Global Culture, Roundtables, Leadership Wisdom and A Guinness World Record

If Day One set the tone, Day Two (20th Nov.) exploded with energy. This was the day that truly showcased the global heartbeat of BNI — culture, collaboration, leadership, and a moment in history that none of us will forget.

From the morning celebrations to evening achievements, Thursday embodied the spirit of BEYOND more than any other day.

MORNING: COUNTRY MEET AND GREET

The day opened with one of the most iconic and emotional traditions of the Global Convention — the Country Meet & Greet.

Members from around the world arrived dressed in cultural colours, waving flags, greeting one another in their native languages, and proudly representing their countries. The room was filled with energy, music, movement, and unity. It was impossible not to feel the significance of being part of a global organisation with a shared mission.

Standing in that room, surrounded by hundreds of cultures moving in harmony, was a powerful reminder that BNI reaches far beyond borders — and that relationships truly are universal.

Australian Leadership Meet and Greet with Mary Kennedy Thompson

Shortly after, the Australian team had the honour of a private morning meet & greet with Mary Kennedy Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of BNI Global.

Mary spoke openly with our team about people-first leadership, reminding us that culture is not built by chance — it is built by intention. She encouraged us to lead with clarity, comp

assion and courage, and to never underestimate the impact we make on our members’ lives.

Her message carried a quiet strength that stayed with us throughout the day.

Mid-Morning: Roundtable Leadership Conversations

Instead of structured breakout sessions, Thursday offered powerful roundtable discussions hosted by some of the world’s most experienced BNI leaders.

These discussions were collaborative, honest and deeply practical. Participants rotated through topics such as:

• Building strong chapter culture
• Improving member engagement
• Launching new chapters
• Leadership development
• Visitor conversion
• Accountability systems
• Strengthening global relationships

The beauty of the roundtables was that they weren’t lectures — they were peer-driven conversations, where ideas and strategies flowed freely between countries, regions and roles.

It was grassroots learning at its best, and many of the insights shared were immediately actionable.

GENERAL SESSION: Keynotes That Defined the Day

The afternoon general session brought a powerhouse line-up of speakers — each with a different message, but all aligned with the theme of going BEYOND in networking, leadership and business.

KEYNOTE: Dr. Ivan Misner

Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, BNI

“The Butterfly Effect of Networking”

Dr Ivan Misner shared one of his most impactful messages — the idea that a single introduction can change the trajectory of an entire business, chapter or region.

Key Learnings:

• Networking is built on consistent, meaningful visibility.
• Small actions — a referral, an introduction, an invite — can create global ripple effects.
• Credibility grows through reliability and follow-through.
• BNI works because relationships work.

Dr. Misner reminded us that when we show up fully, we contribute to something far bigger than we realise.

KEYNOTE: Liza Garrido

Global HR Entrepreneur & BNI Leader

“Beyond Possible”

Liza Garrido delivered one of the most heartfelt keynotes of the week.

Her story of going from running a small HR consulting business to becoming an influential global leader was powerful and deeply moving. She spoke openly about fear, risk, perseverance and the importance of saying “yes” to opportunities before you feel ready.

Key Learnings:

• Courage is acting even when you’re afraid.
• Consistency and vulnerability build trust.
• BNI is a global platform — but you must step onto it.
• Transformation begins when you believe you can go “beyond possible.”

Her message was a beautiful reminder that careers and lives can change through belief and connection.

KEYNOTE: Amanda Stevens

Consumer Behaviour & Customer Experience Expert

“The Power of Inner Circles”

Amanda Stevens brought a fresh business perspective to the stage, explaining how consumers make decisions today — and how much influence inner circles hold in the age of social validation.

Key Learnings:

• People trust recommendations from peers more than any marketing channel.
• Businesses must create brands that are easy to talk about.
• Shareability = growth.
• BNI leverages inner-circle economics naturally — through relationships and trust.

Amanda challenged us to ask:
“What about my business inspires people to talk about me?”

This question stayed with many of us throughout the convention.

A Moment for the History Books: Breaking a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD

Later in the afternoon, something extraordinary happened — BNI officially broke the Guinness World Record for the Largest Speed Networking Event.

Hundreds of members lined up, introduced themselves, exchanged cards, and connected in rapid succession.

It was loud. It was chaotic. It was energising. It was unforgettable.

This wasn’t just a fun activity — it was a living demonstration of the power of networking, connection and momentum.

It also united attendees from every continent in a shared moment that will be talked about for years.

Evening: Meet and Greet with Dr. Ivan Misner

To close out the day, the Australian team had a special evening session with Dr. Ivan Misner.

It was informal, personal and meaningful. Ivan shared stories, answered questions and connected with members individually — the founder of a global organisation showing the heart behind the system he created.

It was a full-circle moment after a day filled with culture, collaboration and global unity.

DAY TWO REFLECTION

Day Two was rich, diverse and deeply inspiring

From celebrating cultures to breaking records, from heartfelt leadership messages to global conversations, Thursday embodied what BNI truly is:

A community.
A network.
A movement.

And above all — a global family going BEYOND together.

Author: Vlasta Eriksson – Director – Signature Staff 
Regional Area Director – BNI NQ