Throughout February to April, The Adviser hosted its 12th annual Better Business Summit and glittering awards program, the Better Business Awards, in partnership with NAB. We take a look back at some of the highlights.
The Adviser’s Better Business Summit, run in partnership with principal partner NAB, was back with a bang for 2025, visiting five states across February and April.
More than 5,000 industry members eager to learn, network, and celebrate with colleagues and peers registered to attend the conference and awards for its 12th annual roadshow, marking the biggest-ever turnout for the Better Business Summit.
The Better Business Summit 2025 was a transformative event that equipped brokers with the tools and strategies needed to make the most of their business opportunities and showed them how to gain time back in their day to do it.
With a strong focus on operational efficiency and lead generation, the summit delivered actionable insights to help brokers streamline their processes and grow their client base. Emceed by the managing editor of The Adviser, Annie Kane, the day kicked off with a panel session from senior leaders from major bank (and principal partner) National Australia Bank. Adam Brown, the executive for broker distribution, outlined the major bank’s home loan innovations and mortgage strategy, including why it believes it is important to have a thriving broker channel.
In each state the Better Business Summit visited, brokers heard from NAB state managers from both residential and commercial areas as they identified the key trends unfolding in the local economies and how brokers can tap into the opportunities available.
One of the standout moments of the day was Dylan Alcott’s keynote address on brand building and advocacy. As a national icon and celebrated Paralympian, Alcott shared his journey of creating an authentic and impactful personal brand. His talk left attendees inspired and provided invaluable lessons on how brokers could find their voice, lead with passion and purpose, and differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace.
Another highlight was the Elite Broker Live podcast recording, which featured some of Australia’s top brokers. In each state, elite brokers openly discussed their experiences growing successful businesses, the tools and technology they used to improve efficiency, and the key strategies behind exceptional customer service. (Recordings from the Elite Broker Live sessions can be found on The Adviser Podcast Network.)
Meanwhile, a hands-on session led by Christian Paterson of Auctus Coaching gave brokers practical steps to think about where they want to take their business and how to improve their operations. The broker-turned-coach provided insights on embedding efficiencies, leveraging technology, and optimising workflows to free up time for client engagement. He demonstrated how to refine operational processes, whether brokers were running solo practices or managing larger teams.
Marketing was also a key focus, with social media specialist and TikTok guru, Rop Roper from Trusted Finance (also known as Robbo The Aussie Mortgage Guy), showing brokers how they can generate leads, educate clients, and leave a legacy via social media.
His session gave attendees a blueprint for enhancing their online presence, as he revealed four essential tools that can help brokers increase their market visibility and drive lead conversion. In a follow-up session, he demonstrated how to repurpose and sustain engagement through evergreen content, turning social interactions and reviews into lasting business assets. He also recorded content live on stage to show a practical example of how to do it all.
Quickfire demonstrations from technology and service providers showcased innovative solutions to help brokers save time and focus on their core expertise.
With a packed agenda covering business efficiency and client acquisition, the Better Business Summit 2025 empowered brokers with the knowledge and strategies needed to thrive in a competitive market.
Following the successful Better Business Summit, the Better Business Awards saw thousands of people from across the broking industry join to celebrate the achievements of brokers, business development managers, loan administrators, brokerages, and group finalists from across the country.
Taking place across five separate events in Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Sydney, the awards provided laughter and recognition, celebrating the best of the best in each state and territory.
Competition was fierce for the individual and group awards, including the prestigious Broker of the Year Award and Editor’s Choice Award.
You can find out all the winners of the Better Business Awards 2025 in the April edition of The Adviser magazine.
Thank you to all of our judges for helping select the leading lights of the broking industry across each state and territory, and to all of our speakers and partners who helped make the 12th annual summit such a success.
NAB partner message
As the bank behind the broker, NAB is proud to be principal partner of The Adviser’s Better Business Summit, championing the outstanding dedication of brokers to their customers across Australia.
NAB is committed to helping brokers deliver the best customer outcomes with a national network of experienced BDMs and relationship managers and dedicated support through every stage of a customer’s home and business lending experience.
Congratulations to the finalists and winners of The Adviser’s 12th annual Better Business Summit 2025.