Name: Sydney | BDO Connect National Forum
Start: 2026-10-13T21:30:00
End: 2026-10-14T06:00:00
Location: The Fullerton Hotel Sydney

Event

Wednesday 14 OctoberSessions: 8:30am - 5:00pm | Networking event: 5:00pm - 6:30pm (AEDT)

The Fullerton Hotel Sydney1 Martin PlaceSydney, 2000, CBD

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Connect with peers. Explore what’s next. Strengthen your business.

Join us at our BDO Connect National Forum 2026, our exclusive flagship event for members across the country. The Forum provides the opportunity to hear from industry leaders, explore emerging trends, and connect with peers facing similar opportunities and challenges.

Whether you are looking to stay ahead of industry developments, strengthen your network, or identify new opportunities for your business and clients, the Forum delivers practical, commercially focused insights you can apply within your firm immediately.

Event details

Wednesday, 14 October 2026 | 8.30am – 5.00pm sessions; 5.00pm – 6.30pm networking event
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney, 1 Martin Place, Sydney NSW 2000

Sessions

Start time	Sessions	Speaker
8:30 AM	Registrations
9:00 AM	Members welcome	Jeff Marsden Partner Business Restructuring, BDO
9:10 AM	BDO Connect community message	Dr Mark Pizzacalla Partner Business Services and National Leader BDO Connect, BDO
9:30 AM	The Future of Trusts: Understanding the New Tax Rules Trusts have been Australia's preferred wealth and business structuring vehicle for decades. The rules are changing. Understanding the new landscape is critical for trustees, family groups and advisers alike. We'll explain the quickly evolving tax landscape and walk through some practical examples to get you thinking about issues in practice, and planning opportunities.	Claire Baker Partner Corporate & International Tax, BDO
10:15 AM	Morning tea
11:00 AM	Early intervention in client distress By the time many businesses seek help, their options have already narrowed. This session looks at the warning signs advisers should be watching for, the conversations clients often avoid, and the difference early intervention can make. Through real examples, we'll discuss how timely action can help preserve value, improve outcomes and avoid more difficult decisions later.	Jeff Marsden Partner Business Restructuring, BDO
11:40 AM	Indirect tax risks: The issues advisers find too late GST and state tax issues are often identified long after the original transaction took place. This session will highlight common risk areas, recent developments and the warning signs that are easy to miss. Learn where issues typically arise and what advisers can do to identify potential problems earlier.	Joel Brown Partner Indirect Tax, BDO
12:25 PM	SMSF risk and retirement strategy From contribution strategies and pension issues through to compliance and retirement planning, the SMSF landscape continues to evolve, creating new complexities for advisers. This session will examine the areas generating the most questions in practice, highlight common risks and provide practical guidance to help support better client outcomes.	Vivi Chen Partner Business Services, BDO
12:55 PM	Lunch
1:50 PM	Economic trends, lending insights and opportunities for growth What do current economic conditions mean for Australian businesses? This session will explore the trends shaping business confidence, lending activity and access to capital, alongside the opportunities and risks likely to influence business growth in the year ahead. Gain practical insights into navigating changing market conditions and positioning for growth.	Yun Tin Director Corporate and Business IRRM and FX Sales IRRM Product and Structuring, Wholesale Banking & Financial Markets, Bank of Queensland Martin Jaffe Relationship Executive, BOQ Specialist Camille Morrison Relationship Executive, BOQ Specialist
2:35 PM	Building firm value: Creating options before you need them The strongest firms don't wait until retirement is around the corner to think about succession and value. Drawing on real examples from the SME market, this session will discuss the factors that drive firm value, common succession challenges and the steps advisers can take today to improve future flexibility and options.	Paul Childers Partner, Deal Advisory, BDO
3:20 PM	Afternoon tea
3:40 PM	ESIC tax incentives & Proposed Innovative Business CGT Concession – Tricks and traps The Early Stage Innovation Company (ESIC) regime offers significant tax incentives for eligible investors, yet many businesses and advisers remain unfamiliar with the rules. This session will explain how the concessions work, who may be eligible and the questions advisers should be asking to help clients identify potential opportunities. We will also explore the proposed Innovative Business CGT Concession rules where the eligibility criteria are similar to ESIC.	Pulin Desai Partner Corporate & International Tax, BDO
4:25 PM	Networking drinks

Disclaimer: Correct at time of publishing. May be subject to change.

Sydney | BDO Connect National Forum

Connect with peers. Explore what’s next. Strengthen your business.

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