Social Enterprise World Forum 2009

Social Ventures Australia (SVA) and Social Traders are co-hosting the 2009 Social Enterprise World Forum (SEWF) in Melbourne from 6-8 October with an international and local line up of expert speakers and social enterprise practitioners.

SEWF aims to support the emerging Australian social enterprise movement, showcase successful enterprises and raise the profile of social enterprise in the region and around the world. 

With some 189 speakers set to take to the stage SVA Executive Director Jan Owen says that showcasing successful enterprises from Australia and around the world, it is a must attend event for anyone interested in social enterprise in Australia today.

The SEWF line up contains some of the world’s leading authorities in social enterprise and sustainability including: Patrick Dodson, The Kimberley Institute; Jeremy Nicholls, SROI Network, UK; Margaret Elliot, Sunderland Home Care Associates, UK; Andy Kuper, Leapfrog; Laurie Russell, The Wise Group, UK; Kevin Fong, Goolarri Media; and Nir Tsuk, Ashoka Israel.

Jan Owen says it’s not only about what’s happening now, it’s about what’s happening next. 

She says social enterprise is a diverse sector where all the disciplines come together.

The Forum is aimed at social enterprise practitioners who are currently running a social enterprise, or have a great idea and want to set up a social enterprise. As well people who are enablers and investors in the development of the social enterprise sector are also able to attend.

Some of the topics being discussed are
· Identifying and developing markets for social enterprise
· Starting a sustainable social enterprise 
· Growing and scaling social enterprise
· Investing in social enterprise development
· Measuring impact, results and returns 
· Creating the policy environment for successful growth 

SEWF includes informative, interactive and structured networking sessions including a Lion’s Den, master classes and World Café. 
 
Here’s a rundown:
 
Debate    
Two teams go head to head on a controversial social enterprise issue. 

Hypothetical    
Diverse leaders from across sectors debate and discuss the key opportunities and challenges of civil society and new world orders. 

Global Showcase    
Social entrepreneurs from around the globe share their stories of enterprise and success.

The Epicentre    
An intensive look at what works and why from a practitioner’s perspective. Case studies will be used to explore the subject matter, insights on operational issues, strategy and impact. 
Thought Leaders Panel
A panel of global thought leaders set the scene by sharing their expertise and ideas to provide new ways of looking at things. 

Master class    
A double-length session which provides an opportunity to dive deeply into a critical issue in social enterprise and walk away with a working guide to doing it yourself. Sessions are run by expert practitioners with a proven capacity to inspire and inform. There will be extensive use of local and global case studies.

Enterprising Leaders    
Led by an experienced facilitator, a panel of outstanding social entrepreneurs will talk about their personal learnings, experiences and ‘scar tissue’. A chance to get beneath the surface of some of the most exciting and successful social enterprises around the world and have your questions answered.

O2 – Oxygen!    
A small group workshops providing personal and professional development on topics relevant to all social enterprises. A perfect way to breathe life into your skills.

The Lion ‘s Den   
Listen to brave social entrepreneurs pitch their enterprises  to a high powered panel of business people for funding and live feedback! It’s a chance to hear what investors really think as they offer advice on how to present your ideas for maximum impact.

World Café    
Networking on steroids! Choose a World Cafe table which has a theme or topic which interests you and join your colleagues for an intensive 20 minute session of conversation and networking. After 20 minutes, switch tables for a whole new round of faces and conversations. Each World Cafe table will be hosted by one of your social enterprise peers.
 
To register to attend or find out more go to  www.sewf09.com