Business in focus | Professional Development Series

21-22 AUG

Business in focus | Professional Development Series

Podiatry professional development event

Business in focus

Professional Development Series (PDS)

A two-day, in-person program to help podiatrists build a stronger, more sustainable practice.

21–22 August 2026 | Kingscliff, NSW

Secure your Early Bird place → From $725 member · Early Bird

Early Bird closes 10 July - don't miss out on saving up to $400!
✔ 14 CPD hours ✔ Practical business strategies ✔ Networking and trade exhibition

Build a stronger practice - without guesswork

A two-day, in-person program designed to help you build, manage and grow a more sustainable podiatry practice.

Focused on real-world application, this program brings together experienced practitioners and business experts to share practical strategies you can implement immediately.

Turn ideas into action

Learn practical strategies, create plans tailored to your own practice, and access tools and resources you can implement immediately to drive measurable improvements.

Real conversations

Take part in candid discussions about the realities of running a podiatry business, exploring the challenges, opportunities and decisions that matter most.

Connect with people who get it

Engage with peers and connect with trade partners who understand your world, building valuable connections that continue beyond the event.

Featured speakers

Learn from experienced practitioners and industry experts across business, leadership and clinical practice.

Leanne Hughes
Leadership & growth - Keynote

Odette Blacklock
Resilience & diversity - Keynote

Peter Flynn
AI & the client journey

Kylie Mowbray-Allen
AI search & marketing

Ben Corso
Practice value & exit

Karen Arnold
Talent & retention

Ted Jedynak
Business strategy

Davina Bambrick
Clinician-to-CEO transition

Ben Shepherd
Cyber security

Elizabeth Griffiths
AI adoption roadmap

Andrew McKenzie
Privacy, consent & risk

Shabina Sahu Khan
HR & people

Ready to learn from them? Early Bird from $725 - closes 10 July. Register →

Who this is for

This program is designed for podiatrists who are actively involved in business and practice operations, including:

  • Practice owners focused on growth and sustainability
  • Practice managers strengthening systems and team performance
  • Podiatrists stepping into leadership roles

This program is best suited to podiatrists involved in business and practice operations. If you're looking for purely clinical education, you may find other CPD opportunities more relevant.

Past delegates say it best

“...a fantastic event which has enhanced my understanding of business practices and given me practical tools to apply straight away in my professional sphere. Thank you.”
— Past delegate

“Great experience involving good content and opportunities for networking. An opportunity to engage with trade, access speakers and other delegates in a friendly environment.”
— Past delegate

What’s included in your registration

Your registration is designed to give you both structured learning and space to connect:

  • Two full days of business-focused education
  • Access to the trade exhibition
  • Networking function with drinks and canapés
  • Morning movement session to start your day
  • Breakfast session with peers and facilitated discussion
  • eCourse valued at $450 (APodA members only)
  • 14 CPD hours

Program

Two days of learning focused on building, optimising, leading and sustaining your practice.

Day 1 Friday 21 August

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Session 1: Build a Practice Patients Choose, Trust and Recommend

KEYNOTE: More Than Foot Traffic: How to make your clinic famous (for the right reasons)
Presented by: Leanne Hughes

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Tea

11: 00 AM – 12:30 PM Session 2: Smarter Practice: Innovate Safely, Grow Confidently

AI for Your Practice: Your 30/90 Day Roadmap
Presented by: Elizabeth Griffiths

12:30 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch

1:15 PM – 3:00 PM Session 3 Practice Ownership: Leadership, Value and Future Readiness

The Cyber-Safe Practice: Simple Steps to Protect Your Clinic, Team and Data
Presented by: Ben Shepherd

From Clinician to CEO: The Business Shift Nobody Prepared You For.
Presented by: Davina Bambrick

3.00 PM – 3.30 PM Afternoon Tea

3:30 PM – 5:00 PM Session 4 Build, Protect and Future-Proof Your Practice

Is Your Podiatry Practice Built to Sell?
Presented by: Ben Corso

KEYNOTE: Diversity Through Adversity
Presented by: Odette Blacklock

5:00 PM - 07:00 PM Networking Drinks and Canapes in the Trade Exhibition Area

Day 2 Saturday 22 August

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Morning Movement Session

8:30 AM – 9:30 AM Breakfast Session

9:45 AM – 10:30 AM Session 1 Growth, Visibility & Practice Positioning

The Growth Equation for Podiatry Clinics
Presented by: Bennet Allen

10:30 AM - 11:00 AM Morning Tea

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Session 2 Digital Discovery, Content & Risk

Beyond SEO: How AI Search is Changing the Way Patients Find Your Podiatry Clinic in 2026
Presented by: Kylie Mowbray-Allen – Hello Media

Digital Content Creation
Presented by: Olivia Solomon

Privacy, Consent & Risk Management
Andrew McKenzie – Maurice Blackburn

12:30 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch

1:15 PM – 2:45 PM Session 3 People, Culture and Team Performance

Citation HR

Winning the Talent Challenge: Culture, Engagement and Retention That Works
Presented by: Karen Arnold – EW Solutions and Sprint HR

