Diplomats, business leaders, government officials, chamber executives and community leaders gathered at L’Aqua Rooftop Terrace at Sydney’s Cockle Bay Wharf on Thursday 30 July 2026 for Connect & Cheers 3: An Evening of Business and Diplomacy.

Hosted by the Australian Business Summit Council Inc. (ABSC Inc), the event marked the third instalment of the growing Connect & Cheers series, created to provide an elegant yet relaxed environment where representatives from different countries, industries and institutions can meet, exchange ideas and establish meaningful professional relationships.

Addressing 120 VIPs and guests, ABSC Inc President Dr Frank Alafaci PhD said the continuing success of the series demonstrated the importance of opportunities where business and diplomacy can come together outside formal meetings, traditional conferences and programs.

Informal conversations, he noted, can become the starting point for significant business relationships, international partnerships, trade possibilities and enduring friendships.

The evening attracted an eminent diplomatic delegation, including consuls general and consular representatives from Croatia, Italy, Egypt, Türkiye, Malta, Romania, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Namibia, Japan, the United States, China, Indonesia, Iraq, Hungary, Malaysia, Greece, Latvia, Estonia, Slovenia, El Salvador and the Slovak Republic.

Other distinguished attendees included Chief Inspector Bradley Johnston of the NSW Police Force; Larry Kestelman, Executive Chairman of the LK Group; as well as the Presidents of the Australian Dongbei Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Korean Society of Sydney, Australian Ghanaian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Somali Council of NSW and Liverpool Chamber of Commerce; City of Canada Bay Councillor Mas Meuross; and Councillor Sylvia Alafaci, City of Canada Bay / Secretary of ABSC Inc.

The central message of the evening was that successful networking must extend beyond exchanging business cards or adding contacts on social media. Genuine professional relationships require curiosity, listening, trust, generosity and a willingness to explore what people and organisations can achieve together.

Dr Alafaci stressed that complex economic, social and international challenges cannot be addressed by governments, businesses or civil society acting alone. Progress requires cooperation, shared knowledge, trust and common purpose.

While formal meetings remain essential, informal diplomacy can allow participants to communicate more openly and discover opportunities that may not emerge in formal settings.

ABSC Inc is a not-for-profit, multi-sector organisation dedicated to advancing business, trade, investment, diplomacy and knowledge exchange. Through its events and its business affairs magazine, EKONOMOS, the Council brings together diplomats, policymakers, business leaders, investors, academics, chambers of commerce and community representatives.

Dr Alafaci also highlighted Australia’s cultural diversity as one of the nation’s greatest economic and diplomatic strengths, providing valuable languages, cultural knowledge, professional expertise and international connections.

He thanked all participants and supporters, particularly Councillor Sylvia Alafaci, whose dedication and attention to detail were instrumental in organising the evening.

ABSC Inc intends to continue developing the Connect & Cheers series as a trusted platform bringing diplomacy, business and community leadership together and transforming introductions into opportunities and partnerships.