Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing & Energy Council

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Hotel Grand Chancellor Nipaluna / Hobart
Tuesday 4 August – Thursday 6 August, 2026

Cleaner. Smarter. Diverse.
Shaping resilient industries for Tasmania's future.

Tasmania’s industrial sectors are changing fast. The 2026 TMEC Annual Conference brings together leaders from mining, manufacturing, energy and resources to focus on what comes next, and what we need to do now.

This year’s program explores the forces shaping our future: workforce capability, inclusion, psychosocial safety, AI and emerging technologies, energy efficiency, sustainability, sovereign capability and community engagement.

Through keynotes, case studies, panels, workshops, site tours and targeted discussions, delegates will gain practical insights, build valuable connections and help shape TMEC’s next strategic plan.

This is where conversation turns into momentum for cleaner, smarter and more diverse industries, to attract talent, build resilience, earn community trust and support Tasmania’s sustainable future.

Award winning change-maker Lucy Bloom

Future-proofing, innovation and AI

Collaborate, innovate then detonate

In this fast-paced session, you will discover how connection and informality foster innovation better than AI ever can. You’ll learn how courage and radical diversity will feed the agents of the future. And how creative leadership is the only way.

Lucy is an award-winning leader and speaker. She’s a change-maker, exceptional communicator, and business fixer with the best mohawk in the business. Lucy led an advertising agency for 20 years before she held CEO roles leading international aid organisations, one in Ethiopia and another in Cambodia. She’s the founder of an education start-up and the author of four books including her memoir, Get the Girls Out, and her latest, a killer novel. You will find Lucy challenging and entertaining in equal measure, with humour tied into a powerful business message. She’s a rule-breaker, idea-maker and momentum creator.

2026 Speakers & Workshop Presenters

Workshops and Events

This year’s program has been expanded to include a broader range of workshops, site tours and social events, giving delegates more flexibility to tailor their conference experience. Designed to deliver practical insights, deeper conversations and valuable networking opportunities, many of these optional sessions can also be booked independently, even without full conference registration.

Pre-Conference Site Tour

Innovation in marine manufacturing: from concept to capability
Experience Tasmania’s marine manufacturing ecosystem in action through a curated dual-site tour that connects concept, design and real-world capability. From InCAT’s globally recognised high-speed vessel innovation to Sentinel Boats’ advanced HDPE technologies built for the toughest conditions, gain rare insight into shared materials, distinct design philosophies and the full innovation lifecycle. This is a unique opportunity to see how Tasmania continues to lead on the world stage in maritime engineering and advanced manufacturing excellence.

Date: Tuesday 4 August
Time: Departing Hotel Grand Chancellor at 11:30am, returning by 4:00pm
Cost: Members $150 | Non Members $180

*This tour has limited capacity. Register early to avoid disappointment

Workshop 1: Safe minds, safe sites: managing psychosocial risk and substance use in a changing landscape

Presented by Bill Fitzgerald, consultant and Anthony Lowe, Drug Detection Agency

Psychosocial risk and substance use are increasingly complex workplace challenges, with evolving legislation, shifting community expectations, and heightened regulatory scrutiny placing greater responsibility on employers than ever before. This practical workshop will explore how organisations can proactively manage psychosocial hazards and drug and alcohol risks to create safer, more compliant and resilient workplaces.

Through real-world insights and industry examples, Anthony and Bill examine current and emerging trends in workplace drug and alcohol testing, including new testing methods, changing substance use patterns, medical cannabis considerations, and best-practice policy approaches. The workshop also addresses the growing regulatory focus on psychosocial hazards during organisational change processes, including consultation obligations, impact assessment, transition planning and leadership accountability.

Designed for leaders, managers and safety professionals, this session will equip attendees with practical strategies to strengthen workplace culture, reduce risk exposure, maintain compliance, and ensure safety and wellbeing remain embedded in day-to-day operations — not treated as an afterthought.

Date: Tuesday 4 August
Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Cost: Member $30 | Non Members $45

Workshop 2:
AI for leaders: from hype to practical application

Presented by Steve Wiggers, SCALA
Artificial Intelligence is moving fast, but for most leaders, the challenge isn’t understanding the code; it’s understanding the application. This practical, no-nonsense workshop is designed for leaders in the resources and manufacturing sectors who want to cut through the hype and start using AI as a high-level thinking partner.

Rather than focusing on generic tech theory, we will explore how to use tools like ChatGPT and CoPilot to reduce cognitive load, solve complex problems, and streamline daily operations. Attendees will learn how to write effective prompts, use AI to challenge assumptions, and safely integrate these tools to buy back time in their week.

