GEA 2024 Major
Industry, Energy &
Manufacturing
Conference
Proudly Presented By
2024 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
The 2024 GEA Major Industry, Energy & Manufacturing Conference, now in its twenty-first year and proudly presented by Aestec Services, once again exceeded expectations, delivering an engaging and insightful experience for all involved.
Held in Gladstone, which hosts one of Australia’s finest natural deepwater harbours and is Queensland's largest multi-commodity port, this year’s conference provided a dynamic ecosystem for connecting with major industry leaders and decision-makers across the state.
Kicking off the event, a Speaker and Sponsor Harbor Cruise took place before the main conference, attracting 73 attendees who enjoyed a scenic tour of Gladstone Harbour. The experience was enhanced by expert commentary from Geoff Kerr of the Department of State Development, who provided valuable updates on local industry trends and developments within the port, helping participants gain a deeper understanding of the region’s industrial landscape.
Throughout the conference, attendees participated in engaging sessions that featured industry experts sharing insights on the latest developments in energy and manufacturing.
The conference wrapped up with a Networking Drinks session, creating an informal yet productive atmosphere for attendees to unwind and connect with fellow delegates, speakers, and industry experts.
This gathering provided an excellent opportunity to reflect on the key insights shared throughout the conference, explore potential collaborations, and expand professional networks in a friendly and approachable setting.
Overall, the 2024 GEA Major Industry, Energy & Manufacturing Conference served as a platform for fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and driving the future of the industry in Queensland.
We look forward to continuing these conversations and connections in the years to come.
At the 2024 Major Industry Awards & Gala Dinner five major awards were presented in front of over 364 attendees. Awards were presented to:
KAEFER Integrated Services - Safety Excellence Award
Alpha HPA - Innovator Award
Joanne Smith (Xtreme Engineering) - Wayne Peachey Memorial Award
Linden Stiller (Stiller's Recycling) - Forty Calis Memorial Award
Greenscape Gladstone - Beale Culture Award
Congratulations to all of the winners and finalists of these prestigious awards!
Central Queensland’s industrial and energy future will be outlined at the 2024 GEA Major Industry, Energy and Manufacturing Conference this 2 – 3 October 2024
The annual Gladstone Engineering Alliance (GEA) Major Industry, Energy & Manufacturing Conference presented by Aestec Services is set to return this October 2024 over two action packed days, Wednesday and Thursday October 2nd & 3rd, at the Gladstone Entertainment & Convention Centre.
Gladstone is the gateway to Central Queensland’s (CQ) and the state’s Industrial and renewable energy sector. The 2024 conference will provide an opportunity to gain insight into where industry, energy and manufacturing is heading and the available opportunities emerging within the broader CQ Region as our Nation, State and Region progresses through the renewables transition.
The Conference provides superior networking conditions to reinforce relationships and gathering information to get a head start in the evolving business opportunities in store for the future.
- Attendees will hear from a variety of influential guest speakers working in the heart of emerging industrial projects, the transition towards renewable energy, and sustainable manufacturing.
- 2024 Conference delegates will have an exclusive opportunity to jump on-board the Gladstone Industry Bus Tour to hear more about the ever evolving industrial landscape in conjunction with some major project announcements.
- Get involved early by joining GEA on a sightseeing cruise of the Gladstone Harbour on the evening of Tuesday October 1st with drinks, food, and live entertainment provided to set the scene on the exclusive Speaker/Sponsor Networking Harbour Cruise.
- Attend the Gladstone Engineering Alliance Industry Awards night.
The Conference will conclude with a Networking Opportunity for all attendees.
2024 Conference Partner
At Aestec Services, we are proud to have contributed to the growth of the Gladstone region for over 20 years, including our 7-year partnership with GEA for the Major Industry, Energy & Manufacturing Conference. As a trusted Civil Construction and Maintenance company, we are driven to build a stronger future with the work we do.
Over the years, we’ve built lasting relationships, some spanning nearly two decades, and secured major contracts with the region’s key industries.
We value the strength of our community, with over 300 local employees. Our diverse range of trades and skill backgrounds allows us to offer innovative and comprehensive solutions for our clients.
Our clients are our partners – Aestec’s Project Management enables you to continue with the work you do best, while our teams are on-site handling the rest. Our services are always adapting to meet evolving needs, and we have a fleet of heavy machinery vehicles ready to mobilise when you need it.
Beyond business, Aestec Services actively contributes to our community by supporting organisations like the Boyne Tannum HookUp, GEA, local sports groups, and community events. We’re not just building infrastructure; we’re building a better future – one project at a time.
CONFERENCE AGENDA
Gain positive exposure for your business by becoming a sponsor
Want to build valuable relationships with Central Queensland industry leaders? Partner with us on our 2023 Major Industry , Energy & Manufacturing Conference.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS
EVENT TICKETS
TICKET SALES CLOSED
MAJOR INDUSTRY, ENERGY AND MANUFACTURING CONFERENCE TICKETS
GEA MEMBERS |
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ARE LOGGED IN TO THE GEA PORTAL TO ACCESS MEMBER PRICING
If you are unable to login, please contact info@gea.asn.au or call 07 4972 9060.
