Secure your seat for FORWARD BRISBANE 2026.

LEADERSHIP IN A TIME OF UNCERTAINTY

The recruitment market has changed. The opportunities haven’t—they’ve simply moved. Join Queensland’s recruitment leaders for an evening of practical ideas on leading teams, growing your business, finding new revenue, and building confidence in uncertain times.

SPEAKERS & PRESENTER

BRISBANE FORWARD RECRUITERS’ EVENT
DATE: 5:00-7:00 PM, THU 17 SEP 2026
VENUE: Capri By Fraser, 80 Albert St , Brisbane QLD

RAJ SESHA

SDP SOLUTIONS

ROD HORE

HHMC GLOBAL

SOPHIE ROBERTSON

YOUNIQUE COACHING

Mandar Erande

SDP SOLUTIONS

AGENDA

FORWARD RECRUITERS’ EVENT

  • 5:30 PM

    WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS

Mandar Erande

SDP SOLUTIONS

Warm welcome and introductions

  • 5:40 PM

    KEYNOTE TALK

How to Spot Opportunity in a Challenging Market

When markets tighten, many recruiters see fewer opportunities. The best leaders see them differently.

Economic uncertainty, changing client priorities and increased competition don’t eliminate demand—they shift where it exists. The agencies that continue to grow are those that recognise these shifts early, adapt their approach and have the confidence to pursue new opportunities.

In this practical and thought-provoking keynote, leadership and performance coach Sophie Robertson will explore how recruitment leaders can develop the mindset and behaviours needed to identify growth where others see obstacles. From uncovering untapped markets and strengthening client relationships to leading teams with confidence through uncertainty, Sophie will share practical strategies that help businesses stay resilient and ahead of the curve.

You’ll discover:

  • How to recognise emerging opportunities in a changing recruitment market.
  • The leadership mindset that turns uncertainty into growth.
  • How to inspire confidence and accountability within your team.
  • Practical ways to navigate difficult conversations with clients and employees.
  • Why the most successful recruitment businesses don’t wait for the market to improve—they adapt before everyone else.

Whether you’re leading a recruitment business, managing a team or looking for your next growth opportunity, this session will challenge your thinking and equip you with practical ideas you can implement immediately.

  • 6:15 PM

    KEYNOTE TALK

What Makes a Recruitment Business Valuable in Today’s Market

Every recruitment business owner wants to grow—but are you building a business that’s truly valuable?

In a market where margins are under pressure, competition is increasing and buyers are becoming more selective, the agencies that thrive aren’t necessarily the biggest—they’re the ones built on strong fundamentals. Whether you’re planning to grow, acquire, exit or simply future-proof your business, understanding what creates value has never been more important.

Drawing on decades of experience advising recruitment firms through mergers, acquisitions and strategic growth, Rod Hore will share what separates high-performing agencies from the rest. You’ll gain a rare insider’s perspective into what investors and buyers look for, the common mistakes that limit business value, and the practical strategies owners can implement today to build stronger, more resilient businesses.

In this session you’ll discover:

  • The key drivers that increase the value of a recruitment business.
  • Why recurring revenue, contractor books and diversification matter more than ever.
  • The operational and leadership decisions that have the biggest impact on business performance.
  • The most common value killers and how to avoid them.
  • Practical strategies to build a business that’s more profitable, more resilient and ready for whatever comes next.

Whether you’re planning an exit in the near future or have no intention of selling, this session will challenge you to think differently about your business. Because the habits that build a business worth buying are the same habits that build a business worth owning.

PANEL: CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITES FOR QLD RECRUITMENT LEADERS

What must recruitment leaders do amid a rapidly and constantly changing business climate? This session explores in depth what recruitment leaders and business owners must do to survive and thrive in a turbulent environment. It will hone in on how to build a successful contractor business.

  • 6:40 PM

    CLOSING

FIVE TRENDS GROWING RECRUITERS CAN’T IGNORE

What trends are emerging in 2025 that will impact recruitment leaders? Is AI productivity for real? How is the Australian workforce morphing? What public policies are impacting recruitment leaders?  This session will address the major trends in 2005 that will shape 2026.

FORWARD

EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR AGENCIES TO MOVE THEIR BUSINESS FORWARD

2025 FORWARD EVENTS

FORWARD is a series of events exclusively designed and organised for contractors to get ‘ahead’ in their careers and professions.

The event aims to facilitate a platform where professional contractors from all industries can meet, network, and grow from each other’s experiences. It will also facilitate knowledge sharing and learning by providing access to experts who will offer financial, career, and recruitment advice.

At a FORWARD event, both virtual and in-person, you will be in the room with experts who know how to increase your take-home pay, manage your payroll and finances, find your next project or learn to improve your brand.

Go FORWARD with us.

27, MARCH 2025

FORWARD CAREER EVENT

PERTH, 29 MAY 2025

FORWARD RECRUITERS’ EVENT

ADELAIDE, 12 JUNE 2025

FORWARD RECRUITERS’ EVENT

ADELAIDE, 12 JUNE 2025

FORWARD RECRUITERS’ EVENT

ADELAIDE, 12 JUNE 2025

FORWARD RECRUITERS’ EVENT

ADELAIDE, 12 JUNE 2025

FORWARD RECRUITERS’ EVENT

sign up for our event mailing list

GET TO KNOW SDP

the people, the company and the ethos behind the SDP brand

global reach. local expertise

trace SDP’s milestones

our goals &
our ethos

from founder/director of SDP

happy people. happy company

meet the happy team @ SDP

talk to our happy team

contact us speak to our friendly team