The largest public works conference in Australasia set to thrive in Melbourne

Melbourne is set to host the 2024 International Public Works Conference.

The 2024 International Public Works Conference will be held from 29 April – 3 May in the bustling city of Melbourne.

IPWEA Australasia, together with IPWEA Victoria are set to host a stimulating conference with a program that will feature keynote speakers, thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and highly respected public works professionals from Australasia and around the globe.

Held every two years, this conference will continue its tradition of being the largest public works and infrastructure asset management event held in Australasia and will cover current best practice, case studies and leading-edge initiatives across four key streams: public works in action, technology, asset management and sustainability.

The central conference theme Adaptation: Thriving in a New World reflects the global need to adapt and grow within an evolving landscape. Adaptation is essential for progress and sustainability in the rapidly evolving fields of public works and engineering.

One of the highlights of the 2024 Conference is the keynote address by one of Australia’s leading social commentators and demographer Bernard Salt, who understands that many Australians are challenged by major trends such as automation, artificial intelligence and the lack of skilled immigration post-pandemic.

Salt’s address will highlight how rapid growth creates demand for infrastructure, which creates a demand for engineering skills, which will then require immigration to fulfil.

Of great interest in the emerging technology space will be the return of the Smart Lighting and Street Controls Forum to be held on Wednesday 1 May. This one-day forum has attracted high-calibre international speakers and will feature presentations on the growing role of multi-functional poles, Australia’s most innovative public lighting deployments and international case studies.

In keeping with emerging technologies, we can expect to learn more about how robotics will change the landscape in which we operate, in the keynote address by Nicci Rossouw, the CEO of Robotics Australia Group.

The venue for the 2024 Conference is the Melbourne Convention and Entertainment Centre.

Presented over four days, in Melbourne’s newly developed South Wharf precinct, the magnificent Convention and Exhibition Centre is just a footbridge over the Yarra River from Melbourne’s CBD. This is the perfect city to host an international affair like IPWC.

With a full program, significant networking and social functions held at iconic venues, a comprehensive exhibition of products and services and technical tours showcasing the very best of the best, this is a Conference with a long history offering something for everybody involved with public works.

For more information and to register, visit ipwc.com.au