Sydney Marketing Community
"Sydney has some of the best marketing talent in the world. For years I've been looking for this community. Eventually I realised we need to build it ourselves"
Sydney Marketing Community reflects our belief that marketers grow when marketers talk openly about their work, learn from each other and build trusted networks with their peers. The community is designed to be shaped by its members, drawing on collective experience, curiosity and generosity to help marketers learn, adapt and enjoy their career.
Why do we need Sydney Marketing Community?
Marketing is changing fast
AI, automation and shifting expectations mean marketers are being asked to do more, across more disciplines, with fewer people. Many of us are navigating this change in isolation, without enough space to learn what’s actually working or to compare notes with peers.
Bringing marketers together
We are a local, community-led space for marketers to connect, learn and grow through real conversations and practical insight. It’s about learning from people doing the work right now, across roles, industries and experience levels.
Stay current and connected
You’ll learn how other marketers are adapting, build a trusted local network, and have opportunities to share your experience, mentor others and help shape where the community goes next.
Our values
Inclusive
We design events, content, and interactions so they’re welcoming and suit a broad range of marketing skillsets and experience levels.
Practical
We test, learn, and improve as we grow, keeping things simple and moving quickly.
Community-led
Members shape the direction, topics, and experience. We build the community with the people who use it.
Founder story
"A funny thing happened when I secured my first senior role in Marketing.
Suddenly I was getting event invites to hear from talented marketing leaders. And opportunities to speak with peers. And to present. And to learn at exclusive conferences. All of which accelerated my progress.
But it did leave me wondering… why aren’t these opportunities open to everyone?
It’s time to bring Marketers together to connect, to learn and to grow. It’s time for a Sydney Marketing Community."
Michael Apte
Founder
Sydney Marketing Community
Michael Apte is an experienced marketing leader and the founder of Sydney Marketing Community. He has spent more than two decades building integrated marketing teams across global and local corporates and purpose-led organisations, with a career spanning growth, brand, digital, product, customer experience and transformation.
Michael is currently General Manager, Strategy at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, where he is responsible for the organisation’s impact focused strategy and leads the Strategy Implementation Office that turns long-term ambition into practical delivery. Previously at Guide Dogs NSW/ACT he was Chief Marketing Officer, overseeing marketing and communications, brand, digital, digital fundraising, advocacy and public policy. Before moving into the not-for-profit sector, Michael held senior roles at Cochlear, including Global Vice President, Consumer Marketing and Global Vice President, Marketing Integration, as well as leadership positions at Optus and Samsung.
As he's taken on new roles and responsibilities, Michael has seen how powerful opportunities to connect and learn from other marketers can be and also how thin on the ground those opportunities are when you’re still finding your feet or working your way up. Sydney Marketing Community was created to fill a gap: it's a practical, welcoming, marketer-led community focused on real conversations, shared learning and genuine connection.