Melbourne, Australia – September 2025 – The Global Sourcing Expo will return to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre from 18–20 November 2025, bringing together some of the brightest minds in fashion, retail, eCommerce, and supply chains for its renowned Global Sourcing Seminar Series.
Across three days, visitors will gain access to forward-thinking discussions on artificial intelligence, sustainability, fashion entrepreneurship, digital transformation, retail performance, and the power of brand storytelling. With a lineup of high-profile speakers and industry innovators, the Seminar Series is designed to equip professionals with the strategies and tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
These seminars provide more than just insights — they offer a rare opportunity to hear directly from leaders shaping the future of global sourcing and retail. From practical case studies to emerging technologies, attendees will walk away with actionable strategies that can be applied immediately to strengthen business resilience, adapt to consumer expectations, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Program Highlights
Day 1 – Tuesday, 18 November 2025
10:00 – 11:00am – Future-Ready Marketing: Using AI to Boost Business
Jenn Donovan, Founder, Social Media & Marketing Australia
Practical insights into integrating AI into marketing strategies, from content creation and personalisation to data analysis and ethical use. Donovan says:
“AI is such a hot topic, and I will be talking about it from a marketing point of view, and how it can help you make marketing simpler. I look forward to seeing you at the Global Sourcing Expo to come and speak about AI with me, and let me show you how to make your business life simpler with AI.”
11:30 – 12:30pm – Sourcing, Selling, Sustainability & Scaling – Empowering Fashion Entrepreneurs
Jude Kingston, Founder/Director, Australian Fashion Advisory and Mind your Fashion
Explore the four pillars of fashion entrepreneurship with strategies for smart sourcing, brand-building, sustainability, and scaling.
1:30 – 2:30pm – The Sustainable Packaging Revolution: Insights from a Global Pioneer Robert Lockyer, Founder & Chief Client Officer, Delta Global
Examining the rise of sustainable packaging in fashion and beauty, exploring challenges, opportunities, and innovations from circularity and carbon tracking to AI-driven supply chain solutions.
3:00 – 4:00pm – Growth, eCommerce and AI in Fashion
Elizabeth Formosa (Fashion Equipped), Kelly Slessor (The Ecommerce Tribe, Tribe Gen AI), Christina Exie (Stacked Studio)
A panel discussion on sourcing, scaling through eCommerce, and the role of AI in fashion growth. Includes audience Q&A.
Day 2 – Wednesday, 19 November 2025
10:00 – 11:00am – Australian Retail – Performance, Trends and Outlook
Chris Rodwell, CEO, Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and CEO Designate, Australian Retail Council (ARC)
An in-depth look at the retail sector, consumer insights, and forecasts shaping the year ahead.
11:30 – 12:30pm – Revolutionizing the Digital Workspace: How AI is Transforming End-User Computing
Carlin Diprose, ANZ BPS HP & Intel Ambassador | HP
Exploring the opportunities and challenges of AI-driven computing, from chatbots to edge computing.
1:30 – 2:30pm – Transforming Cotton Supply Chains: Driving Impact from Farm to Fashion
Led by Vinay Kumar, Supply Chain Coordinator Australasia, Better Cotton Initiative
Highlighting the crucial role of supply chain actors in advancing Better Cotton’s certification, traceability, and sustainability goals through open dialogue and large-scale collaboration.
3:00 – 4:00pm – Sustainability Drivers in Supply Chain and Logistics from a Tech Perspective
Vandana Chaudhry, CEO, Andisor
Innovations in AI, analytics, and logistics technology driving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Day 3 – Thursday, 20 November 2025
10:00 – 11:00am – Taking Your Brand to the World: The Power of PR
Marie-Claude Mallat, Founder and Director, MCMPR
Insights into fashion PR and how it supports brand identity, growth, and global recognition, with case studies from iconic fashion brands.
11:30am – 12:30pm – Beyond the Cart: 2025 Online Shopping Trends You Can’t Ignore
Veena Gandhi, CEO, Digital Street AU
Exploring consumer behaviour shifts, sustainability, mobile shopping growth, and the rise of social commerce.
1:30 – 2:30pm – AI-Powered Search Changes the Game: Is Your Business Ready?
Ray Pastoors, Business Coach & Digital Marketing Expert
Unpacking how AI is reshaping search and what businesses need to do to remain visible and relevant. Pastoors explains:
“I’m excited for the Global Sourcing Expo because of the connections that I’ll make, but also the innovations that I’ll see from around the world. Being able to build that rapport quickly is going to be great value.”
3:00 – 4:00pm – Indonesia: Sustainable Sourcing Hub for Textiles, Apparel, and Beyond
H.E. Mr. Yohannes Jatmiko Heru Prasetyo, Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Melbourne, along with a representative from API, and an Australian Buyer
Showcasing Indonesia’s strengths as a reliable sourcing partner, featuring insights from the Indonesian Ambassador and industry leaders on sustainability, traceability, and government-backed initiatives driving global competitiveness.
The Global Sourcing Seminar Series is more than an educational program — it’s an essential forum for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators who want to stay ahead of the curve. Attendees will gain not only expert knowledge but also the chance to network with peers, discover new opportunities, and leave with practical tools to drive success in 2026 and beyond.
