GROWTH ACADEMY
We all know the pull of searching for answers online, to fix what needed solving - yesterday. But when it's time to hit the ground running, nothing beats the reassurance of a real voice cheering you on. That's exactly why we've designed Skills Day — a hyper tactical learning environment that fosters peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, to help our community navigate the future together.
Across three stages, you’ll find opportunities for personal and professional growth: the Deal Room for building relationships and exploring new opportunities, the Growth Pavilion to elevate your skills and mindset, and the Imaginarium—a creative space for unleashing bold ideas.
GARDEN PARTY
Join us in the enchanting Garden of Unearthly Delights, where you'll connect, converse, and celebrate after your day of learning together. It will be a warm and welcome embrace that will continue through your _SOUTHSTART experience.
We're whisking you away from Lot Fourteen in Adelaide CBD and welcoming you to Serafino Winery in McLaren Vale. Crafted to inspire genuine connections, powerful insights, and moments of renewal, this day offers space to pause, breathe, and explore the "why" behind our work—gaining fresh perspectives across business, creativity, technology, science, and impact.
- Conversations will unfold in every corner—whether through structured formats across our 3 x stages, or spontaneous moments that create lasting bonds.
- Mindfulness activities will offer moments to recharge, clear your mind, and find balance - while forging deeper connections.
- Bookable one-on-one sessions with founders, investors, and industry experts will help you foster strategic discussions and authentic connections.
Whether you’re a quiet observer drawn to deep dialogue, a social butterfly finding your tribe, or balancing work and life - there'll be something for you. When it's time to leave, you’ll carry a renewed sense of clarity, purpose, and community—a catalyst for rethinking how we grow, connect, and move forward, together.
Elevate your _SOUTHSTART experience with the exclusive Breathe Easy Overnight Package. Join us for a one-night stay in McLaren Vale, following the conclusion of your Serafino experience. With this package, your ticket includes round-trip transportation from Adelaide to Serafino and a seamless overnight stay at the McLaren Vale Motel, just 3 km from the festival.
No need to worry about a thing—our luggage concierge will handle your bags from the moment you leave Adelaide, so you can head straight into the festival stress-free. At the end of the day, a shuttle will whisk you back to the hotel for a restful night, and bring you to your selected summit the next dy. And breathe… everything is taken care of.
Note: This package includes only accommodation and travel coordination—festival sessions, activities, and staff are not included beyond the festival closing at 9pm on March 5th at Serafino.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Fleurieu Peninsula, the Industry Summits offer an unparalleled chance to dive into the topics that drive your industry forward. With carefully curated, community-focused content, these summits are designed for rich dialogue, actionable insights, and industry-specific strategies. You’ll be welcomed into an environment that mirrors the region’s warmth and hospitality, fostering connections that endure and collaborations that thrive long after the event.