RDA Hunter is excited to announce the program for its 2020 Regional Development Summit.
Industry growth for regional development is this year’s focus for RDA Hunter’s annual event, which is being held at Noah’s on the Beach on Thursday 26th March 2020.
High-profile speakers will share their thoughts on the global transition to Industry 4.0 and Australia’s progress on this journey. There’ll be discussion about the role of innovation in industry growth and the workforce skills required to underpin the change. And, delegates will hear Hunter industry highlighting what’s happening in the region – how we’re investing in innovation for industry growth and the transition to an Industry 4.0 landscape.
John O’Mahony, Lead Partner of Deloitte Access Economics’ Technology Practice will deliver the headline keynote. His presentation will cover global trends in industry growth and the role of innovation in achieving change. He’ll discuss ideas raised at the Deloitte World Congress and provide an international perspective on industry growth and its impact on economic development.
In a first for the Hunter, Australian Industry Group’s Chief Executive Innes Willox has agreed to visit the region and provide the event’s second keynote, NAVIGATING TOWARDS A STRONG INDUSTRIAL FUTURE IN AUSTRALIA. Mr Willox will discuss the Australian industrial landscape, its future and how it’s progressing towards Industry 4.0. He’ll provide an understanding of Ai Group’s work and overview Australia’s Industry 4.0 Advanced Manufacturing Forum (I4AMF).
Michael Sharpe of the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre will case-study his organisation which is a key plank in the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Centre Initiative. He’ll talk about the work AMGC does to drive innovation, productivity and competitiveness across Australia’s manufacturing sector and share his observations on industry in Australia.
Hunter industry representatives from several sectors: the Medical Technologies & Pharmaceuticals, Defence, Sustainability, Oil, Gas and Resources, Food & Agri-Business, Advanced Manufacturing and Mining Equipment Technology & Services will engage in panel discussions about the Hunter’s industrial landscape, how innovation is playing a role in industry growth and what the future looks like. An interval between the two panel sessions will see Adam van Dyck from The Melt overview the Accelerator’s ‘R&D as a service’ concept and its unique model which delivers outsourced and collaborative innovation.
The day will be expertly facilitated by ex-Hunter favourite Chris Bath who will add her global experience and Hunter knowledge to elicit inspiring discussion and meaningful regional outcomes.
“RDA Hunter’s annual regional development summit is a unique chance for the Hunter’s business, industry, education, research and government representatives to learn from high quality presenters about global trends, national initiatives and what’s happening right here in the Hunter. Our focus on industry development for regional growth provides a platform for big-picture thinking and local discussion about the Hunter’s future,” said Trevor John, RDA Hunter’s Director of Regional Development and Executive Officer.
“Our Summit is an event not to be missed. It’s reputation for quality speakers and inspiring discussion is growing year-on-year and 2020 won’t disappoint. But, it’s sure to sell out so anybody interested in attending should register soon,” said RDA Hunter’s Director Special Projects, Kate O’Mara.
Tickets are just $150 + gst and selling fast. Contact Kate O’Mara 0412 303 744 for more information or to partner with RDA Hunter on the Summit.