When you have the world on your doorstep, it makes sense to open the door – that’s the purpose behind Canberra Business Chamber’s annual Diplomatic Business Connections Gala Dinner. Photo: Canberra Business Chamber.
Canberra businesses have a unique advantage no other city in Australia can match: the chance to build multiple global connections, face-to-face, without leaving town.
With more than 140 embassies on the doorstep, the Diplomatic Business Connections Gala Dinner is set to offer local businesses a rare opportunity to turn networking into new markets, contracts and collaborations.
Now in its 10th year, the gala brings together heads of mission from the diplomatic community with members of the Canberra business sector.
Canberra Business Chamber CEO Greg Harford says it’s an evening where global diplomacy blends with the practical opportunities of trade, services and business growth – in more ways than one.
“Our gala dinner is a useful networking opportunity if you’re looking to export your goods and services and want to build those connections with diplomats. But also if you’re simply looking to provide services to the embassies,” he says.
“There are a lot of embassies in Canberra, after all, and they need goods and services too.”
For Canberra companies, that means the potential to turn a conversation over dinner into a gateway. Past gala events have led to businesses securing valuable contacts and opportunities they may never have accessed otherwise.
“We’ve had success stories arise from these dinners – people have come along to events who’ve made great connections that’ve worked well for them and business opportunities have arisen from that,” Mr Harford says.
“There are also some good networking opportunities with other businesspeople who may have similar interests and experience, so it’s a good chance to learn.”
That mix of formal introductions and informal knowledge sharing has made the gala a staple in the city’s business calendar.
“The event is unique to Canberra and taps into one of the great things about running a business here,” Mr Harford says. “We have 141 embassies represented here – connections waiting to be made.”
The chamber has seen the appetite for international trade firsthand. Earlier this year, it led a delegation to New Zealand which delivered concrete business outcomes for participating members.
Mr Harford says the gala dinner is a chance to start that journey closer to home with the credibility of Australia’s reputation helping to open doors abroad.
“We have a lot of members who are either already providing services internationally and are looking to expand, or who wish to start,” he says.
“Building connections with markets overseas is a great way for Canberra businesses to grow. Australia has a good reputation on the world stage and Canberra businesses have great goods and services to offer.”
The event is open to all. Discounts apply for chamber members.
While the night promises good food, entertainment and lively conversation, the real draw is the opportunity it creates for Canberra companies to think beyond the city’s borders.
The Diplomatic Business Connections Gala Dinner on Friday 17 October starts from 6:30 pm at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra – book now.
