On May 6, 2025, the Mornington Racecourse came alive with the buzz of big ideas, bold innovation and a passionate small business community. The fourth annual B.I.T.E. Business Conference was our biggest and most energising event yet - a full-day experience designed to help business owners not just survive in a rapidly changing world, but adapt and thrive.
From the moment the doors opened, it was clear: this wasn’t just another business event. It was a movement. A must-attend gathering of curious, future-focused entrepreneurs ready to challenge the status quo, embrace technology, and turn insight into action.
Set against the backdrop of our original grassroots venue, the event welcomed over 230 attendees - ranging from solo operators and startups to established business owners and local innovators. With full-day catering, networking opportunities, and a buzzing business expo, the atmosphere was electric from start to finish.
The 2025 B.I.T.E Conference theme was all about the future of business - AI, automation, strategy, and human connection - and we delivered in spades. Our keynote speakers spanned the globe and the industries, offering practical advice and fresh perspectives that resonated deeply with our small business community.
The B.I.T.E Conference 2025 stage was packed with powerhouse speakers who brought bold insights, practical strategies, and plenty of ‘aha’ moments for small business owners ready to level up.
David Jenyns, founder of SYSTEMology, kicked off the day with a sense of calm and control to the chaos of business. His session focused on systemising for scale - how to streamline operations, create more freedom, and build a business that doesn’t rely solely on you. For many, this was the mindset shift they didn’t know they needed.
Steve Sammartino, Australia’s leading futurist, delivered a high-octane keynote on how artificial intelligence,
automation, and emerging tech are reshaping the business world. His message? The future belongs to those who build it—so start building.
Fast, fun, and provocative, Steve got everyone excited about what's possible.
Daryl Aw, international RPA expert and trainer, brought a fresh and highly practical perspective to small business
efficiency. With a background in strategy consulting and deep expertise in Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Daryl demonstrated just how
possible it is to free up time and reduce human error by using software robots to automate repetitive, low-value tasks. His keynote was a
game-changer for business owners overwhelmed by manual processes -
proving that with the right tools and mindset, even small businesses can harness the power of automation to scale smarter and work better.
Kate Christie, time investment expert and bestselling author, took the stage to challenge how we think our lives
and the way we invest our time to ensure our lives are fulfilling. With practical tools and her signature humour, Kate shared
with us insights from her latest book, The Life List, all about realising we must take control and design our perfect lives today,
and by treating time our time on earth as our most valuable asset.
Shannon Smit, local business leader and founder of SMART Business Solutions and B.I.T.E Business Conference, shared her own
journey of embracing innovation and AI in a traditionally conservative industry. Her interview with Kate Christie was both relatable
and visionary - offering practical steps to modernise business operations and harness technology without losing the human touch.
Bruce Billson, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, hosted a dynamic Small Business Panel, spotlighting local business owners who are leading the way in their industries. From digital tools to client experience, the panel offered real-world stories of innovation in action. The panel gave attendees a powerful reminder of the role small business plays in shaping our economy, communities, and future. Warm, witty, and passionate, Bruce celebrated the grit and heart that defines the small business sector.
Each keynote and panel offered something different - vision, strategy, humour, or heart - but all shared one powerful theme: progress
is possible
when you’re willing to think differently, act intentionally, and invest in change.
One of the biggest takeaways from this year’s event was the power of small changes to make big impact. Attendees learned how to:
As one attendee quoted, “I really enjoyed learning about AI and all the ChatGPT hacks… it’s about embracing technology, not fearing it.”
This was more than just talk. The sessions were loaded with real-world examples, live demonstrations, and tactical tips that attendees could start using in their business the very next day.
Beyond the stage, the real magic happened in the moments in between - over coffee, in the breakout zones, and during the post-event networking drinks. This year, the B.I.T.E Conference Sponsors Expo showcased cutting-edge solutions tailored for small businesses, from marketing ideas and finance tools to tech platforms and training programs and everything in between.
Business owners shared wins, swapped ideas, and made connections that will ripple well beyond the event itself. The sense of camaraderie was palpable. One attendee summed it up best: “It’s just so good to see all the small businesses back - amazing speakers, and the networking and learning has been incredible.”
The B.I.T.E Business Conference was founded with a mission - to empower small business owners with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to thrive in a changing world. At its core, B.I.T.E Conference is a celebration of resilience, innovation, and community.
In the words of B.I.T.E Conference and SMART Business Solutions founder and event organiser Shannon Smit, “This isn’t about blue-sky thinking for the sake of it. It’s about giving our local businesses practical strategies they can actually use, right now, to improve how they operate, connect, and grow.”
The event also stayed true to its local roots. With all-day catering showcasing regional flavours and Mornington Peninsula suppliers, we proudly spotlighted the very community we serve.
B.I.T.E Business Conference 2025 would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers, and the small business owners who showed up, leaned in, and took notes. Your energy made this event unforgettable.
To our powerhouse speakers - thank you for inspiring us to think differently, challenge our assumptions, and take bolder steps forward.
To every attendee who shared stories, asked questions, and connected with peers - you’re the heartbeat of this event.
Relive the energy, insights, and standout moments from the day in our official B.I.T.E Conference 2025 Event video. From keynotes to crowd, this video captures the essence of everything we set out to achieve - and more.
B.I.T.E Business Conference may be over for 2025, but the momentum continues. At SMART Business Solutions, we’re committed to helping small business owners harness what they learned and turn it into lasting growth.
If you're looking to integrate AI into your business, improve your systems, or get personalised business advisory support, our team is here to help. Most importantly - take what you’ve learned and run with it.
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