Chambers from across the world share ideas at Sydney congress

LAST week I was fortunate to attend the 10th World Chambers Congress in Sydney on behalf of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce.

The congress was attended by more than 1000 delegates representing chambers from all around the world.

Topics on the agenda ranged from big data and dealing with disruption through to leadership, youth entrepreneurship and changing chamber business models.

It was a great opportunity to meet with chambers from across Australia and the rest of the world to learn how the different organisations are managing change and innovating in the delivery of service to their business members.

It is clear that more and more chambers are rejecting old methods to focus on more innovative strategies to support their members and reach for new opportunities for growth and relevance.

Disruptive online models for networking, advocacy and business support are being seen by many chambers as challenging but also exciting in delivering to the needs of businesses.

A key message from the congress was that in the current age of globalisation, disruption, innovation and digitisation, the role of business leaders is changing.

While global economic indicators show growing confidence and positive growth in the international market there is also a rise in political uncertainty and concerns around security and safety globally.

I have brought home from the congress a number of ideas that may be beneficial here in Toowoomba including some smart city initiatives happening in other parts of Australia as well as some ideas to assist our members’ connectivity digitally.

But perhaps more importantly I now have a sense of the incredible power of the international chamber movement and the global connectivity this offers our chamber and the members of our chamber.

Small and medium size businesses will remain central to the global economy and the chamber networks, reputation and brand are valuable vehicles to support the growth of businesses locally.

The chamber network covers more than 100 countries – a network the Toowoomba chamber will now be working to tap into a lot more effectively for the benefit of our members here in Toowoomba.

MORE: For more Chamber news, go to their website toowoombachamber.com.au. The Toowoomba Chamber was established in 1899.