The trade association is hosting a roadshow that will visit the west coast and regional centres as well as major east coast capitals from next month to spread the message about contingency planning.

The sessions, which are funded through the Federal government’s Enterprise Connect initiative,  will be “very informal, but very informative, said GASAA executive officer Garry Knespal.

He said small businesses needed to make continuity plans to cope with natural disasters, such as the 2011 Queensland floods and 2009 Victorian bushfires.

They also had to work out how they would function if a global financial crisis hit or the owner was struck down by illness.

Knespal urged people to take advantage of the tour, especially if they were from Perth and Adelaide, which didn’t often host such events, or regional centres like Bendigo and Bathurst, which received even less attention.

The Spotlight Sessions will be modelled on the ABC program Q&A, with Knespal playing the part of Tony Jones.

The panel will also include industry figures and representatives of Enterprise Connect and the Business Continuity Institute.

Sessions will begin with drinks so attendees can network in a friendly environment, added Knespal.

Sessions are free and will run from 5.30-8.00pm.

Spotlight Sessions

February 8: Adelaide

February 9: Perth

February 13: Gold Coast

February 14: Brisbane

February 20: Morwell

February 21: Melbourne

February 22: Bendigo

February 23: Hobart

March 6: Canberra

March 7: Bathurst

March 8: Sydney

March 13: Newcastle

March 20: Sydney

Meanwhile, GASAA has also appointed its new president. Theo Pettaras, founder of Sydney’s Digitalpress, has replaced Look Print managing director David Leach.

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