Construcciones Yamaro: The countdown is on for Foundations and Frontiers 2024

Image: lersan/stock.adobe.com

On 8 August 2024, Sydney will host Foundations and Frontiers (FF24) – an unprecedented event for the entire construction industry. FF24 is more than a conference; it’s a movement aimed at creating a more sustainable and inclusive construction industry.

Drawing inspiration from the global influence of events like Conference of the Parties (COP) summits and the World Economic Forum, FF24 will bring together around 1,000 participants, including 100 influential leaders from government, private sector asset owners, industry, unions and academia for group discussions on significant industry changes.

FF24’s plenary session will feature a unique setup: a circular stage in the middle of the room, hosting TED-style talks and interactive discussions. This format will ensure that participants have ample opportunity to share ideas and insights.

Event highlights

TED talks

• Tane Hunter, co-founder of Future Crunch and Lighthouse Data Science, on future workforce and generational differences;
• Paul Bloxham, chief economist, ANZ and global commodities at HSBC, on financial sustainability; and
• Sarah Carney, chief technology officer at Microsoft, on data.

Unions and culture

How do we attract more people to the industry and keep them longer? The heads of the four major industry unions will come together to share their thoughts on the future of the workplace:

• Zach Smith, national secretary at the CFMEU (Construction and General Division);
• Michael Wright, national secretary at the Electrical Trades Union of Australia;
• Paul Farrow, national secretary at The Australian Workers’ Union; and
• Earle Setches, secretary at the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union.

Great debate

An Oxford-style debate on market intervention, featuring:

• Priscilla Radice, deputy director general, Health Capital Division at Queensland Health Infrastructure;
• Martin Locke, adjunct professor at the University of Technology Sydney;
• Teresa Scott, executive director at the Australasian Procurement and Construction Council;
• Tim Parker, CEO of the High-Speed Rail Authority;
• Bede Noonan, CEO of Acciona; and
• Dr Jessica Viven-Wilksch, lecturer at the University of Adelaide.

Deal or no deal – accepting offer or risk

Scenarios where speakers assess whether offers should be accepted and explore ways to manage risk, featuring:

• Sally Stannard, director general at the Department of Transport and Main Roads QLD;
• Roger Irvine, head of construction at Gallagher;
• Meg Redwin, executive director, general counsel – global at Multiplex; and
• Malcolm Macintyre, managing director at Capella Capital.

Data minefield – insight exchange

Insights into the data generated by the Level Crossing Removal Project and its future evolution, featuring:

• Rebecca Hanley, managing director at Laing O’Rourke;
• Matthew Gault, CEO of the Level Crossing Removal Project; and
• Sarah Carney, chief technology officer at Microsoft.

Government speakers

• The Hon Catherine King, minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government;
• Jessica Hall, deputy secretary at the Department of Infrastructure;
• Josh Murray, secretary at Transport for NSW;
• Andrew Williams, chief operating officer at the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority; and
• Tom Gellibrand, CEO of Infrastructure NSW.

FF24 aims to go beyond traditional conferences by not just discussing challenges but actively pursuing tangible solutions. This event is expected to become an annual cornerstone for the industry, where progress is measured and new frontiers are continually pushed. Tickets are available now.

Don’t miss the Australian Construction Achievement Award presentation event. Foundations and Frontiers 2024 will be co-located with the Australian Construction Achievement Award winner presentation. Tickets to the black-tie gala dinner, commencing at 6.30pm on 8 August, can be purchased now.

The post The countdown is on for Foundations and Frontiers 2024 appeared first on Inside Construction.

View Source