Sunshine Coast local and champion of Australian small business, Sam Penny, has been named a speaker for TEDxBrisbane 2022, as it returns for the first time since Covid-19.
After three reschedules and more than three years of planning, TEDxBrisbane will return on 3 December with a showcase themed Engineering Impact.
The one-day event will feature 15 TEDx Talks, highlighted by five incredible performances from local artists.
TEDxBrisbane executive director Juanita Wheeler said the showcase would bring together provocateurs of change including Cheesemonger, Sam Penny.
Sam is the co-founder of Buderim-based Cheese Therapy, Australia’s largest artisan cheese retailer, and is a champion of small business.
He is an entrepreneur with a passion for making micro changes that have compounding benefits to individuals and communities.
Cheese Therapy began as a small family business and grew into a venture focused on supporting Australian traditional cheesemakers impacted by bushfires, droughts and Covid, while providing consumers with the best boutique, artisanal products delivered straight to their homes.
“I’m excited to share my ideas and experience to the people of Brisbane,” Mr Penny said.
“It’s a unique opportunity to join others in conversation and discuss how we can support Australian producers while growing business at the same time.”
Ms Wheeler said: “There was always a strong demand for TEDxBrisbane, from people across South East Queensland who have attended before and want to soak up the experience again, and from those who love TEDx Talks and want to experience them live and local.”
The event will also see the launch of the The Advocate Program with attendees paired with experts with shared interests to help promote discussion and accelerate change.
“Advocates play a pivotal role in TEDxBrisbane’s Engineering Impact strategy,” Ms Wheeler said.
“The Advocate Program allows participants to stay inspired, put their ideas into action, and stay connected in meaningful and beneficial ways with the TEDxBrisbane community.”
This year, TEDxBrisbane is also providing attendees with the option to Pay It Forward and purchase a scholarship ticket for people who would otherwise be unable to attend.
Attendees can sponsor 20 per cent or 100 per cent of the scholarship ticket. Applications for the scholarship tickets will go live in the coming weeks.
TEDxBrisbane will take place at ERPAC (Edmund Rice Performing Arts Centre) at St Laurence’s College. Tickets can be purchased at events.humanitix.com/tedxbrisbane-2022-engineering-impact
