Last week the CACC teamed up with Canadian immersive event company C2 to host a panel discussion and networking event focused on the importance of innovation and embracing disruption in today’s modern economy.
As an organization, C2 exists at the intersection of commerce and creativity, and are re-inventing how people experience conferences. The idea is that by provoking unlikely interactions and generating honest discussion amongst attendees, people come away with more meaningful connections and ideas about how to approach business.
PICTURE: Martin Enault, CEO Asia Pacific – C2
Moderating the event was Martin Enault, CEO of C2 Asia Pacific, with panel participants including Kate Mason, Group Director of People & Culture at Coca Cola Amatil, Balder Tol, General Manger Australia of workspace provider WeWork, Monica Lunin, Director of training consultancy Mojologic, and Adam Jacobs co-founder and MD of online fashion retailer The Iconic. Opening remarks were delivered by Councilor Jess Scully from The City of Sydney.
PICTURE: Adam Jacobs – Co-Founder The Iconic, Balder Tol – General Manager Australia WeWork and Kate Mason – Group Director People & Culture Coca-Cola Amatil
However, unlike most panel events, attendees were not purely observers, and following an initial discussion by panelists all attendees took part in a group dialogue known as the ‘Barometer Lab’ which is facilitated by the formation of break out groups covering topics such as the effects of digitization on the workplaces of today, and how to build a sustainable foundation for companies in the future.
PICTURE: Doug Carmichael, President CACC
These break out groups were divided based on each attendee’s view of a particular topic, and after discussing as a sub-group, C2 facilitated dialogue amongst all attendees which demonstrated a diversity of thought and emphasized the different perspectives amongst all those present.
This format provided an excellent way for attendees from a range of industries and disciplines to discuss business trends, the motivations of individuals, plus ‘what’s coming next’ in the modern economy. Importantly, discussion was facilitated in a way that encouraged participants to be honest in how they communicate, in order to move beyond surface interactions.
This element of C2’s approach was reinforced following the break out group ‘Barometer Lab’ session when each speaker was asked to discuss their own weaknesses and areas for professional improvement, which made for a refreshing change compared to topics usually discussed at business networking events and provided attendees with constructive insights.
Commenting on the success of the event, Doug Carmichael, CACC President said, “I thought it was excellent from the standpoint of being able to give evidence of how C2 can contribute to conversations around doing business in Australia and help build relationships amongst people from a diverse range of industries and backgrounds. The format was certainly unique, and engagement amongst all those present was obvious.”
PICTURE: Monica Lunin – Director Mojologic
Martin Enault, CEO of C2 Asia Pacific said, “We were very excited to have partnered with the CACC to host this initial event in Sydney and appreciate their support in introducing our approach to networking and professional conferences to the Australian market. I hope attendees came away inspired, and we look forward to running another event with the CACC again in Melbourne next week.”
The Canadian Australian Chamber of Commerce (CACC) is a non-profit business focused organisation that aims to build business connections and assist trade as a means to bring Canada and Australia closer together.
