Speakers & Program
Browse the program
Arrival & Registration
Foyer
Welcome to Day 1 of Circularity 2024. Please plan to arrive between 7:40AM and 8:40AM. This will provide you with time to check in, register, and receive your event materials. Our team will be there to welcome you and answer any questions you may have, ensuring a seamless start to your experience at Circularity 2024.
MC welcome
Theatre 1
Welcome to day 1 of Circularity! This year's MC, Maria Atkinson, AM, is internationally recognised for her work in sustainability and for catalysing change on the big issues that matter in society. She has over 15 years of experience on corporate, international institution and government boards and committees.
Welcome to Country
Theatre 1
Begin the day by paying our respects and acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the land.
Welcome to Circularity by Planet Ark
Theatre 1
Rebecca Gilling, CEO of Planet Ark, is thrilled to welcome everyone to Circularity 2024. She emphasises the significance of this year's theme, "Enabling Resource Efficient Value Chains," and how it will guide crucial discussions throughout the conference.
Headline Keynote Address by Dr Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair of the UNEP International Resources Panel
Theatre 1
We are privileged to present Dr. Janez Potočnik as our headline keynote speaker. Dr. Potočnik will deliver an inspiring address on the transformative potential of sustainable resource management and the circular economy. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the global resource landscape and the innovative approaches needed to achieve a sustainable future. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the foremost leaders in environmental policy and resource efficiency.
Morning Tea Break
Foyer
Network with other attendees, speakers, and sponsors while enjoying refreshments and discussing the day's key takeaways. Don't forget to visit our exhibitors and the Innovation Zone in the Central Hub for further inspiration.
Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group (CEMAG) Update | National Perspective
Theatre 1
This conference session presents the Advisory Group's recommendations to the Australian Government. Attendees will gain valuable insights into emerging strategies, collaborative initiatives, and key trends in sustainability. The session will also explore the challenges and opportunities identified by the Advisory Group in its advice to the government.
Interactive Q&A Discussion
Theatre 1
Join us for an engaging and interactive Q&A session featuring Dr. Janez Potočnik and Prof. John Thwaites. This session offers a unique opportunity for the audience to pose their questions directly to these thought leaders.
Networking Lunch Break
Foyer
Enjoy a networking lunch and connect with fellow delegates, speakers, and sponsors while discussing key takeaways from the day's sessions. Don't forget to explore our exhibitors and Innovation Zone in the Central Hub.
Fireside Chat: Core ingredients for good collaboration
Theatre 1
Collaboration is a critical element of a circular transition. No one company, state or country can transition alone. The only way forward is to join forces to address the complexity of the circular economy. Having published extensively, Dr. John Butcher understands the challenges for strong collaborations but also whats need to sustain them. In this fireside chat, Prof. Veena Sahajwalla will explore Dr. Butcher's top tips for enabling collaboration to reveal opportunities for success.
Circular Design
Theatre 1
More information will be available soon. Check back for updates!
Day 1 Afternoon Tea Break
Networking Lounge
Network with other attendees, speakers, and sponsors while enjoying refreshments and discussing the day's key takeaways. Don't forget to visit our exhibitors and the Innovation Zone in the Central Hub for further inspiration.
Financing the Circular Economy Transition
Theatre 1
Learn how innovative financial strategies are powering the shift to a sustainable future. Our expert panel will explore how finance can drive circular business models, create new opportunities, and overcome key barriers
Behaviour Change: Organisations and Individuals making the transition
Theatre 1
Don't miss this exciting session on the vital role of behaviour change in driving the circular economy. Discover how shifting consumer habits and organisational practices can accelerate the adoption of circular principles. Our expert speakers will delve into effective strategies for influencing behaviour, explore the psychology behind sustainable choices, and showcase successful case studies.
Closing address – Reflections of the Day
Theatre 1
Join us for a recap of day one at the 2024 Circularity Conference. We invite you to share your highlights before we commence the networking session.
Networking Drinks
Networking Lounge
Let's raise a glass to day one! Join us for drinks and conversation just outside the conference room. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind, connect with fellow attendees, and share your highlights from the day.
Arrival and Registration
Foyer
Welcome to Day 2 of Circularity 2024. Please plan to arrive between 7:40AM and 8:40AM. This will provide you with time to check in, register, and receive your event materials. Our team will be there to welcome you and answer any questions you may have, ensuring a seamless start to your experience at Circularity 2024.
Welcome to Day 2 of Circularity
Theatre 1
Welcome back to Circularity 2024. Building on yesterday's insights, day two promises a packed program of learning, collaboration, and impactful discussions.
Keynote Address by Matt Kean
Theatre 1
We're thrilled to kick off day two of Circularity with the Hon. Matt Kean, the newly appointed Chair of the Climate Change Authority and Director of Wollemi Capital. Matt will share insights from his tenure as Treasurer and Energy Minister in NSW, highlighting opportunities for decarbonisation that can support Australia's national greenhouse gas emissions targets. With the transition to a circular economy offering the potential to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 45%, Matt's experience will set a thought-provoking tone for today's agenda.
