The Program

8.30am

FF26 Opening

MC Adam Spencer

8.40am

ACA Welcome

The case for change is clear and widely accepted. Now the focus shifts: from identifying challenges to showcasing what works and how we scale it.

Annabel Crookes, President, Australian Constructors Association

8.50am

Year in review

A fast-paced snapshot of progress: the National Construction Strategy, Blueprint, Charter, Culture Standard, Queensland Productivity report, closure of BPIC, Accelerate Together and more.

Australian Constructors Association video

8.55am

Pockets of potential – government and private

A deep dive into major projects where collaboration unlocked strengths across all parties. What becomes possible when everyone focuses on what they do best? And how is the private sector doing things differently to government. Hear the untold stories from the people at the centre of three landmark projects.

Projects: New Bridgewater Bridge, Atlassian Central, Western Sydney Airport

10.00am

Foundations and frontiers live

Ever wanted to hit the big stage – here’s your chance. Participants in this session will be randomly selected participants join a facilitated on-stage conversation reflecting on what’s working and challenges in replicating pockets of potential

11.10am

Crystal wall – Stronger, smarter

What will be the biggest game changer for construction in the next five years?

Interactive

11.15am

Frontline fixes – productivity from the supply chain

Some of the most practical solutions to the productivity challenge already exist within the supply chain yet many struggle to gain traction. Supply chain representatives have one-minute to deliver lightning pitches on their ideas before diving into a candid discussion on why they aren’t widely adopted.

11.30am

Redesigning design

The Construction Industry Leadership Forum tackled a big question: how can the design process become more innovative, efficient and collaborative? The workshop uncovered key insights and now it’s time for others to weigh in. Join the conversation and help redesign design for the future of construction.

11.50pm

Construction Great Debate

Is MMC dead before it even gets started? This Oxford-style debate will see participants argue for or against MMC – regardless of their personal views.

Bede Noonan, CEO, Acciona;
Andrew Deveson, Managing Director, Kapitol;
Frances Badelow, Managing Director Australia, Mott MacDonald

1.30pm

Survivor

In construction, it can feel like the winners are those who outplay and outmanoeuvre everyone else. This session flips that script. In a fast‑paced, game‑show‑style challenge, representatives from government, industry and unions will face project scenarios and be pushed to form unexpected alliances to find solutions that benefit all parties. The ‘survivors’ won’t be the ones with the cleverest self‑serving strategy, but those who can deliver benefits for all.

Raquel Rubalcaba, A/Deputy Secretary, Infrastructure, Projects & Engineering, Transport for NSW

2.00pm

Foundations – Leader’s exchange

Described as the industry’s own COP, the FF26 Leaders’ Exchange brought senior leaders together to discuss what’s possible when we focus on shared outcomes. What were the big insights, the commitments made and the actions leaders are now ready to take forward.

2.15pm

Frontiers – NextGen exchange

Emerging leaders respond to the Leaders’ Exchange discussion—offering fresh perspectives on what must shift next.

2.35pm

Crystal wall – Together

If the construction industry could adopt one habit to improve collaboration, what would it be?

Interactive

2.40pm

Lifting the lid on the charter

What does it take to get everyone on the same page in construction? The National Construction Industry Forum has been developing an industry charter – setting out clear goals, shared expectations, behavioural standards and rules of engagement. What does this all mean for construction?