Nearly 100 local business leaders, partners and community stakeholders gathered at Rydges North Sydney on Wednesday 6 May for the latest North Sydney Bears Business Breakfast, an event that once again showcased the strength of the Bears’ growing business and community network.
Guests enjoyed a delicious plated hot breakfast and barista-made coffee while hearing from an outstanding panel of speakers across sport, business, technology and community inclusion.
Media personality Jaimee Rogers expertly emceed the morning, leading engaging conversations with guest speakers Ben Ikin, CEO of the Queensland Rugby League, Richie Paul, Managing Partner at IBM Consulting, and Rick Dalton, CEO of Danny Met Sally.
Ikin provided valuable insight into Queensland’s State of Origin preparations, the commercial strength of rugby league and the importance of continuing to strengthen junior development pathways while exploring new ways to engage regional and rural communities.
Paul discussed the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence and its growing impact on fan engagement, including how the Perth Bears will utilise AI technology when memberships launch later this month. He encouraged business leaders to embrace emerging technologies and highlighted the importance of adapting quickly in an evolving digital landscape.
Dalton spoke passionately about inclusion in sport for the disability sector and the importance of partnerships that create genuine community impact, expressing excitement about working alongside a community-focused organisation like the North Sydney Bears.
The event concluded with an update from North Sydney Bears CEO Gareth Holmes and Chairman Daniel Dickson, who reflected on the club’s strong start to the season, significant off-field commercial growth and the exciting pathway connection developing with the Perth Bears ahead of their future entry into the NRL.
The North Sydney Bears thank all attendees, speakers and partners for contributing to another successful Business Breakfast and look forward to continuing to build meaningful connections across the business and sporting communities.
