🚀 The Innovators Lunch Series | 2026 Festival & Roadshow Launch 🚀
Hunter iF Innovators Lunch | July
Igniting the Spark: Festival & Roadshow Warm-up
Join Hunter iF to celebrate the premier minds driving economic evolution across the Hunter region!
We are thrilled to invite you to the official warm-up and launch event for the 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival Roadshow. Get ready to connect with regional industry leaders, tech ecosystem stakeholders, investors, and startup founders as we spotlight the "Hero Innovators" transforming our Local Government Areas.
Secure your spot for an afternoon of high-impact insights, local success stories, and excellent networking.
Featured Speakers & "Hero Innovators"
We are bringing together a powerhouse lineup of regional civic leaders and groundbreaking tech founders for a series of rapid-fire fireside chats. You will hear directly from:
Cessnock: Mick Carr (Founder & CEO, Grub Lab) interviewed by General Manager Natalia Cowley
Maitland: Prof Thomas Nann (CEO & Founder, Allegro Energy) interviewed by General Manager Jeff Smith
City of Newcastle: Laureate Professor Behdad Moghtaderi (Founder, Hydro Harvester) interviewed by Deputy Lord Mayor Cr Charlotte McCabe
Muswellbrook: David Ward (Chair, Sydney Rum Distillery) interviewed by Mayor Cr Jeff Drayton
Plus, hear exclusive updates on the upcoming Hunter Innovation Festival from Marnie Davey (2026 Festival Director).
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, 31 July 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!
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