Registration fees include all-day access to the event, available conference papers, daily lunch, and refreshments for registered delegates only. Fees do not include travel costs or accommodation. Registration fees must be received within 7 DAYS from being issued an invoice. Otherwise, bookings will not be considered. To register, please click on the registration button and complete the form. Upon receipt of your completed registration form, we will email you the tax invoice.
SPONSORING THE CONFERENCE
Flexible sponsorship packages are available. Sponsorship opportunities are only open to businesses and private enterprises, not individuals. To showcase your organisation to all conference delegates, ICS has developed hassle-free promotional opportunities and sponsorship packages according to your budget and tailored to your organisation’s needs.
- Gold Sponsorship ($10,000) includes: Keynote session or Break-out sessions, Waived registration fees for your selected staff, Complimentary seats at networking conference dinner, Complimentary display table & USB with photos for reporting purposes.
- Silver Sponsorship ($7,000) includes: Keynote session, Waived registration fees for your selected staff, Complimentary seats at networking conference dinner, Complimentary display table & USB with photos for reporting purposes.
- Bronze Sponsorship ($5,000) includes: Break-out Session, Waived registration fee for your selected staff, Complimentary Display Table & USB with photos for reporting purposes.
To sponsor the conference, please contact us. Indigenous Conference Services (Australia) will be of further assistance in tailoring your sponsorship arrangement. Please phone us on +61 4557 76 668 or send us your expression of interest to admin@icsconferences.org.
CONTACT US
For more information or inquiries, please reach out to us at the following contact details:
- ICS-MEES Pty Ltd
- Indigenous Conference Services (Australia)
- Postal Address: P.O. BOX 702 EDMONTON LPO QLD 4869
- Web: www.icsconferences.org
- Email: admin@icsconferences.org
- Phone: 07 40009111, +61 4557 76 668
