Ragtrader’s Breakfast of Big Ideas: From Breakout to Breakthrough will take place next Thursday, with 85% of attendees from major retail brands.
Following two sold-out shows since its launch last year, the event will return to The Eveleigh in Sydney on June 19. Guests can expect a morning of high-impact networking and exclusive presentations designed to ignite fresh thinking across the fashion retail sector.
Register here now for final release tickets and check out the full program below.
7:30am Registration
8:00am Ragtrader Welcome
8:10am Built to Endure: Inside the Playbook of Legendary Brands
Lorna Jane founder Lorna Jane Clarkson and Lowes owner Linda Penn
What separates brands that burn out from those that dominate for decades? In this session, two of Australia’s most experienced founders go deep on the commercial decisions behind their staying power—from navigating expansion and competition to protecting margins and evolving operations at scale. They’ll unpack how they’ve adapted product strategies, built teams and managed brand positioning through constant market change. This is a tactical session on long-game leadership from operators who’ve built high-volume, high-recognition brands with real staying power.
8:35am No Filter: The Truth About Building an Empire
Mimco and A-ESQUE founder Amanda Rettig and Kikki.K and Dream Life founder Kristina Karlsson
Scaling a business from start-up to multi-million dollar operation takes more than hustle—it takes hard calls, financial discipline and unflinching resolve. In this raw and inspirational session, two pioneering founders walk through the operational and strategic inflection points that shaped their empires. From securing capital and managing growth to leadership pivots and structural resets, they’ll share what really happens behind the scenes when ambition meets execution. For founders and executives navigating scale, this is a rare look at the realities of building—and rebuilding—as a startup.
9:00am Break for breakfast
9:35am Beyond the Viral Moment: Turning Fame into Fortune
Triangl founder Erin Deering and Mode Sportif founder Deborah Symond O’Neil
Going viral is one thing. Building a business that lasts is another. In this session, two high-profile eComm founders break down how they turned explosive visibility into viable, long-term operations. From handling surges in demand to scaling infrastructure and keeping customers engaged beyond the buzz, they’ll unpack the practical realities of growth after hype. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after “overnight success,” this is where the story really starts.
9:55am Rebuild Mode: Breathing New Life into Iconic Brands
Marcs, David Lawrence and Sass & Bide former managing director Paula Mackenzie and Ksubi CEO Craig King
Turnaround strategies aren’t theoretical—they’re operational. In this session, hear from executives who’ve stepped into high-stakes environments to lead brand transformations from the inside out. Whether triggered by market shifts, ownership changes or a fresh creative direction, these are stories of decisive action: new teams, new product pipelines, new commercial models and a brand new repositioning strategies that delivered results. A must-attend for anyone facing a reset moment—whether by choice or necessity.
10:25am One on One: Inside the sale of the century
Honey Birdette founder Eloise Monaghan
Want to know how Eloise Monaghan built and sold the Honey Birdette empire for $333 million? Let’s just say we’ve got a few things under wraps—this surprise session will give you the inside scoop, no holds barred.
10:35am WGSN closing remarks
10:40am Formalities conclude, networking begins