Rethink. Reconnect. Revolutionize: The 2025 Festival of Business Analysis

When you hear “festival,” you probably picture music, food, or a lively parade. But what if business analysis had its very own festival?

That’s exactly what the IIBA Australia Chapter, in partnership with the IIBA New Zealand Chapter, delivers each year with the Festival of Business Analysis—set against sun-drenched cities, iconic coastlines, and a distinctly Aussie and Kiwi spirit.

In this special episode of Business Analysis Live, I sat down with leaders, organizers, and speakers to explore this year’s theme: Rethink. Reconnect. Revolutionize. Together, we share what’s new at the festival and a taste of the big ideas shaping business analysis today.

Think less confetti, more flowcharts (and somehow even more fun than that sounds).

The Three Rs of Business Analysis

Each year, the festival chooses a set of guiding words. This year’s “Three R’s” really struck me, because they hint at different aspects of our modern, gadget-filled world:

• Rethink how we approach our work in a fast-paced, tech-driven environment
• Reconnect with people, because human connection and collaboration remain at the heart of business analysis
• Revolutionize the way we adapt, lead, and embrace change (even in small ways)

They’re a reminder that even in a world full of gadgets and algorithms, business analysis is still about brains, heart, and a little bit of daring.

What’s New at the Festival

The festival spans two weeks—one full week of online learning (October 13 to 17) and one in-person week across New Zealand and Australia’s capital cities (October 20 to 24).

This year, the agenda boasts some exciting changes:

• A dedicated virtual week: No more having to choose between hearing an online speaker or an in-person one! This year, five days of online sessions will take place the week before the in-person week, making it easier for professionals around the world to attend.
• Business Analysis Managers Summit: A brand-new track giving practice leaders and managers the spotlight they deserve
• Expanded reach: With events in multiple cities and international speakers, the festival continues to grow its impact year after year
  
  

Conversations With This Year’s Speakers

Jan De Vries (Netherlands) shared insights on antifragility—the idea that systems and organizations can actually grow stronger from stress and disruption. He shared how business analysis professionals can build optionality and resilience into their work, turning risk into opportunity.



Dr. Joe Perez (US) brought his trademark energy with Mastering the Data Dance. He compared data governance to choreography (something I know a little bit about!), showing how structure and guardrails give us the freedom to make data meaningful, actionable, and connected to human stories.



Filip Hendrickx (Belgium) highlighted the evolving role of business analysis professionals as leaders. From business architecture to AI, he challenged us to step up strategically and guide our organizations through change, even when we don’t hold formal leadership titles.



Kathy Berkidge (Australia) focused on the essential human skills that AI can’t replace, namely curiosity, empathy, and communication. She also introduced a planning tool: a canvas that helps business analysis professionals plan their work with structure and clarity while staying agile and adaptable.

Why This Matters

Listening to these conversations, one thing became clear: it’s a chance for business analysis professionals to pause, reflect, and grow. Think of it as a festival souvenir: no matter your level, you leave with something practical you can unpack the moment you’re back at work.

And with AI, agile, and new business models constantly rewriting the rules, the timing couldn’t be better. This year’s Festival dares us to rise to the moment by rethinking our approach, reconnecting with what matters, and revolutionizing how we lead change.

Join the Conversation

This episode is just a taste of what the festival’s cooking up. If you’re curious about these ideas, want to hear from the speakers themselves, or simply need a spark of inspiration in your business analysis journey, I encourage you to listen to the full episode.

And if you’ve ever doubted that business analysis could be headline material, this is one festival that begs to differ.

Explore fresh and candid conversations on a wide array of business analysis topics with the Business Analysis Live podcast.   

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