Grow. Promote. Protect. Forum 2026 brings together leaders from Australia’s furnishing, forestry, materials and manufacturing sectors to shape a more sustainable and resilient industry. Hosted by the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council, Australian Furniture Association and RMIT University, the Forum builds on the momentum of recent Commonwealth and State-funded research projects that have identified key recommendations for industry growth over the next three to five years.

The Forum will explore priorities for implementing these recommendations through collaboration between industry leaders, researchers and policymakers. Featuring panels, discussion and networking, the event will focus on short-, medium- and long-term industry needs, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, circularity and responsible growth.

Please note that a wide range of ticketing types is available by membership type, with optional add-ons for networking events, the VIP Dinner, and the Circular Economy Activator delivered by Circular Australia.

Keep scrolling for a speakers' list. MORE EXPERT CONTRIBUTORS TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON.

Agenda below.

GPP 2026 timing and location

Dates:
- 10 am – 5 pm, Tuesday February 24
- 9 am – 5 pm, Wednesday February 25

Location: SEE BELOW
Format: Two-day conference plus associated VIP dinner and networking opportunities.

The two-day program will include an optional Circular Economy Activator: Furniture Industry

Ahead of the main Forum program, GPP 2026 will offer an optional Circular Economy Activator: Furniture Industry session, delivered by Circular Australia. This will bring together Circular Australia’s nationally recognised, practical approach to circular economy action directly to the furniture and furnishings sector.

The Activator will address the sector's current, pivotal moment, with many businesses ready to act on circular economy goals, but in need of clearer pathways, shared knowledge and practical examples to move forward. This focused, hands-on Activator is designed to help bridge that gap.

What you will get out of it

A clear understanding of what the circular economy means for the furniture industry today
Practical insight into circular design principles, business models and supply chain opportunities
Guided activities to assess current practices, identify barriers and shape real circular project ideas
Connection to a growing community of industry peers committed to progress
Location: SEE BELOW

Delivered by Circular Australia, in partnership with Australian Furniture Association and Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council, the session is collaborative, practical and grounded in industry reality.

Who it is for

Furniture designers, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, industry leaders and partners who want to move from interest in circularity to informed action.

Circular Economy Activator timing and location

Date: Tuesday 24 February 2026
Time: 8:00 am to 10:00 am
Format: Two-hour Circular Economy Activator, integrated into the AFA Melbourne Conference

Locations of each event

Monday 23rd February 2026 – VIP Dinner - 6pm - 9pm - Captain Melville - The Indoor Courtyard. 34 Franklin St Melbourne.
Tuesday 24th February 2026 – 8am-10am Circular Economy Activator - RMIT, Building 16 Level 7 Room 1, 336/348 Swanston St, Melbourne
Tuesday 24th February 2026 – 10am-5pm Grow. Promote. Protect. Forum Day 1 Storey Hall Green Brain - Building 16 Level 7, 336/348 Swanston St, Melbourne
Tuesday 24th February - The Oxford Scholar - Level 1 Bar (exclusive use). 5pm - 8pm. 427 Swanston St Melbourne.
Wednesday 25th February 2026 – 9am-5pm Grow. Promote. Protect. Forum Day 2 Storey Hall Lecture Theatre - Building 16 Level 1, 336/348 Swanston St, Melbourne

Contact the host of Grow. Promote. Protect. Forum 2026