Mastering Influence: FVBL’s Networking Event Set to Empower Football Leaders

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Image Credit: FV Business League Launch

Football Victoria (FV) Business League powered by Sharp EIT Solutions opens its 2026 calendar with an event that addresses a core driver of success in sport and business: “The Power of Persuasion & Influence.” FV convenes a distinguished panel of leaders for an evening dedicated to real-world leadership, advanced negotiation tactics, and practical perspectives directly informed by top-level experience.

The Speakers

David Stevenson, CEO of the National Basketball League and “The Dealmaker,” brings more than twenty-five years of executive leadership to the discussion. His track record includes transformative commercial and operational roles at Nike, where he served as Vice President across multiple global business units, and at the AFL, where he led industry-defining initiatives such as Gather Round and AFL Finals. As CEO of the Western Bulldogs, Stevenson oversaw a landmark premiership year and drove record membership and revenue growth. Most recently, he has positioned the NBL as the fastest growing sports league in Australia, securing major broadcast partnerships and expanding fan engagement across the region.

Belinda Neil, “The Behavioural Expert,” offers unparalleled expertise in communication and crisis management. With eighteen years serving in the NSW Police, including roles as Hostage Negotiator, Undercover Operative, and Homicide Detective, she has cultivated advanced skills in behavioural analysis, conflict resolution and team leadership under pressure. Her post-policing career as an acclaimed author and sought-after corporate trainer further extends her impact, equipping organisations to manage critical negotiations and complex stakeholder interactions.

 

The panel will soon add “The Communicator,” a leader renowned in elite sports coaching, with an announcement forthcoming from Football Victoria.

FV Business League continues to provide a platform for senior decision-makers and professionals to access actionable strategies and genuine insight from proven leaders. Attendees will benefit from practical knowledge to elevate negotiation, leadership, and organisational influence across all commercial and sporting domains. Tickets are out now for April 24th at The Edge, Melbourne CBD.

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GIS Sydney connects students with Australia’s sporting industry

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Image Credit: Global Institute of Sport

The Global Institute of Sport (GIS) is giving students new opportunities to build careers in Australia’s growing sports industry. Combining academic study with direct access to sporting organisations, venues and industry professionals. Based at Allianz Stadium and the Sydney Cricket Ground, GIS Sydney places students at the heart of Australia’s sporting landscape. The campus gives students the chance to study while surrounded by major sporting organisations and events, creating a direct connection between education and the industry they hope to join.

Students also benefit from regular access to experienced sports professionals. More than 50 guest speakers have shared their expertise with GIS students, including representatives from FIFA, Red Bull, Cricket Australia and the AFL. These sessions give students a valuable insight into the different roles and career pathways available across the sports sector. GIS Sydney delivers programs including Sports Analytics and International Sports Business in partnership with the University of Newcastle. The courses combine academic learning with opportunities for students to develop practical skills that they can take into the workplace.

Industry experience forms another important part of the student journey. GIS provides students with 140 hours of relevant work experience, allowing them to apply their knowledge in professional settings. Students have secured placements with organisations including the Professional Football Scouts Association, Football Coaches Australia and Basketball NSW.

GIS also works with Yakka Sport to create paid employment opportunities for students while they study. This allows students to gain workplace experience while developing professional networks within the sporting community. The opportunities extend internationally, with GIS Global Sports Summits giving students access to sporting organisations and venues in destinations including London and Miami.

For students pursuing careers in sport, GIS Sydney is creating a pathway that combines education, practical experience and industry connections. By bringing students closer to the people and organisations shaping the sector, GIS is helping the next generation turn their interest in sport into professional opportunities.

Queensland Football Convention adds high-profile speakers to 2026 lineup

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Image Credit: Football Queensland

The 2026 Queensland Football Convention has expanded its speaker lineup. Robbie Kruse, Emma McKeon, Jon Moss and Tony Wilson are joining previously confirmed headliner Mark Bosnich. The four new additions will bring experience from football, elite sport, refereeing and high performance to the two-day convention at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre on the 10th and 11th of October.

Bosnich was announced in August as the event’s featured speaker. The former Socceroo and Premier League goalkeeper will take part in an exclusive Q&A covering his career, life in football and the pathways available to Australia’s next generation of players. Robbie Kruse adds another strong football voice to the program. Queensland’s most-capped Socceroo will share lessons from a career that took him from local football to the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League. Now working in coaching and player development, Kruse will focus on pathways, talent development and the challenge of making the step into elite football.

McKeon – Australia’s most decorated Olympian – will bring a different perspective in exploring the principles behind high performance. Her session will cover teamwork, resilience, goal setting and the value of small improvements when competing at the highest level.

Former Premier League referee and current-Football Australia Head of Referees Jon Moss will also return, examining the relationship between coaches and match officials. He will focus on communication, mutual respect and collaboration, while also looking at the future of refereeing in Australia and the role coaches and clubs can play in supporting officials.

Tony Wilson, founder of Performance Lab, completes the newly announced group. As keynote speaker, Wilson will examine mindset, leadership, culture and resilience, drawing on his work with elite athletes, teams and organisations across Australia and the United States. The expanded program gives coaches, administrators and football professionals access to perspectives from across the sporting landscape.

The Queensland Football Convention will take place at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. The convention takes place from the 9th to the 11th of October.

To purchase tickets to the 2026 Queensland Football Convention, click the link here.

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