Southern Golf Club – Lower Dandenong Road, Keysborough VIC.

$140 incl GST per person (Golf $90pp + transfers round trip $50pp).

Club hire is $45 per set and can be organised on the day or you can call ahead on 03 9798 3111

Strict adherence to the dress code is required.

Federation Square shuttle bus departs 2.45pm. Tour begins at 3pm.

The latest Chadstone expansion is not just more shops, it’s a bold reimagining of what modern retail can be. Think sweeping architectural curves, skylights that pour in natural light, seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, and a design language that feels more like a luxury resort than a shopping centre.

Following the tour we’ll enjoy free shopping time at Chadstone from 4pm.

ACIF’s Construction Forecasting Council is a panel of economists and industry leaders whose role is to review and provide input to the data that forms the ACIF Forecasts. Both the wealth of professional experience of the members of the Construction Forecasting Council and the unique insight from their respective organisations that ensures that ACIF Forecasts are the most credible forecasts of demand for the construction industry in Australia.

Looking for reliable, credible forecasts of demand across residential, non-residential and engineering construction? ACIF Forecasts have a well deserved reputation for accuracy, and provide a compass to the future.

In a competitive labour market, standing out as an employer of choice has never been more important. This session, led by Ashlea Pearce from Nobul Recruitment, will unpack the latest trends shaping the workforce and what today’s employees are really looking for in an employer. Joining Ashlea will be two IFA member representatives – one from a small business and one from a larger organisation – who will share their experiences and strategies for attracting and retaining the right people. Together, they’ll explore how businesses of all sizes can rise to the challenge, build strong workplace cultures, and position themselves as the employers top talent wants to work for.

Our Keynote Speaker, Darren Palmer, will discuss:

• How he’s seen design trends evolve over the years, and what he sees are the next biggest trends.
• The role of collaboration in large-scale projects—lessons learned from working with developers, builders, and suppliers.
• Key takeaways from The Block—how to manage fast-paced fitouts and deliver high-impact results under pressure.
• Insights on balancing aesthetics, functionality, and budget in real-world projects.
• His perspective on sustainability.

A designer, writer and speaker, and known for his stylish and classic interior designs, Darren Palmer is an established and well-regarded member of the design community. Darren has a range of experience, having studied fine art and originally starting his career in advertising and owning his own graphic design company. After succumbing to his true passion, Darren now operates his interior design studio and has contributed to GQ Australia, Luxury Home Design, Renovate, and Grand Designs Australia Magazine and also features as a judge on Channel 9’s successful franchise “The Block”.

TONY EADES – Chief Strategy Officer, Salted Stone

Let’s demystify the tech jargon guide you and your business towards a ‘strategy first, tech next’ approach. In this captivating one-hour keynote, Tony will unveil the roadmap to rethinking your business model, introduce his concept of the “AI sandwich” (human+AI+human) and his new model, the Infinity track, which drives content and engagement across your entire buyer journey.

Takeaways:

• Master customer engagement: Harness AI-driven insights and tools to optimise engagement.
• Unlock the new Infinity Playbook: Optimise your conversion rate through multiple touchpoints
• Strategise. Humanise. Optimise: Practical AI implementation for businesses of all sizes
• Empower your team: Get hands-on with cutting-edge time-saving AI tools.

Lisa Qiu – Partner and Solicitor, Citation Group

Navigating workplace laws can feel overwhelming, but compliance is key to protecting your business and building a fair, thriving culture. From unpaid wages to poor record-keeping, breaches can damage trust and risk legal action. Join our experts as they share practical tips to stay on track:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of Australian workplace laws and their implications for your business operations.
• Understand the importance of robust employment contracts in protecting your business and building employee trust.
• Ensure payroll compliance by implementing accurate and timely processes to mitigate legal and financial risks.
• Uphold compliance by maintaining precise records of wages, hours worked, leave entitlements, and other essential details.

JAMES HICKEY – Managing Director, JHC Consulting Group

Every business is surrounded by data. Reports, dashboards, systems, software, news, insights, social media. But with so much to track, clarity gets lost. The real question becomes: what should you be actually measuring?

This keynote will give you:

• a way to identify 2 to 4 indicators that drive results
• tools to align teams around those indicators
• case studies showing how clarity beats complexity.

Join us for an unforgettable night at Aerial in Melbourne as we celebrate the pinnacle of creativity and craftsmanship in our industry at the Interior Fitout Awards & Design Awards Gala Dinner. With stunning views over the Yarra River and city skyline, Aerial sets the perfect stage for an evening of excellence, recognition, and celebration. As the winners of our Interior Fitout Awards, Design Awards, and Apprentice Awards are revealed, we’ll honour the talent and dedication that shape our industry. So dust off your suits and glam up—this is a night you won’t want to miss!

Location TBA

A snapshot of the behaviours and beliefs of the new generation of Australian trades, and what they need to succeed. Presented by Trout and Next.

Anthony is the founder of ACRD and the principal director for the group, having over 25 years of experience in brand experience and retail design, and obtaining a reputation for establishing some of the most iconic Australian brands.

Key Workshop Outcomes:

• Learn practical, immediate-use AI techniques
• Build confidence in technological adaptation and AI adoption
• Data-driven decision-making for smarter growth.

Earlier this year, Marble Recruitment conducted a wide-ranging industry survey to capture the attitudes, priorities, and challenges facing both employers and employees. In this session, Marble will share the key findings and explore what they mean for businesses looking to stay competitive in a changing market.

MICHAEL CLEGHORN – Founder & CEO, MC&Co Trend

A deep dive into the macro aesthetic trends shaping retail, hospitality, and commercial environments over the next three years. Discover how to decipher the emotional drivers behind emerging styles and how AI-generated imagery is enhancing design exploration and communication. This session reveals how new forms of design intelligence are helping fitout professionals align more closely with what clients truly value. Includes a downloadable trend resource tailored for the fitout industry.

• Insight into the key macro aesthetic trends shaping interior fitouts through to 2028
• A clear understanding of the emotional drivers behind these trends and how they influence spatial preferences
• Practical knowledge of how AI-generated imagery can enhance design exploration and presentation
• Access to a downloadable trend resource explicitly tailored to the needs of the fitout industry.

This session provides strategic, creative, and technical insights for professionals seeking to stay ahead of design shifts—and deliver environments that are not only current but also deeply aligned with client values.