Whilst cycling up some of the hills on the North Shore of Sydney it occurred to me that we had a year between the Tour de Cure cycling events and between events there was an opportunity to stage something else to continue the battle against Cancer. My thought was based on the fact that I knew a whole lot of key-note speakers that I could rally behind the cause in order to raise more awareness and money in the fight against cancer.

Riding next to me was Malcolm Heath who runs a company called Conference World who are experts in corporate conferencing. Mal knew how to stage an event like the back of his hand. As I rode along I thought if I know the speakers and Mal can produce the event, why don't we put together an inspirational day for corporates to help raise awareness and funds for Cancer? I ran my idea past Mal and in typical Malcolm Heath fashion, he said "Great idea, lets do it!" That's how the Day of Inspiration came to be.

I'm pleased to say that when I closed the 2008 Day of Inspiration it was evident that we had created a major event on the corporate calendar for years to come. The 2007 line up of speakers included Steve Waugh, former captain for the Aus Cricket team, Naomi Simson CEO of Red Balloon Days, Heather Swan world base jumping champion, Siimon Reynolds world class creative director, Guy Leech 7 times Australian iron man, vega 95.3FM's breakkie host Rebecca Wilson, Kerrie Pottharst Sydney Olympics gold medalist beach volleyball and a special performance by lead singer of the choir boys mark gable.

This year the line up was equally as impressive:

  • Duncan Armstrong (Olympian, Sports Presenter & Public speaker)
  • Glenn Singleman (Medical Doctor, Professional Adventurer)
  • Drew Mcalister (Golden Guitar Winner)
  • Mark Ferguson (Channel Nine News Presenter)
  • Cameron Knight (Comedian and host of the Comedy Channel)
  • Suzy Balogh (Olympic Gold Medalist - shooting)
  • Andrew May (Performance and Productivity Expert)
  • Brennon Dowrick (Commonwealth Gold medalist Gymnastics)
  • Peter Baines (Detective Inspector Operations, Forensic Services)
  • Avril Henry (Strategic Advisor to the Chief of Navy, Author and Leadership Developer)

This year over 300 people packed the Four Seasons Hotel in George Street. Not only was the venue spectacular, the speakers outstanding but the overall mood inspirational. The feedback from both of the events has been extraordinary.

I'm currently working on the line up of speakers for 2009 and promise yet another outstanding line up of speakers from business, sport, community, not for profit and the environment. Put the 9/9/09 in your diary and ensure that you, your friends and your team are present to truly see what is now Australia's most inspirational conference.

For more details, visit the Tour de Cure website.