Future Proof 2026 2

Program at a Glance
Appita Conference • March 25–26, 2026 • Hyatt Place Melbourne, Essendon Fields
Sessions Keynotes Workshops Panels Roundtables Breaks

Informal drinks and networking to close the conference.

Wednesday, March 25th — People, Skills & Leadership
8:00 – 9:00 AM

Registration + Networking + YPN Networking

Check-in, welcome coffee, and Young Professionals Network event.

9:00 – 9:10 AM

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Appita President.

9:10 – 9:30 AM

Opening Keynote

Futureproofing the Workforce – Strategic Investments in Skills & Technology.

9:30 – 10:10 AM

Panel: From Shift Worker to Smart Operator

Redefining roles in the age of automation. The importance of structured training, continuous learning, and agility. How skills development is evolving in an AI-enabled, automated industry.

10:10 – 10:30 AM

Morning Tea

Networking break and refreshments.

10:30 – 11:40 AM

New Speaker Competition Final

An exciting opportunity for emerging voices in the pulp and paper industry to showcase their knowledge and presentation skills. Winners from the Australian and New Zealand runoffs compete in the final event.

Australian Winner & New Zealand Winner.

11:40 AM – 12:30 PM

Roundtable Conversations: Building a Capability Map for the Future Mill

What capabilities will be essential in tomorrow's mill — and how do we start building them today? Participants will explore the skills, behaviours, and systems required to operate a modern, adaptive mill through structured conversation and peer insights.

Key Takeaways + Action Planning — Complete Action Card with three takeaways.

12:30 – 1:15 PM

Networking Lunch + Learning Zone + Poster Presentations

Catered lunch with interactive learning opportunities.

1:15 – 3:00 PM

Workshop Streams Choose One

Two parallel workshop streams focusing on different aspects of operational excellence.

Stream A: Operations Stream — Technical Knowledge in Action

Practical, peer-driven workshop to deepen technical understanding and build confidence in solving problems on the floor. Focus on process variability, troubleshooting, and connecting fibre properties to product outcomes.

Stream B: Leadership in Action

What's Working, What's Not, and What's Next for Frontline Teams. Interactive workshop for frontline leaders to share what's working and co-develop practical strategies for team performance and capability building.

3:00 – 3:30 PM

Afternoon Break

Refreshments and networking.

3:30 – 5:00 PM

Workshop Streams Continue

Continuation of morning workshop streams with deeper dive into practical applications.

Stream A: Operations Stream (Continued)

Hands-on walkthrough of real case studies from local mills and introduction to emerging tools for measurement and analysis.

Stream B: Leadership in Action (Continued)

Small group strategy building and playback of key themes and actions for frontline leadership development.

5:00 – 6:00 PM

After-session Networking

Informal networking and wrap-up discussions.

Thursday, March 26th — Insight, Innovation & Operational Excellence
8:30 – 9:00 AM

Registration + Coffee

Morning check-in and networking with coffee.

9:00 – 9:10 AM

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Appita President

9:10 – 9:30 AM

Recognising Excellence

Awards ceremony recognising outstanding contributions.

New Speaker Competition Announcement and Appita Recognition Awards

9:30 – 10:00 AM

Opening Keynote

Future-Ready Manufacturing: Strategies for tomorrow's competitive landscape.

10:00 – 11:00 AM

Panel: Market Outlook

Where Fibre is Headed — Industry experts discuss market trends, opportunities, and challenges.

11:00 – 11:30 AM

Morning Tea

Networking break and refreshments.

11:30 AM – 12:50 PM

Breakout Sessions Choose One Stream

Two parallel streams focusing on different aspects of operational excellence.

Stream A: Smarter, Faster, Cleaner

The Next Wave of Process Innovation — presentations exploring cutting-edge technologies and methodologies transforming manufacturing processes.

Stream B: Beyond Compliance

Driving Sustainability through Smart Regulation and Smarter Practice — blended format combining keynote inputs, expert panels, and facilitated roundtable discussions.

In-stream presentation/panel/roundtable timings TBA.

12:50 – 1:20 PM

Networking Lunch

Catered lunch with networking opportunities.

1:20 – 3:30 PM

Afternoon Breakout Sessions Choose One Stream

Extended parallel sessions with practical applications and case studies.

Stream A: Best Practice in Action

Showcase presentations featuring real-world implementations and success stories from industry leaders.

Stream B: Energy & Renewables

Powering the Mill: Cutting Cost and Carbon — blended format with keynote inputs, expert panels, and facilitated roundtable discussions on sustainable energy solutions.

In-stream presentation/panel/roundtable timings TBA.

3:30 – 3:50 PM

Afternoon Tea

Networking break and refreshments.

3:50 – 4:40 PM

Executive Panel

Senior industry leaders discuss strategic topics.

4:40 – 5:00 PM

Facilitated Roundtable Discussions

What's Needed to Future Proof Our Industry & Wrap up — Interactive discussions to close Day 2.

5:00 – 6:00 PM

Drinks & Networking

Informal drinks and networking to close the conference.

6:00 – 8:30 PM

Appita Executive Committee /Industry Executive Dinner & Meeting (Invitation Only)

Executive Committee and Industry Leaders' Dinner Meeting.

Times and items may be subject to change. Final program will be confirmed for 25–26 March 2026.