Conference Day Two - Thursday, 30 November

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08:15
Welcome coffee

08:50
Opening remarks from the Chair

Leanne Nelson
Program & Engagement Manager
Geelong Manufacturing Council

CONQUERING THE CHALLENGES FACING WOMEN IN MANUFACTURING
09:00
The road to equality – overcoming gender bias and discrimination in the manufacturing workplace
  • Unlocking the true benefits to diversity, equity & inclusion in manufacturing
  • Embracing DEI to create a positive workplace culture
  • Strategies to minimise bias and discrimination throughout the manufacturing sector
  • Challenging workplace culture through language and awareness to change the status quo

Kariza Martin
Manufacturing and Process Engineer
Boeing

09:30
Gender equity in manufacturing – how we can make real progress

Many organisations and government have been working over a number of years to move the dial. Yet, the numbers are staying stubbornly low. Why, and what can we do to create the momentum that will see long-standing change? Examine strategies to increase gender equity in manufacturing through mentoring, promoting STEM to girls in schools, and other initiatives to encourage more women to join – and remain in – the industry.

Leanne Nelson
Program & Engagement Manager
Geelong Manufacturing Council

 

09:50
PANEL DISCUSSION: How we can work together to drive positive change
  • Why diversity alone isn’t enough - creating accountability and driving change
  • Fostering allyship to address the unique challenges faced by women 
  • Creating a path for women to leadership and executive positions and providing support along the way
  • How we can advocate for an equitable and safe work environment for women

Moderator:

Leanne Nelson
Program & Engagement Manager
Geelong Manufacturing Council

Panellists:

Mohana Ghate
People & Culture Business Partner
Diageo

Elsa Antunes
Senior Lecturer – Mechanical Engineering
James Cook University

Stephanie El Akkaoui
Manufacturing & Processing Leader
Bega Cheese

Erika Hughes
Commercial Director
Integra Systems

10:30
Morning tea

USING TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY & PRODUCTIVITY
11:00
Integrating AI, robotics & automation to drive innovation, streamline operations, and reduce costs
  • Evaluating the opportunities and challenges for manufacturers exploring these new technologies
  • Examining what AI, robotics and automation mean for employees, including new roles and new opportunities
  • Practical strategies to overcome adoption challenges
  • Case studies and success stories of manufacturing companies adopting new technologies

Cori Stewart
Founder and Chief Executive Officer
ARM Hub

11:30
Utilising data and analytics to increase efficiency, create new opportunities and make better decisions
  • Investing in data strategies to unlock the future of manufacturing productivity 
  • Optimising decision making through data collection and analysis
  • Utilising data and algorithms to predict and avoid unwanted operational events

Erika Hughes
Commercial Director
Integra Systems

SOLVING SKILL SHORTAGE & SUPPLY CHAIN CHALLENGES
12:00
Navigating the 10 pitfalls of contracts in manufacturing

Examine the contract lifecycle in manufacturing and the key risks that everyone in the manufacturing process needs to be aware of.

Else Bright
Head of Region APAC, Director ANZ
World Commerce & Contracting

12:30
Networking Lunch

13:30
Overcoming the skills shortage – identifying and developing the right people & the right skills
  • Looking beyond where the industry has traditionally looked to fill roles
  • Engaging with a broader audience and embracing diversity
  • Identifying critical skills and developing them effectively

Sharon Robertson
Chief Executive Officer
Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance

14:00
Optimising manufacturing supply chains – strategies to solve Australia’s supply chain challenges
  • Improving efficiency by enhancing collaboration between manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors
  • Leveraging innovative technologies to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve visibility
  • Integrating sustainable supply chain practices while maintaining profitability
  • Utilising risk management strategies to mitigate disruptions from external factors

Rebecca Ransford
Head of Global Operations & Supply Chain
SunRice

PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING IN MANUFACTURING
14:30
Overcoming imposter syndrome in the manufacturing profession
  • How gender bias influences our feelings of being an imposter
  • Communicating effectively to ensure your voice is heard
  • Learning to take a compliment and tips to building self-confidence
  • Embracing your unique self, trumpeting successes and uplifting others around you

Stephanie El Akkaoui
Manufacturing & Processing Leader
Bega Cheese

15:00
Closing comments from the Chair
15:05
Afternoon tea and end of Women in Manufacturing Summit 2023