Brisbane Showcase Event - 19th June

Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Looking to connect with a powerful network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors? Join us for the Build Your Own Business (BYOB) Community Showcase Event — brought to you by Social Star and Andrew Ford, the visionary behind the BYOB program. This event is designed to inspire, educate, and connect entrepreneurs.

Happening on 19th June 2025 in Brisbane, this exclusive evening will feature expert insights, dynamic keynote speakers, engaging panel discussions, and high-impact networking opportunities. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to scale, this event will give you the tools, strategies, and connections to succeed in your business journey.

Here's what to expect

Keynote Speakers - Hear from industry leaders, successful founders, and business strategists who’ve built businesses from scratch. Gain real-world insights, practical advice, and inspiration to fuel your own journey.

Panel Discussions - Listen to thought-provoking discussions on the challenges and opportunities in today’s business landscape, covering funding, growth strategies, marketing, tech innovation, and more.

Networking & Socialising - Mingle with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and industry pros in a relaxed setting after the event. Whether you’re seeking a mentor, future collaborator, or just some fresh insights, this is your moment to swap stories, spark ideas, and share a laugh with like-minded people.

Featured Speaker -

Andrew Ford

Founder and CEO of Social Star

'I have dedicated 15 years to developing the e-ttraction method to help passionate people to build their own business so they can find freedom of time and money through entrepreneurship.'

- Andrew Ford

Andrew Ford is the Founder and Lead Digital Marketing Consultant at Social Star, CampusLife and Build Your Own Business. With an undergraduate degree in Marketing and Master’s degree in Entrepreneurship, Andrew has the formal qualifications to match his experience.

With a natural gift for reading people and years experience running marketing campaigns at global corporations, Andrew made a pivotal decision to transition from a comfortable corporate career to pursue entrepreneurship and prioritise time with my kids. Now he help others in similar circumstances uncover their purpose and establish businesses that are both fulfilling and prosperous.

At BYOB Brisbane, Andrew isn’t just hosting but he’s leading the charge for change. Get ready for a high-energy event packed with real talk, practical tools, and the kind of inspiration that lights a fire under your business dreams.

Featured Speaker -

Iyari Cevallos

Co-Founder & Director of Núcleo Group and Chairperson of the Board for Women in Technology

Iyari is a powerhouse business leader and strategic thinker with over six years at the helm of Núcleo Group, a consultancy that specialises in corporate transformation, start-up development, leadership capability, and performance coaching. With deep expertise across both public and private sectors, Iyari and her team are known for delivering high-impact results even in the most complex and challenging environments.

At the BYOB Brisbane Showcase, Iyari will share the real story behind building Núcleo Group from the ground up what worked, what didn’t, and the pivotal moments that shaped her entrepreneurial journey. As the Chairperson of Women in Technology (WiT), she’s also a strong advocate for women in STEM and leadership, driving initiatives that empower and elevate emerging talent.

Get ready to be inspired by her insights on resilience, growth, and the art of navigating business with purpose and clarity.

Panel Discussion

Corrie Dark

Founder of Integrity AI and AI Strategist

Corrie Dark is a trailblazer in strategic innovation, combining over two decades of global business experience with a sharp focus on AI adoption, governance, and digital transformation. As a highly sought-after AI strategist, Corrie helps organizations confidently navigate the evolving landscape of emerging tech, guiding them to unlock growth, efficiency, and competitive edge through responsible and ethical AI implementation.

With a background spanning financial services, tech, and enterprise consulting, Corrie brings a powerful blend of commercial insight, digital savvy, and governance expertise. Her work is grounded in real-world application—helping business leaders and boards integrate AI with clarity and confidence, while driving meaningful results

At BYOB Brisbane, Corrie will bring her signature mix of strategy, innovation, and heart to the panel conversation—sharing valuable insights on how founders and small business owners can prepare for an AI-powered future and embed smart, sustainable growth practices from day one.

Dyon Swanborough

Entrepreneur, Marketing Strategist, and Automation Expert

Dyon Swanborough is an entrepreneur and marketing strategist with a mission to help businesses "live more, work less" through effective marketing strategies, tactics, and funnel automation. Joining us as Social Star Brisbane City Leader, he has a background in web marketing, Dyon has collaborated with clients across Australia, delivering tailored solutions that drive growth and efficiency. Whether it’s generating leads, streamlining operations, or scaling with confidence, he brings real-world tactics that actually work.

At BYOB Brisbane, Dyon joins the panel to share his insights on building efficient, freedom-focused businesses.

Sven Brook

Founder and Director, ImpactWon

Sven Brook is a seasoned business strategist and director with a wealth of experience in driving organizational growth and transformation. Known for his innovative approach and strategic vision, Sven has successfully led numerous initiatives that have resulted in significant business improvements. His expertise lies in leadership development, operational excellence, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

At the BYOB Community Showcase, Sven will share his insights on effective leadership and strategic planning, offering attendees practical strategies to enhance their business operations and achieve sustainable growth.

Mell 'B' Balment

Deep Belief Hacker and Keynote Speaker

Mell is on a mission to empower leaders to trust their intuition and grow without losing themselves in the digital noise. Her signature frameworks deliver real-world clarity, emotional sustainability, and results that actually resonate.

As the Queensland President of Professional Speakers Australia, Mell is a recognised voice in the leadership and coaching space. She’s the creator of the Unwavered Leadership Map and EmpathPreneurShip programs — developed for Emotionally Divergent leaders ready to scale with soul.

A professional speaker, executive coach, and 'Deep-Belief Hacker', she’s helped hundreds of thought leaders drop their anchors, refine their compass, and finally sail toward success on their terms.

Date: Thursday, 19th June

📍Location:
The Precinct,
Level 2/315 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Time: 5:30 pm onwards

Who's This Perfect For

BUSINESS OWNERS

medical professionals

accountants

Consultants

corporate escapees

coaches

Financial services

lawyers

ProfessionaL Services

Be part of something bigger

Register Now

Here's what you get:

Networking and Socialising
Panel Discussions with Experts
Connect with Industry Leaders, Founders and Business Strategists
Drinks (Beer, wine and Non-alc.) and Food provided.
Digital Edition of Andrew Ford's latest book:
'Creating a Powerful Business' - The 12-step e-ttraction method to escape corporate, build your own business and wake up inspired. (RRP $14.95)

Date: Thursday, 19th June

📍Location:
The Precinct, Level 2/315 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006

Time: 5:30 pm onwards!

Total value: ~~$89~~

Tickets $25 +gst ($27.50) pp.

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TESTIMONIALS

What others are saying

Sunayna Odhavji - Founder of SunnySpeaks

"I always dreamed of being my own boss but didn’t know where to start. When I learned about BYOB from Andrew Ford, I knew it was exactly what I needed. The program’s step-by-step structure made starting my business feel achievable. It wasn’t just a quick fix—it gave me the confidence to turn my passion for speech therapy into a successful business."

Simon Lewis - Founder of XIG Recruitment

"I've gained so much from this course. It helped me identify key gaps in my knowledge around marketing and business development. The structure was fantastic, combining the book, course materials, and coaching calls, which kept me accountable and focused. Andrew’s real-world experience was a huge benefit. I’d absolutely recommend this course—it gives you everything you need to confidently launch and run a business."

Warren Davies - Founder of The Unbreakable Farmer

“As a keynote speaker, I knew I had the passion and expertise, but I needed help turning that into a thriving business. This course was exactly what I needed! It helped me refine my personal brand, craft a compelling message, and develop strategies to book high-profile speaking engagements.”