QUT - QUT Business Leaders' Forum

Upcoming forum

Melanie Silva
Vice President and Managing Director, Google Australia & New Zealand

Date: Friday 12 June
Time: 12-2pm; Arrival networking from 11.30am; Extended networking with speakers and guests until 2.30pm
Location: Plaza Terrace Room; Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Tickets: $199 per person or $1,950 for table of ten (including GST); Includes a three-course lunch and beverages

Hear from one of the nation’s most influential technology leaders as Melanie Silva joins the QUT Business Leaders’ Forum.

In conversation with Ellen Fanning, Melanie will share her remarkable leadership journey and her perspectives on the future of technology, innovation, and business transformation. With nearly two decades at Google and senior leadership experience across Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific, Melanie brings a powerful perspective on leading through disruption and accelerating growth in a digital world.

At the forum, Melanie will explore:

the leadership principles that have shaped her career at Google
how AI and emerging technologies are reshaping Australian industries
the role of digital capability in future business competitiveness
lessons from leading high-performing teams across the Asia Pacific
opportunities for Australian organisations to innovate and scale
how businesses can remain human-centred in an AI-driven future.

Join the conversation that is shaping the next decade of innovation, leadership and digital transformation across Queensland and beyond.

About the forum

The QUT Business Leaders' Forum is Brisbane’s leading event for dynamic conversations on business and leadership. For over two decades, it’s built a global reputation for hosting visionary speakers who tackle the big issues shaping today’s business landscape.

The forum dives into key themes like:

Leadership in a changing world
Business innovation and excellence
Corporate responsibility and sustainability
Public policy that drives impact

Hear from influential leaders as they share their personal journeys and unpack the trends transforming our economy and society.

The forum is also Brisbane’s top-tier networking event - bringing together decision-makers, changemakers, and future leaders.

Why attend

Hear from world-class leaders

Keep your business know-how relevant and hear from executive thought leaders. Our forum has developed an international reputation for attracting dynamic world-class leaders in a dialogue on today's leadership challenges.

Professional development

Attend the forum as a professional development activity. Members of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand may claim this activity as formal CPD hours.

Expand your network

Our forum brings together a diverse community of business leaders giving you the opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and extend your network. Make an impression on your clients by inviting them to the forum when you buy a table.

Previous speakers

The QUT Business Leaders' Forum has developed its reputation and following by inviting only prominent and effective speakers with the requisite national and international standing.

After each forum, we produce a snapshot video to showcase the highlights of the speaker's keynote presentation and Q&A session with the forum moderator.

Previous speakers and highlight videos