Craig McRae, Adam Gilchrist among impressive speaker line-up
Specialist Finance Group launched its 2024 national conference in Melbourne on Tuesday night with an exquisite Pinstripes and Pearls Welcome Drinks event, setting the stage for two days of learning, networking, and celebration, featuring sports icons such as Adam Gilchrist and Craig McRae.
The conference, which has attracted more than 400 SFG broker members from across Australia, is being held at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.
Guests attending the welcome drinks at the Grand Hyatt were treated to live jazz, stunning floral displays, and an ambience of elegance.
SFG managing director Will Lockett (pictured above left) said the sold-out event once again demonstrated why SFG conferences were highlights of the mortgage and finance industry.
“Yesterday (Wednesday), SFG brought the energy to the MCG, where attendees were met with the ‘wow’ factor” that SFG is famous for,” Lockett said. “The conference opened with a spectacular Lender Expo featuring interactive exhibits, treat stands, an ice cream cart, and the signature SFG hoodies for all delegates.”
The 2024 SFG National Conference and Awards features the theme Goals | Strategies | Structure as the aggregator heads into 2025.
Attendees packed out the MCC Members Dining Room to hear the opening address and guest speakers, demonstrating SFG’s reputation for delivering high-quality, memorable events, said Lockett.
Exceptional line-up of speakers
Australian actor and presenter Andrew Daddo was MC and his humour and engaging style kept the audience entertained.
Among the high-quality line-up of speakers and sessions, Lockett held an insightful Q&A with AFL icon Craig McRae (pictured above centre), premiership coach of the Collingwood Football Club and former premiership player for the Brisbane Lions.
Lockett said McRae’s discussion on goal-setting, time management, and leadership left a lasting impression, inspiring attendees to build winning teams with self-discipline, connection, and clear communication.
Jason Back, award-winning broker coach and founder of Broker Essentials, provided insights into the evolving world of AI, and returned later for a panel discussion on SFG’s industry-leading software SFGconnect Version 2, which is set to launch in February 2025.
Hosted by SFG general manager Blake Buchanan, the panel also featured Salestrekker CEO and founder Dalibor Ivkovic (pictured above right) and SFG national training manager Marko Krnjajic. They discussed the upcoming software enhancements for SFG brokers, aimed at revolutionising client engagement and operational efficiency.
Lockett said Chelsea Pottenger captivated the room with her presentation on mindset, structure, and self-care, emphasising the importance of creating the best version of oneself.
“Her thought provoking insights and compelling statistics had everyone fully engaged, further elevating the day’s inspiring content.”
In a session called The Next Step, Lockett also hosted four of SFG’s top brokers in a Q&A to explore their journey to success, sharing their business growth strategies and vision for the future.
Buchanan followed with SFG Insights, highlighting major achievements in 2024, including the continued success of SFG’s women’s program, SFGEmpowher, which has already gained much industry attention.
Lockett said Buchanan also offered a preview of exciting developments for 2025, reaffirming SFG’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
The day concluded with drinks and canapés in the exclusive Long Room at the MCG, bringing an extraordinary first day to a close.
Day two to feature Adam Gilchrist
Thursday marks the final day of the SFG conference and attendees will gather for a memorable group photo on the MCG with cricketing royalty, former Australia cricket captain Adam Gilchrist.
“With such a phenomenal start, the anticipation is high for another day of insights, inspiration, and connection at SFG’s unforgettable national conference,” said Lockett.
The national conference will conclude tonight with the SFG 2024 National Awards and masquerade gala ball to be held in the Plaza Ballroom.
