Monthly MeetUps connecting community
UNE SMART Region Incubator is a connected community, and valuable connections are made and reinforced during events like the Monthly MeetUps at NOVA in Armidale.
“The MeetUps are a regular, informal networking opportunity - a chance for founders and others to catch up, usually over lunch,” said UNE SMART Region Incubator’s Regional Connector in Armidale, Cherene Spendelove.
“This year we have invited a great range of wonderful guest speakers to each of the MeetUps. They share their work or an experience, and kick off the conversation for that day.”
This year’s diverse range of Monthly MeetUps have included:
February - UNE SRI Founder Scott Hamey, DroneLogbook Australia introduced ChatGPT;
March - Jillian Kilby, founder of The Exchange joined us to share her story and discuss the benefits (and challenges) of running a regional co-working space;
May - UNE SRI”s new Industry Connector Ross Murray introduced himself;
June - UNE SRI Founder Sam Duncan, FarmLab shared his experience of SXSW;
July - our first ‘Business for Good’ Lunch in partnership with Social Enterprise Council of NSW and ACT (SECNA) including introductions to Kylie Flament (SECNA), Min Seto (Australian Social Value Bank), Marcus Watson (BackTrack), and Maggie Cairns (Ignite Small Business StartUps);
August - 'Next steps and next adventures', a spotlight on UNE SRI Founders Red 8 Produce and FarmLab who are scaling and have moved their offices out of NOVA, but remain invaluable members of the UNE SRI and NOVA communities;
September - Rachel Lawrence, Bush Heritage Australia shared her work on the 'Farming for the Future' research program and understanding the value of protecting and enhancing farm natural capital - including for farm business outcomes;
October - marking Mental Health Month, Small Business Month & Indigenous Small Business Month with UNE SRI Founders Emer Fahey (Preventing Burnout) and Jemimah Hiscox (Moved Armidale), and special guest Carol Vale Murawin ahead of delivering the 2023 Frank Archibald Lecture;
November - Researchers in residence Dr Ed Lefley and Dr Matthew Wysel shared their research having each just been awarded their PhD.
“By gathering people and encouraging conversation we are building community. Importantly, we are also creating a space where ideas might spark or next steps may be revealed - a safe space for innovation!”
