Business Networking Events
Since 2014, Council has been committed to bringing the business community together through a variety of Business Networking Events. These events are designed to inspire guests to network, build relationships and exchange ideas while enjoying a delicious hot meal.
We encourage local businesses to attend Council’s Business Networking Events to benefit from the education and support on offer, and to share ideas for improving the local economy.
2025 International Women's Day - Women in Business Networking Evening
Date: Thursday 6 March 2025
Guest Speaker: Courtney Ray, CEO and Founder - Daily Blooms
Event MC: Jules Brooke, Founder - She's The Boss
Venue: Maribyrnong City Council Civic Centre & Community Hub, Footscray
Maribyrnong City Council and Hobsons Bay City Council joined forces to deliver an unforgettable evening of empowerment, inspiration, and connection as we marked International Women's Day 2025.
This fantastic event was a unique opportunity to come together with like-minded individuals, hear from remarkable women who are making a real difference, and be a part of a vibrant and supportive community.
This year's event was themed ‘March Forward’, which commemorates 30 years in which the UN made a bold commitment to Gender Equality. Over the past 30 years, we have seen women flourish, break barriers and hold their own in a world that tries to hold them back.
Our guest speaker was Courtney Ray, the CEO and founder of Daily Blooms, a highly successful online florist operating across Melbourne and Sydney. Our MC, Jules Brooke, had an engaging conversation with Courtney that highlighted a fascinating career trajectory. Courtney shared the story of how she transitioned from a financial analyst role to become a florist, founder, and CEO, making the leap into the creative industry with just $500 in 2014. Today, Daily Blooms has blossomed into a thriving business with $35 million in revenue.
Courtney's inspiring story and expertise in e-commerce and entrepreneurship provided valuable insights to our audience. As a passionate advocate for sustainability and innovation, she has revolutionized the flower delivery industry with her unique approach to selling flowers online.
The event attracted over 180 guests and was a great opportunity to showcase the newly opened Maribyrnong Civic Centre building.
This event was proudly sponsored by Le Mans Toyota Tottenham
Image Gallery from IWD Event
Photo Gallery from the International Women's Day 2025 - Women in Business Event
Photo Credits: Joanne Manariti Photography
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Past Events
2024 Business Networking Lunch
Friday 22 November 2024
Steve Sammartino: Disrupting Tech in Your Business
11am – 2.30pm
Mission Whitten Oval
Barkly Street, Footscray
This extraordinary luncheon was held at the newly established, state-of-the-art function space at Whitten Oval.
Over 240 registered guests came together for an insightful, high energy and thought provoking presentation by our keynote speaker, Steve Sammartino, a renowned expert in Artificial Intelligence. His engaging discourse explored how AI can empower your business to not only endure but flourish in today's competitive landscape.
This event was proudly sponsored by Indie Footscray and Le Mans Toyota.
Image Gallery
2023 Business Networking Luncheon
Business Networking Luncheon
Friday 27 October, 2023
How to Navigate Change
10.30am – 2.30pm
Footscray Community Arts
45 Moreland Street, Footscray
Nestled on the banks of the Maribyrnong River, the Footscray Community Arts was the perfect backdrop to mingle and network with others, whilst listening to fascinating and inspiring stories from local esteemed business owners from within our wonderful community about how they’ve navigated change in their careers, business and personal lives.
Each panelist brought an insightful perspective about how they’ve started, changed and grown their business.
Our panel of speakers included:
2023 Business Networking Breakfast
2023 Business Networking Breakfast
On Friday 31st of March 2023, Maribyrnong City Council held another successful Business Networking Breakfast at the stunning White Night Receptions in Maidstone.
It was fantastic to see the local business community come together for a morning of networking, idea sharing and inspiration with our special guest keynote speaker Amanda Stevens: The Consumer Futurist.
Amanda Stevens is an author, thought leader and highly sought after public speaker who has dedicated two decades to understanding WHY PEOPLE BUY and how organisations can grow through changing times by better understanding their customers and how to build customer advocacy.
This event was proudly sponsored by Waterman Business Centre
Business Breakfast 2023 Video
2021 Business Networking Breakfast
In April 2021, after getting out of our first series of Covid-19 lockdowns, the business community was able to come together for a memorable business breakfast hosted at 'The Line' in Footscray.
Guest speaker Chris Helder filled the room with energy, and left us with some great takeaways about 'Useful Beliefs'.
Below is a video from the April 2021 Business Networking Breakfast.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Sponsorship opportunities exist to support our Business Networking events. To discuss sponsorship opportunities contact Council's Economic Development and Smart Cities team.