ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Welcome to the 2026 State Conference “The Power of Public Works: People. Progress & Possibilities".

Running across the 12 - 13 March, with a special full day Masterclass on Wednesday 11 March.

Get ready to be inspired! Hear directly from 2026 Conference Chair & Deputy President Matthew Southern as he shares his vision for this year's event. View his message and discover why 2026 will be our most impactful Conference yet!  

Why Attend?

The IPWEA WA State Conference is the premier public works engineering event on the Western Australian calendar. It brings together professionals from every corner of the industry for:

• Unmatched exposure to promote your organisation and showcase your expertise.
• Powerful networking opportunities to build and strengthen relationships.
• Cutting-edge insights from leaders shaping the future of public works.

This is your chance to connect, learn, and leave with practical strategies that make a real difference in your workplace.

PROGRAM SNAPSHOT

Our program is packed with Keynote sessions, technical presentations, interactive networking opportunities, and a hands-on masterclass designed to energize and equip you for the future.

Keynote Speaker Damon Gameau. Actor, Writer & Producer is returning with an update from his groundbreaking 2020 presentation: Opportunity Awaits: 2030 - 2040 and Beyond, plus an exclusive  preview of his new project, Future Council.

Keynote Speaker Lucinda Hartley, is an Urban Futurist who will share her predictions and insights into the trends reshaping our industry.

Keynote Speaker Alex Jenkins, is the Director of the WA Data Science Innovation Hub (WADSIH), Chair & Founder of the Curtin AI in Research Group, and recently appointed as Member of the WA State Government’s new AI Advisory Board. With an extensive background in digital technologies, Alex is dedicated to advancing the use of AI across Australian business, academia, and the public sector and is committed to ensuring that Australia remains at the forefront of AI adoption.

Keynote Speaker Adam Kinnest, General Manager, Engineers Australia WA will discuss issues within the public works industry, his vision going forward, and how collaboration can drive long-term success.

There are Streams covering: Leadership; Parks & Environment; Placemaking; New Technologies for Roads & Pavements; Major Projects & Community Engagement; Roads, Traffic & Transport; Asset Management; and Coastal Issues.

The Young IPWEA Plenary Session will be a fun, interactive presentation showcasing a practical approach to urban mobility. 

You can view the program via the Program tab at the top of the page or download a copy of both the Program and the Registration Form.

Join us on Wednesday 11 March as our colleagues from Town Team Movement provide a Streetmaking Together: Public Life Masterclass! A full day, hands-on learning experience focused on collaborative design and community engagement in public spaces.

• Explore new approaches to road safety, inclusion, walkability, and vibrancy.
• Work with community groups, local businesses, traffic engineers, and government institutions to co-design solutions.
• Review a real-life case study and trial innovative methods of delivering projects together.
• Includes outdoor activities and optional light lifting so dress appropriately!

The Conference includes the following options and features for delegates, sponsors and exhibitors:

LIVESTREAMING & ON DEMAND ACCESS OPTIONS

Can’t attend in person? No problems, we’ve got you covered! Our interactive online streaming platform will allow delegates to attend sessions from the comfort of their home or office. Recording of sessions will allow us to provide on demand access to training after the event.

REGIONAL MEMBERS - MAXIMISE YOUR ATTENDANCE!

If you are unable to physically join us at the Conference, you can still have the same conference experience by booking a  livestreaming registration.

If you are based in a regional area and want to see how the livestreaming works before you book, contact Cathy, our Office & Events Manager on events@ipwea.asn.au to arrange a viewing of sessions using the livestreaming platform - we are more than happy to show you how it works.

SHARED REGISTRATION OPTIONS

Shared Registrations -  Onsite only

Shared registrations are available for this event for up to 4 people attending onsite. This option provides great value for money, as well as the option to send different staff members to sessions specific to their requirements. The number of people able to attend is up to a maximum of 4 and is dependent on the number of sessions selected for attendance.   A shared registration should have a maximum number of sessions selected (with sessions split between those attending) that add up to as if 1 person was attending the event. If you need help working this out, please contact our Office & Events Manager.  

Shared Registrations - Organisations (livestreaming only)

Need to provide for a large number of staff but don’t have your usual budget to do so? No problems! There a two very special options just for organisations allowing you to cater for a large number of staff, or even entire departments, for a very cost effective prices. One option allows for up to 5 people to share a registration online, and the other is for unlimited staff. These options are only available via livestreaming, standard shared registrations are applicable for those attending onsite and are outlined above.

ONLINE EXHIBITION OPTIONS

Our livestreaming platforms allows us to provide exhibitors with an online exhibition area, allowing exhibitors and delegates to chat with each other, make appointments, and check out new products - just like you’re standing in front of each other! 
This option is included as a part of all exhibition packages.

NETWORKING DINNER

Sponsored by Porter Consulting Engineers

After a long day of conferencing, unwind at our legendary networking dinner.

Enjoy a casual BBQ by the pool, complete with great food, refreshing drinks and lively conversation.

Additional tickets for partners are available for purchase.

GALA DINNER AND EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Celebrate industry excellence at the Gala Dinner on Friday night, featuring the prestigious Excellence Awards and a charity auction.

Hear from Luke Scata, 2025 Emerging Young Leader Winner on his leadership journey and what winning the Emerging Young Leader Award meant to him. View Video

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The State Conference also provides opportunities for grants from the Public Works Engineering Foundation for financially-constrained members, especially those from regional and remote local governments. Please see the website (www.ipwea.org/westernaustralia) for details, or contact foundation@ipwea.asn.au.



Join us for the 2026 State Conference and be part of the movement driving People, Progress & Possibilities in public works.

Matthew Southern
Deputy President & 2026 Conference Chair

IPWEA WA IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY: