Grow. Promote. Protect. Forum 2026

Lineup

• More details about Amma Boakye, IP Australia

  Amma Boakye, IP Australia

  Amma is a Designs Examiner, and Quality and Practice Project Officer at IP Australia. Amma has over four years’ experience across design examination, quality assurance. She joined IP Australia in 2022, after working as a graduate lawyer across construction and environmental law. Amma has always had a strong interest in intellectual property law and enjoys working at the intersection of law, policy, and practice to support high‑quality decision‑making.

• More details about Arnold Jorge, Export Council of Australia

  Arnold Jorge, Export Council of Australia

  Arnold is the CEO of the Export Council of Australia, and a value-based leader, driving organisational transformation through innovative business models, strategic clarity, and trusted partnerships. Arnold has orchestrated successful business turnarounds by enhancing operational efficiency, forming strategic partnerships, and elevating brand reputation. His initiatives have influenced government policies on inclusive and sustainable trade, and contributed to the empowerment of women and First Nations entrepreneurs to engage in global trade. Passionate about applying psychology in business and negotiations, Arnold understands human behaviour to drive better outcomes, as well as connecting the dots between global events and risks, providing insights that shape strategic decisions. With over 25 years of experience as a former diplomat, trade negotiator, and consultant, Arnold specialises in international business, entrepreneurship, and marketing. He holds an MBA and excels in lean start-up and agile methodologies.

• More details about Asher Ellazam, Connectiv Group

  Asher Ellazam, Connectiv Group

  Asher is a seasoned professional from the software industry with a rare mix of experience. Over 4 decades, he has worked across most industries and has fulfilled a wide variety of technical, business and operational roles, and he has experience working in the Middle East and US. He deals with a wide range of customers and has found that his operational experience has enabled him to quickly establish understanding and trust with the customer, regardless of the industry. As a natural teacher, Asher enjoys informing, guiding and mentoring customers and colleagues and he takes great satisfaction from their response, appreciation and loyalty. He is a professional, having set benchmarks for communication, documentation and consulting standards throughout his career. At Connectiv Group he specialises in R&D Tax Incentive projects and securing Grant funding from Government and Industry, as well as Business consulting.

• More details about Benjamin Weinstock, Connectiv Group

  Benjamin Weinstock, Connectiv Group

  Ben commenced his accounting and taxation career at Deloitte in 2000 in corporate tax and became a Chartered Accountant in 2004. He has over a decade of experience in business services, specialising in assisting small-medium businesses and high net worth individuals. Ben has also worked as a Financial Counsellor in the community sector – alleviating financial stress for hundreds of people. ConnectivGroup provides him with the opportunity to passionately apply his skills to assist entrepreneurs to make their dreams a reality. With specialist experience with the R&D Tax Incentive, EMDG, other grants and business consulting, he prides himself in producing the highest-quality work and upholding the highest ethical and professional standards.

• More details about Boaz Shiponi, Nexus Point

  Boaz Shiponi, Nexus Point

  Boaz is the Founder and Managing Partner of Nexus Point, a registered tax agent and licensed customs brokerage, and is the organisation’s Managing Director. He is a highly regarded customs and international trade adviser with deep expertise in international supply chain strategy, customs compliance and trade regulation. Boaz is a licensed customs broker, R&D tax agent, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). He holds a Bachelor of Economics and Management and an MBA, and acts as a Non-Executive Director, contributing strategic oversight and governance expertise.

• More details about Craig Robertson, Victorian Skills Authority

  Craig Robertson, Victorian Skills Authority

  Craig was made the founding Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Victorian Skills Authority in August 2021. He has extensive leadership experience in tertiary education in Australia, particularly vocational education and training, including roles in the state and federal public sector. In previous roles, Craig was CEO of TAFE Directors Australia, representing TAFEs Australia-wide; Deputy Secretary in the Victorian Department of Education and Training; and held various roles in the Australian Government for more than 30 years, focused on schools funding, employment services and vocational education and training.

• More details about Damien Crough, prefabAUS

  Damien Crough, prefabAUS

  Damien is a founding Director and the Executive Chair of prefabAUS – the peak industry body for prefabricated and offsite construction in Australia. PrefabAUS has been operating for more than a decade and has over 185 member companies (600+ individuals) nationwide. Damien works with several universities and research bodies to explore advanced manufacturing technologies and collaborates with government and industry bodies to advance the prefabricated building (smart building) industry in Australia. Damien sees strong opportunities for the prefabrication industry to set itself apart by providing low waste, high quality, sustainable and design led alternatives.

• More details about David Baggs, Global GreenTag International

  David Baggs, Global GreenTag International

  David Baggs is a renowned, multi-award-winning sustainability and materials expert, and a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects. As CEO and Program Director of Global GreenTag International, he is leading the launch of a new Recycled Content and Traceability certification, final stage development of a Circularity Declaration as well as the ongoing rollout of the groundbreaking NaturePositive+Declaration Standard, advancing green building innovation and pushing the boundaries of circular design to support truly regenerative built environments.

• More details about Denis Holtgrefe, CEMAC Technologies

  Denis Holtgrefe, CEMAC Technologies

  Denis joined CEMAC Technologies in 2024 as the Key Account Manager for Industry and Recycling, leading the development of advanced recycling solutions that support a circular economy. With a strong foundation in consultative sales and strategic partnerships, he excels at building high-value relationships, that allow for customer’s growth, and delivering efficient and measurable outcomes across a range of industries.

• More details about Dr Ylias Sabri, RMIT University

  Dr Ylias Sabri, RMIT University

  Ylias is a Research Scientist at RMIT University, leading multidisciplinary projects at the intersection of chemical sensing, materials science, and clean technology. His work focusses on translating advanced research into practical, scalable solutions — from patented gas and chemical sensor technologies to emerging innovations in the circular economy and clean energy systems. With a background in Chemical Engineering (B.Eng.) and a PhD in Chemistry from RMIT University, Ylias brings a strong foundation in surface chemistry, nanomaterials, photoactive materials, and colloidal systems. Over the years, he has partnered with organisations including Alcoa, BHP Billiton, Agilent Technologies, Newmont, and ExxonMobil to address real-world analytical challenges and creating pathways for technology adoption in industry. He currently leads international collaborations spanning Australia, Asia, and Europe to drive innovation in solar panel recycling, gas sensing, and clean energy materials, aligning with global goals for sustainability and decarbonisation.

• More details about Elmira Soghrati, GECA

  Elmira Soghrati, GECA

  Elmira is the Standards and Technical Officer at GECA, and a seasoned technology entrepreneur passionate about addressing climate change and sustainability challenges. With over a decade of experience, she has developed deep expertise in product development, lifecycle assessment, and sustainability strategy. With a PhD in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, she has led innovative solutions across industries like cold-chain logistics, construction, and energy-efficient materials, focusing on sourcing, manufacturing, and end-of-life strategies. With her expertise in global sustainability standards and a drive to tackle climate challenges, Elmira is committed to working with GECA's licensees and stakeholders to create impactful, sustainable solutions for a better future.

• More details about Emily Harridge, Virtual Playground

  Emily Harridge, Virtual Playground

  Emily is the Founder and Creative Director of Virtual Playground, a Melbourne-based creative production studio working at the intersection of design, technology and artificial intelligence. With more than two decades of experience across broadcast, branding, post-production and digital design, Emily brings traditional production expertise to emerging AI-driven workflows. Through Virtual Playground, Emily helps brands and industry organisations adopt new creative technologies without compromising craft or creative intent, delivering high-end visual content including AI-assisted video, motion graphics and content creation. Emily integrates AI as a production tool to support human creativity, reduce inefficiencies and unlock new forms of visual storytelling. She is passionate about scalable content creation and future-focused design practices across manufacturing and creative industries.

• More details about Eric Li, UMAX ENERGY

  Eric Li, UMAX ENERGY

  Eric Li is the Co-Founder and General Manager of UMAX ENERGY, leading the company’s strategic growth across solar, energy storage, EV infrastructure, and integrated solar systems. He holds a Master’s degree in Solar Energy Engineering from the University of New South Wales, where he developed advanced expertise in photovoltaic technologies, system optimization, and grid integration. With a strong technical foundation and commercial acumen, Eric drives the development and deployment of high-performance BIPV solutions, lithium battery systems, and smart energy platforms tailored for commercial and industrial applications. He oversees global supply chain strategy, product innovation, regulatory compliance, and market expansion initiatives, ensuring operational excellence and scalable growth. Under his leadership, UMAX ENERGY delivers efficient, sustainable, and future-ready energy infrastructure that supports decarbonization, energy resilience, and long-term value creation across international markets.

• More details about Esther Bailey, Rebuilt.eco

  Esther Bailey, Rebuilt.eco

  Esther is Chief Operating Officer at Rebuilt.eco, and an experienced sustainability leader, innovator and changemaker with many years’ experience in the public and private sectors. She works with business, technology, peak bodies, state and federal government to increase the sophistication and urgency of our response to climate change with a current focus on ambitious action towards net zero emissions in building products. Esther leads teams that provide carbon assessment and verification, ratings, advisory services and software solutions. These inform building regulation, ESG compliance, market insights, circular economy solutions and net zero pathways to deliver short term benefits that lead towards long-term transformation.

• More details about Kevin Graham, Joyce Foam

  Kevin Graham, Joyce Foam

  Kevin Graham, Chief Operating Officer, Joyce Foam, Australia’s leading manufacturer in the science of comfort. With more than 20 years’ experience across B2B manufacturing and the furniture industry, Kevin combines technical expertise with commercial acumen to drive product innovation, operational excellence and sustainable growth. A passionate technologist, he is focused on advancing performance-led solutions while embedding sustainability into manufacturing practices and customer partnerships. Under Kevin’s leadership, Joyce Foam continues to develop advanced foam technologies supporting bedding, furniture, healthcare, automotive, construction, defence and industrial markets, strengthening its position as a trusted partner in high-performance comfort and engineered solutions.

• More details about Kiarne Treacy, Sustainable Choice Group

  Kiarne Treacy, Sustainable Choice Group

  Kiarne Treacy is CEO of Sustainable Choice Group and founder of Sustainability Tracker, a climate tech platform helping businesses communicate sustainability transparently and meet evolving compliance expectations. A career marketer and brand strategist, she now focuses on driving sustainable change in mass-market consumption through technology, education and industry collaboration. She leads the Leaders in Sustainability Network (LiSN), hosts the Sustainable Transformation Podcast, and is recognised as a LinkedIn Top Green Voice for her work shaping practical sustainability conversations. Kiarne regularly presents, moderates and hosts industry events, bringing expertise across sustainability communications, climate tech innovation and commercial ESG strategy.

• More details about Kylie Roberts-Frost, Australian Bedding Stewardship Council

  Kylie Roberts-Frost, Australian Bedding Stewardship Council

  Kylie Roberts-Frost is CEO of the Australian Bedding Stewardship Council and has a career spanning logistics, sustainability, and leadership across sectors. Kylie has worked from the ground up, shaping her leadership style and understanding how every role fits into the bigger picture. In logistics, she built a strong foundation with Maersk, MSC, and UASC. At Deloitte, she shifted into strategy, advising on global supply chains and business growth, before pivoting to sustainability, leading impactful work at social enterprise Soft Landing. She recently found herself being referred to as “The Mattress Lady”, having a giggle at first before deciding to embrace it. For Kylie, it’s about utilising stewardship to demonstrate that the circular economy is possible, and showing that we can achieve social and environmental outcomes without compromising commercial realities. If being “The Mattress Lady” helps start those conversations, she's all for it.

