Brisbane’s Something Digital festival returns from August 26 to 27, 2025, with a program centred on “Reimagining Human Intelligence,” a theme reflecting the complex interplay between human creativity and digital technologies.
Now in its eighth year, the event is part of the wider Something Fest, Queensland’s largest technology and innovation showcase. The 2025 edition continues its mission to support capability building across the innovation ecosystem, with a particular focus on the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The festival, created by Bright Humans, is backed by key partners including the Queensland Government, River City Labs and Proptech BNE.
According to co-founder Nadine Zrinzo, the event aims to spark cross-sector collaboration in a digital economy that now supports more than 153,000 Queensland jobs. “Digital and technology are advancing at an extraordinary pace, but the real question is how we choose to shape it,” Zrinzo said. “Reimagining Human Intelligence isn’t just about AI, it’s about how we adapt and evolve with technology to build the future we want.”
How to participate
Something Digital forms part of the five-day Something Fest, which runs from August 25 to 29 and also includes Something Tech from August 28 to 29. Events will be held at multiple venues in Fortitude Valley including The Tivoli. While primarily in-person, there are no current provisions for virtual participation.
The program features more than 80 speakers across three stages: main talks, hands-on sessions and advanced masterclasses. Headline speakers in 2025 include
- Erin Drake Kajioka, Google DeepMind, on innovation in game design
- Jessie Mcneil-Brown, Ben & Jerry’s, on social impact marketing
- Marwa Fatafta, Access Now, on digital rights in global regions
- Matthew Drinkwater, London College of Fashion, on tech in retail
- Nate Lubin, Survey 160 and former White House advisor, on digital strategy
Topics will include AI, marketing, data privacy, strategic planning and platform innovation, all of which are directly relevant for SME operations and growth.
Participants can also attend networking sessions, skills workshops and explore over 40 exhibitor booths during Something Tech. Tickets are available through Eventbrite and include food and beverages. Something Digital and Tech tickets are non-shareable, while Something Fest tickets are shareable for teams.
Eligibility and relevance for SMEs
SMEs represent a large part of Queensland’s business ecosystem but often face barriers to digital adoption. Something Digital is designed to help address these gaps by offering:
- Practical Training in tools like analytics, compliance and marketing
- Access to Networks with startups, corporates, investors and government representatives
- Exposure to Local Innovation from Queensland-based tech businesses
Regional SMEs may face travel and accommodation costs but can reduce attendance expenses through group pricing or shared passes. No online or hybrid attendance has been announced.
Pricing and access
Early bird pricing is currently available, with group discounts offered for teams:
- Something Digital (August 26–27): $499 early bird, $599 full price. Group discounts bring the price to $449 for 4–7 attendees or $424 for 8+.
- Something Tech (August 28–29): $449 early bird, $549 full price. Groups pay $404 (4–7 attendees) or $382 (8+).
- Something Fest (August 25–29): $799 early bird, $999 full price. This ticket covers both events and is shareable, allowing different team members to attend on different days.
All tickets include catering, coffee, and access to networking events.
Australia ranks 16th in digital readiness but only 23rd in technology adoption, based on Cisco’s Digital Readiness Index. Something Digital is one of the few state-level initiatives addressing this gap with direct access to learning, tools and partners.
For more details, a full speaker list and booking terms, visit www.somethingdigital.com.au
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