It was a warm, energising return to Mezzanine House for the March edition of Fruits Sydney, as the Pride Business Association community gathered once again in its home base for an evening of connection, conversation and celebration. Following the electric highs of the February Mardi Gras edition, March brought a shift back into rhythm — a chance to reconnect, deepen relationships and continue building momentum across the LGBTQIA+ business community.

The room filled quickly with a mix of familiar faces and new members, all drawn together by the same purpose: to share ideas, support one another and expand their professional networks in a space that feels both welcoming and ambitious. There was a clear sense that while Mardi Gras may have wrapped, the energy of the season is far from over, it’s simply evolving into something more sustained and strategic for the year ahead.

READ MORE: Fruits Sydney 2026 Mardi Gras Edition Was A Glittering Success!

LGBTQIA+ Business Networking in Sydney Continues to Thrive

Fruits Sydney continues to cement itself as more than just a networking event — it is a cornerstone of the LGBTQIA+ business ecosystem in New South Wales, offering a rare blend of social ease and professional opportunity.

Conversations flowed easily across industries, from media and marketing to law, hospitality, tourism and beyond, reinforcing the diversity and depth of talent within the community. Whether attendees were seasoned entrepreneurs, corporate professionals or new members stepping into the space for the first time, there was an undeniable sense of openness and generosity in the room, with introductions quickly turning into collaborations, referrals and future plans.

PBA Shares Big Plans for 2026

President Jarrod Lomas opened the evening by setting the tone for what is shaping up to be a landmark year for the Pride Business Association. With Pride Month fast approaching in June and the much-anticipated return of Buy Rainbow for its third year, there is already a packed calendar of initiatives designed to elevate and support LGBTQIA+ businesses. Most notably, 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Fruits, a significant milestone that speaks to the longevity, resilience and ongoing relevance of the community.

Jarrod hinted at big plans to celebrate this legacy, creating a palpable sense of excitement about what’s to come and reinforcing the importance of showing up, engaging and being part of the journey.

Everyone is welcome at the PBA! Check out our upcoming events.

Business Member Spotlight:

A highlight of the evening was the return of the PBA Business Member Spotlight:  a fast-paced, high-impact segment that gives members a 60-second platform to showcase their businesses. It’s a format that continues to deliver, not just in visibility but in real connection, turning pitches into conversations and conversations into opportunities.

Bare Pots

First up was Anthony Chahoud from Bare Pots, who shared the story behind his innovative solution to one of the most common (and often overlooked) frustrations for plant lovers: the ubiquity of unattractive plastic nursery pots. Rather than encouraging repotting or wasteful replacements, Bare Pots offers a simple, sustainable and affordable alternative, stylish, recyclable covers designed to slip seamlessly over existing pots. Anthony didn’t just talk about the product, he brought it to life, taking over the Fruits floor with a live demonstration that showed just how quick and effortless the solution is. It was practical, engaging and perfectly aligned with the values of sustainability and smart design that resonate strongly within the community.

Learn more about Bare Pots on the or find them on the PBA Business Directory.

Marsdens Law Group

Following this, Ben Brown from Marsdens Law Group took to the spotlight to represent one of Sydney’s most established legal practices. With roots dating back to 1968, Marsdens has grown into a significant presence across the Sydney metropolitan area, now operating with a team of nearly 150 legal professionals across five offices. Ben highlighted the breadth of services on offer, from family and property law to commercial and criminal matters,  while emphasising the firm’s client-focused approach and commitment to tailored legal solutions. It was a reminder that within the Fruits community, there is not only creativity and entrepreneurship, but also deep professional expertise that members can tap into and trust.

Learn more about Marsden’s Law Group on the PBA Business Directory.

Ben Brown giving his member spotlight at Fruits Sydney: March 2026 Edition.

Ben Brown giving his member spotlight at Fruits Sydney: March 2026 Edition.

Lucky Door Prizes  Winners

Adding to the energy of the night were the always-popular lucky door prizes, which continue to be a standout feature of the Fruits experience. This month’s prizes included a staycation at lyf Bondi Junction, a $100 voucher for Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore, a $50 voucher for Bonnibel, and the coveted Bare Pots Jungle Pack.

The winners: Adam Bold from Point of Difference Travel and Events, new member Andre Lawson, Andrea Tenconi and Sarah Barlow. Congratulations!

The formalities ended with a quick Happy Birthday to PBA President, Jarrod Lomas.

As the night unfolded, it became increasingly clear that Fruits Sydney continues to thrive because it understands its audience so well. It balances structure with spontaneity, giving attendees enough programming to stay engaged while leaving plenty of space for organic interactions. It is this balance that keeps people coming back month after month,  not just for what they might gain professionally, but for how the event makes them feel: included, inspired and part of something bigger than themselves.

Everyone is welcome at the PBA! Check out our upcoming events.

Next Event: Fruits Sydney April 16

With the March edition now wrapped, attention naturally turns to what’s next. Fruits Sydney returns on April 16, promising another evening of connection, opportunity and community. For those who have yet to attend, or for regulars looking to deepen their involvement, it remains one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to engage with Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ business network.

If March was any indication, 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year…  not just for the Pride Business Association, but for the broader community it serves.

Register for Fruits: Sydney April Edition

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author avatar
Immy Abdullah Engagement Director
Immy Abdullah is a highly accomplished senior leader, bringing over 19 years of extensive experience across the television, production, marketing, and digital sectors. Currently, Immy serves as the Head of Content, Entertainment at Nine, where he is responsible for managing editorial schedules for Channel 9's flagship programs, including The Block and Married At First Sight. Beyond his professional expertise, Immy is deeply committed to fostering inclusivity and driving positive change within the LGBTQIA+ community. As co-chair of Nine Pride, he actively works to build connections and advocate for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies. Immy's profound passion for community engagement, combined with his strategic insight in creative business, makes him an invaluable asset to the PBA Board.