The iiF Story

Innovative Industries of the Future was brought to life by a shared vision between the South West Development and City of Bunbury.

Where iiF all began

Like many successful ventures, the vision for Innovative Industries of the Future was made possible through a partnership and shared vision between the South West Development and City of Bunbury. As a result of that collaboration, and the backing of local sponsors, the inaugural iiF Conference was staged in November 2024. This event shined a light on the South West of Western Australia – a region known for its critical minerals, lifestyle and premium tourism, food and beverage offerings.

The theme for the first conference was global trends and future industries shaping economic growth and jobs creation, with a specific focus on opportunities and challenges on the road to net zero. Government leaders, international delegates, investors, entrepreneurs and academia converged for this significant event for a deep dive into key themes including advanced manufacturing, advanced technologies, and renewables.

Over two immersive days, we were privileged to hear from 47 outstanding presenters and panellists who travelled to Bunbury from as far as Scotland to share their thought-provoking insights over 18 conference sessions.

Presenters included Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Russell Borthwick, visiting from Scotland. IIF also became a platform for major announcements, with the launch of the UK Government’s Australian Hydrogen Market Study among the high-profile inclusions. The supply chain readiness assessment was carried out by consultancy Xodus. British Consul General for WA Maria Rennie together with Mark Elliot from Xodus presented the report. Attendees also had the chance to explore groundbreaking inventions, including a hydrogen-powered electric aircraft.

Overwhelming feedback confirmed the conference helped them gain new insight or knowledge.

Highlights from iiF 2024

Speakers

47 presenters and panellists across 18 sessions

Key themes

Advanced manufacturing, advanced technologies, and renewables

Major announcements

Including the release of the UK Government’s Australian Hydrogen Market Study, presented by British Consul General for WA Maria Rennie and Mark Elliot from Xodus

International thought leadership

Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce (Scotland)

iiF Conference 2024:
By the numbers

47

Conference speakers and panel members

18

Conference sessions

96%

Agreed the conference helped them gain new insight or knowledge

96%

Agreed iiF made them feel welcome and included

Discover the South West

Location: Bunbury, Western Australia

Bunbury is the host city for Innovative Industries of the Future. A place where bright new ideas and technologies can flourish. Where the city’s natural beauty inspires. Where lifestyle and access to world-class services attracts some of the finest minds.

Bunbury is Western Australia’s second city and a gateway to the world, providing an important link from local industries to global supply chains. The Port of Bunbury continues to lead the world as the largest export port for lithium. Spodumene exports out of the Port of Bunbury grew by more than 380,000 tonnes to a record 1.8 million tonne.

Ideally situated in Western Australia’s premier wine and tourism region, this bustling regional city is only a two-hour drive from Western Australian’s capital city of Perth or accessible via Jetstar flights from the nearby Busselton Margaret River Airport which connects the region to Sydney and Melbourne.

While planning your visit to Bunbury for IIF, we encourage you to make the most of being in the city and wider region by factoring in an extended stay.

Behind the iiF Vision

Event Partners

City of Bunbury

The City of Bunbury is a founding partner of IIF.

Bunbury, the city of three waters is a thriving regional hub nestled along the picturesque shores of Koombana Bay and Back Beach. It offers residents and visitors an exceptional quality of life through its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, diverse economic landscape, and vibrant community spirit. The city, as a central location, plays a critical role within the South West, offering a wealth of high-quality facilities, services and amenities.

Affordability is a significant strength offered in Bunbury to both investors and residents and continues to be a major drawcard for those seeking to enjoy a harmonious work-life balance. Bunbury’s location, healthy commercial activity, abundance of economic opportunities, commitment to innovation and flexible planning approaches, together with its high-quality lifestyle in a stunning oceanside landscape, makes it an ideal place to invest.

Bunbury is a thriving regional centre with a diverse economic and cultural outlook. A flourishing, digital city, Bunbury is a place where the technology, need and people capabilities co-exist to create opportunities for future industries and jobs of tomorrow. With the State Government’s commitment to regional innovation, Bunbury is a hub of new ideas and technology, a place where bright ideas can flourish.

South West Development Commission

The South West Development Commission is the host of IIF.

Here at the South West Development Commission, we’re building a sustainable future for Western Australia’s most populous region. We’re doing so by balancing economic and social transformation. We are making a positive difference in driving sustainable growth across our diverse industries and unique communities – supporting high quality of life, a strong economy and vibrant communities. Driving innovation and collaboration in our key industries is one of our priorities.

We support businesses in the region through programs such as the Regional Economic Development (RED) Grants, TradeStart and Local Content Advisor Network. Our projects include the Bunbury waterfront transformation. Find out more about these programs at www.swdc.wa.gov.au.

Keep up to date with the Commission by signing up to receive our e-newsletter via the website. By doing so, you’ll receive information about opportunities delivered straight to your inbox. Which means you will never miss out on knowing about our events, funding and news!

Upcoming Events

Lunch Series

Explore our series of Lunch Series in collaboration BGCCI.

AI and future technologies

Discover emerging trends and breakthrough innovations in artificial intelligence.

Speakers: Name, Name, Name

Cybersecurity insights

Explore critical strategies for protecting digital infrastructure.

Speakers: Name, Name, Name

Digital transformation

Learn how leading organizations are reimagining their technological ecosystems.

Speakers: Name, Name, Name

Discover

Why attend the 2026 global technology conference

Experience a transformative event designed to accelerate your professional growth and technological understanding.

Professional development

Gain insights from world-class experts and industry leaders.aGain insights from world-class experts and industry leaders.

Cutting-edge knowledge

Stay ahead of emerging technological trends and innovations.

Global networking

Build meaningful connections with technology professionals worldwide.

What attendees say

Hear from past participants about their conference experiences.

“This conference transformed my understanding of technology’s potential.”

Sarah Johnson

CTO, Tech Innovations Inc

“Unparalleled networking and insights that drive real change.”

Michael Chen

Director, Global Solutions

“A must-attend event for anyone serious about technological advancement.”

Emma Rodriguez

Lead Researcher, Innovation Labs

FAQs

Find answers to the most common questions about our upcoming technology conference.

When is the conference?

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How do I register?

What's included?

Are virtual options available?

Who should attend?

The iiF Story

Where iiF all began