Roundtable sessions

In this session, delegates will split into a series of concurrently running small group roundtable discussions, with each table focused on a different theme/issue, and led by an experienced entrepreneur or expert who can share their tips and insights, help answer burning questions, and keep the conversation on topic and flowing.

• 12 x roundtable topics 
• Roundtables of 10 
• Each roundtable will be led and facilitated by an industry expert on the topic

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ROUNDTABLE ONE:

How to scale faster with AI: where are the wins?

Topics include:

• Where founders are using AI today to save time and increase productivity
• AI tools that can help small teams operate like much larger ones
• Automating repetitive tasks across marketing, sales and operations
• Balancing AI adoption with quality, trust and human oversight

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ROUNDTABLE TWO: ‍

Going global: what you need to know

Topics include:

• How founders validate overseas demand before expanding
• Regulatory and tax pitfalls to watch for early
• Localisation versus standardisation
• When global expansion is a distraction, not a strategy

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ROUNDTABLE THREE: ‍

Founders fired up: motivation & momentum

Topics include:

• Staying motivated through the ups and downs of building a business
• Maintaining momentum when growth slows or challenges arise
• Building personal resilience and avoiding founder burnout
• Surrounding yourself with the right mentors, peers and support networks

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ROUNDTABLE FOUR: ‍

M&A for scale: picking the right deals

Topics include:

• Buying talent vs buying businesses
• Valuation realities in today’s market
• Financing deals with cash, equity or debt
• Integrating teams without culture shock

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ROUNDTABLE FIVE: ‍

Defensibility in a competitive market: Product, IP and strategic moats

Topics include:

• What actually creates defensibility today
• When IP matters, and when it doesn’t
• Competitive strategy beyond feature sets
• Building moats that investors care about

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ROUNDTABLE SIX: ‍

Great culture at scale: hybrid teams, high performance & alignment

Topics include:

• Managing performance in distributed teams
• Maintaining culture without micromanagement
• Preventing burnout during rapid growth
• Measuring engagement beyond surveys

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ROUNDTABLE SEVEN: ‍

Building your personal brand and working with the media

Topics include:

• Why founder visibility matters for business growth and credibility
• How to develop a clear point of view and share it consistently
• Working with journalists: what makes a story newsworthy
• Preparing for interviews, commentary and public speaking opportunities

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ROUNDTABLE EIGHT: ‍

Pivoting with precision: when & how to change strategy

Topics include:

• Spotting early signs of market shifts
• Testing new offerings without risking the core business
• Diversifying customers and suppliers
• Building agility into everyday operations

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ROUNDTABLE NINE: ‍

Growth vs profit: where and when to invest

Topics include:

• Deciding when to prioritise growth versus profitability
• Identifying the highest-impact areas to reinvest in the business
• Managing cash flow while funding expansion
• Balancing investor expectations with long-term sustainability

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ROUNDTABLE TEN:‍

Cracking customers: how to win and keep them

Topics include:

• Finding and reaching your ideal customer in a crowded market
• Turning early traction into repeatable sales and sustainable growth
• Building customer loyalty through strong experience and support
• Using feedback and data to improve retention and lifetime value

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ROUNDTABLE ELEVEN: ‍

Automating the everyday: The SME efficiency playbook

Topics include:

• Identifying processes to automate first
• Choosing affordable tech stacks
• Getting staff onboard with new tools
• Measuring ROI on digital investments

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ROUNDTABLE TWELVE: ‍

Exit strategies: Finding the right path for you and your business

Topics include:

• Understanding different exit pathways: acquisition, private equity, succession or IPO
• How to prepare your business early for a successful exit
• Valuation drivers buyers and investors look for
• Balancing financial outcomes with legacy, team and future involvement

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