The Future of Construction Summit (FCON) is back and looking to tackle some of the industry’s biggest questions going into 2024.
Hailed as the “most respected annual gathering” of senior public and private sector leaders from across the Australian infrastructure market, FCON connects some of the nation’s leading business, policy, and political decision-makers to assess the future of the construction landscape.
Throughout the two-day event, the industry leaders will cover all facets of the Australian industry, from government infrastructure priorities and investors’ roles in potential projects to technological revolutions and the emergence of AI.
After being held in Melbourne and Sydney since its launch in 2021, the summit is making the move to Brisbane in 2024 in recognition of the “once in a generation” infrastructure boom taking place in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic games.
On 14 and 15 May 2024, the industry’s foremost thought leaders from across the nation will assemble at the Royal International Convention Centre to discuss the big priorities for the coming 12 months and why and how the construction industry needs to evolve.
Day one
Queensland Deputy Director-General Leah Kelly from the Department of State Development will kick off the event with a government address, followed by an update on one of Queensland’s most transformational projects: the Cross River Rail.
There will also be a construction leaders panel discussion examining the trends driving change and opportunity across the construction sector featuring Camilla Drover, Deputy Secretary, Infrastructure and Place for Transport for NSW, along with Jason Spears, CEO from CPB Contractors, Louise Adams, Group Chief Operating Officer from Aurecon, Graeme Newton, CEO from Cross River Rail Delivery Authority and Trevor Cooke, CEO, Commercial & General.
Sustainability will also be a big topic on the first day, with a comprehensive panel discussion on Net Zero and more sustainable construction practices, featuring Bouygues Construction Australia, Lendlease, Aurecon, John Holland Group, the Infrastructure Sustainability Council, and the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council.
In the afternoon, leading Queensland Departments will share updates on the progress of projects being undertaken, the labour required to deliver them, and the impact on the construction industry and Queensland.
Day two
Moving into the second day, the morning program will focus on collaboration and productivity, with an opening international presentation on how innovation and technology play a fundamental role in developing unique solutions for complex construction projects.
The program will also examine cooperation and how contractors can partner and compete for the greater good, with executives from CIMIC, Richard Crookes, Hansen Yuncken, ADCO Constructions, and Helix Legal will discuss how to foster greater industry collaboration.
Collaboration and productivity topics will also cover AI, digital twins, prefab modular construction, worksite safety, and venture capital perspectives.
The conference will focus on digital innovation to wrap up two days of insights from industry leaders. Attendees will hear from four leading start-ups on how to create a future-ready, agile business that can fully leverage the benefits of digital technology and meet the ever-evolving challenges of the construction sector.
