2021 Events
In 2021, ABSA provided students with the opportunity to develop resilience, adaptability, and innovation in an era of rapid change. Through expert-led discussions, hands-on competitions, and meaningful networking opportunities, ABSA’s 2021 events fostered entrepreneurial thinking, leadership, and collaboration—preparing students to take on the challenges of the future with confidence.
DIGITAL REVEOLUTION
ABSA was proud to host its first inaugural Annual Conference in 2021, bringing together 80 student leaders from across Australia, including QLD, VIC, SA, TAS, and ACT. Under the theme “Resurgence,” the conference explored key topics shaping the post-pandemic business landscape, fromeconomic recovery and e-commerce disruption to sustainability, ethical leadership, and the future of work.
Attendees engaged in keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops led by industry experts, including representatives from EY, Unilever, and Professional Super. The event concluded with a Corporate Cocktails networking session, where students connected with industry professionals in a dynamic setting.
A huge thank you to all who made our first-ever National Conference a success! We look forward to welcoming you to future ABSA conferences as we continue to grow and empower the next generation of business leaders.
Keynote Speakers
Joanne Masters
Chief Economist & Partner
Claire Holborow
UFLP Human Resources and Project Lead
Rachel Hennin
Assistant Capability Manager
Rossana Bianchi
Data and AI Ethics Lead
Sessions
The FinTech Industry
Presentation
Sustainable Business & Ethical Leadership
Panel
Australian Economic Recovery from the COVID-19 Crisis
Presentation
E-Commerce
Panel
The Future of Work
Workshop
Technology
Workshop
TECHNOLOGY OF TOMORROW
The 2021 ABSA Innovation & Entrepreneurship Startup Series challenged students to pitch their startup ideas to top leaders in the VC and startup ecosystem for a chance to win exclusive prizes and mentorship opportunities. This competition provided aspiring entrepreneurs with a platform to develop, refine, and present their business ideas while receiving guidance from experts at Microsoft, Google, Beem It, WooliesX, and Fishburners.
Teams progressed through three stages—from submitting pitch decks and video presentations, to advancing as national finalists with access to mentorship and exclusive workshops, before culminating in an exciting shark tank-style Grand Final Pitch Day.