2026 Conference Theme:
from innovation to impact
Driving transformation and industry opportunities in advanced manufacturing, energy, agritech and circular economy
The South West of Western Australia is experiencing unprecedented population and economic growth across sectors such as advanced manufacturing, agritech, circular economy and energy.
The iiF26 Conference is important due to the targeted investment from the WA Government – including the manufacturing and energy sectors with a targeted $153.3M loan program, the EOIs for Defence manufacturing potentially in the South West, funding for the $12 billion Defence hub in Henderson, $700m for the Collie “Just Transition” from coal, and the $55m announced for a Advanced Manufacturing hub in Picton.
Bunbury has recently been named one of the “Seven Cities “in the recently launched vision to establish economic hubs for renewables and manufacturing in Western Australia. A long-term plan to unlock the next wave of regional economic development and deliver quality infrastructure, manufacturing, technology and services, supported by green energy and circular economy.
iiF26 represents an opportunity for industry to explore further investment opportunities. Conference attendees will help drive the full spectrum of economic development activities while also learning and participating in the extended networking program designed to spark innovation.
iiF26 Conference Program
iiF26 Program
26-29 October
Week prior
Tourism and events itinerary
Offering delegates a suggested itinerary to sample of the best of the South West offers provided In partnership with Australia’s South West, Margaret River and Busselton Tourism Association and Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre.
Not included in ticket price
Monday
Regional Tours
(limited numbers)
EOI – Guided visits to the region’s major projects and industrial sites.
Tuesday
VIP Breakfast (invite only)
Conference
- The Hon Stephen Dawson MLC to open
- Keynote – Dr Jordan Nguyen
- Plenary Panel
- Catalyst Sponsor – Southern Ports
- 9 Concurrent Sessions with 36 plus speakers
Regional Revelry – Networking Event
Proudly supported by TradeStart
Lunch
Concurrent sessions
- Growing Smarter: Agritech, Data and the Future of Food Production
- People Power: Building a Resilient Workforce for Future Industry and Change
- Production Possibilities: Unlocking Manufacturing, Energy, Technology and Defence Opportunities
Concurrent sessions
- Closing the Loop: Turning Regional Resources into New Value
- Knowledge with Impact: First Nations Innovation and Enterprise
- The AI Productivity Gap: Why Organisations Invest in AI but Struggle to Realise Value
Afternoon Tea
Concurrent sessions
- Invest South West: Major Investment Opportunities That Could Shape the South West
- Making More, Smarter: Scaling Manufacturing in Regions
- Powering Regional Opportunity: Turning Energy Potential into Projects
Proudly supported by TradeStart
Time: 6pm-10pm | Price: $120.00 pp
Wednesday
Conference
- The Hon Don Punch MLA to open
- Keynote Renee Wooton Tomlin
- Two Plenary Panels
- Catalyst Sponsor – Talison Lithium
- 3 Concurrent Sessions with 12 plus speakers
- Finale Youth Event
Lunch
Shine Bright: How Regions Can Power the World
Tesla, Climate Energy Finance and the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification will bring into focus the technologies, investment and policy settings behind electrification and decarbonisation. Facilitated by Jai Thomas, Coordinator Energy, Department of Energy and Economic Diversification.
Powering a Better Future: Lithium, People and Regional Opportunity
Talison Lithium on how Greenbushes supports the global energy transition while building skilled careers in the South West.
Afternoon Tea
Concurrent sessions
- From Research to Real World Impact: Best Practice Perspectives on Regional Innovation
- Pitch Fest: Regional Innovators Pitching Possibilities
- Water for Growth: Building Resilience with the Critical Ingredient for All Regional Growth
Finale Youth Event
Facilitated by Gosh Hackathon — retaining and retraining our regional workforce of the future.
Thursday
Board Room Discussions
(invite only)
Curated by senior leaders and experts to tackle complex challenges for the region – to help clarify the path forward
Keynote Speakers
Latest News
iiF26 Conference Registrations Now Open
iiF delivers more than just events
Podcast series "The What iiF Conversations" coming soon. Imagine your future and ask "What iiF"?
What iiF your business could expand to the South West?
What iiF you could find out about investment and business opportunities?
What iiF you could hear from locals about living and working in the South West?
What iiF you could apply new technology, become more productive, grow your business?
What iiF you could explore ways you could contribute to innovation in the South West?
Explore these questions and more with industry leaders. Join the conversation and follow us on LinkedIn
What attendees say
What delegates had to say back in 2024 after attending our inaugural conference:
"This was an outstanding conference - both in terms of the program and calibre of speakers, and the operational side."
"I was a part of the planning for the future of the region."
"The conference inspired with real life examples of how innovation is being done."
Working together for a stronger region
This initiative is proudly supported by the State Government
Hon Stephen Dawson MLC
Minister for Regional Development; Ports; Science and Innovation; Medical Research; Kimberley
Hon Don Punch MLA
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs; Racing and Gaming; South West
Proudly Sponsored by
CATALYST
STRATEGIST
EXPERT
COMMERCIAL and COMMUNITY
iiF26 Ticket Sales Open 25 May
Be part of the conversation
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