My Experience, The Speakers, The Moments & The Takeaways That Will Stay with Me 

By Vlasta Eriksson

Attending the 2025 BNI Global Convention at the world-class ICC Sydney (19th – 22nd of Nov.) was an experience that stretched me, inspired me, and transformed how I see networking, leadership, and community. With thousands of passionate businesspeople gathering from around the world, this year’s theme — BEYOND — came alive in every keynote, every handshake, and every shared moment.

I’ve written this recap for all the members who couldn’t attend. My hope is that through these summaries, you can absorb the energy, learn from the speakers, and bring fresh insights back to your chapter.

DAY ONE – WEDNESDAY, 19th of Nov. 2025

The Mindset, The Leadership & A Magical Night on the Harbour

Wednesday opened the convention with inspiration and clarity. Mary Kennedy Thompson, our CEO, delivered a powerful message about intentional leadership. Her key takeaway was that leaders cast shadows, and those shadows shape culture, behaviours, and retention.

She was followed by Alan Stein Jr, the globally recognised peak performance coach. His story about Kobe Bryant reinforced one simple truth: mastering the fundamentals with consistency creates excellence. His message was a reminder that success isn’t built on big moments — but on disciplined habits.

In the afternoon, I attended a breakout session with Dr Leanne Elich, who explored the neuroscience of trust and decision-making. She highlighted that people don’t remember your pitch — they remember how you made them feel. Ethical influence begins with emotional safety.

The day ended on a magical note.
Australian BNI members boarded a Dinner Cruise on Darling Harbour, sailing under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and past the glowing Opera House. The scenery was stunning, but the connections made that night were even more special. It was the perfect beginning — a reminder that BNI is built on relationships first. Read more>>>

DAY TWO – THURSDAY, 20th of Nov. 2025

Culture, Global Connections, World Records & Leadership at Its Finest

Thursday began with one of the most vibrant traditions of Global Convention — the Country Meet & Greet. Flags, costumes, music, celebration… it’s a powerful symbol of the unity that makes BNI so unique.

That morning, the Australian team had a private meet-and-greet with Mary Kennedy Thompson. Her message was centred around people-first leadership — lead with intention, serve with heart, and build cultures where members feel seen and valued.

The rest of the morning was spent in roundtable sessions, where experienced leaders from across the world shared what truly works in their regions. These weren’t lectures, but open, honest discussions filled with practical ideas any chapter could implement.

The afternoon general session brought three outstanding speakers to the stage.
Dr. Ivan Misner reminded us of the butterfly effect of networking — how one introduction can create ripples of opportunity across the world.
Liza Garrido shared her emotional “Beyond Possible” journey from small business owner to global influence, proving that belief and courage can change everything.
Amanda Stevens explained how modern consumers rely heavily on inner-circle recommendations, reminding us that our brands must be shareable if we want exponential growth.

Then came a moment that made BNI history — we broke a Guinness World Record for Speed Networking.
The energy in the room was electric. Hundreds of members connecting in rapid succession, breaking barriers and creating new possibilities in minutes.

That evening, the Australian team had a private meet-and-greet with Dr Ivan Misner, grounding the day with wisdom and connection.
Thursday was massive — truly a BEYOND experience. Read more >>>

DAY THREE – FRIDAY, 21st of Nov 2025

Systems, Culture & Leadership Transformation

Friday morning delivered some of the most valuable learning of the week.

The first breakout I attended was “From Members to Believers: The Human Side of Retention” with Mr. Krishna Sign. His main takeaway was that retention is emotional, not procedural. Members stay when they feel connected, supported, and understood — not because someone reminds them to renew.

The second breakout was a panel facilitated by Phill Berg, featuring three dynamic leaders: Sopit Kantamaturapoj, Kamryn Reynolds, and Irena Cippa-Esenvalde. Together, they explored why and how chapters grow to 100+ members. The common thread was clear: strong culture, clear systems, and accountability create momentum that members want to be part of.

In the afternoon, the general session continued the leadership theme.
Mary Kennedy Thompson encouraged us to be conscious of our behaviour, priorities, and relationships — all of which shape the culture our members experience.
Dave Collins, BNI’s COO, followed with a powerful message on self-reflection, calling it “the courage to improve the parts of ourselves we often ignore.”

Friday was a day of clarity, strategy, and leadership alignment — a fitting lead-up to the celebration that awaited us the next evening. Read more>>>

DAY FOUR – SATURDAY, 22nd of Nov. 2025

The Future of BNI — From Beyond to Accelerate

Saturday’s closing general session looked ahead at what’s next for BNI, as we prepare to shift from the 2025 theme BEYOND into the 2026 theme ACCELERATE.

Mary opened the morning with a message about maintaining momentum and carrying the spirit of growth into the year ahead.
Dave Collins expanded on organisational alignment and the exciting future of BNI leadership development.

The Tech Panel, led by Rob Gorecki, was a highlight of the morning, featuring
Tim Cook, Stephen Schwartz, and Pedro Ferraz.
They unveiled what’s in the pipeline — improved platforms, better tools, new technology integrations, and innovations designed to strengthen global connectivity.

After the tech session, Michael Walchonski, Chief Development Officer, spoke about scalable chapter growth.
Claire Sherman, Senior Director of Global Strategy, highlighted communications, branding, and BNI’s global positioning.
Finally, Ryszard Chmura, National Director of Poland, closed the session with his inspiring message about corporate connections and international expansion. His takeaway: BNI works in every country because relationships work everywhere.

The evening brought one of the most beautiful celebrations of the entire week — the BNI Awards & Gala Dinner.
Between delicious food, elegant styling, live entertainment, and even a little dancing, the night was filled with pride, laughter, and recognition of members and leaders making an extraordinary impact.
It was the perfect way to conclude an unforgettable week. Read more >>>

MY FINAL TAKEAWAYS

After experiencing my third Global Convention, I can honestly say that BNI continues to shape me in ways that go far beyond business. It’s not just a system that works — it’s a community that becomes part of your life.

I’ve been a BNI member for 18 years, and in that time, I’ve gained far more than referrals, structure, or leadership skills.
I’ve gained confidence.
I’ve gained lifelong friendships.
I’ve gained mentors and role models.
I’ve gained opportunities I never imagined.
And most importantly — I’ve gained a global family.

My chapter, my city, my region, my country, and now countless members around the world… these relationships are what make BNI so extraordinary. It’s the people. The shared commitment. The generosity. The support. The belief in each other.

It has taken me into rooms, into relationships, and into opportunities that truly changed my life.

This convention reminded me once again:
BNI works because WE work.
Together.
Intentionally.
Consistently.
And with heart.

If you’ve never attended a National or Global Convention, I truly encourage you to make the next one your first.
Not just for the learning — but for the transformation.
Not just for the sessions — but for the people you will meet.
And not just for the experience — but for the way you will see yourself and your chapter differently when you return.

These events are not expenses.
They are investments that pay you back in ways you can’t measure on paper.

BNI is a global network — but more than that, it is a global family.
And I am so grateful to be part of it.

Save These Dates:

BNI National Conference – Sydney, 21st to 23rd of May 2026
BNI Global Convention: ACCELERATE – Monaco, Oct 28th to 30th 2026
BNI Global Convention – Panama, November 2027

 

Whether your next step is national or global, I hope to see you there.
Let’s continue growing, learning, and going beyond — together.

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