2-day GEA
member entry
-
MEMBER PRICE
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2-day entry
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Morning tea
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2 lunches & 2 drinks
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Tickets inclusive of GST
2-day Non-
member entry
-
NON-MEMBER PRICE
-
2-day entry
-
Morning tea
-
2 lunches & 2 drinks
-
Tickets inclusive of GST
1-day GEA
member entry
-
MEMBER PRICE
-
1-day entry
-
Either day 1 or 2
-
Morning tea
-
1 lunch & 1 drink
-
Tickets inclusive of GST
1-day Non-
member entry
-
NON-MEMBER PRICE
-
1 day entry
-
Either day 1 or 2
-
Morning tea
-
1 lunch & 1 drink
-
Tickets inclusive of GST
GEA INDUSTRY AWARDS & GALA DINNER only
GEA
Industry Awards
& Gala Dinner Member
-
MEMBER PRICE
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3 course meal
-
Drinks
-
Great entertainment
-
Tickets inclusive of GST
GEA
Industry Awards
& Gala Dinner Member
-
MEMBER PRICE
-
3 course meal
-
Drinks
-
Great entertainment
-
Tickets inclusive of GST
GEA
Industry Awards
& Gala Dinner
Non-member
-
NON-MEMBER PRICE
-
3 course meal
-
Drinks
-
Great entertainment
-
Tickets inclusive of GST
GEA
Industry Awards
& Gala Dinner
Non-member
-
NON-MEMBER PRICE
-
3 course meal
-
Drinks
-
Great entertainment
-
Tickets inclusive of GST
INDUSTRY BUS TOUr
INDUSTRY BUS TOUR
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Tuesday October 1, 2024
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1:00-3:00pm
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Collect and return to GECC
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Industry Bus Tour - Hosted by Gladstone Region Tours
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Tickets inclusive of GST
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Limited seats available
Wednesday 2 October 2024
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 07.30am | Registration opens |
| 8.30AM | Welcome from GEA |
| 8:40AM | Welcome to Country |
| 8.55AM | Deputy Mayor Kahn Goodluck |
| 9.10AM | Shay Chalmers - MC |
| 09:20AM | Ian Macfarlane - Queensland Resource Council |
| 9.40AM | Hugh Barbour - Gladstone Area Water Board |
| 10:00AM | Minister Lance McCallum |
| 10:10AM | Morning Tea / Networking |
| 10:30AM | John Abbott - Inter-Port Global |
| 10:50AM | Tim McDougall - Rio Tinto |
| 11.10AM | Jacqui Bridge - Powerlink |
| 11.30AM | Everald Compton - G2G Railway |
| 12:00pm | Lunch / Networking |
| 12:45PM | Rob Williamson - Alpha HPA |
| 01.05PM | Robert Sobrya - Construction Skills Queensland |
| 01:25PM | Mike Everton - Oceania Biofuels |
| 01:45PM | Timothy Davies - Fortescue Future Industries |
| 02.05PM | Panel Discussion |
| 02.35PM | Prof. Grant Stanley - CQUniversity |
| 03.00PM | Close |
Thursday 3 October 2024
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 07.30am | Registration opens |
| 8.30AM | Welcome from GEA & Aestec |
| 8:40AM | Paul Hodgson |
| 8.50AM | Minister Glenn Butcher |
| 9.10AM | Nathan Dunlop - Tritium |
| 09:30AM | Angela Heck - Next Economy |
| 09.50AM | Morning Tea / Networking |
| 10:20AM | Rajeev Bhambari - Acciona |
| 10:40AM | Richard Jeffery - Stanwell |
| 11:00AM | Leigh Kennedy - NERA |
| 11:20AM | Dan Raymond - Sunshine Hydro |
| 11:40AM | Maxime Forster - Neoen |
| 12:00pm | Lunch / Networking |
| 12:45PM | Andrew Bills - CS Energy |
| 01.05PM | Emma Roberts - CS Energy |
| 01:25PM | Panel Discussion |
| 01.55PM | Andrew Hird - Honeywell |
| 14.15pm | Kyle Russel - EDF |
| 14.35PM | Attilio Pigneri - H2U Hydrogen Utility |
| 03.00PM | Close |
Wednesday 2 October 2024
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
| 7.30am | Registration opens |
| 8.30AM | Welcome from GEA |
| 8.35AM | Kristy Marks - MC |
| 8.45AM | Welcome to Country |
| 8.55AM | Mayor Matt Burnett |
| 9.05AM | Chris Skerman - AESTEC |
| 9.10AM | Kristy Marks - Open Presentations |
| 9.15AM | Hugh Barbour - Gladstone Area Water Board |
| 9.35AM | Rob Williamson - Alpha HPA |
| 9.55AM | Matt Burnett - Gladstone Regional Council |
| 10.15AM | Morning Tea / Networking (30 MIN) |
| 10.45AM | Minister Butcher - Keynote |
| 11.05AM | Ben Hayden - Gladstone Ports Corporation |
| 11.25AM | Hesham Shehata - Acciona Energia |
| 11.45AM | Chris Evans - Queensland Hydro |
| 12.05PM | Ana Jurisic - Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund |
| 12.25PM | Lunch / Networking (55 MIN) |
| 1:20PM | Kim Hetherington - Construction Skills Queensland |
