Event Information

CollabConnect: Bridging Ideas & Impact

Event Description

"CollabConnect: Bridging Ideas and Impact" is a collaborative event created to highlight the power of social enterprises and promote meaningful connections in the sector. Through its Social Enterprise Pop-Up, Symposium, and Networking Session, CollabConnect encourages collaboration, builds networks, and revitalizes the Social Enterprise Network to drive collective action and positive change.

This event is a unique partnership between leading experts: Dr. Melissa Wheeler, Executive MBA Program Director at RMIT, whose research spans moral psychology, applied ethics, and responsible leadership; Dr. Jon Hewitt, Lecturer at RMIT’s School of Fashion and Textiles, focusing on sustainable fashion marketing and consumer behaviour; and Susanna Bevilacqua, Founder of Moral Fairground, who has dedicated her career to creating collaborative, socially conscious communities. With RMIT providing venues, academic input, and research support, and Moral Fairground managing the Social Enterprise Pop-Up and symposium, CollabConnect is positioned to create lasting impact.

The event wraps up with a Networking Session that fosters valuable connections among social enterprises and academics, sparking future collaborations.

Location
The Activator, RMIT Building 98
102 Victoria St, Carlton VIC 3053
Learn more about the Activator at RMIT

Objectives

  • Share Knowledge: Exchange insights and explore innovative solutions through symposium discussions and breakout sessions.

  • Promote Collaboration: Foster engagement and networking between academics and the social enterprise community.

  • Showcase Social Enterprises: Provide a platform for micro to small-scale social enterprises to share their work and connect with the public.

Event Highlights

Symposium
Join a full day of thought-provoking presentations and discussions led by industry leaders and academics, with sessions exploring trends, challenges, and solutions in social enterprise.

  • Ticket Options: Flexible pricing from $10 to $40, includes access to all sessions, breakout discussions, and experiential activities, along with lunch, afternoon tea, and coffee.

  • Schedule: 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

  • Location: RMIT Activator 2nd and Ground Floor

Social Enterprise Pop-Up
Meet social entrepreneurs, discover products that create change, and shop for unique, impactful holiday gifts.

  • Admission: Free and open to the public, no booking required.

  • Hours: 10:00 am - 8:30 pm

  • Location: Ground floor,  RMIT Activator

Networking Session
End the day by connecting with changemakers, sharing ideas, and exploring future collaborations in a relaxed setting.

  • Ticket Options: Flexible pricing from $0 to $ 20, includes light entertainment, finger foods, and a selection of wines.

  • Schedule: 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

  • Location: Ground Floor, RMIT Activator

Who Should Attend

  • Social enterprises seeking visibility and collaboration opportunities

  • Academics interested in social impact research and networking

  • Students eager to learn about social enterprise and innovation

  • Industry professionals looking to connect with changemakers

  • General public with an interest in supporting socially responsible businesses

How to get there:

Select your journey: https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Carlton/RMIT-University

 

Parking Options:

Here are a few parking options nearby - we do not provide parking for this event. If you decide to drive to the event we encourage you book partaking in advance:

https://www.carepark.com.au/find-a-care-park/rmit-building-91-110-victoria-street-carlton/

https://www.parkhound.com.au/parking-carlton-vic

https://en.parkopedia.co.uk/parking/victoria_road_carlton

Where to stay:

RMIT Activator is located centrally near Melbourne CBD which offers a plethora of accomodation options, we do not have an affiliation with any hotel, however, here are some options nearby.

See lists of hotels here

 

Join us at CollabConnect to be part of a community driving sustainable change and collective impact!