The Tax Summit: Networking Guide

Networking: some people swear by it, for others, it’s a necessary evil. Whether you love it or loathe it, cultivating a strong, active professional network can make the process of building your career much smoother. From collaboration on your daily work to scoring that next big promotion or deal, your network is a resource you can’t do without.

Tax, law and business practitioners from every corner of the profession will be heading to the International Convention Centre in Sydney for The Tax Summit this October, so if you’re looking to broaden your connections, this is the place to do it.

Things to know about The Tax Summit networking experiences

• Some of these events and experiences are included in your Summit ticket price, such as the Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner, others are optional extras you can add on.
• To book optional social events, make sure you snag a ticket, separately to your Tax Summit ticket. And if you have any trouble, give our friendly team a call or drop us an email.
• Bring a friend! Extra tickets are available for purchase if you want to bring along a partner or colleague who isn’t attending the Summit itself.
• Our venue in Darling Harbour, Sydney, is central to heaps of iconic Sydney landmarks and experiences, including the Opera House, the Rocks district, Taronga Zoo, Sydney Aquarium and Barangaroo. So if you and the family have some downtime, take advantage!

Day 1

5:30 – 7:30pm - Welcome Reception - (Included in your Tax Summit ticket)

Kick off your networking in style, with cocktails and canapes on a sunset cruise around Sydney Harbour. Take in the sights, get to know your fellow delegates and catch up with the Institute team after your first day of Tax Summit fun.

8:00pm onwards - Cold Ales and Crime Tales

Stories of rum smuggling, Shanghai-ing sailors and an assortment of scallywags, smugglers and stalkers are the name of the game on this guided walking tour! Stroll with us through the forgotten underworld of Sydney’s Darling Harbour, Barangaroo Park, Millers Point and Walsh Bay, with pit stops at two of the area’s most iconic venues: The Lord Nelson Hotel & Brewery (1842) and The Hero of Waterloo Hotel (1843).

Brian Martin, our Business Relationship Manager, will be heading out on this tour with you.

8:00pm onwards - Cirrus

Another great option to end the evening after the Welcome Reception, Cirrus is one of Sydney’s finest waterfront restaurants. This experience includes a first-class three-course dinner and drinks, specialising in fresh, local seafood.

Be sure to catch up with our General Manager of Engagement, Sharon Kells at Cirrus!

8:00pm onwards - Woodcut

If seafood isn’t your scene, then an equally delicious three-course dining experience at Woodcut might be more your style. Cap off the first day of the Summit with great Australian produce featuring in dishes that make use of wood, charcoal and steam for cooking.

Say hi to Craig Spurr, our Membership Manager over a dish at Woodcut.

Day 2

7:00pm onwards - Gala Dinner - (Included in your Tax Summit ticket)

On day 2, it’s all about the Gala Dinner. This is the glittering jewel in The Tax Summit’s crown – an evening of tuxes, tiaras, food, drink and dancing! Don’t forget that you can book extra tickets and full tables for this evening, which is a great way to reward team members who work hard, but may not be attending to full Summit, or to get to know important people in your colleague’s lives.

The Tax Adviser of the Year Awards - (Included in your Tax Summit ticket)

Against the black-tie backdrop of the Gala dinner, join us for the Tax Adviser of the Year Awards ceremony, where we’ll announce the winners of this year’s awards. 

Day 3

1:00 – 2:30pm - Session 20: Closing Keynote – Seated Lunch

As we wind up The Tax Summit, make sure you come along to our final session, a seated lunch with Dominic Price, Work Futurist at Atlassian. Take this opportunity to glean some inspiring ideas from Dominic and to ensure you’ve got the details of any new connections in your network.

Exhibition gallery

For a more casual social and networking vibe, check out the exhibitors and activities we have available at the venue throughout the event.

Wellness lounge

These days, striking a balance between work and wellness is key to high performance. Take a break to cool down over a smoothie in our wellness lounge and maybe strike up a conversation with some like-minded practitioners.

Tech zone

Need to check your emails or get some urgent work out of the way while at The Tax Summit? Our tech zone is equipped to allow you to set up shop between sessions and get work done when you need to.

Tax arcade

If work can wait, join in the fun between sessions with a host of onsite activities as part of our exhibition space including our very own Tax arcade, a place to test your skill and claim bragging rights on our daily leaderboard.

Conference networking tips

The Tax Summit is a fantastic opportunity to network with other professionals in the tax community. But that’s sometimes easier said than done.

Follow these simple tips to get the most out of your new connections.

1. Work out what you’re trying to achieve. Do you want to meet peers in your current space? Feel out a connection in a new specialty you’ve been considering? Knowing what connections you want to add to your network can help you use your time wisely.
2. Don’t come on too strong. Networking is about building relationships, which comes with a certain amount of give and take. Don’t dive into asking favours right away, but instead, try to establish a connection you can draw on at a later date.
3. Pick out a conversation starter. An easy way to do this? Talk about one of the sessions you saw at The Tax Summit and share your thoughts!
4. Use your existing connections. Already know some people at the event? Ask them to introduce you to their own network. Don’t hesitate to chat to any Institute staff as well – we can help you start the right conversations. 
5. Comfort = confidence. To some extent, networking means putting yourself out there in ways that aren’t always in your comfort zone. However, if you can find ways to connect that work for you – whether it’s a more casual setting, structured networking events or maybe connecting online to chat later – that will help you to feel cool, calm and in control.
6. Practice, practice, practice. Meeting new people can seem scary, but the more you do it, the more at ease you’ll be. There are plenty of opportunities to put your skills to the test over the three days of The Tax Summit – make use of them!
7. Nurture the connection. Make sure to connect with your new friends on LinkedIn and shoot them a message after the event to keep communication open. Done right, networking means maintaining active relationships – the job’s not over when the event wraps up!

Published: 26 September 2022