You will leave this session with a clear understanding of what AI can (and can’t) do, and a practical toolkit to apply immediately in your business.

Date: Tuesday 4 August
Time: 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Cost: Member $30 | Non Members $45

Welcome Network Function

Join us in the Trade Exhibition space on the evening prior to the conference for a relaxed and welcoming start to the program. This informal networking function is your chance to reconnect with familiar faces, make new connections, and engage with exhibitors ahead of the days to come. Ease into the conference in a vibrant setting designed to spark conversation and set the tone for a valuable few days ahead.

Date: Tuesday 4 August
Time: 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Cost: $90

Conference Dinner

Held off-site at Brooke St Pier, the Conference Dinner is a standout social highlight of the program. Unwind in a relaxed waterfront setting as conversations continue beyond the conference room, offering the perfect opportunity for informal networking and connection. A chance to celebrate, reflect and strengthen relationships, this is an evening not to be missed.

Date: Wednesday 5 August
Time: from 6:30pm onwards
Cost: $165

Respectful Workplaces Breakfast

Start the day with an honest and engaging conversation about what respectful workplaces really look like in practice. In this breakfast session, a diverse panel will share lived experiences and practical insights on creating environments where people feel safe, valued and supported. From culture and leadership to inclusion and everyday behaviours, the discussion will explore how organisations of all sizes can build workplaces that are both respectful and resilient. Join the conversation, connect with peers, and leave with ideas you can take back to your own workplace.

Date: Thursday 6 August
Time: 7:45am to 9:15am
Cost: Member $30 | Non Members $45

Last Chance to Register

REGISTRATION

Registrations are Open Now

Registration fees are displayed below, and are in AUD and include GST. All those wishing to attend the TMEC Annual Conference are required to complete this online registration form.

NOTE: On completion of the registration form, you will have the choice to pay now via credit card, or receive an invoice to pay via EFT transfer (balance due in 14 days).

Registration Fees (Early Bird is now closed)

TMEC Member – Full Conference : $950 | Late (after July 6) $1050
Non Member – Full Conference: $1,250 | Late (after July 6) $1350
TMEC Member – Day Registration – 5 or 6 August: $575 | Late (after July 6) $650
Non Member – Day Registration – $725 | Late (after July 6) $800
Speaker Registration – Full Conference: $800
Speaker Day Registration – 5 or 6 August: $450

Social and Optional Functions

Pre-conference Workshops: Members $30 | Non-members $45
Pre-conference Site Tour: Members $150 | Non-member $180
Welcome Networking Function: $90
Conference Dinner: $165
Respectful Workplaces Breakfast: Members $30 | Non-members $45

REGISTRATION INCLUSIONS

Full Conference Registration includes attendance to all Conference sessions across the 5 and 6 August, as well as the delegate pack and name badge. Morning refreshments and lunch is served both days and afternoon refreshments on 5 August.

Day Registration includes attendance to sessions on the nominated day of attendance (either 5 or 6 August) delegate pack, name badge, lunch and other catering on your nominated day.

Tickets to the optional and social functions listed above are not included in any registration types and need to be purchased separately (which can be done through the online ticketing platform when completing your registration)

It is the responsibility of the delegate to secure their own accommodation if required, while staying in Hobart for the Conference. TMEC and EventSphere have arranged special group rate for rooms at the Hotel Grand Chancellor will have special delegate rates available at close by hotels, available to be booked through the online registration.

VENUE & ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart

Located on Hobart’s iconic waterfront, the Hotel Grand Chancellor offers a contemporary and welcoming setting for the conference experience. With seamless integration of meeting spaces, accommodation and dining, delegates can move easily between sessions while enjoying sweeping harbour views and the energy of the city’s vibrant waterfront precinct. Its central location and professional service create a comfortable, connected environment for both learning and networking.

Address: 1 Davey Street, Hobart, 7000

Accommodation

Accommodation has been secured at the conference venue, Hotel Grand Chancellor Hobart at a reduced group rate, before, during and after the Conference dates.

Please note: accommodation rooms are limited and early bookings (through the online registration form) are encouraged.

Room Type	Details	Rate per night
City Side Room	This room is all about location, location, location! Discover the best of Hobart right at your fingertips in the City Side rooms with a contemporary décor, offering a view over the vibrant Hobart city and the stunning kunanyi / Mount Wellington.	$240 (room only)
Harbourview Room	Enjoy views overlooking Hobart’s waterfront from a standard harbour view room. The modern décor complements the spacious 32 sq m / 344 sq ft floor space, and the ensuite bathrooms come with a relaxing bath for a touch of luxury. King or twin bedding is available.	$290 (room only)