From 22–24 July 2025, over 180 leaders from across Australia and New Zealand gathered at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne for Belgravia Leisure’s flagship leadership event, Get Connected 2025.
With a focus on connection, innovation and impact, the three-day conference was a vibrant showcase of our shared purpose and the people who bring it to life.
Watch our official Get Connected 2025 video for a glimpse into the energy, insights and inspiration that made this year’s conference unforgettable.
Day One: Immersion and inspiration
The conference kicked off with an immersive experience at Funlab’s Archie Brothers Cirque Electric, where attendees were treated to a fun afternoon of games and discovery. The experience offered insight into how Funlab delivers exceptional guest experiences and was a powerful reminder of the magic that happens when fun meets purpose.
Following the fun, a live Q&A with Belgravia Leisure CEO Nick Cox and Funlab CEO Michael Schreiber (otherwise known as the Master of Fun) provided rich insights and learnings into how the Funlab team (otherwise known as Motherfunners) continue to create extraordinary moments, inspiring our leaders to think creatively and boldly about elevating the guest experience.
The day continued with a waterfront welcome function at Harbour Kitchen, hosted by our CMO Penny Evans and COO Anthony McIntosh, setting the tone for a conference built on connection and collaboration.
Day Two: Strategy, storytelling and celebration
Day two began with a keynote from renowned futurist Stephen Yarwood, who challenged attendees to think boldly about the future of communities and organisations. Stephen’s inspiring keynote paved a way for Belgravia Leisure to navigate the rapidly changing and complex social, environmental and economic landscape whilst shaping preferred outcomes as our business steps into a future where almost anything is possible.
The morning’s Big Huddle featured strategic reflections on the year that was from Nick Cox, Penny Evans and Anthony McIntosh, all framed around Belgravia Leisure’s 5 P’s: People, Processes, Profile, Programs and Partnerships. From innovative programs and community outcomes to operational achievements and strategic shifts, attendees discovered how each of the 5 P’s continue to guide our decisions, culture and growth as we evolve to grow together.
The afternoon brought insights from the Central Support Team and a powerful panel session, ‘One Size Fails All,’ where leaders on the ground shared advice and candid experience of resilience and transformation.
The day concluded with the Belgravia Leisure Awards Night, a heartfelt celebration of the individuals and teams who exemplify excellence across our business. With awards spanning innovation, safety, sustainability, community impact and more, the night was a moving tribute to the spirit of Belgravia Leisure.
See our awards wrap-up for full details on the winners here.
Day Three: Adaptability and action
The final day opened with a high-energy and amusing keynote from Gus Balbontin, former Executive Director of Lonely Planet, who inspired attendees to ‘adapt and thrive’ in a fast-moving world. Whilst attendees learnt that the future is already very much on our doorstep, the best way to harness it is to remain flexible and open to change.
The popular stream sessions followed, offering tailored insights across wellness, tourism, leadership, golf, aquatics, access and inclusion, the use of AI within the business, communications, marketing, sustainability and child safety. Each stream also offered practical tools and advice for leaders to take back and implement into their venue.
The conference closed with a powerful address from Nick Cox, who brought together the insights, energy and vision shared across the three days. Nick’s call to connect with purpose left attendees inspired to lead boldly and drive meaningful change.
Sponsors shine at Get Connected Trade Show
A range of gold and silver sponsors had the opportunity to showcase their offerings to attendees throughout each break of the conference.
Gold sponsors
Silver Sponsors
- Wasteflex
- Maytonics
- The Distributors
- Curran Cleaning Supplies
- Fitness Passport
- Life Saving Victoria
- Royal Life Saving
- Grip Factory
- Defibs Direct
Sponsors of Fun
- Fun-Lab Corporate
Lanyards:
- Myzone
Coffee Cart:
- Curran Cleaning Supplies
- Roejen Services
Wellness and connection beyond the sessions
Attendees also enjoyed wellness experiences including Qigong and sound healing with Michelle Teunon, relaxation massages from Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa therapists and a hands-on apothecary experience crafting personalised bath soaks – a reminder to us all that wellbeing is central to leadership.
A connected future
Get Connected 2025 was more than a conference – it was a celebration of who Belgravia Leisure are, what has already been achieved and where the company is headed. With strategic clarity, heartfelt moments and practical tools, attendees left inspired to lead with purpose and drive meaningful change across our communities.
- Explore our career opportunities.
- Learn more about our people.
