Our final Pride Business Association Long Table Breakfast for 2025 brought a joyful close to the year, filled with festive cheer, big business updates, and one very adorable surprise. Hosted once again at the beautiful Canva Space in Surry Hills, December’s gathering brought together a mix of familiar faces and first-time attendees ready to connect before the holiday season.
A Warm Welcome & New Beginnings
Our host Alex Tinsley kicked off the morning, welcoming members to Canva Space and sharing updates from his work at Master Real Estate and process of acquiring a business. Alex’s focus remains on helping clients navigate an increasingly curious market. With a new baby arriving in February, 2026 is already set to be a big year for him.
Buying and selling real estate can be a daunting task. Contact Master Real Estate via the PBA Business Directory to have a friendly, no obligation chat.
Attending the Business Member Long Table Breakfast in December:
Adam Bold: The festive season is a peak period for Adam, whose LGBTQ+ travel business Points of Difference Travel & Events continues to flourish. He reminded members that PBA members receive an $80 discount on their Celebration NYE party, plus 20% savings on travel insurance throughout the year, both perfect timing for last-minute holiday inspiration receive an $80 discount on select packages, perfect timing for last-minute holiday inspiration.
- Adam’s year has been huge:
- A successful hosted group tour through India
- A New Zealand cruise aboard Celebrity Edge
- A three-night sampler cruise recently filmed by Sydney Weekender
- Strong rebookings for upcoming 2026 adventures
- And the upcoming New Year’s Eve Party, featuring a new venue with Sydney’s best view of the Harbour Bridge
Adam recently presented a PBA Business Member Spotlight at Fruits: Sydney. With his business ramping up rather than slowing down, Adam joked that for him, “December is far from downtime.”
Contact Points of Difference Travel & Events via the PBA Business Directory.
Matt Pirozzi: Matt shared helpful updates around the launch of MAP Lending. Matt partners with professionals to deliver tailored lending solutions that grow with your career, offer a premium service designed to guide lending decisions nationwide. With an approach built on strategy and precision, helping you move forward with clarity and confidence throughout your journey. Matt is also about to jet off to Rio for a well-earned break.
Contact MAP Lending via the PBA Business Directory. And sign up to the MAP Lending Newsletter.
Pina Brandi: Speaking of Brazil, Pina Brandi, a self-described “Italian girl who lived in Brazil” and now lives in Sydney, shared changes to legislation will impact property owners with existing investments. She’ll be spending a relaxing Christmas in Sydney this year.
Philippe Smets: The only international award-winning chocolate maker in Sydney, Philippe has been run off his feet with Christmas orders, events, and workshops. He just launched a new website and all festive orders now arrive in seasonal packaging.
Highlights from Chocolat Philippe this month:
- A hugely successful run at the Good Food & Wine Show and Christmas Markets
- Increasing demand for chocolate and wine masterclasses
- Offering at-home and corporate tasting experiences for up to 24 people
- Festive boxes now available for pre-Christmas delivery
Philippe is heading to the Central Coast to spend the holidays with his partner’s family.
Contact Chocolat Philippe via the PBA Business Directory.
Shane Flatman: PBA Strategy Director Shane, who works across technology and investment, shared insights into PBA’s upcoming Member Survey, which will launch in mid-December. This will help the committee better understand member demographics and priorities as we shape PBA’s strategic roadmap for 2026–2028.
Shane is spending Christmas in Hamilton Island, welcoming his partner’s mother who is flying in for the holidays. He’ll ring in the New Year at Luna Park.
Ron Christianson: Attending his first-ever PBA event, Ron introduced himself to the group. A seasoned Corporate Affairs executive, ICF-accredited Coach (ACC), and practitioner of LSI/GSI diagnostics, Ron brings over 20 years of experience working with multinational and Fortune 500 organisations. Having moved from Canada back to Australia with his husband four years ago, Ron now consults with major brands and emerging start-ups, helping senior leaders elevate their communication, strategy, and leadership capability. We were thrilled to welcome Rob into the PBA community.
Michael Rogers: Michael reflected on a strong year and his love for the PBA community. Confident that 2026 will be a massive year for Love Property, he refuses to use the term “slowing down”, even in December! He put up his Christmas decorations last night only to realise… he needs more lights.
And in breaking news: Michael is getting a puppy on Friday! The group was treated to the very first photo. No name has been chosen yet, but he assured us suggestions are welcome.
Immy Abdullah, PBA Engagement Director: spoke about the silly season quite busy. Immy was grateful for everyone attending Fruits: Sydney in November, especially Alex and Michael for making The Block stars Mitch and Mark feel so welcome. Business at Clouds Above is bustling but is still eager to talk to anyone who needs help with their Marketing or Social Media.
Contact Clouds Above via the PBA Business Directory.
READ MORE: Fruits Sydney Lights Up November with Connection, Community and a Full House
Upcoming PBA Events
We wrapped the morning by looking at our exciting lineup of upcoming events:
- Fruits Parramatta – Festive Trivia (Thursday December 4): Join us for a joyful end-of-year Fruits at Parramatta with trivia, prizes and festive energy!
- PBA Walk and Lunch (Thursday December 6)
- Festive Fruits Sydney (Thursday December 18)
There’s a lot of festive spirit in December at the PBA as we get ready for an even bigger 2026.
Everyone is welcome at the PBA! Check out our upcoming events.
The December Long Table Breakfast perfectly captured what makes the Pride Business Association special: community, collaboration, and connection. From seasoned members to first-timers, from real estate updates to learning about chocolate experiences and travel adventures, the room was filled with energy and generosity.
A huge thank you to Alex Tinsley, our host at Canva Space, and to all members who joined us throughout 2025.
Here’s to an exciting, ambitious, and joy-filled 2026 for the Pride Business Association! 🌈✨
