A busy program of events to be held right across the Northern Territory was revealed today with the launch of October Business Month (OBM) for Territorians and Territory businesses to Connect. Learn. Inspire.
The 2023 program aims to build on the success of the reinvigorated 2022 program and will provide business owners and employees with opportunities to attend a range of keynote presentations and hear from our very own Territory Success Stories.
Last year attracted more than 3800 registered attendees to participate in more than 125 events held across the five regions of the Territory.
OBM Partner Events along with independently hosted events delivered by Territory businesses and industry play an important part in the calendar of events this year.
More than 50 event partners will deliver 130 events across all regions offering a wide variety of opportunities for attendees to connect, learn and be inspired.
Busy Territorians who want to use their time efficiently to upskill and learn something new to assist their professional development or help grow their business are encouraged to be involved.
The program features four high profile keynote speakers who will talk about leadership, resilience and overcoming adversity.
Todd Sampson will deliver the opening keynote address ‘Brainpower’ at the NAB Inspirational evening on Wednesday, 4 October. This presentation will show you how to boost your Creativity and Brain Power. Todd is the writer, host and human guinea pig of the award-winning Discovery Science Series called REDESIGN MY BRAIN. We are all capable of more than we realise and modern science is showing us how.Shaynna Blaze is an award-winning Interior Designer, Author, Creative Director, Producer, and TV personality, best known for her roles on The Block and Selling Houses Australia. Her unerring eye for design and style has seen her creating stunning interiors in residential homes and commercial spaces for more than thirty years. She will share how she has navigated her career in design, art, music, TV and writing, while holding it together as a single Mum and a businesswoman in male dominated industries. Shaynna will present her keynote address ‘Living my life by Design, not by Default’ at the Women in Business Lunch in Darwin on Friday 20 October.Dr Dan Pronk studied medicine on an army scholarship and served most of his career with Special Operations, including four tours of duty in Afghanistan. Upon discharge from the army, Dan completed an MBA and has since held medical leadership roles. He has a deep interest in resilience and is the co-author of the best-selling book The Resilience Shield. Dan was a very popular inclusion in the OBM 2022 program, and returns to deliver a half day workshop in Darwin on Tuesday 10 October ‘Building your Resilience Shield’, in addition to delivering keynote addresses in Alice Springs on Monday 9 October and Katherine on Wednesday 11 October.Amanda Stevens – Entertaining. Inspiring. Humorous. Engaging. Memorable. These are just some of the words used to describe Amanda Stevens, CSP. Amanda is a renowned thought leader on the customer experience. She combines current consumer insights with fascinating research into buying behaviour, delivering organisations and business owners powerful strategies for connecting with their customers. Amanda will present her keynote address ‘Everyday Bravery’ in Nhulunbuy on Tuesday 24 October, Tennant Creek on Wednesday 25 October and Alice Springs on Thursday 26 October.
Nine Territory success stories will also share their experiences at keynote events in their region, bringing their own local story to inspire the business community.
View the full OBM program online at
Quotes attributable to Minister for Business, Jobs and Training, Paul Kirby:
“October Business Month is an integral part of the Territory business community’s calendar and delivers practical skills to meet the professional development needs of business and industry.
“OBM 2023 is packed full of inspiring and informative keynote presentations and workshops to lead and motivate businesses to grow, invest and solidify their position in the Territory.
“The OBM program of events highlights the Territory Labor Government’s commitment to building the Territory’s future and economy by providing strong support for business.”
Quotes attributable to Airnorth Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Bowden:
“Airnorth is delighted to partner with October Business Month in 2023 as a sponsor and Territory Success Story.
“As one of the largest private employers in the Northern Territory, with more than 220 staff, we look forward to sharing the history of our 45 years as a proud and passionate Territory business as part of the October Business Month program of events”.
Northern Territory Government
