Deaf Connect and Convo Australia are co-partnering to organise an event in Sydney in August for Deaf people to celebrate and strengthen Deaf-led success across Australia and beyond.
The inaugural Deaf Ecosystem Summit 2025 is a national gathering for Deaf professionals, entrepreneurs, creatives, and community leaders.
The summit will take place from 28 August to 29 August 2025 at the Pullman, Sydney Olympic Park.
Keynote speakers include Ms Sonia Pivac, a leading force in Deaf business development in New Zealand, Mr Richard Dougherty, an architect from Ireland and Gallaudet University America specialising in Deaf Space design, and Mr Wayne Betts Jr from the US, co-founder of Convo and advocate for Deaf-led innovation.
Gallaudet University in Washington, US, is the world’s only liberal arts university for deaf and hard of hearing students.
The summit will also feature presentations from emerging and established Deaf professionals.
Ms Sophie Li and Mr Nikhil Bora, founders of SignHow, will unpack the trial-and-error journey of building a sign language platform from the ground up.
Ms Kerrie Taylor, Auslan Hub consultant and founder will discuss her online resource platform that places Deaf collaboration and community values at its core, and Mr Ashton Jean-Pierre, a wedding photographer, who will deliver a presentation on navigating bias as a black Deaf professional and building resilience through community.
Other speakers include Mr Ravi Vasavan from Convo who will discuss how to build a brand and Ms Olivia Steer, founder of Livi Creations, who will present on the power of storytelling.
Mr Brent Phillips, chief services officer at Deaf Connect, and Mr Todd Wright, CEO at Convo Australia, will discuss how to connect with intention and impact.
Convo Australia is a leading interpreting services provider, and Deaf Connect is Australia’s largest employer and social impact organisation for the Deaf community.
They said they had worked closely to create a space where Deaf professionals could connect, collaborate, and support each other while also facilitating business development and collective empowerment for the entire Deaf community.
Mr Todd Wright, Convo Australia CEO, said the event would be an important opportunity to unite Deaf professionals with other Deaf-led businesses and initiatives from across the globe.
“This two-day event offers a unique chance to engage with an incredible breadth of Deaf talent and experience – from early-stage entrepreneurs to seasoned founders who have built thriving businesses and movements,” Wright said.
“Attendees will hear from innovators who’ve overcome challenges, redefined industries, and helped reshape how Deaf-led work is seen and supported.
“The Deaf Ecosystem Summit plays a vital role in contributing to long-term ecosystem growth – including business development and collective empowerment.”
Mr Brett Casey, Deaf Connect CEO, said the 2025 program reflected the growing depth and diversity of the Deaf ecosystem.
“Deaf Connect is proud to co-plan Australia’s first national celebration of the Deaf Ecosystem and provide a platform for the community’s rich experiences and expertise to be shared and celebrated,” Mr Casey said.
“From startup pivots to full-time enterprises, to global photography careers and purpose-driven education platforms – this event explores topics such as branding, business growth, creative storytelling, inclusion, connection, and the personal sacrifices that often come with leading change.
“The Deaf Ecosystem Summit 2025 is a place to be inspired, to collaborate, and to help shape a future where Deaf-led initiatives thrive.”
There will also be a First Nations workshop on Indigenous Deaf business leadership.
Tickets are available now via summit.fordeafbydeaf.com.au
