About us
welcome to local networking nights.
previously LinkedIn Local Sunshine Coast
Local Networking Nights is a FREE in-person networking event designed to help local business owners, professionals, and entrepreneurs connect beyond the profile. Hosted on the first Wednesday of every month at Buderim Tavern (5:30 pm to 7:30 pm). Every event features a mix of networking and practical workshops to help you grow your business and build meaningful connections. Expect real conversations, new opportunities, and a welcoming community of like-minded locals.
meet the host.
Luke Hawley is a Sunshine Coast marketer, entrepreneur and community builder with a long track record of helping local businesses grow through stronger connections, smarter marketing and practical collaboration. With experience spanning global brands, higher education and local media, Luke brings both strategic insight and real-world business perspective to every event he hosts. He is the co-owner of Buy Local Sunshine Coast, has led business networking initiatives across the region for more than a decade, and is passionate about creating spaces where genuine relationships can lead to opportunity. As host of Local Networking Nights, Luke is known for his warm, professional style and his commitment to helping attendees feel welcome, connected and inspired to take action.
Upcoming events
1

Local Networking Nights Sunshine Coast May 2026
Buderim Tavern, 81 Burnett St, Buderim, QL, AU## The AI Amplifier
### Why Your Business Processes Matter More Than Ever
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday business operations. But most conversations about AI focus on tools rather than the foundations that make those tools effective.
The reality is simple: AI amplifies whatever already exists inside your business.
If your processes are clear and well-structured, AI can accelerate growth, improve consistency, and help your team operate more efficiently. But if those processes are unclear or fragmented, AI can quickly scale the problems as well.
At this Local Networking Nights event, Bart Puszko, founder of Blue Seas AI, will unpack what businesses really need to understand before adopting the next wave of artificial intelligence.
This practical session explores the shift from simple AI tools to more advanced agentic AI systems that can take action within business workflows — managing tasks, coordinating processes, and supporting decision-making. As these systems become more capable, the quality of the underlying processes becomes more important than ever.
Bart will explain why many businesses experimenting with AI experience mixed results and how strengthening internal systems and workflows can make AI a powerful growth multiplier rather than a source of confusion.Whether you are experimenting with AI, planning to introduce automation into your business, or simply trying to understand how these technologies will affect your operations, this workshop will provide practical insights you can apply immediately.
As always, Local Networking Nights Sunshine Coast combines professional development with relaxed networking, giving attendees the opportunity to connect with local business owners and professionals before and after the presentation.
Come along to learn, connect, and prepare your business for the next stage of AI.***
## About the Speaker
Bart Puszko is the founder of Blue Seas AI, where he helps businesses design practical systems that integrate artificial intelligence into real-world workflows.
His work focuses on helping organisations move beyond isolated AI tools to build structured processes that enable AI to operate effectively across marketing, operations, and customer engagement.Through workshops, consulting, and system design, Bart works with business owners and teams to ensure their foundations are strong enough for the emerging generation of AI technologies that can actively participate in business processes.
### Local Networking Nights is a FREE Networking Event
The Local Networking Nights (previously LinkedIn Local Sunshine Coast) event is ideal for business owners, leaders, marketers, and customer-facing teams who want clearer direction, stronger loyalty, and sustainable growth through a better customer experience.
📍 Location: Buderim Tavern
🕠 Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
📅 Date: Wednesday 6th MayAs always, the evening includes structured and informal networking with Sunshine Coast business owners and professionals, making it a valuable night of insight, connection, and practical learning
The event is hosted by Buy Local Sunshine Coast
Thanks to Buy Local Sunshine Coast for supporting this event. Local businesses can join for free to promote their services, increase visibility, and help the Sunshine Coast business community thrive.3 attendees
Past events
63


