The Hearing Business Alliance (HBA) 2025 Seminar in Melbourne will focus on the importance of innovation in transforming small business models.
Registrations remain open until next Wednesday 26 February, for the 2.5 day seminar which goes from Friday 28 February to Sunday 2 March 2025 at Pullman Melbourne on the Park, overlooking the MCG and Fitzroy Gardens.
Mr Stephen Logan, HBA business manager, said on 21 February that numbers were very strong with 177 delegates registered, exceeding expectations.
“We had been expecting 175 delegates which is more than 10% growth over 2024,” he said.
“With the growth of new independent businesses over the past 12 months we are expecting many more of the new businesses or potential business owners to attend the seminar, which provides a unique opportunity to meet and collaborate in a business-friendly environment.”
A great speaker line-up and some tweaks to the previous format aim to improve the attendee experience. Learning begins at pre-conference workshops and extends to speaker presentations and a trade expo while several social events will provide an opportunity to relax and network.
The agenda for day one will focus on innovating to transform small business models, while days two and three will focus on learning enhanced business and professional skills.
“The seminar will highlight the critical role of innovation in the small business sector, particularly in the hearing industry, and explain how it serves as a cornerstone for thriving in an increasingly competitive marketplace,” Logan said.
“Delegates will be introduced to an array of expert presentations from local and international industry specialists, as well as government and non-government stakeholders. These are all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of innovative practices and how they can be applied within their businesses.”
Sessions will explore various facets of innovation, from strategic thinking and technology adoption to customer engagement and operational efficiencies.
“The seminar aims to inspire delegates to engage fully in discussions, encouraging them to envision new possibilities for their businesses,” Logan adds.
Learning outcomes.
1. Attendees will gain a formative understanding of the theme ‘Innovate to elevate’ and how it underscores the importance of innovation in transforming small business.
2. Participants will learn about the variety of perspectives on innovation represented throughout the seminar including those from Australian industry experts, international speakers, and government representatives, illustrating a holistic view of the sector.
3. Delegates will explore the current hearing industry landscape, particularly how small businesses can position themselves as viable alternatives to hearing chains through innovative practices.
4. Delegates will be encouraged to network and engage with speakers and fellow attendees, promoting a culture of collaboration that can lead to shared insights and future partnerships.
The seminar includes two social opportunities to meet fellow business owners, HBA sponsors and business partners. A welcome drinks function on Friday evening is a great networking opportunity while the seminar dinner on Saturday featuring the Eddie Rawk Band offers delegates and sponsors an opportunity to relax.
New features include extended trade expo
One new feature is extended exhibition time. The trade exhibition will open for the hour before the seminar starts each day. “This change allows delegates and sponsors to maximise their business-to-business engagement,” Logan said.
“Another change is that the seminar now includes an additional session to discuss proposed changes to the Hearing Services Program (HSP). Following the formal HSP presentation on day one, this collaborative session provides delegates a great opportunity to hear first-hand about these changes and participate in the discussion.”
The event’s keynote speaker is American audiologist Dr Cliff Olson. Dr Olson is an engaging presenter who will discuss innovation, explaining the value of your testing, and improving consulting outcomes. He will also present on one Australian clinic which changed its clinical model to become a success story.
Pre-seminar workshops on Thursday evening, 27 February, on Natus Gold Standard Verification and CounselEAR practice management software, along with a Friday morning pre-seminar workshop from VorOtek on wax management, are proving popular. “Many businesses are bringing their practice managers to the CounselEAR workshop to hear first-hand how it can be implemented into business,” Logan says.
HBA CEO Ms Jane MacDonald added: “We encourage people to bring along their practice managers and key clinic teams as those who have attended our seminars and workshops have welcomed the opportunity to learn, share experiences with others in their profession, and it’s a great way to network.”
Click here for more details and register here.
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Hearing Business Alliance 2025 seminar on transforming small business models
