PROGRAM OUTLINE

7:45 am

REGISTRATION OPENS

WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS

MC: David Platt, Resilient Futures 

8:35 am

APPITA PRESIDENT'S OPENING ADDRESS

Neil Louwrens, President, Appita

8:45 am

OPENING KEYNOTE -  OPERATION RESILIENCE, THE POWER OF STRATEGIC ASSET MANAGEMENT
Travis Soutter, Managing Director, Concordia, Asset Management

9:20 am

LEADERSHIP PANEL: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY
Moderator: Tim Woods, IndustryEdge

This engaging panel brings together key stakeholders from leading companies in the pulp, paper, and packaging industries to share their perspectives on navigating the current landscape. As the sector faces volatile energy markets, rising costs, and increasing sustainability expectations, these executives will provide insights into strategic priorities, leadership challenges, and opportunities for innovation.

Through candid discussions, panellists will address:

• Strategies for building operational resilience amidst industry disruptions.

• Balancing short-term challenges with long-term growth and sustainability goals.

• The role of leadership in driving innovation and fostering a culture of adaptability.

PANEL

Adrian Berton, Director of Manufacturing, Australasia, Essity

John Bartleman, Chief Operating Officer, Pulp & Paper, Oji Fibre Solutions (Virtual)
Jacob Chretien, Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Opal

David Tyack, Managing Director ANZ - International Family Care & Professional (IFP), Kimberly-Clark

10:10 am

MORNING TEA

10:30 am

ASSET MANAGEMENT 
Moderator: Carlo Bigaran, Visy Pulp & Paper

10:35 am

GUEST KEYNOTE - WOOD FOR THE TREES? – USING RISK BASED PRINCIPALS TO MAKE THE BEST SPEND DECISIONS
Shane Gowan, General Manager, Wood Beca

11:05 am

XCHANGE SESSION: ASSET MANAGEMENT - Proudly sponsored by Wood Beca

Effective asset management is the cornerstone of operational resilience in the pulp, paper, and packaging industries. This session delves into how coordinated activities, informed by enterprise risk management principles and innovative approaches, can unlock significant value from assets while mitigating risks.

PANEL

Shane Gowan, General Manager, Wood Beca
Rudy Haraga, Director of Technical Services, Fornax Services
Travis Soutter, Managing Director, Concordia, Asset Management

More panellists to be confirmed

11:45 am

ENERGY FUTURE 

Moderator: Howard Burvill, Appita

11:50 am

GUEST KEYNOTE - speaker to be announced soon!

12:20 pm

LUNCH

1:10 pm

XCHANGE SESSION: ENERGY FUTURE

This panel session will explore innovative strategies and solutions for enhancing renewable energy use and sustainability within the pulp and paper industry.
Panelists will share insights on cutting-edge projects and technologies driving the transition towards more sustainable and energy-efficient operations. 

PANEL
George Christodoulides, General Manager - Visy Recycled Paper Mills & Energy 
David Jettner, Opal General Manager - Environment and Sustainability, Opal Group
Jarrod Leak, CEO, Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity

More panellists to be announced soon!

1:50 pm

NEW SPEAKER COMPETITION - HOSTED BY YPN

2:00 pm

Sharik Burgess Stride, Graduate Mechanical Engineer, Index Engineering Ltd, New Zealand

2:30 pm

New Speaker – Australia (to be confirmed)

3:00 pm

AFTERNOON TEA

3:20 PM

TECHNOLOGY & AUTOMATION
Moderator: David Vercoe, General Manager Technical, Opal Australian Paper

3:20 pm

GUEST KEYNOTE
Sachin Vaidya, Regional General Manager (Asia | Middle East | Africa) Digital Solutions & Services, ABB

3:50 pm

XCHANGE SESSIONS: TECHNOLOGY AND AUTOMATION

This panel will explore the latest technological and automation advancements transforming the pulp and paper industry. Experts will discuss innovations aimed at optimising energy and water use, reducing costs, and improving efficiency and product quality. Real-world examples will underscore how technology drives sustainable and efficient production. 

PANEL

Russell Allan, Managing Director, Aurelia Group 

Bryalee Pearless, ANZ Sales Manager, Solenis
Peter Tomazic, Business Development Manager, Strategic Accounts, Rockwell Automation 
Sachin Vaidya, Regional General Manager (Asia | Middle East | Africa) Digital Solutions & Services, ABB

4:30 pm

Capturing Insights: Roundtable discussion facilitated by David Platt

4:50 pm

Closing Remarks, Announcement of New Speaker Winner, and Recognition of Appita Membership Milestones

5:00 pm

NETWORKING FUNCTION SPONSORED BY SOLENIS