NINETY local businessmen and women turned out for an information session in Bowen, on Monday, as early morning fog lifted off the bay, beside the Bowen Golf Club.
The session, dubbed LeadIN, was launched by the Resources Centre of Excellence (RCoE), in Mackay, which aims to connect the brightest minds in research, technology and education, to shape and drive businesses into the future.
It is the first time it has been held in Bowen and brought together representatives of the regional council, farmers and growers, small and medium businesses, tourism operators, hospitality and accommodation workers, and school students.
RCoE spokeswoman Tracey Dean said the meeting had three sessions spanning the morning and afternoon.
“We provide inspirational speakers focusing on business transformation into the future,” she said.
“There are a number of innovative businesses here and the speakers provided them information to help create networking opportunities, particularly business to business.”
There were different themes at each of the sessions including ‘proof that technology and innovation create new jobs’, ‘how data can drive a competitive edge’ and ‘how harnessing the right opportunities can make the region stand out, not just fit in’.
Ms Dean said she hoped attendees left inspired and empowered for growth within the region.
Key speaker Neil Glentworth focused on using data to drive innovation and growth, while Damian Bell, of the Wagner Corporation, Toowoomba, told listeners to take their region to the world.
Gilmour Space Technologies’ James Gilmour, meanwhile, outlined his company’s ambitions and achievements, and there were also talks about practical applications of artificial intelligence on horticulture, and a session on the workforce of the future.
Ms Dean said the meeting gave those attending advice and examples of transformation opportunities to ensure the local region remained competitive and the place to be for decades to come.
