Program

The Business Outlook 2012 program brings you another stellar line up of speakers. Designed for senior executives and management groups, the program is formed around a series of themed presentations and reflective panel discussions to create a unique and interactive learning experience. This year more emphasis is placed on knowledge sharing with the enhancement of roundtable discussions and more networking opportunities.

Program overview

Time	Session
8.15 am – 8.50 am	Registration and arrival refreshments
8.50 am – 9.00 am	Opening remarks and welcome
9.00 am – 10.00 am	Beyond the boom – toward a balanced and diversified economy
10.00 am – 10.30 am	Morning tea and networking break
10.30 am – 11.20 am	Australia’s global positioning – securing our future prosperity
11.20 am – 12.30 pm	Promoting competition and productivity – leading change in a regulatory business landscape
12.30 pm – 2.00 pm	Business luncheon Life in the fast lane – business and sport
2.00 pm – 3.05 pm	Mapping growth opportunities – value creation, investment and emerging markets
3.05 pm – 3.35 pm	Afternoon tea and networking break
3.35 pm – 4.45 pm	Rethinking the business model in a new economy – toward building a sustainable future
4.45 pm – 5.45 pm	Australia and the world
5.45 pm – 7.30 pm	Post-conference cocktail function

Day one

Time	Session
8.15 am – 8.50am	Registration and arrival refreshments
8.50 am – 9.00 am	Opening remarks and welcome
9.00 am – 10.00 am	Session title: Beyond the boom – toward a balanced and diversified economy Speaker: Professor Ian Harper Partner, Deloitte Access Economics Australia relies heavily on the resources boom to maintain a high standard of living and a strong economy. With a strong currency, an ageing workforce, rising skill shortages and shrinking industries such as the manufacturing sector, a balanced and diversified economy is needed to ensure continued growth and sustainability. Australian businesses must take into account public policy reforms, the United States and eurozone crises and emerging markets such as China, and make the most of opportunities.
10.00 am – 10.30 am	Morning tea and networking break
10.30 am – 11.20 am	Session title: Australia’s global positioning – securing our future prosperity Speakers: Professor the Hon Stephen Martin Chief Executive Officer, CEDA Dr Peter Van Onselen Winthrop Professor of Journalism, University of Western Australia and Contributing Editor, The Australian Is the Australian Government making the right decisions to secure Australia’s future prosperity and global position? Professor Martin and Professor van Onselen will explore the following themes in the context of the emerging world market and Australian policy changes: Australia’s public policy approach – is it supporting competitive growth between business, attracting investors and encouraging productivity? Australia’s response to what is being termed "the Asian Century" and the public policy challenge The resources boom and how Australia is benefiting from Chinese demand. How do we broaden this relationship and make it more sustainable? What happens post-resources boom?
11.20 am – 12.30 pm	Session title: Promoting competition and productivity – leading change in a regulatory business landscape Panel chair: Kerry O’Brien Business journalist and television presenter Kerry O’Brien is represented by Binna Burra Media Panellests: Adjunct Professor Martijn Wilder Partner – Head of Global Environmental Markets, Baker & McKenzie Peter Meehan FCPA Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, Group of 100 Rod Sims Chairman, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission The Australian business community is operating with a certain level of unease as companies are faced with growing political uncertainty, policy reform, industrial relations unrest and increased regulatory obligations. As a leader, effective management of these risks can help companies protect their investments, take advantage of new opportunities and enable the business to make well informed decisions. The panel will discuss: implications of policy reforms on Australian business – business tax reform and carbon pricing recent industrial relation disputes and their impact on productivity and competitiveness regulatory impact on investment capital, budgets, planning and board decisions how a business can increase and maintain productivity levels how businesses can work with government to shape and influence public policy for a prosperous future
