KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Our keynote speaker on day 2 is a pioneering aerospace engineer, sustainability strategist, and proud Tharawal woman who is redefining the future of flight and energy. As CEO and Founder of New Era Energy, Renee is leading ventures that bring together technology, culture, and commerce. She proves that sustainability is not just about reducing impact, but about creating new industries, stronger communities, and long-term value.
Her career has taken her from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to Qantas, Western Sydney Airport, and LanzaJet, where she helped scale the global deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Renee integrates First Nations knowledge with engineering precision and business strategy to design systems that deliver environmental, social, and economic returns. She is also the co-host of the Promoted Podcast and was recognised as one of Australia’s most influential young leaders.
Visit her WEBSITE – Listen to her PODCAST – Connect on LINKED IN
KEYNOTE – INTRODUCING DR. JORDAN NGUYEN
Join internationally renowned inventor, engineer and futurist Dr Jordan Nguyen as he presents keynote: From Innovation to Impact: Global Tech Unlocking Industry Futures on Day 1 of the Innovative Industries of the Future Conference. Ideal for leaders across business, government and industry, this session shows how robotics, AI and next-generation technology are transforming regional industries and communities. Audiences will leave with a fresh perspective on the path from innovation to impact across advanced manufacturing, energy, agritech and the circular economy. Watch Jordan’s introduction VIDEO
DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER – TIM BUCKLEY
One panel we’re especially excited about is Energy, “Shine Bright: how regions can power the world,” bringing together speakers including Tesla, NewVolt and internationally recognised energy analyst Tim Buckley of Climate Energy Finance to unpack the green energy, electrification and decarbonisation opportunities on our doorstep.
Tim Buckley is internationally recognised for his work on energy markets, system transition, and the economics of renewables. His analysis cuts through complexity, connecting policy, infrastructure, and investment in a way that is highly relevant for regions like ours. Tim will be speaking at the iiF Conference in October and will provide:
-A clear view of where Australia’s energy system is heading
-Insight into the commercial realities of the transition
-Practical implications for regional economies and industries
-An informed perspective to support better local decision-making
For the South West, this is about more than energy. It’s about ensuring the region remains competitive, resilient, and investment-ready. Check out Tim Buckley’s TEDx talk on Australia’s untapped economic potential in the global economic transition.
SOUTH WEST POSITIONED AS KEY INDUSTRIAL GROWTH CORRIDOR
The South West is fast becoming a focal point for industrial development opportunities, with demonstrated economic growth across key sectors including advanced manufacturing, energy, agri-tech and the circular economy. Bunbury’s recent announcement as one of Western Australia’s Seven Cities signals its pivotal role in supporting the State’s future population growth and industry expansion objectives. More and more WA businesses are finding opportunities in…. READ MORE (Source: Business News)
INDUSTRY TOURS
Expression of Interest now open – We are planning several industry tours, to assist our planning, please express your interest by selecting one tour you would attend when you register for the event. Finalised tour details will be confirmed closer to the conference.
Bunbury “The Waterfront”
The harbour and port activation funded through State Government investment has led to an expansion of berths and resulting economic opportunities around the harbour and the port. View the transformation of facilities, port related industries, the tourism activation and potential investment opportunities with further information available at: Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront Southern Ports is a Catalyst Sponsor of iiF26 with further information here: Welcome to the port of Bunbury | Southern Ports
Bunbury & Surrounds “The Vision”
Hear about a range of future focussed projects designed for liveability and economic development such as Wanju – a proposed regional city like no other in the Shire of Dardanup, and AMTECH a State Government initiative to build an advanced manufacturing hub. Bunbury “Circular Economy in Action” This tour will explore how Aqwest’s Water Recovery Scheme is securing Bunbury’s water future by treating and distributing fit-for-purpose recycled water to irrigate public open space. This innovative project will reduce demand on the Yarragadee Aquifer and support long-term water security for the region. Further information – Water Recovery Scheme Project | Aqwest Busselton “The Airport Precinct” A tour of the Busselton Margaret River Airport with an attached 206ha precinct open to exploring investment opportunities – one of the most important and strategically located airports in regional WA, with opportunities for aviation engineering, maintenance, flight training, freight, logistics, airline support, aeromedical, emergency and storage. Further information here: Commercial Opportunities » Busselton Margaret River Airport
Margaret River “The Lifestyle”
Visit Western Australia’s second most visited Tourism destination and the food bowl for the State. View local economic development and investment opportunities, with an overview of key local government investment and land activation that is available. Hear from local businesses on potential growth opportunities. Further information available here: Shire of Augusta Margaret River
Witchcliffe “The Ecovillage”
Visit this fully sustainable community of homes, completely off the grid, with its own waste processing facility, streets lined with communal nut trees, hubs built around communal vegetable gardens, and organic farming around the perimeter complete with four dams, marron, and a fruit and vegetable co-op. Aged care, school and recreational facilities being built for whole lifecycle support. Circular economy in practice. Further information here: Witchcliffe Ecovillage
