Northern Rivers Events | Business NSW

Northern Rivers Catalyst Summit

catalyst

Regional Leaders Northern Rivers Summit 2026

Northern Rivers CATALYST brings together regional leaders from business, government, industry and community to explore the ambition, investment and collaboration needed to shape a stronger future for the Northern Rivers.

The Summit will explore catalytic leadership, regional opportunity, productivity, investment, major projects and the moments that can shift a region from possibility to progress. It will be a day designed not only to inform and inspire, but to provide practical takeaways that Regional Leaders can bring back into their own businesses, organisations and communities.

Together, we will consider the people, projects, partnerships and opportunities that can drive sustainable economic development, create lasting regional advantage, and support a connected, collaborative and resilient Northern Rivers where enterprise, people and place prosper together.

This year’s program will be guided by James O’Loghlin, who will join us as MC and opening keynote speaker. James is well known for his wit, insight and engaging style as the host of ABC Local Radio programs and more than 3000 episodes of The New Inventors on ABC TV. He is also the author of 12 books, including Innovation is a State of Mind. We look forward to James bringing his unique perspective to the Northern Rivers and helping to guide a day of thoughtful, energetic and enjoyable conversation.

The full program is shaping to be an exciting and interactive day with keynote insights, facilitated conversations, leadership perspectives and opportunities for connection across the Regional Leader network.

This will be our 4th Annual Regional Leaders Summit and an important opportunity for leaders to come together, share ideas, strengthen connections and continue contributions to the future direction of the Northern Rivers.

Tickets will be held for Regional Leaders only until close of business on 3 August, before being opened to other members and general admission.

Seats are limited to 180 attendees, so we encourage you to secure your ticket early.

Regional Leaders: please remember to use your RL code to access your complimentary ticket allocation.
BOOK NOW

With MC James O'Loghlin

James O'Loghlin

Learn More About James

James O’Loghlin – Bio

James O’Loghlin is one of Australia’s most respected media personalities, and an experienced and highly skilled keynote speaker, facilitator, and MC. James is perhaps best known for his 15 years presenting witty and entertaining programs on ABC Local Radio, and as the host of over 300 episodes of the much loved "The New Inventors" on ABC-TV . It was this role that fuelled James’ passion for practical innovation.

James has been delighting corporate audiences with his unique brand of corporate insight and comedy for over a decade, and is equally at home giving keynotes, acting as MC for conferences and awards nights, and facilitating panel discussions. He is a favourite with Australian audiences and event planners, and a true industry professional with hundreds of successful live events to his credit.

James is the author of 12 books, including ‘Innovation is a State of Mind’, and, with Prof Ian Hickie, the bestselling mental health book ‘Minding Your Mind’. Prof Hickie and James’s mental health podcast, ‘Minding Your Mind’, has been listened to over a quarter of a million times.

James speaks on the topics of Innovation, where he shares practical strategies to help people identify opportunities for innovation in their business and take advantage of them, Mental Health, where he shares evidence based strategies to help people maintain and improve their mental health, and Persuasion and Influence, where he shares practical strategies to help people to become more persuasive and influential.

Master of Ceremonies and Facilitator

James is an accomplished and highly experienced MC, able to draw laughs from whatever is happening whilst running events efficiently. You get the professionalism of an experienced radio and television host who is utterly at home on stage, combined with the humour of one of Australia’s best corporate comedians. James is an experienced and able panel facilitator who always ensures that the discussion is informative and entertaining.

Book Your Tickets Now

Book Now

Thank you to ourPresenting Partner, Southern Cross University, along with our event partners, Elements, ENV Solutions, Sunshine Sugar, NNSW LHD, Ausindustry, Newton Denny Chapelle & Northern Rivers NSW Brand.

Todays event is part of our Regional Leaders program. We extend our thanks to the Strategic Partners who support this initiative, Clarence Property, Southern Cross University, and TURSA, along with every Regional Leader in the network.

The Regional Leaders program is powered by the businesses and people who continue to invest their time, insight, and leadership into strengthening the Northern Rivers region and its future.