Brisbane to host innovators before G20

Brisbane's G20 summit may belong to the planet's highest-profile politicians, but the Global Cafe will be all about those changing the world behind the scenes.

About 70 of the best and brightest brains from the fields of science, technology, business and social policy have been confirmed as speakers at a special forum in Brisbane, which will raise the curtain on the G20 Leaders' Summit in November.

The Global Cafe, to be held at Brisbane City Hall on November 12-13, will explore issues about improving human life, developing cities that match future needs, powering the future economy, unlocking the opportunities of the digital age and exploring the emerging frontiers of tourism.

Many of the speakers will also be engaging with local businesses during their stay.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the forum was a first for a G20 host city, and one that would help put Brisbane on the map.

"While the official Brisbane G20 summit will focus on achieving stronger economic and employment growth and dealing with future economic shock, the global cafe will add a new dimension to the G20 summit," Mr Quirk said.

"The Global Cafe will help us extend 'Team Brisbane' to a broader audience of influencers and advocates and give our local business, government and academic community access to progressive thinking from around the world."