Tapas Strickland, Director of Economics, Markets, Corporate & Institutional Banking, NAB 

Tapas Strickland

“Tapas is Director, Economics at NAB and provides commentary and insights for our clients on the economy and financial markets including regularly kicking off the working day with key overnight updates on NAB’s Morning Call podcast. Having recently spent the past couple of years in our London office, he continues to work with NAB’s diverse range of clients, from SMEs to institutions, both in Australia and abroad. Prior to NAB, Tapas spent six years at the Reserve Bank of Australia and also worked as an economic adviser in the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, advising the Gillard, Rudd and Abbott governments.”

Tim Reardon, Chief Economist, HIA

Tim Reardon joined HIA in 2004 as the Executive Director Government Relations working on the Housing Affordability summit in the lead up to the federal election. Tim then took on the role of Executive Director Tasmania until 2007. During this time a builders licensing regime was introduced including reforms to home owners warranty and HIA warded off an increase in energy efficiency standards in new homes.

After leaving HIA, Tim then represented the automotive manufacturers during the industry review of 2008 gaining $4.8 billion in industry assistance. He represented the electricity generators through the introduction and repeal of the carbon price in 2012 and also worked as a consultant for a number of other industry groups and companies on federal policy matters.

Tim re-joined HIA as Chief Economist in 2017, heading up the HIA Economics team.

Eddie Kok, Executive Director, Chemical Market Analytics by OPIS, a Dow Jones Company

Eddie is currently the Sr. Director in the Inorganic Group, Asia, at IHS Chemical. He has responsibility in managing a team of analysts and product experts in Asia that provide market coverage and analyses on the chlor-alkali and vinyls industry in the region. Eddie has a good grasp on the global chlor-alkali and vinyls sector dynamics and is the go-to person for data and market intelligence in Asia. With IHS, Eddie has worked on numerous chlor-alkali and vinyls projects around the Asia-Pacific region, providing analytical and planning support to client. He is a regularly speaker at the World Petrochemicals Conference in Houston.

Eddie has over 20 years of working experience in the chemical industry, holding various responsibilities, ranging from regional sales & marketing, business development to product management role. Eddie received his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Campbell University, North Carolina in 1988. 

Andrew Peterson, Business Council for Sustainable Development

Andrew Petersen has been the Chief Executive Officer, Director, and Company Secretary of the Business Council for Sustainable Development Australia (BCSD Australia) since March 2011. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing sustainable business practices through strategic partnerships. He has served as a Board Director of the Banksia Foundation since 2013 and joined the Board of Advice for the University of Sydney Business School and the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation in 2016, focusing on reducing packaging's environmental impact.

In 2014, Andrew secured a partnership with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, enhancing BCSD Australia’s international standing. Between 2015 and 2016, he fostered critical relationships with the Global Reporting Initiative, which sets global sustainability reporting standards. In 2018, BCSD Australia was recognized as the Australian Focal Point by the Natural Capital Coalition, and in 2019, he facilitated its partnership with the Businessfor Nature Coalition, advocating for biodiversity restoration.

In 2017, he focused on policy direction for the vocational education and training (VET) sector as part of the Sustainability Industry Reference Committee. Before his role at BCSD Australia, Andrew had a distinguished 25-year career in law and policy as a Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, specialising in environmental risk and sustainability. He holds dual degrees from the University of Sydney.

John Richardson, ICIS

John Richardson is a seasoned chemicals industry consultant and trainer with 26 years of experience, based in the Asia-Pacific region. Recognised for his deep understanding of the markets and key players in the area, he provides insightful, fact-based analyses of industry challenges, earning the respect of senior executives for his balanced perspective.

Previously the Director of Asia for ICIS training from 2006 to 2013, he successfully launched their training business in the region, offering courses on a range of topics including petrochemicals and refining. Currently, he serves as a Senior Consultant for ICIS and is a regular contributor to ICIS Chemical Business and ICIS Insight. John’s background also includes work with the BBC and various UK newspapers.

Michael Ward, Australian Glass Group

Mike has spent his entire career in the Building and Construction Industry, with the past 14 years focused on glass. His journey began with the world’s largest softcoat LowE manufacturer, where he gained deep insights into high-performance glazing. Now, as National Marketing and Business Development Manager at the Australian Glass Group (AGG), he champions the recent NCC code changes, which enhance glazing standards for energy efficiency, comfort, and well-being.