2.45 PM – 3.15 PM Afternoon Tea

3:15 PM – 5:00 PM Session 4 Turning Insight into Action

Mapping the client journey with AI: identifying and fixing drop-off points to improve patient experience and revenue.
Presented by: Peter Flynn

Business Reflection Workshop – three changes to take back to your clinic
Presented by: Davina Bambrick

Two full days, 14 CPD hours. Secure Early Bird pricing before 10 July. Register →


Extend Your Learning: Sunday Workshops (Optional Add-On)

Unlock deeper insights with these optional, small‑group workshops designed to extend your learning beyond the main program (additional fee applies).

Sunday 23 August
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Your Practice AI Workspace: Set it up once, use it every week

Stay one extra morning. Build the AI workspace your practice will still be using in six months.

A small-group Sunday session for podiatrists who want to set up AI properly for their practice. In three hours you'll build your own AI workspace - personalised to how you work - and run at least one real workflow through it before you leave. Laptop and a paid AI plan required.

Presented by: Elizabeth Griffiths
Find out more about this session here>>


30 seats only!
Cost: Members $325 | Non-members $435
Register via link in event confirmation email.

Sunday 23 August
10:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Built to Perform. Built to Sell
Practice Value Masterclass: Build a Practice of Greater Value - Whether You Plan to Sell or Not
Thinking about the future of your practice - whether that means preparing for sale, stepping back from day-to-day operations, improving profitability, or simply building a stronger business?

Join Ben Corso for this practical 3.5-hour masterclass designed to help podiatry practice owners understand the operational, financial and workforce levers that increase business value over time

Presented by: Ben Corso
Find out more about this session here>>

30 seats only!
Cost: Members $325 | Non-members $435
Register via link in event confirmation email.

APodA member bonus access

If you are an APodA member, your registration includes:

  • Complimentary Business Foundations e-Course (4 hours of additional business content - available in July)
  • Register your practice staff at the member rate

PIB member bonus access

If you are a PIB SIG member you will receive an exclusive additional complimentary 60 minute post event online webinar where you will:

  • Reconnect with presenters and fellow delegates
  • Ask questions and gain further clarity
  • Share wins and troubleshoot challenges
  • Support the ongoing implementation of what you’ve learned

A practical, supportive session designed to help you embed your learning and maximise the value of the program. Save the date: 9 September 7:00pm AEST

Maximise your value by joining the Podiatrist in Business Special Interest Group

The Podiatrists in Business (PIB) Special Interest Group is designed for members looking to strengthen their business capability and connect with like-minded practitioners.

As a PIB SIG member, you’ll receive:

  • Access to this event at the best available rate
  • Ongoing business-focused education and resources
  • Opportunities to connect with a community of practice owners and managers
  • Invitations to exclusive SIG sessions and discussions throughout the year

If you’re looking to build a stronger, more sustainable practice, joining the PIB SIG is a valuable next step.

Join the PIB SIG here

Kingscliff destination and venue

Step away from the day-to-day and create space to think differently about your business.

Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff offers a relaxed coastal setting, designed to support both focused learning and meaningful connection. Located in Northern NSW, the destination provides the opportunity to combine professional development with time to reset and recharge.

Delegates attending the event can enjoy an exclusive 10% discount off best available bed and breakfast rates at Mantra Salt Kingscliff when booking directly with the resort using the promo code provided in your registration confirmation email.

Whether you’re travelling with colleagues or extending your stay, Kingscliff offers an ideal environment to step back and work on your business - not just in it.

Registration options

Early Bird closes on the 10 July 2026. Members receive exclusive discounted rates.

Registration type Early Bird registration
(before 10 July 2026)
Standard registration
(after 10 July 2026)

Podiatrist in Business SIG member BEST VALUE

$725

$1,125

APodA member

$775

$1,175

APodA member's Practice Staff*

$775

$1,175

New Professional member

$635

$685

Student member

$375

$375

Non-member

$1,125

$1,475


*Exclusive member offer: to register your practice staff at the exclusive member rate, contact the APodA team directly at 03 9416 3111 or email info@podiatry.org.au to secure their registration.

Lock in your Early Bird rate Prices rise after 10 July. Register →

Partner with us!

Connect with Australia’s podiatry community and showcase your brand through sponsorship or exhibition at this highly engaged, in-person event.

Build visibility, strengthen relationships, and generate meaningful leads while supporting the profession.

View Partnership & Exhibition Opportunities

For enquiries, contact Phil McShane
📧 phil.mcshane@podiatry.org.au | 📞 03 9416 3111


Sponsors

Secure your place

21–22 August 2026 | Kingscliff, NSW

Early Bird closes 10 July 2026
Join podiatrists from across Australia to step back, gain clarity, and build a more sustainable practice.

Register