• More details about Lisa McLean, Circular Australia

  Lisa McLean, Circular Australia

  Lisa is a global circular economy and zero-carbon business transformation leader. She is an international speaker and author of circular economy publications supporting businesses and governments in the circular transition. Lisa has been successfully advising industry and governments in developing new policy frameworks, regulations and tools to bring about market change enabling the circular economy, over the past 20 years. This work covers markets, supply chains and business models across the water, energy mobility, finance and investment sectors in Australia and globally.

• More details about Mark Lazarus, Lazarus Legal

  Mark Lazarus, Lazarus Legal

  As Director of Lazarus Legal, Mark works with founders who are scaling, raising capital, or defending what they have built, helping them lock in their IP, protect their leverage, and build companies that last. He has helped more than 300 businesses secure trade marks so they truly own what they create. Mark has advised over 2,000 founders, from garage stage to industry leaders, and worked on capital raises up to $50 million, structuring deals that bring in capital without giving away control. Along the way, he has helped disruptive businesses stay ahead of litigation, IP theft, and regulatory risks before they become existential problems.

• More details about Michael Smith, Spec Up/ Andever 

  Michael Smith, Spec Up/ Andever 

  Michael is a practising architect and the Founder of Specup, a specialist agency that helps product brands understand how architects make specification decisions, as well as the Founder and designer of the Spec Rep Help Desk, a free AI tool that supports architects with product specification. He supported the AFA’s development of the Architects and Specifiers Guide to Furniture as its author, bringing practical insights into design, durability and specification pathways across commercial projects. 

• More details about Michelle Mercier

  Michelle Mercier

  Michelle Mercier is a Climate Consultant at Pangolin Associates, a leading Australian climate advisory firm supporting organisations across decarbonisation, circular economy strategy and climate risk. She specialises in translating circular economy principles into commercially viable strategies that reduce cost, manage risk and unlock long-term value. Michelle led the development of Pangolin’s circular economy white paper for the furniture and fit-out sector. She integrates circular economy strategy with GHG accounting and decarbonisation planning, enabling clients to improve resource efficiency, strengthen compliance positioning and embed more resilient, future-focused business models. She holds a Master of Environment and Sustainability from Monash University.

• More details about Mike Radda, Forest Works

  Mike Radda, Forest Works

  Mike Radda is CEO of ForestWorks incorporating FurnishingWorks. Mike is a graduate of the furniture industry, with extensive experience at the most senior levels. He spent five years running his own manufacturing business before becoming the National Chief Executive of the Furnishing Industry Association of Australia. After five years of representing the industry at the highest levels of government and securing substantial government support, he moved back to industry, where over the next 15 years he held CEO roles in Australian Commercial Furniture Manufacturers. Mike then took up a global furniture role as Asia Vice President with MillerKnoll, one of the top 10 global furniture manufacturers with 11,000 employees. Mike focus is helping our industries meet their skills and workplace needs, so that our industries can be the best in the world and our workplaces are where people want to work.

• More details about Paul Kubisch, TAFE NSW

  Paul Kubisch, TAFE NSW

  Paul Kubisch is the Team Leader for the Cabinet and Furnishing Industry at TAFE NSW, where he leads training delivery with a strong focus on quality, innovation, and learner success. A passionate and motivated educational leader, Paul contributes extensive expertise in designing and improving teaching and learning practices across the public VET sector. With a trade background as a qualified wood machinist specialising in fine furniture, Paul combines deep industry expertise with a commitment to shaping the next generation of craftspeople. He is dedicated to fostering collaborative, supportive learning environments that empower both educators and students to excel.

• More details about Peter Canavan, Australian Industry Group

  Peter Canavan, Australian Industry Group

  Peter Canavan is Senior Policy Officer at the Australian Industry Group Centre for Education and Training. Peter contributes to education and training policy and manages projects in that space, including apprenticeship and traineeship pilots that often explore new models. Peter has many years' experience in the vocational training sector, and represents Australian Industry Group on various committees including national and state-based industry advisory and consultative groups. He also works individually with Australian Industry Group members to help them navigate their way through the education and training maze.

