Virtual Industry Connection Fair connects students with industry leaders

At Torrens University, we are committed to producing global graduates with the skills and networks to form strong industry connections. 

Our 2021 Virtual Industry Connection Fair, which will be held on 23 June, delivers on that commitment – with an amazing line up of industry leaders and experts to engage, connect, and inspire our students.

The Fair is a unique opportunity for our students to ask questions of some of Australasia’s most experienced and visionary business leaders.

Reuben Casey, CEO of Kathmandu, to headline the Fair

When it comes to big names in the retail industry, it doesn’t get much bigger than Kathmandu, and we are so excited that CEO of the Kathmandu Reuben Casey, has come on board as our keynote speaker.

Securing the CEO of one of the biggest players in the B Corp movement in Australia, and globally, is a real coup for students and the university. 

As a B Corp ourselves, we are excited to be working with Kathmandu, which is the largest Australasian retailer to achieve B Corp certification and one of the largest outdoor apparel and gear companies globally to become a part of the movement.

Reuben has more than 20 years' experience in leadership roles. It’s incredibly exciting that he will share his knowledge and experience with our students, along with his passion for the B Corp movement.

‘Don’t play small’ says CEO | Founder | Entrepreneur Fleur Madden

Fleur Madden is committed to unearthing ‘rare gems’. As CEO of Freelancing Gems, she champions female freelancers, consultants, sole-traders and side hustlers. And, she helps Australian employers to find them.

But Fleur is a rare gem herself. She has a unique combination of experience that includes creating start-ups from inception to sale, running independent companies, working for a multinational at a C- Suite level and she has global board experience. At 23, she started her first company, The Red Republic, in 2003 – 14 years later she sold it to McCann World Group and it remains one of Australia's leading consumer PR agencies.

A bold, professional, emotionally intelligent and dynamic leader, we are delighted that Fleur will share with our students her top tips for starting a business, developing a brand, and how to win new business.

Ben Palmer, CEO of Genos International and Adjunct Professor, Torrens University shines a spotlight on emotional intelligence

In today’s ever-changing workplace, it’s not enough just to be an expert in your field - we need to have ‘smart soft skills’ too, like the ability to collaborate, think on our feet, and be creative and innovative. One of the most critical workplace capabilities is emotional intelligence.

Ben Palmer is CEO of globally recognised Genos International, specialist provider of emotional intelligence (EI) services for iconic organisations such as Australia Post, ANZ, Rio Tinto, Laing O Rourke and State and Federal Government agencies. He also developed the first Australian model and assessment of emotional intelligence designed specifically for workplace applications.

Ben will lead an insightful discussion about why emotional intelligence is so highly valued by employers, tools and techniques for enhancing emotional intelligence and the skills needed to connect, communicate and collaborate with people within and outside of the workplace.

World-leading hospitality experts explore the future of study and work in a post COVID-19 era

There is no doubt that that the hospitality, travel and tourism industries were among the hardest it by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our students will have the opportunity to hear from some big names in the hospitality sector, about what the industry looks like for graduates in a post COVID-10 world.

We are thrilled that Scott Boyes, Vice President of Operations for Accor and a Torrens University alumni from the Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School will share his experience and expertise with our students, providing advice on the importance of networking and perseverance in pursuing opportunities for growth and development in the industry.

Brisbane artist | designer | author Rachel Burke set to dazzle our students

Rachel Burke is no ordinary designer. In fact, it wasn't until she took a leap of faith, and left her studies in musical theatre at the Victoria College of the Arts and started making clothes and accessories for her friends, that her journey to becoming a designer began.

Now, her vibrant, nostalgic and wild tinsel creations have earned her thousands of followers from around the world and her work has been acquired by performers and artists like Miley Cyrus and the stars of Ru Paul’s Drag Race.

Rachel will share insights from her unique and colourful career path with our students, from her first big project, making a dress a day for a year, to setting up her own website using Squarespace, her journey to becoming a freelance designer and the ‘Queen of Tinsel’, to landing a partnership with Disney.

Our alumni share their experience and wisdom

We are so fortunate at Torren University to have a strong and active alumni network. Next week, we will introduce you the amazing panel of alumni guest speakers, who will help us close the 2021 Virtual Industry Connection Fair.

If you are interested in being an exhibitor at the Virtual Industry Connection Fair please contact amy.pue@torrens.edu.au.

You might just help create a future change-maker or leader.