Build on your career with the best events from Australia’s premiere creative, tech and business festival.
Pause Fest returns to Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre for three days in February, bringing together some of the brightest minds and most innovative brands in tech and business for insightful discussion, critical talks and collaborative workshops.
Notable attendees on the 2020 line-up include Google, Netflix, Spotify, Uber, Adidas and Facebook – just to name a few. The festival schedule is packed with great events, so we picked a few that will help you take the next step in your career, whatever stage you’re at.
Put on a brave face, get up in front of the crowd and pitch your startup or big idea to the room. Got an idea for a multi-coloured whiteboard marker? An edible phone case? This is a great way to get a feel for how your project might be received in the industry and to access some constructive feedback. It’s also an opportunity to practice public speaking and bounce your thoughts around a room of people who are passionate about their craft. Don’t miss this one.
Share Your Project is on each day of the festival from 11.05am to 11.55am.
Ever wanted to pick the brain of an expert in your field? Got a burning question that only someone with industry experience can answer? Now’s your chance. In these 10-minute, one-to-one sessions, you’ll get to pitch your startup idea, talk industry issues or gain valuable insights on any topic you like. Use your time wisely and walk away equipped with knowledge to help you take a leap in your career.
Speed-Date the Expert is on each day of the festival from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.
What do today’s workers want? This fascinating talk led by Arturo Arrarte, head of growth for popular workplace messaging platform Slack, will unpack the issue of complacency in the Australian workforce and how to fight it. According to Arrarte, workers can shy away from risk-taking for fear of losing what they’ve already achieved – creating a culture of complacency that’s detrimental to productivity.
The Future of Work is on Thursday February 6 from 1.30pm to 2pm.
It’s easy to get so deeply involved in your work that you forget to check up on your colleagues (and yourself), particularly in creative industries. Delving into an important but often overlooked topic, this panel discussion features a clinical psychologist, a designer and a writer. They’ll provide a safe space to discuss mental health-related issues, including how to identify symptoms, how those symptoms can affect creative processes and where to seek help.
Keeping It in Check: Creatives and Their Mental Health is on Thursday February 6 from 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
What do work teams and musical groups have in common? Heaps, apparently. This talk outlines some parallels between businesses and bands, as well as pointers they could give one another – particularly around building chemistry and an efficient workflow. You’ll be surprised at the number of teamwork initiatives you can transfer from a musical setting to the office – and there’ll even be a live demonstration to prove it.
Same Kind of Monster is on Friday February 7 from 4.55pm to 5.25pm.
Pause Fest takes place at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from February 5 to 7. Tickets and full schedule available here.