• More details about Peter Carter, GS1 Australia

  Peter Carter, GS1 Australia

  Peter is a partnership broker, innovator and provocateur focused on supply chain traceability, sustainability and digital trade standards.  He is General Manager of Public Policy and Government Engagement at GS1 Australia.  Peter leads cross-sector programs and works closely with national industry organisations and interest groups to align government and industry on key themes, including supply chain resilience, ESG claims verification and digital trade.  Before joining GS1 Peter worked with Data61 at the CSIRO.  He is an agricultural economist, Churchill Fellow and expert contributor to UNCEFACT. 

• More details about Professor Oliver (Oli) Jones, RMIT University

  Professor Oliver (Oli) Jones, RMIT University

  Oliver Jones is a multi-award winning chemist and an internationally recognised expert in analytical science. He is passionate about using science to keep our environment safe. Oliver grew up in Manchester, England. He is a graduate of Imperial College London (PhD and MSc) and Queen Mary University of London (BSc Hons). Following his PhD in 2005, Oliver joined the University of Cambridge as a postdoctoral fellow until 2009. He then worked as a lecturer at the University of Durham before moving to RMIT in 2012 (to get a few years’ experience working abroad). Thirteen years later, he is still here and focused on developing new ways to measure the chemical makeup of the things around us. Oliver has held several senior leadership positions at RMIT, including Program Manager, HDR Manager, Discipline Leader and Deputy Director of the Water: Effective Technologies and Tools (WETT) Research Centre. He is the former Associate Dean (head) of the Biosciences and Food Technology Discipline (department).

• More details about Robert (Bob) Panitzki, AFRDI

  Robert (Bob) Panitzki, AFRDI

  Bob graduated in chemistry from the University of Tasmania in 1970 and later earned a Diploma in Secondary Metallurgy (1976) and completed the Program for Management Development at UTAS (1985). He spent 32 years at ACL Bearing Company, rising from technical and manufacturing roles to General Manager, overseeing 400+ staff and $50M+ turnover. In 2003, he joined Furntech-AFRDI as Institute Manager and became CEO in 2005, serving until 2019 before moving to part-time Business Development Manager. Bob has been a Council Member of Standards Australia since 2007, chairing Technical Committee CS 088 (Furniture) since 2015, and has served on the NATA Council as Tasmanian Representative.

• More details about Rosanna Iacono, The Growth Activists

  Rosanna Iacono, The Growth Activists

  Rosanna Iacono is CEO of strategy consultancy The Growth Activists, where she leads the Retail & Consumer Goods practice and delivers business and sustainability transformation strategies. Rosanna was also the Founding Chair and one of the architects of Seamless (the National Clothing Product Stewardship Scheme and the world’s first circular product stewardship scheme) and a non-executive director on the board of New Zealand Merino Company. Before co-founding The Growth Activists, Rosanna spent 16 years in global leadership roles in Europe and the US with global brands Nike and Levis, and upon returning to Australia she held CEO and COO roles with businesses like Freedom, Sheridan, Jurlique, Sass & Bide and Saba. She builds the bridge between sustainability ambition and tangible business value creation.

• More details about Ry Elphinstone, Podium

  Ry Elphinstone, Podium

  Ry Elphinstone is a Technology & Growth Specialist at Podium, where he works closely with furniture retailers to help them modernise customer communication, convert more enquiries, and drive sustainable growth. As Podium’s lead for new business within the furniture category, Ry partners with retailers to implement technology that improves lead response, streamlines operations, and enhances the end-to-end customer experience. Ry has also supported existing Podium customers across the furniture sector, including Eureka Furniture and Bevmarks, helping them elevate their digital engagement, reputation management, and sales processes. With a strong understanding of the unique challenges facing furniture retailers, from high-consideration purchases to multi-location operations, Ry brings practical, real-world insight into how technology can be used to grow revenue while protecting brand reputation in an increasingly competitive market.

