FWD›SUSTAIN
FWD›SUSTAIN helps you integrate sustainability into every aspect of your business.
Learn from leaders, tackle wicked sustainability problems, and uncover how a sustainable approach can give your business a competitive edge.
FWD›SUSTAIN is the essential stream for entrepreneurs committed to creating a better tomorrow. From panel discussions with sustainability trailblazers to interactive ideation sessions solving real-world challenges, this program delivers actionable insights to drive impactful change.
As an elite performance coach, Rich centres his approach on the mastery of the breath.
Sustainability and ESG are not just feel good concepts—they are a proven path to growth, and Ryan has spent over 25 years showing companies exactly how to achieve it.
A seasoned expert in subscription business models, Rob specialises in turning customer transactions into long-term relationships.
Sam is the Founder and CEO of Transform Engine, an outsourcing company based in the Philippines and Nepal that employs survivors of slavery in technology-centric jobs.
Cliff Benns is a 5x founder turned purpose driven business coach who built and exited several multimillion dollar ventures in mining, climate tech, manufacturing, and waste & recycling.
Tate's approach to sustainability isn't just about environmental protection… it’s comprehensive, innovative, and community-driven.
Naomi's company Suncoast Biochem delivers sustainable, traceable ingredients through a B2B model that includes bulk supply, private label services, and strategic partnerships.
FWD›SUSTAIN’s Sessions
Storytelling
Explore the journey of Knobby with Rob Rand, Founder and CEO, as he shares how bold creativity and purposeful innovation turned Australia’s first subscription underwear brand into a global success story. Discover how Sunshine Coast-based Knobby blends circular design, recycled materials, and a send-back program with a fast-moving startup mindset and values-led culture shaped by belly, brain, body, and buddy. This session reveals how aligning innovation, environmental intent, and a distinctive internal culture has created deep customer loyalty and driven global momentum with a lighter footprint.
Venue 114
Learning
With the 2032 Games only 7 years away, NOW is the time to build a sustainable business model that positions you to do business in the new world of ESG's, Cybersecurity, ISO certifications, SDG's and the like. Presented by Sunshine Coast 2032, this innovative project brings together the best of the best on the Sunshine Coast to share their steps to success.
Venue 114
FWD›LUNCH & LEARN
Following his acclaimed FWD>>>FEST debut in 2023, we are incredibly excited to welcome back Daniel Flynn, Co-Founder of Thankyou, as the Keynote Speaker for the FWD>DAY ONE Lunch & Learn Session at FWD>>>FEST 25. Daniel will share his insights on building a sustainable social enterprise and challenging conventional business models that are relatable to all business types. Learn from Thankyou's journey of funding vital global programs through consumer products.
Venue 114
Immersion
What if sustainability was your best business strategy—not just for climate impact, but for building a resilient, valuable company? In this session, hear from founders who’ve reimagined sustainability across product design, supply chain relationships, governance models, and customer experience. This isn’t about buzzwords. It’s about aligning impact with innovation and building companies that last. Learn how these leaders have made sustainability a competitive advantage—from the factory floor to customer retention—and how you can, too.
Venue 114
Action
Join Rich Burrows from Performance Breathing Australia for a guided exploration of the immense power of conscious breath control. “The mind is the king of the senses, but the breath is the king of the mind.” The path of the founder or entrepreneur is one that will repeatedly challenge body, mind and spirit. The ability to sustain focus, to sustain energy, to sustain motivation will determine whether the vision one wishes to share with the world is itself sustainable. No amount of grit, or hustle or grind will overcome the inevitable setbacks along the path. We need to develop the internal skillset to ride these waves, find agency over our internal state, and cultivate the ability to harness attention; to show up as the best version of ourselves on any given day. The breath offers a compass on this journey. Rich will lead you through a range of practical exercises deployed by world class athletes, elite military operators and business executives to find calm in the chaos. No gimmicks, no special equipment, all you need to pay is attention.
Venue 114
Networking
The perfect way to wind down and catchup with old connections, make new ones and celebrate a big first day at FWD>>>FEST. All thanks to the Sunshine Coast Tech Industry Alliance (SCTechIA) who provides the first shout! SCTechIA is the gateway for the digital economy and a driving force for industry development, advancement, promotion and connection!
Venue 114
Connect, Support & Grow
DAY ONE is a full day dedicated to providing entrepreneurs and innovators with the tools, connections and support they need to accelerate to the next level through the delivery of 4 Streams delivering real life storytelling, learning, immersion and action!
Challenge, Lead & Drive
DAY TWO is a full day meticulously designed to challenge the mindset and business acumen of our entrepreneurs, innovators and their support system.
Professional and personal development are a cornerstone to leadership and this day is designed to produce our next gen leaders.
Conversate, Collaborate & Act!
DAY THREE will be like no other day you have ever experienced, designed to encourage the conversations that should happen, but don’t!
This day is designed to be life-changing and fun. Our hope is that in 10 years you look back and realise that the people and opportunities that shaped your future, you met at FWD›››FEST 25.
7 - 9 MAY 2025 Sunshine Coast
Silicon Coast and partners pays our deepest respect to the Traditional Custodians of this country; the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara peoples of the coastal plains and hinterlands of the Sunshine Coast, as we honor them as the original storytellers, innovators, and custodians of this land, embracing their wisdom to innovate while respecting the sacred ground on which it takes place.
© 2022 - 2025 FWD›››FEST | SILICONCOAST. All Rights Reserved.
