When you combine these changes with the speed of technological advances over the next few years, it’s becoming difficult to imagine what our business and our working life will be like by 2020.
For example, between the North West Rail Link, NorthConnex and the increasing work-from-home trend, will the traffic decrease significantly? Will driverless cars also become a reality in that time frame?
Might home delivered bread, milk and other groceries make a comeback in that environment? And who (or what, considering recent news stories) will be delivering our Friday night pizzas?
Change and growth looks very much like opportunity when you have an entrepreneurial nature, but to take advantage of it business owners need to have a pretty good idea of how changing demographics and trends will change customer needs and/or expectations.
And while we might not have ready access to a working crystal ball, educating ourselves, tuning in to information on changes and advances, and thinking about their likely impact on our society (and our business) is the next best thing.
One of our roles as a business Chamber is to tap into available expertise and help our members stay informed.
It’s with that in mind that this year’s Chamber Chairman’s Lunch on 20 April 2016 will focus on the changes and developments afoot, particularly in regard to infrastructure and social trends, and how those changes could affect the way we do business, and what type of business we’re doing, in the years ahead.
I am pleased to announce we have organised a stellar panel including the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure:
Panellists at the Chairman’s Lunch will include:
Andrew Constance MP - Minister for Transport and Infrastructure
The Minister oversees some of the biggest infrastructure projects in the country, including the CBD Light Rail and Sydney Metro, which will see the construction of a second harbour rail crossing, delivering more trains and faster services for the entire city.
Gary White - Chief Planner, NSW Department of Planning & Environment
Gary has a comprehensive understanding of all planning facets, having previously held senior roles with MacroPlan Dimasi and Queensland’s Local and State Governments.
Dr Michelle Byrne –The Mayor The Hills Shire Council
Two time Mayor of the Hills Shire – in addition to leading a rapidly developing Shire the Mayor and councillors are navigating through the state governments council amalgamation initiative.
Tom Gellibrand - Deputy Project Director and Rapid Transit Integration North West Rail Link
Tom has over 25 years’ experience in strategic planning at the state and local government level, having been directly responsible for the preparation of major infrastructure planning and delivery strategies.
Mark McCrindle -Social Researcher and Demographer
Mark McCrindle is a social researcher with an international following. He is recognised as a leader in tracking emerging issues and researching social trends. As an award winning social researcher Mark has appeared across many television networks and other media. He is a best-selling author, an influential thought leader, TEDx speaker and Principal of McCrindle Research.
Attendees will be treated to some excellent insights into the future of Sydney over a pleasant lunch. If you’re determined to stay apprised of trends and changes and ensure your business is well positioned to adapt, it will be well worth your while to attend.
This year’s Chairman’s Lunch will be held at the Castle Hill RSL. You can book individual tickets through the Events Page on the Chamber website www.sydneyhillsbusiness.com.au. If you’d like to book a Table of 10 and bring your entire team along (or perhaps your favourite clients), email
admin@sydneyhillsbusiness.com.au .
