Global Entrepreneurship Congress announces surfing greats turned entrepreneurs Mick Fanning and Kelly Slater, along with astronaut Sara Sabry, have joined the GEC2023 speaker line-up, reflecting the diversity of entrepreneurship in 2023. 

The first Middle Eastern woman astronaut, Sara Sabry, and pro surfers turned entrepreneurs, Mick Fanning and Kelly Slater, are among the line-up of compelling speakers now confirmed for Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2023 in Melbourne this September.

Hosted by Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN Global), supported by Victoria State Government and Australian Federal Government, GEC 2023 is expected to attract 4,000 entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem builders, policy makers and community leaders from 200 countries together in Melbourne this year. The GEC was hosted in Riyadh last year, and prior host cities include Rio de Janeiro, Istanbul and Johannesburg in its 14-year history.

Education, tourism, government, sports, mining, and financial services will all be represented at GEC2023 alongside entrepreneurs, investors, sponsors, government ministers and thought leaders in resilience, courage, leadership and “shooting for the stars,” like Sabry, Fanning and Slater, among others.

The GEC2023 preview program published this week shows a range of sector and industry specific streams and panels across three days, 19-21 September. Examples of some of the panel sessions included in the program, available now from genaustralia.org include:  

• Supporting failure as an ecosystem – Hosted by FuckUp Nights Melbourne
• How to drive inclusive youth entrepreneurship – Hosted by Youth Business International
• Building a zero risk startup – Hosted by Connectology

Dr. Chad Renando, GEN Australia Managing Director said, “Innovation and entrepreneurship cut through every industry in Australia. From space to sport, agriculture to aviation, GEC 2023 is creating an opportunity to gather, connect, explore and solve challenges together with peers and community leaders to create real long-term impact.”

Bringing upwards of AUD 40 million in economic value to the local economy

Bespoke packages designed to attract international delegations to take advantage of an extended stay around GEC are proving popular, says Mr Renando. “Our goal is to connect visitors with the full spectrum of opportunities that exist within Australia. Sample experiences on offer include innovation hub tours, industry and government VIP meet and greet, technology showcase, startup pitches, and topic deep-dive with industry leaders and government officials.”

Thanks to the leadership of the Victorian State Government and Australian Federal Government, Australia’s ecosystems will take centre stage in driving global collaboration. 

Registrations for GEC 2023 are open at https://genaustralia.org/registration/