Session Transition
Theatre 1
If you've registered for one of our interactive workshops, please head to the designated workshop rooms for a hands-on learning experience. For those staying in the plenary room, we have a series of engaging and thought-provoking sessions lined up to continue our exploration of key topics
CIRCO Demonstration workshop 1/2
Theatre 2
Join us for a workshop that explores the possibilities of operating in this system through circular entrepreneurship and design. Throughout the workshop, you will explore circular opportunities for your own business and take the initial steps in developing new circular products, services, and business models. This interactive and challenging workshop provides valuable insights into the circular opportunities available for your organisation or business.
Circular economy metrics, tools and standards: a secret weapon in the new age of corporate sustainability reporting 1/2
Theatre 3
Delve into the crucial metrics that drive the success of circular economy initiatives. This session will cover key performance indicators, measurement tools, and benchmarks essential for evaluating the impact and efficiency of circular practices.
Day 2 Morning Tea Break
Foyer
Network with other attendees, speakers, and sponsors while enjoying refreshments and discussing the day's key takeaways. Don't forget to visit our exhibitors and the Innovation Zone in the Central Hub for further inspiration.
Indigenous panel
Theatre 1
Explore how Indigenous knowledge and practices contribute to and enrich the principles of the circular economy. Join us to gain a deeper understanding of how Indigenous perspectives are shaping the future of circularity.
CIRCO Demonstration workshop 2/2
Theatre 2
Due to limited space in Parkview, pre-registration is required to attend.
Circular economy metrics, tools and standards: a secret weapon in the new age of corporate sustaiability reporting.
Theatre 3
Due to limited space in Parkview, pre-registration is required to attend.
Measuring for a circular economy
Theatre 1
Delve into the crucial metrics that drive the success of circular economy initiatives. This session will cover key performance indicators, measurement tools, and benchmarks essential for evaluating the impact and efficiency of circular practices.
Networking Lunch
Foyer
Network with other attendees, speakers, and sponsors while enjoying refreshments and discussing the day's key takeaways. Don't forget to visit our exhibitors and the Innovation Zone in the Central Hub for further inspiration.
Built Environment
Theatre 1
The urgent need to integrate circular economy practices into housing design and construction is undeniable, particularly given Australia's housing needs by 2050. Continuing with traditional, linear construction methods risks severe environmental damage, with buildings currently contributing up to 40% of global CO2 emissions.
In this session, speakers will share their firsthand experience incorporating circular principles into housing projects – such as decentralised resource utilisation, neighbourhood-scale efficiencies, spatial sharing models, and innovative land use and planning. The panel will highlight the critical roles various stakeholders must play, from policy development to practical implementation, and address strategies for overcoming resistance to change.
Global Collaboration for a Circular Aluminium Industry
Theatre 2
This 70 minute panel, moderated by Ashleigh Morris, CEO of Coreo, brings together prominent leaders from the aluminium sector, including the CEO of the Australian Aluminium Council and Rio Tinto, to discuss their collective efforts in advancing circularity on a global scale. Panellists will highlight key projects and collaborations, such as those developed with the International Aluminium Institute (IAI), that are reshaping the industry’s approach to unlocking circular opportunities. The session will delve into the critical role of government, explore regional opportunities, and examine the policies needed to drive aluminium’s transition to a circular economy, while addressing challenges and outlining strategies for future success.
Creating Circular Clothing Value Chains
Theatre 3
This session begins with a keynote presentation from Ainsley Simpson, CEO, on the progress of the Seamless product stewardship program. A panel discussion will follow, focusing on the recent Circular Design Guidelines project, a collaboration between RMIT, ABCH, and the Country Road Group. The panel, representing each of the parties involved in this innovative project, will showcase the achievements of its first six months.
Day 2 Afternoon Tea Break
Foyer
Network with other attendees, speakers, and sponsors while enjoying refreshments and discussing the day's key takeaways. Don't forget to visit our exhibitors and the Innovation Zone in the Central Hub for further inspiration.
Innovation and Commercialisation
Theatre 1
This session features a panel of innovative start-ups, backed by investors and venture capital firms, who are disrupting traditional models with their novel circular economy initiatives. Hear directly from these trailblazers about their groundbreaking solutions and the unique challenges they face in scaling their businesses within the Australian market. Gain valuable insights into how Australia is positioning itself in the global circular economy landscape and discover promising investment opportunities.
Reflections and Key Takeaways from Circularity 2024
Theatre 1
An interactive conclusion to Circularity 2024 drawing on the key takeaways, tools for implementation and important insights from the conference.
Circularity 2024 Closing: What to expect next year
Theatre 1
Closing remarks from Planet Ark's CEO, Rebecca Gilling, followed by the announcement of the Innovation Pitch Fest winner. We'll then look ahead to the coming 12-months and Circularity 2025.