Early bird tickets closing soon for IPWC 2025 with lineup of global infrastructure leaders
Time is running out for public works and infrastructure professionals to secure their Early Bird tickets for the 2025 International Public Works Conference (IPWC), Australasia’s largest event dedicated to this vital sector. Taking place from 25 to 28 August at Sydney’s International Convention Centre (ICC), the conference promises a comprehensive and forward-thinking program under the theme “Shaping Tomorrow’s World.”
Organised biennially by the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA), the peak association for public works and asset management professionals in Australia and New Zealand, IPWC 2025 confronts the sector's most pressing challenges. These include ageing infrastructure, climate resilience, rapidly evolving technologies, and heightened community expectations. The conference offers attendees more than 80 practitioner-led sessions, curated to equip engineers, asset managers, and infrastructure leaders with actionable knowledge and tools to drive sustainable change within their organisations.
The program is structured around four focused streams: Public Works in Action, Technology, Asset Management, and Sustainability. One highlight is a dedicated one-day forum on street lighting and smart controls, scheduled for Tuesday 26 August, featuring presentations from Australia’s foremost lighting experts. In addition, the event will showcase “NextGen” sessions led by early-career professionals, providing a platform for emerging talent to present innovative projects. Networking opportunities abound, with both informal gatherings in the Exhibition Hall and significant social events, including a casual dinner at Squires Landing in Circular Quay and the prestigious IPWEA Excellence Awards Gala Dinner on the conference’s final evening.
The 2025 conference programme also boasts an impressive lineup of keynote speakers. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns will officially open the event, while international tunnelling expert Professor Arnold Dix will discuss leadership and collaboration in complex environments. Other notable speakers include Kate Munari, a former Navy helicopter pilot who will focus on building high-performing teams, alongside thought leaders such as Maria Atkinson from the NSW Net Zero Commission, Geoff Cooper of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Ursula Bryan from the UK’s Institute of Asset Management, and Adam Copp from Infrastructure Australia. Their presence underscores the conference’s global perspective and commitment to cutting-edge infrastructure management.
David Jenkins, CEO of IPWEA, describes the conference as more than a gathering—it is a vital opportunity for professionals to stay ahead of sector shifts and make informed decisions that will shape the future of public infrastructure. “We’re giving practitioners the tools, insights, and connections they need to deliver long-term, sustainable infrastructure solutions,” he said. Jenkins emphasised the urgency of coming together to share ideas at a time when infrastructure resilience and adaptation are critical.
Set in the iconic ICC Sydney location at Darling Harbour, the venue offers state-of-the-art facilities alongside inspiring views and nearby attractions, helping to enhance the overall event experience. The combination of expert-led sessions, diverse networking opportunities, and an energising environment positions IPWC 2025 as a must-attend event for anyone involved in public works and infrastructure across Australasia.
Early Bird registration is available until 29 June 2025. Those interested in joining hundreds of peers and industry innovators are encouraged to register promptly to take advantage of discounted rates before the close of the financial year. More information, including the full conference program and registration details, is available at the event website.