An unseasonal wintry day did nothing to cool the enthusiasm of more than 500 delegates who descended on Tonsley for the New Venture Institute’s flagship networking event, Icebreaker18, on 21 November 2018.

Backed by Spiral Data’s innovative matching technology, guests enjoyed meeting their ‘perfect matches’ at data-matched tables over drinks and nibbles, and also heard from a number of speakers including keynotes from Jared Brown and Sarah Thompson of Australian Fashion Labels, who shared how data helped guide their eCommerce strategy and growth.

Adam Wardell and Dana Bell from Novartis addressed the crowd, speaking about their innovative approach to research and development and staff upskilling in the healthcare industry, and Shane Pankhurst and Mike Duhne from Optus explained the changing face of communications technology and how it is impacting businesses.

Moved to an indoor setting, the event provided a warm and inviting environment. It concluded with open networking where guests caught up with colleagues and friends, or further expanded their new connections made on the night.

Icebreaker18 marked the start of the three-day SouthStart Conference, which gathered start-ups and entrepreneurs to the city centre in a celebration of people, ideas and technology to promote and further South Australia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Below: A selection of images from Icebreaker18