| 1.40PM | Natasha Penno - Rio Tinto |
| 2.00PM | Panel Discussion |
| 2.20PM | Bernadette Zerba - Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing & Water |
| 2.40PM | Luke Nowlan - Shell QGC |
| 3.00PM | Kristy Marks - Closing Remarks |
| 3.10PM | Event Close |
Thursday 3 October 2024
| Time | Agenda | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.30am | Registration opens | ||
| 8.30AM | Welcome from GEA / Acknowledgement to Country | ||
| 8:35AM | Chris Skerman - AESTEC | ||
| 8.40AM | Patrice Brown - GEA | ||
| 8.50AM | Kristy Marks - MC | ||
| 9.10AM | Nicole Duguid - Queensland Resources Council | ||
| 09.30AM | Emma Roberts - CS Energy | ||
| 09.50AM | Ryan Aria - Private Energy Partners | ||
| 10.10AM | Morning Tea / Networking (35 MIN)) | ||
| 10.45AM | Shane McNamara & Antoine Choux - Stanwell | ||
| 11.05AM | Harriet King - Aula Energy | ||
| 11.25AM | Paul Hodgson - CQUniversity | ||
| 11.45AM | Emily Pardon - Department of Regional Developement, Manufacturing & Water | Josie Maule - Department of Energy & Climate | |
| 12.05PM | Toby Roberts - Elements Green | ||
| 12.25pm | Lunch / Networking (55 MIN) | ||
| 1.20PM | Panel Discussion - CQU, Stanwell, & CS Energy | ||
| 1.40PM | Peter Shea - Deloitte | ||
| 2.00PM | Mike Kilcullen - Fortescue | ||
| 2.20PM | Joshua Petrass - European Energy | ||
| 2.40PM | Christian Douglas - Downer | ||
| 3.00PM | Alison Murdoch - Closing Remarks | ||
| 3.10PM | Event Close - Networking at Lightbox | ||
Conference Emcee
Kristy Marks
Kristy Marks is the Economic Development Lead for Gladstone Regional Council, a forward-thinking Council who are spearheading initiatives crucial to navigating a transformative Economic Transition towards renewables and a green economy. Her leadership supports her team and the Council in strategically positioning the Gladstone region at the forefront of sustainable development, while also supporting the existing industries that have shaped the region’s proud industrial heritage.
Prior to joining Gladstone Regional Council, Kristy served for numerous years within Local Government with a core focus on advanced manufacturing and technology as well as overseeing key initiatives in local procurement, sustainability, and the circular economy. Her tenure also included pivotal roles at BHP for over a decade, spanning Corporate Affairs, Supply Chain/Commercial, and Technology Projects across the East Coast operations of Australia.
With a robust background in economic development, resources and sustainability, Kristy brings strong expertise to the intersection of industry and community stewardship. She is committed to driving impactful change and fostering collaborative efforts towards a sustainable energy future.
Gladstone Regional Council
Economic Development Lead
2024 Major Industry, Energy
and Manufacturing Conference
Wednesday - Day 1 Speakers
Hugh Barbour
Gladstone Area Water Board
Rob Williamson
Alpha HPA
Mayor Matt Burnett
Gladstone Regional Council
Minister Butcher
Glenn Butcher MP
Ben Hayden
Gladstone Ports Corporation
Hesham Shehata
Acciona Energía
Chris Evans
Queensland Hydro
Ana Jurisic
Northern Australia Infrastructure Fund (NAIF)
Kim Hetherington
Construction Skills Queensland
Natasha Penno
Rio Tinto
Bernadette Zerba
Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water
Luke Nowlan
Shell QGC
Day 1 - Panel Speakers
Kahn Goodluck
Gladstone Regional Council
Mick Elliot
Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water (Gladstone Manufacturing Hub)
Jennifer McGuire
AusIndustry
2024 Major Industry, Energy
and Manufacturing Conference
Thursday - Day 2 Speakers
Nicole Duguid
Queesland Resources Council
Emma Roberts
CS Energy
Ryan Aria
Private Energy Partners
Harriet King
Aula Energy
Shane McNamara
Stanwell
Antoine Choux
Stanwell
Paul Hodgson
CQ University
Toby Roberts
Elements Green
Josie Maule
Regional Development & Manufacturing
Emily Pardon
Regional Development & Manufacturing
Peter Shea
Deloitte
Michael Kilcullen
Fortescue
Day Two - Panel Speakers
SPONSORS AND PARTNERS
Proudly Presented by
Following the GEA Major Industry, Energy and Manufacturing Conference will be the 21st GEA Industry Awards and Gala Dinner, Central Queensland’s industry supply chain’s night of nights, presented by Aestec Services.
We invite business leaders and partners to come together to recognise and celebrate the spirit of excellence that is fostered in our highly-skilled industry supply chain.
