17th - 18th September 2025
Main Stage Schedule
Opening Address
Australia is entering a new era of infrastructure and civil construction, with the next decade being not only about what we build, but how we build it. Civil Contractors Federation Victoria CEO Lisa Kinross will launch Converge Expo 2025 with a focus on the future.
The Energy Transition: Innovations, Challenges and Opportunities
As Australia moves towards a low-emissions future, the construction sector must adapt – not only in the way it builds, but in how it plans, sources and delivers projects. This panel unpacks how the energy transition is reshaping the industry, with industry leaders discussing emerging technologies, key hurdles, and the practical opportunities driving change across the sector.
Addressing the Skills Shortage
Australia’s workforce challenges are intensifying, with many businesses struggling to fill critical roles locally. This keynote explores how organisations can leverage the skilled migration program and workforce visas to bridge the gap. Attendees will gain a clear overview of current skilled visa pathways available, and practical insights into how these options can support business growth when local recruitment falls short.
Future-proofing: Integrated Transport and Precinct Planning
Victoria’s Suburban Rail Loop is one of the world’s most ambitious infrastructure projects – a 90-kilometre underground rail loop connecting Melbourne’s middle suburbs, linking major rail services. Construction of the first stage of the project – SRL East – is powering ahead and scheduled to be completed by 2035. This city-shaping project is fully integrating rail infrastructure and urban planning. And, as Australia’s largest housing project, SRL will catalyse investment and development in well-located, well-serviced neighbourhoods.
Building the Country’s Infrastructure and Housing Workforce
With worker shortages presenting challenges to the delivery of the nation’s major public infrastructure pipeline, Adam will discuss what these shortages mean across different project types, including housing. Adam will also discuss what can be done to ensure Australia has the workforce with the skills needed to deliver on the country’s infrastructure ambitions – from housing to renewable energy.
Stronger Foundations: Prioritising Mental Health, Mentorship and Wellbeing in Construction
High-pressure environments, long hours and workforce churn continue to impact mental health, psychological safety and wellbeing in construction. This panel will explore how construction organisations are addressing these challenges – through early intervention, peer support, mentoring, and leadership that puts people first. Learn how a focus on wellbeing and mentorship can improve retention, safety and long-term performance on site and across teams.
The Green Revolution: Redefining Sustainability in the Built Environment
As expectations for sustainable outcomes rise, construction and infrastructure projects are under increasing pressure to do more with less – less carbon, less waste, and less environmental impact. This panel will examine how sustainability is being redefined across the built environment, from materials and methods to policy and procurement. Hear from industry leaders pushing beyond compliance to embed practical, scalable solutions.
Ministerial Address (Keynote)
Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, Minister for Finance Danny Pearson will outline government priorities for economic growth, job creation and the future of Australia’s construction and infrastructure sectors.
Wellness in Infrastructure – Leveraging wellness to address productivity
Wellness in Infrastructure (WII) will tackle one of the construction industry’s most pressing challenges – the mental health and wellbeing of its workforce. This ongoing issue affects both individuals and overall productivity, and with major projects placing increasing demands on teams across Australia, the need for action has never been more urgent. As a registered not-for-profit and Health Promotion Charity driven by dedicated volunteers from the industry, WII is committed to making a meaningful impact and fostering a healthier, more productive work environment for everyone. Grant will share insights from the organisation’s comprehensive industry research and highlight its collaborative efforts to implement proactive and positive interventions.
Shaping the Future: Meeting the Needs of Tomorrow's Industry
Executive leaders share their insights, strategies and ideas for building a more sustainable and prosperous future for construction. This panel will explore what’s needed at a leadership level to drive long-term change across the industry. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on how leadership decisions made today can influence resilience, growth, and success for the construction sector well into the future.
Beyond the Blueprint: Driving Efficiency Through Collaborative Practices
As projects grow in complexity, efficiency depends on more than just good planning – it requires the right technology and a culture of collaboration. This panel will explore how partnerships, data sharing and integrated workflows are helping teams work smarter across the construction lifecycle. Speakers will discuss real-world strategies for breaking down silos and delivering better outcomes through connected, techenabled practices.
Sustainability Beyond Materials and Metrics
By fostering collaborative partnerships, empowering employees, and differentiating in the marketplace, sustainability transforms into a powerful lever. It unlocks new growth opportunities, attracts forward-thinking investors, and strengthens business resilience in an increasingly dynamic world.
Innovate or Stagnate: Harnessing Technology to Revolutionise Construction
With cost pressures rising and productivity gains stalling, the construction sector faces a clear choice: embrace innovation or risk being left behind. This panel unpacks how digital tools, automation, and data-driven decision-making are reshaping construction from the ground up. Hear from industry leaders about what’s working, what’s not, and how to cut through the noise when investing in new technology.
Building Forward: Shaping a Diverse and Future-Ready Construction Workforce
As the construction sector adapts to new technologies, sustainability targets and changing community expectations, its workforce must evolve too. This panel will explore how the industry can attract, develop and retain a diverse talent pipeline equipped with the skills to meet tomorrow’s challenges. Speakers will discuss strategies to improve inclusion across all levels, strengthen workforce capability, and ensure that diversity is more than a metric.