12.30 pm – 2.00 pm	Business luncheon: Life in the fast lane - business and sport Speaker: Mark Skaife OAM V8 supercar racing commentator and five-time championship winner Chair: Alex Malley FCPA Chief Executive Officer, CPA Australia Join CPA Australia CEO Alex Malley for a candid discussion with sporting and business leader Mark Skaife. When Mark Skaife stepped out of the driver's seat from full-time motor racing in 2008, the most successful driver in Australian Motor Racing History already had his sights set and a business plan in progress for the next chapter in his life. His company, Skaife Next, encompasses a number of Mark's business roles to ensure the continued success and growth of the V8 Supercars Australia brand and Australian Motorsport in general. An ambassador for all forms of motorsport, Mark is at the forefront of driver and vehicle development, road and race track design and safety, and is an active spokesperson for the Automotive Industry of Australia. The conversation will explore the successes and challenges faced by V8 Supercars Australia’s expansion internationally, as well as commentary around the Australian Grand Prix, the future of motor sport and the controversial debate around the future of the Grand Prix in Melbourne.
2.00 pm – 3.05 pm	Session title: Mapping growth opportunities – value creation, investment and emerging markets Panel chair: Kerry O’Brien Business journalist and television presenter Kerry O’Brien is represented by Binna Burra Media Speakers: Craig Drummond Chief Executive Officer & Country Head, Bank of America Merrill Lynch Australia Hisham El-Ansary FCPA, Director, Strategy and Commercial Development, Bupa Australia Group Simon McKeon Executive Chairman, Macquarie Group (Melbourne), Chairman, CSIRO, Business for Millennium Development, 2011 Australian of the Year Andrew Michelmore Chief Executive Officer, MMG Group Australia’s work ethos has become idle on the back of enjoying a strong trade relationship with China and Japan, and the resources boom. A renewed appetite for innovation, industrialisation and overall advancement strategies is necessary to secure Australia’s future position of economic strength. The panel will address key considerations in developing sustainable growth strategies, investment opportunities and creating long term value in an evolving business landscape. Focus areas include: identifying and capturing growth opportunities in traditional and emerging markets exploring capital raising ventures and attracting finance investors building a valuable brand assessing risk in commodity markets leading successful mergers and acquisitions
3.05 pm – 3.35 pm	Afternoon refreshments and networking break
3.35 pm – 4.45 pm	Session title: Rethinking the business model in a new economy – toward building a sustainable future Panel chair: Kerry O’Brien Business Journalist and Television presenter Kerry O’Brien is represented by Binna Burra Media Panellists: James MacKenzie, Chairman, Pacific Brands Peter Nochar, Managing Director, Harley-Davidson Australia and New Zealand Catriona Noble, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, McDonalds Australia Sankar Narayan CPA, Chief Financial Officer, Virgin Australia The new economy is defined by forces such as fierce global competition, rapid growth in emerging markets, and an accelerated shift toward the digital age. To ensure future success, many organisations have to reform their business models, adapting to the changes in consumer demands and technology advances. While business opportunities are significant, so are the obstacles. This session will explore: capitalising on emerging markets, and changing customer and technology trends the importance of adaptability and innovative thinking in building a sustainable business the role and effectiveness of board versus management in strategic planning remaining competitive and mitigating associated risks
4.45 pm – 5.45 pm	Session title: Australia and the world Speaker: The Hon. Paul Keating Former Prime Minister and Treasurer, Australian Government As Treasurer and Prime Minister, the Hon. Paul Keating oversaw a period of fundamental economic and social reform in Australia. He was the driving force behind opening up Australia’s economy and financial markets. In this thought provoking session, Mr Keating will discuss recent economic and geopolitical events, including the United States' and Europe’s woes, and how governments are responding. He will also reflect on Asia and Australia’s position in relation to these events and the flow-on effects for business. Mr Keating was a strong advocate for Australia’s greater engagement with the Asian region. He will share his views on Australia’s progress, what true engagement looks like and what needs to happen to achieve this.
5.45 pm – 7.30 pm	Post conference cocktail function Join CPA Australia for a post-conference networking function to round out the day and continue the conversation with Paul Keating and your peers.

Disclaimer of liability
CPA Australia reserves the right to alter any part of this program at any time without notice.