Mike actively contributes to industry advancements, serving on key committees, including the Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) for the National Energy Efficiency Plan (NEEP), the Energy Committee of the Australian Glass and Glazing Association (AGWA), the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the Australian Fenestration Rating Council (AFRC) and the uPVC Windows Alliance Taskforce for the Vinyl Council.

He holds an Industry Fenestration Diploma and an MBA Masters.

Mark Whales, Resilient Keynote Speaker sponsored by VCA

Mark Wales is a former Special Forces Commander, bestselling author, and founder who has dedicated his life to mastering chaos — on the battlefield, in business, and beyond.

After enlisting in the Australian Army at 17, Mark rose through the ranks to become a troop commander in the elite SAS, leading high-risk operations across ten deployments, including four tours in Afghanistan. His time in the military shaped his resilience but also left him with invisible wounds, which he would later transform into a story of powerful personal reinvention.

Driven to grow beyond the battlefield, Mark earned an MBA from the prestigious Wharton School and launched a luxury brand born from his combat experience and designed to equip people for modern survival. His entrepreneurial journey earned him the Wharton “40 Under 40” Award for Business Excellence.

Based in Melbourne and a devoted father, Mark’s mission is to help others build the mindset and systems to thrive in high-stakes environments — just like he did.

Mike Williams, CSIRO

Ylias Sabri, Co-operative Research Centres Projects

Philip Alviano, Master Builders Association

Phil has been employed as the Sustainable Building Advisor at Master Builders Victoria for the past 16 years, and on building and construction related projects and research for the last 18 years.  

Phil’s extensive experience in education and training has informed the development of nationally recognised sustainable construction training programs and the national roll out of the accredited Master Builder Green Living program.  

He has provided advice on sustainability solutions and onsite environmental management on projects ranging from large infrastructure developments to small residential building companies. Phil has also spent time working for the Environment Protection Authority Victoria, Melbourne Water, local government and as an academic.  

In 2014 he received a fellowship from the International Specialised Skills Institute which enabled him to travel to Germany in 2015 to investigate job skills in the prefabricated construction industry.  

He has presented at forums and conferences both nationally and internationally on sustainability, modular construction and emerging industry trends. 

Ned Monroe, The US Vinyl Institute

Ned Monroe is the President and CEO of the Vinyl Institute USA. In this role since 2018, Ned serves as an advocate for the vinyl industry and leading vinyl resin producers in the United States, helping to create and execute the strategic focus of the Vinyl Institute to maximize its impact and value.

With over 30 years of experience in Washington, DC, Ned has extensive skills in legislative and regulatory advocacy, as well as communications and association management.

Ned also serves as the Chairman of the Global Vinyl Council, which includes membership from twenty national vinyl manufacturing organizations worldwide.

Before joining the Vinyl Institute USA, Ned was Executive Director of Global Public Affairs with SC Johnson Company. He also held senior positions with the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Restaurant Association, and the Associated Builders and Contractors.

Ned serves on the Board of Directors of the PVC Pipe Association, the Flexible Vinyl Alliance, the American Chemistry Council Plastic Division, the Vinyl Sustainability Council, and the Council of Manufacturing Associations.

He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Ned and his wife, Theresa, have two grown sons and live in Alexandria, Virginia, USA.

Eric Bailey, Motivational Speaker sponsored by Australian Vinyls

Eric Bailey is one of the most impactful motivational speakers on the global stage, delivering powerful, high-energy keynotes that ignite minds, open hearts, and transform lives. As a former professional basketball player turned CEO and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), Eric’s message is forged through real experience — on the court, in the boardroom, and across more than 13 countries where he has spoken to over 4.5 million people.

Born in South Central Los Angeles during the peak of the Watts Riots, Eric's early life was marked by adversity, poverty, and a rare bone disease that nearly ended his future before it began. Eric grew up in a community where violence and hardship were a part of daily life. Basketball became his lifeline and his escape.

He worked relentlessly, overcoming not just physical limitations but social expectations, to earn a scholarship to Boise State University. From there, he went on to enjoy a successful 14-year professional basketball career in the NBL with teams like the Hobart Devils, Melbourne Tigers, and Gold Coast Rollers. He later served as Head Coach in the WNBL.