• More details about Sam Matheson, Built Environment Channel

  Sam Matheson, Built Environment Channel

  Built Environment Channel benefits from over a decade of expertise in marketing strategy, digital marketing, and sales leadership. As CEO, Sam's focus remains on spearheading innovative content delivery for professionals in the built environment sector, while expanding the company’s presence and market impact. Contributions have centred around driving revenue growth, expanding market share, and fortifying the company’s position as a leader in the broadcast media industry. Dedication to delivering inspiring and educational content defines the mission and aligns with a passion for transformative media strategies.

• More details about Shelley Barbuto, Simplex Waste Solutions

  Shelley Barbuto, Simplex Waste Solutions

  Shelley is a results-driven executive with 4+ years of senior leadership, driving growth, innovation, and stakeholder value across national markets. As CEO of Simplex Waste Solutions, she leads initiatives that align business strategy with environmental stewardship, leveraging her expertise in business development and key account management. Passionate about sustainability, she accelerates the transition to a low-carbon, circular economy by scaling impact-driven programs, building strategic partnerships, and embedding ESG principles to deliver value for people, profit, and the planet.

• More details about Simon Dorries, Responsible Wood

  Simon Dorries, Responsible Wood

  Simon Dorries is the Chief Executive Officer of Responsible Wood. Responsible Wood is accredited as a Standards Development Organisation by Standards Australia to write, maintain and updating the Australian Standards which underpin the Responsible Wood Certification System. These Standards include AS4707- Chain of Custody for Forest Products and AS/NZS4708 Sustainable Forest Management. Simon holds a Bachelor of Applied Science and has worked in the Forest and Wood Products Industry for over 40 years. Commencing in 1985 as a cadet scientist while undertaking a science degree through part-time study. Simon has significant experience in developing product certification systems, compliance testing and assessment, delivering education and training across the Wood Products Sector, product development, and standards development. In addition to his role at Responsible Wood, Simon is currently Chair of Standards Australia Committee TM-011 Engineered Wood Products.

• More details about Stuart Stansell, Iti

  Stuart Stansell, Iti

  Stuart Stansell is a National Product Manager at Iti, bringing extensive experience in the timber and building products industry. At Iti, Stuart is responsible for product management, contributing to the sourcing and supply of wholesale timber and building products. Prior to this, Stuart served as a Business Development Manager at Hurford Wholesale, where he focussed on expanding market reach for local hardwoods and flooring products, with responsibilities including market analysis and strategic partnership development.

• More details about Tom Clark, Workspace Commercial Furniture

  Tom Clark, Workspace Commercial Furniture

  Tom Clark is the CEO of Workspace Commercial Furniture, Australia’s largest diversified commercial furniture manufacturer, specialising in delivering project-based solutions across office, education, hospitality, health, aged care, hospitality, accommodation, and defence sectors. With extensive expertise in sustainable manufacturing and design, Tom represents a company with a proud Australian heritage, focused on providing innovative, durable, and functional commercial furniture solutions. His involvement with the ASGF TAC Committee reflects his commitment to fostering collaboration and advancing industry standards in sustainable and certified furniture design.

• More details about Tony Leask, Premium Surface Protection

  Tony Leask, Premium Surface Protection

  Tony’s journey began in New Zealand as the sole importer and distributor of one of the best textile protectors at the time. Working directly with clients and fibres, his deep understanding of textile protection began to take shape. Combining research-driven innovation with a sharp understanding of how fabrics behave in residential, commercial and marine settings, Tony built Premium Surface Protection. PSP now leads the industry in high-performance, PFAS-free fabric and leather protection. Successfully developing proprietary blends that deliver long-lasting, high-performance protection across all fibre types was called a “pivotal decision” by the Australian Furniture Association, recognising that Tony was one step ahead of forthcoming PFAS bans in 2025. Today, PSP’s portfolio spans high-end homes, global hospitality brands, and some of the world’s most luxurious superyachts. Further cementing his impact in this industry, Tony Leask is also a founding member of the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council (AFISC).