This week is one that I have donated back to The World Incubator to start putting in motion the ramp up to #nqecon2016 or for those who don't deal in hashtags, North Queensland Entrepreneurs Conference which will be held in Townsville, from 8.30am to 5pm on 8 November 2016. 

I am most excited by the few local speakers and what they have to say, because their stories will blow your mind, but of course, we are all drawn to how people like Jack Cowin became one of Australia's richest men, and a billionaire that everyone in business respects immensely. Jeremy Jauncey, live from London will share how he lives in the shadow of 12 million followers who are engaged by his every move. That in itself will incorporate valuable lessons for anyone who wants to market their businesses, but mostly tourism operators who want to attract more people to their hotels and tourism attractions. Knowing the 'secret sauce' which he will share, will be a game-changer for many businesses struggling to attract enough attention nationally or globally.

George Freney, from Booodl is a personal favourite. He has a fascinating story to tell and he isn't afraid to share it with people. He is also an incredible operator and has built a startup that has attracted the likes of James Packer, Erika Baxter and the Westfield holding company for Australia and New Zealand. Young, dynamic, smart and nimble, George hails from Adelaide and is currently living in Sydney building his technology business that drives shoppers into real stores that are in close proximity. All retailers that are struggling will benefit from his speech, as he walks us all through his technology and how it came up with the idea based on the fact that he is simply one curious man.

Getting investment is never easy, but Niall Cairns knows what it takes as he is the man you need to go to to get investment. A VC for more than 20 years, Niall Cairns, and his highly successful Kestrel Capital outfit, have invested in some of Australia's most successful companies. 

They are only a few of the speakers that the North Queensland Entrepreneurs Conference 2016 will play host to, and they will give you an important reason as to why building a business isn't easy, but is highly rewarding.

As I speak to different business groups in the North I see both collaboration and disconnect. Entrepreneurs need our support, and their business, is our business in the fact that we need to ensure that every business person has the tools to be successful and has access to education, development and at times connections.

The networking opportunities alone at www.nqecon.com.au is going to be game-changing for many of those who attend. The conference is for everyone from University student who receive a half price discount to attend from as far north as Cairns through to JCU (James Cook University) in Townsville, CQU, QUT, Bond University, University of Queensland and our southern counterparts, as well as people with business ideas, startups, and those who have established businesses.

Topics that speakers will discuss:

• How to go from nothing to being a multimillionaire
• The importance of having a business plan
• How to raise capital, even when you don't have a product
• How to hold successful events
• What to do when you are raising capital - who succeeds and who fails
• How to take a franchise and turn it into a billion dollar company
• The importance of community, giving back and telling a story
• What a startup in an incubator looks like after 3 months
• Lessons learned from the top and from the bottom
• When you have a good idea, but the market isn't ready for it
• Closing the gender gap by running your own race
• How social media can make you millions
• How to attract 12 million followers on social media
• Serial entrepreneurism - how to make it work for you and when is it a good time to start a new business, without ruining what you already have.

I'm in Townsville right now and am heading to Charters Towers tomorrow. I am very excited about what is to come, and the closing the year off with a high by celebrating entrepreneurship at the www.nqecon.com.au . 

Next year is going to be all about rural Queensland and what more we can do to reach people far and wide and give them opportunities to launch business, regardless of where they are located. 
Turning the physical Charters Towers model into a virtual model, supporting more people, more often with a more flexible approach is going to provide a better platform for those who struggle to make it into town to turn up to an incubator. 

In the interim; book your tickets before you miss out on www.nqecon.com.au. This event has a huge lineup of incredible speakers, and if you own a business, or are thinking about being an entrepreneur, you definitely do not want to miss this great opportunity.

If you are from out of Townsville, book accomodation at either The Ville or Clarion Hotel, both equally as nice and they will give you a good price.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea is included. All we need is you and bring some of your friends.