By member Matt Braithwaite-Young.

Last week’s Business Forum brought together a packed room for two outstanding member briefings and a highly engaging discussion.

The session opened with introductions, allowing members to share insights from their current business landscape before moving into sector briefings.

Gary Garner provided a detailed overview of trading conditions and the state of the economy in Papua New Guinea, highlighting its closer relevance to Australian business than many realise. This sparked a strong discussion, with members gaining a deeper understanding of the region beyond what is typically seen in the media.

Alex Scholz then walked the group through the latest developments in applied artificial intelligence, focusing on its integration into business and sales systems. His insights were timely, practical and thought provoking, particularly as many members are actively exploring AI to improve efficiency and drive revenue.

With ongoing economic uncertainty, rising inflation, shifting consumer confidence and increasing costs, the Business Forum continues to provide valuable early insights, diverse perspectives and practical ideas to help members adapt and succeed.

Looking ahead, Business Forum After Dark will take place on Thursday 16 April, focusing on property. With expert members leading the discussion and strong relevance across the Australian economy, this promises to be another valuable session.

Thank you to all members who attended and contributed. We look forward to continuing to grow the forum throughout 2026.