A Tamworth first on such a large scale, business owners and managers from across the region heard from sought-after business and motivational speakers in a metropolitan-style convention.

As Peter Dillon, of Dillon’s Plumbing put it, “this was the very best advice on so many aspects of business, all for the cost of the return flight to Sydney”.

“I’ve learnt several ideas today that I am going to take home and apply to my business,” he said.

All successful businessmen and women, the speakers were Ray Scicluna, Daniel Nesseim, Siimon Reynolds, Steve Francis, Matt Church, Phillip Dennett, Bill Wheeler, Lis Faenza, Darryl Pike and Dr Keith Suter.

Mr Scicluna had made $90 million by the time he was 27. He has not stopped making money since, and his businesses have changed with the time from mail order to online sales, among many others.

Mr Dillon said regional businessmen rarely got the opportunity to access this sort of information, which was more readily available in Sydney.

“If I wanted to hear from world-class speakers on the challenges facing businesses, I’d have to fly to Sydney, get accommodation and pay for the convention on top of that,” he said.

“This was an excellent opportunity for any business people locally and another great use of the facility (Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre).

“And it was good that it was well attended. Tamworth needs to patronise these sort of events so we continue to get the benefits.”

Esspresso Adimi owner Michael Coffey said he tried to think ahead of the field and has been to a number of business conventions like yesterday’s.

“This was really well run, the presenters were some of the best going around, and this was in Tamworth, fantastic,” Mr Coffey said.

“Both my son an I were here today, but we were able to do a bit of work before we came and can duck back after the event because it is in Tamworth.

“There was such a broad scope of information – my son and I split up in the afternoon sessions – so we can share information later.”

Mr Coffey said he believed there had been many ideas for improving every business in

Tamworth.

“I know I will take several new ideas home tonight,” he said.

“But more than that, some of the things I have been trying I heard about today, so know I’m on the right track.

“That is an excellent confidence booster.”