ICON upcoming events

ICON Next Step 2025: On Demand (01 March 2026)

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Designed specifically for junior marketers, ICON’s six-session Next Step program equips the next generation of B2B professionals with the practical skills needed to succeed in the professional services sector. Now available on demand as a five-session series, the program enables early-stage marketers to access the content at their own pace, complete with the accompanying handbook and learning tools.

The Next Step program offers a comprehensive learning experience with five webinars and one in-person networking event.

Here are some of the key highlights:

Comprehensive Learning Tools: Each session is accompanied by Learning & Development tools and checklists to support your growth beyond the program.
Access to Senior Leaders: Gain invaluable insights from senior leaders in the professional services industry.
Community Support: Connect with a community of peers and experienced professionals who can support you throughout your career journey.

THE ON-DEMAND PROGRAM

Session 2: Master clear messaging: revisiting key concepts in corporate communication
Session 3: Unleashing your leadership potential: Crafting your unique style
Session 4: How to plan & manage your career
Session 5: How to build a professional online and offline presence and personal brand
Session 6: What I wish I’d known

For full session information, visit our Next Step page.

ICON Next Step proudly sponsored by:

Fast Track 2026: Full Program (22 March 2026)

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Fast Track is a seven-part development program for mid-career marketing, business development and communications professionals in professional services who are ready to operate with greater confidence, influence and impact.

The program is designed for professionals who are confident in their role and looking to step up. Fast Track focuses on executive presence, strategic influence, leading people and navigating complex, partner-led environments. It is practical, applied and grounded in the realities of professional services firms, with clear links to growth, client outcomes and firm priorities.

Delivered through a mix of 90-minute in-person and online sessions, each module builds on the last. The program runs from Apirl through to June, allowing participants to develop capability progressively while applying learning to live work and real challenges.

Program structure:

The Fast Track program includes seven connected sessions, designed to be experienced as a complete series. The Getting to Know you session is available to full-series participants only.

Getting to Know You
Melbourne: 26 March, 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Sydney: 31 March, 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Online: 2 April, 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Leadership Fast Track: Elevate Your Presence, Influence and Impact
24 April, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm AEST
Leadership Pathways: Avenues to Become an Influencer and Leader
30 April, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm AEST
Relationship Management Excellence: Engaging with Diverse Stakeholders to Deliver Value
12 May, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm AEST
AI Skills to Boost Creativity and Impact
29 May, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm AEST
Promotion Pathways: Mentoring, Training, Skills Development and Strategic Networking
9 June, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm AEST
What I Wish I’d Known
16 June, 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm AEST

Pricing for the full series:
ICON Members, $490 | Non-Members, $690.

For full session information, visit our Fast Track page.

ICON Fast Track is proudly sponsored by:

Fast Track 2026: Promotion Pathways - Mentoring, Training, Skills Development and Strategic Networking (09 June 2026)

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 03:00:00 GMT

Sustained progression requires intentional development. This session helps participants design a structured growth plan that aligns personal ambition with firm priorities.

You will clarify the difference between mentoring, coaching and sponsorship, and learn how to secure each with a clear value exchange. The session also explores targeted capability building, thought leadership positioning and purposeful networking across sectors and client ecosystems.

The focus is on building long-term visibility, credibility and momentum beyond the program itself.

You will leave with:

A six-month professional development roadmap
A strategic relationship-building plan
A practical reflection and accountability cadence

Facilitator:

Charles Handley
Director, Dalton Handley

Charles Handley is a seasoned career adviser and recruiter. He is trusted by hundreds of talented marketers in professional services to enhance their careers, and various world class firms to bring them talent. With over 15 years of experience specialising in marketing, business development, and communications recruitment roles within the professional services sector in Australia, he has a deep understanding both client and candidate needs has established him as a respected and connected recruiter across the Asia Pacific.

Speakers:

Daniel Quinn,
Chief Marketing Officer, Gilbert + Tobin

Daniel Quinn is the Chief Marketing Officer at Gilbert + Tobin, where he leads the firm’s client relationship management, business development and marketing functions. Since joining G+T, he has focused on building a high-performing, collaborative team that delivers meaningful client impact and drives the firm’s growth agenda in a competitive legal market.

With more than 20 years’ experience in business development, client relationship management and marketing, Daniel has held senior roles across international professional services organisations in Australia and the UK including Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer and A&O Shearman. His expertise lies in aligning brand, client and business strategy to position firms for sustainable growth and deeper client engagement.

Ryoko Nekoto-Bird

Senior Japan Lead, Bird & Bird

Ryoko Nekoto‑Bird is Senior Japan Lead at Bird & Bird, with more than 10 years of experience in international business development, supporting Japanese companies in their Japan outbound expansion across APC, Europe and the Nordics. Her work sits at the intersection of client visibility, strategic relationship building, and long‑term network development—both within firms and across external ecosystems. She regularly collaborates with investment promotion agencies and professional associations, including the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to design platforms that enable sustained professional and commercial growth.

Event Details:

Date: 9 June 2026

Times:

13:00 pm - 14:30 pm: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane

12:30 pm - 14:00 pm: Adelaide

15:00 pm - 16:30 pm: New Zealand

11:00 am - 12:30 pm: Perth, Hong Kong, Singapore

Price:

Members: $100 | Non-Members: $160*

Full series registrants will automatically be added to this event.

* All prices in AUD.

ICON thanks our sponsor