Recognising that the current economic conditions are difficult for business and industry in the Mid West, the region’s leaders have banded together to explore the opportunities for growth through the hosting of the Take a FRESH LOOK Cluster JAM, on Tuesday September 6 2016 at the Queens Park Theatre (8.30am – 5.00pm).

The event will have a focus on Marine Services, Food (in particular around Horticulture) and Tourism but is open for all industry and business to attend to understand how working in collaboration with your competitors can grow your business and contribute to growing the wealth of the region.

The event will provide an overview of what we understand about these three growth areas and will see the announcement of small “quick win” projects designed to kick start GROWTH.

Under the umbrella of “Clustering” – which encourages business and industry to work together to grow their sectors - the event will be both informative and interactive.

The Cluster JAM, is the first of its kind to be held in regional Western Australia and will include a presentation from and workshops with globally renowned Clustering Guru Ifor Ffowcs Williams.

The event will also feature the opportunity to hear about the learnings from attempts to set up Marine Hubs in State’s North. It will also feature an overview of the Australian Marine Complex and help identify the gaps in services that could provide an opportunity for Geraldton businesses.

For the FOOD sector it will offer an update on the most recent Asian Market Opportunities to help growers identify “what next”.

Tourism operators will have the opportunity to understand the marketing and promotional opportunities being rolled out globally and also have the opportunity to explore the NEXT STEP in growing this sector for the region.

Take a Fresh Look Geraldton – Cluster JAM
$57.75 per ticket
Tuesday 6 September from 8.30am – 7.00pm
Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton

FOR TICKETS
Call 0428 210 712

RSVP by Friday 2 September

Speakers Include

Clustering for GROWTH
Ifor Ffowcs-Williams - CEO & founder Cluster Navigators

Prior to establishing Cluster Navigators in 1997 Ifor was the General Manager, Strategic Development Unit of Trade NZ. Under the umbrella theme of "Cooperating to Compete" Ifor introduced the Joint Action Group (JAG) and the Hard Business Network (HBN) Programmes and the New Zealand cluster development initiative.

Since establishing Cluster Navigators in 1997, Ifor's focus has been on the practicalities of cluster development. He leads strategy workshops around the world with economic development agencies, cluster groups and support organisations. Ifor is a frequent speaker on competitiveness, clusters and innovation.

Participants from 50 countries have attended training workshops on the Twelve Step process he has developed. Clients include The World Bank, UNDP, European Union, international aid agencies and national/regional economic development agencies. He has been described as 'one of the most influential cluster practitioners in the world'.

Ifor is a founder and Past President of The Competitiveness Institute. TCI is the leading global network for practitioners, policy makers and business leaders addressing regional competitiveness.

A Clustering Success
Australian Aerospace Alliance
Les Shearn

Contracted as Alliance Facilitator Mr Shearn created alliances in the Aerospace and Specialist Vehicles sectors in South Australia. Alliances being broadened to include companies nationally and positioned to secure work globally.

He led the alliance’s participation in the SA Government’s India; South East Asia and Indonesian Trade Missions that resulted in a Strategic Partnering Agreement being signed with a State owned company in Indonesia, PT Pindad.

Developed a proposal securing $2million funding for the establishment of the Specialist Vehicles Alliance covering the Automotive, Defence, Public Services and Resources sectors.

Food is the FUTURE
FOOD INNVOATION AUSTRALIA
MIRJANA PRICA - Managing Director

Mirjana was appointed Managing Director of Food Innovation Australia Limited in July 2013, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in general management, business development and project management.

She has over 17 years R&D project management experience of food, water, ceramic and mineral concepts and holds more than 10 years’ experience in business development and strategy for the food and agricultural sectors.

After completing her MBA in 1991, Mirjana joined George Weston Foods (GWF), part of the Associated British Foods Group, to work in business development and technology transfer both in Australia and overseas. During this time she helped to establish a global feed ingredients business for the group. More recently she oversaw GWFs analytical services business, focusing on areas of food, cereals and related products.

Mirjana is a business-science post-graduate from University of Melbourne and has worked as a senior research scientist and lecturer at Keele University in the UK. She also spent part of her career as a scientist at Food Science Australia (CSIRO).

Marketing and Branding Western Australia globally

Ms Louise Scott
Executive Director Strategy, Brand and Marketing Services | Tourism WA

Louise moved to Perth from Aberdeen in Scotland in 2011 and in January this year joined Tourism WA as Executive Director Strategy, Brand and Marketing Services.

She has recently led the creation and launch of the ’Just another day in WA' campaign.

Prior to joining TWA, Louise headed up Marketing, Communications and Events for the City of Perth.

Louise is a graduate of the Robert Gordon University, with an Honours Degree in Hospitality Management and recently completed an MBA at the University of Western Australia. She is also a Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and Local Government Managers Australia.

Louise has held a number of senior roles in both the public and private sector and has over 20 years’ experience in marketing, communications, economic development, tourism and events management.

The event is funded through the Regional Centre Development Plan Phase 2.