FESPA FINDS CONFERENCE KEYNOTE

Gus Balbontin, renowned entrepreneur and former executive director and CTO of Lonely Planet, will be the keynote speaker and workshop facilitator for this year’s Australia Annual Conference.

Balbontin has led an unusual life. Born and bred in the wilds of Patagonia, he moved to Australia at 17, and five years later had dropped out of university, hitchhiked across South America, started his first business, and landed his dream job at Lonely Planet.

During his tenure at Lonely Planet, he led the company on a global scale, collaborating with industry giants such as Google X, Nokia, and Amazon to explore new technologies, foster creative cultures, and build high-performing teams.

Seeking a shift from corporate life, he returned to his entrepreneurial roots and became a key figure in Melbourne’s startup ecosystem as an investor, founder and mentor.

Nigel Davies, president Fespa Australia, said, “We are excited to welcome Gus Balbontin to our annual conference in Sydney, where attendees will have the opportunity to learn from his vast experience and innovative approach.

“His keynote address and facilitation of the Leadership Workshop promise to deliver invaluable insights and practical advice that will inspire and equip participants to tackle their own business challenges and drive success.”

“His storytelling prowess and passion for making a tangible difference in people’s lives have made him a sought-after speaker, so we are delighted that he will set the scene for our conference.”

Often regarded as a futurist, he doesn’t claim to predict the future but instead seeks to empower others to focus on what they can control to navigate any future scenario. While he enjoys discussing trends and imagining a world driven by AI, he emphasises the importance of actionable strategies over speculative forecasts.

Early bird tickets for the conference are available via the Eventbrite link.

Fespa Australia would like to thank and acknowledge the following sponsors of this event; Diamond – Orafol, Gold – Durst, Visual Connections, Silver – Hexis, IVE Group, Cactus Imaging, Bronze – Ball & Doggett, Pozitive, HVG Graphics Media, and Kissel & Wolf.