"We Make It Here" – An Innovators Lunch by Hunter IF & HMA ⚙️🤝
Hunter IF, in proud partnership with the Hunter Manufacturing Awards (HMA), invites you to discover the cutting-edge technologies and emerging leaders redefining our region's manufacturing landscape.
Join us to connect with award-winning local innovators, learn from the next generation of industry trailblazers, and share in the vision that proves world-class engineering is designed, built, and mastered right here in the Hunter.
Whether you want to see award-winning safety tech up close at our interactive demo tables or hear how mentoring is shaping our future workforce, this is your chance to see exactly why #WeMakeItHere.
✨ What to Expect
Dedicated to Hunter IF’s core pillars of connecting, learning, and sharing, this event has been carefully curated to highlight the incredible depth of the HMA network. We are proud to champion diverse voices, featuring an exceptional lineup of speakers, panellists, and moderators.
Featured Speakers & "Hero Innovators"
12:00 PM | Arrival, Lunch & Networking Doors open! Grab a bite to eat, settle in, and kick off the afternoon connecting with fellow innovators and industry peers.
12:30 PM | Presentations & Insights
Welcome: Claire Quigley (Chair, Hunter IF) opens the event.
The "We Make It Here" Vision: Nick Couper sets the scene, exploring the industry's current positioning and the exciting 2026 HMA campaign.
Fireside Chat – Fostering Talent: Hear from Nicole Clifton (Apprentice of the Year) in a guided conversation about the power of mentoring.
Mini Panel – Emerging Leadership: Join Brandon Lane and Edwin as they highlight youth pathways, career development, and the next generation of manufacturing leaders.
Innovation Spotlight: A showcase of HMA award recipients and recognised innovators, setting the stage for our interactive sessions.
1:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Connecting & Demo Tables Get hands-on with the future of manufacturing! Use this dedicated time to interact directly with award-winning innovators at their demo tables, ask questions, and share ideas.
Event Schedule
11:45 AM – Doors Open & Registration
12:00 PM – Light Lunch & Pre-Event Networking (GF & V)
12:30 PM – Official Welcome & Fireside Chat Spotlights
1:30 PM – Q&A & Open Networking
2:00 PM – Event Concludes
Event Details
Date: Friday, 28 August 2026
Location: I2N Hub Honeysuckle, Level 2, 16B Honeysuckle Drive, Newcastle NSW 2300
Format: Lecture-style seating
Dress Code: Business / Smart Casual
Space is limited to approximately 100 guests, so please register early to secure your seat!