The great thing about an event like FWD›››FEST you bring together people who wouldn't normally bump into each other but are probably surprised at how much they have in common.
Adam Spencer ››› Maths geek, comedian and author
FWD›››FEST 25
7 - 9 MAY 2025 Sunshine Coast
3 Days
50+ Speakers
1000+ Delegates
Immerse yourself in FWD›››FEST 25, the entrepreneurial and innovation festival. Whether you’re launching an idea, scaling a business, or seeking transformative connections, FWD›››FEST is where visionaries come to thrive.
What is FWD›››FEST?
About
From idea formation to walking the talk global success stories, FWD›››FEST is a mecca for entrepreneurial spirit!
Over three days entrepreneurs, innovators and their support ecosystem come together to learn, be supported, be validated, be challenged and most especially be connected to a world of opportunity.
Immersion: Entrepreneurship can be isolating, find your people at FWD›››FEST and connect with a community that 1000% understands and supports your journey.
Opportunity: Unlock mentorship, funding and collaborations designed to propel your vision forward. Meet entrepreneurs and innovators at every stage, from idea to proven success.
Solve problems: Join solution finders tackling the world’s toughest challenges through immersive, interactive experiences that inspire lasting change.
Who Should Attend
The ultimate gathering for anyone passionate about innovation, entrepreneurship, and driving impactful change.
Whether you're just starting out or scaling to global heights, there’s a community for you at FWD›››FEST!
- Entrepreneurs & Innovators: From early-stage founders to global success stories, FWD›››FEST provides a genuine gathering of the like-minded for validation, growth and support.
- Youth & Educators: Aspiring young entrepreneurs and educators are provided an incredible opportunity to engage in the practical application of their learnings.
- Investors, Researchers & Policymakers: FWD›››FEST is a showcase of entrepreneurial innovation perfect for VC’s looking for their next investment, an incubator looking for innovators or policy makers wanting to understand the needs of the ecosystem.
- Service and Support Providers: Providers of services or support to Australia’s entrepreneurs and innovators come to exhibit and promote their product or services to FWD›››FEST delegates.
Missed out last year?
Watch the 2024 Showreel
Festival Streams
What to see at this year's Forward Fest
FWD›25
AI
FWD›AI equips you with the tools to leverage artificial intelligence for business success.
FWD›25
SUSTAIN
FWD›SUSTAIN helps you integrate sustainability into every aspect of your business.
FWD›25
INVEST
FWD›INVEST empowers entrepreneurs with the tools and connections to attract funding and grow.
FWD›25
SCALE
FWD›SCALE is your launchpad to exponential growth.
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Pricing
Festival Passes
Festival
FWD›DAY ONE
Connect, Support & Grow
Early Bird (ends 07/03/25)
$180
Normal Price $220
Best suited for Entrepreneurs & Innovators, Service & Support Providers, Youth & Educators, Investors and Policymakers.
Includes:
- Day 1 only access to sixteen (16) sessions across four (4) Streams (FWD›INVEST, FWD›SCALE, FWD›SUSTAIN and FWD›AI)
- 1 x day drink & food voucher
- FWD›LUNCH & LEARN
- FWD›CONNECTOR
- Networking Drinks including catering
- Access to Showcase of Innovators, Youth, Partners & Suppliers, FWD›LEAP
Festival
FWD›DAY TWO
Challenge, Lead & Drive
Early Bird (ends 07/03/25)
$275
Normal Price $310
Best suited for Corporate Leaders & Industry Trailblazers, Investors, Researchers & Policymakers and Scale-ups.
Includes:
- KEYNOTE Breakfast@Market Bistro
- Morning Tea, Lunch and Networking drinks and canapes
- Facilitated "Leadership Challenge"
- Access to Three (3) sessions
- KEYNOTE Closing and Networking Drinks
Festival
FWD›DAY THREE
Conversate, Collaborate & ACT!
Early Bird (ends 07/03/25)
$385
Normal Price $420
Includes:
- FWD›ACTIVITY: Join an optional sunrise hosted activity
- FWD›ACT: A facilitated fully immersive leadership experience
- FWD›LEADERS LUNCH with guest speakers walking the talk
Festival
FWD›LEAN-IN
All access pass
Early Bird (ends 07/03/25)
$990
Normal Price $1155
Includes one pass for all event inclusions listed for one person.
- All access pass and inclusions for FWD›Day One
- All access pass and inclusions for FWD›Day Two
- All access pass and inclusions for FWD›Day Three
- Buying tickets for your team? As a FWD›LEAN-IN passholder SAVE 10% on any additional tickets purchased.
Pricing
Festival Tickets
Ticket
KEYNOTE Breakfast
Opening event. Breakfast only.
Early Bird (ends 07/03/25)
$88pp / $800table of 10
Normal Price $110pp / $1,000table of 10
Includes:
- Plated sit-down breakfast
- Keynote speaker
Ticket
CELEBRATION Dinner
Networking Event. Dinner only.
Early Bird (ends 07/03/25)
$165pp / $1,600table of 10
Normal Price $195pp / $1,900table of 10
Includes:
- Access to FWD›››FEST Speakers
- Two course sit-down dinner
- Live Entertainment
PAY IT FORWARD ›››
Empower the next generation of entrepreneurs by gifting a festival pass to students, startups, or under represented innovators who might not otherwise have access.
from $1,800 (10 x daypass)
Support our local emerging talent by giving them the opportunity to attend FWD›FEST 25
Your support enables these changemakers to:
- Gain invaluable insights and tools to advance their ventures.
- Build meaningful connections with mentors, investors, and peers.
- Participate in immersive sessions that could shape their future success.
How it works:
- Purchase packs of 10 tickets or more.
- We'll gift them to local students or start-up entrepreneurs.
- Make a lasting difference in their journey.
Let's build a stronger community of innovators - one ticket at a time. Pay it forward today!
*GST Inclusive | Booking Fees additional | Early Bird prices do not expire for Partners, FWD Force, Showcase Participants, or Collaborative Partners