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In a crowded market, standing out is not just a nice-to-have. It is survival.

The final session of the 2026 SGC Masterclass Series brings together strategy, marketing and innovation to give Southern Gold Coast business owners and their teams the tools to protect what they have built and grow their market share with confidence.

Whether you are competing against larger players, navigating a shifting digital landscape or simply wanting to sharpen your brand and marketing approach, this session is designed to give you practical, actionable strategies you can take back to your business immediately.

Your Presenter

Katie O’Rourke – Teaching Scholar, Southern Cross University
Founder, Cake Creative and Strategic Marketing Agency
Katie O’Rourke brings nearly two decades of experience in marketing, communications and brand strategy to this session. As the founder of Cake, a creative and strategic marketing agency delivering integrated solutions across online and offline channels, Katie works with organisations to build meaningful brands and achieve measurable, real-world results.

Her client portfolio spans e-commerce, education, agriculture and professional services and includes organisations such as Share the Dignity, Norco, Southern Cross University and Native Extracts. Her career includes work with well-known brands including the Brisbane Broncos, Lorna Jane and Garnier, and leadership across complex, high-profile campaigns. A standout career highlight was leading the marketing and project management for a 43-metre photorealistic mural by artist Guido van Helten, a project that reached more than 23 million people and generated significant national and international recognition.

Katie brings the rare combination of academic rigour and real-world agency experience, making her one of the most compelling and practical voices on marketing and brand strategy in Queensland.

What This Session Covers
Marketing communications, strategy and brand management: how to build a brand that cuts through, communicates clearly and creates lasting loyalty in your market.
Technology-driven innovation: how to leverage the tools available to modern businesses to stay ahead of the competition, reach new audiences and protect your market position.

The Format
A 90 minute presentation with Q&A, delivered on campus at Southern Cross University Gold Coast. Networking from 5:30pm before the session commences at 6:00pm.

About the 2026 SGC Masterclass Series
Delivered in partnership with Southern Cross University, the 2026 SGC Masterclass Series has been designed to address the real challenges facing businesses today through expert-led, practically-focused sessions. All four sessions are free for Chamber members and their teams and are held on campus at SCU with networking time built in at the start of each session.
This is high-calibre learning and connection, designed specifically for the Southern Gold Coast business community.

NOTE: Members please login to reserve tickets