Maitland Roadshow
🚀 The 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival Roadshow Hits Maitland!
Innovation is thriving in our regions.
Following our highly successful "Igniting the Spark" launch event, Hunter iF is taking the festival on the road. We are thrilled to invite you to the Maitland Roadshow, a dedicated showcase of the groundbreaking technologies and visionary founders driving economic evolution right here in the heart of the Hunter.
Spotlight on Maitland: Industrial-Tech & Energy Transition
Maitland is rapidly becoming a powerhouse for advanced manufacturing and the energy transition. Join local industry leaders, investors, and ecosystem builders for an afternoon of high-impact networking and exclusive insights.
What to expect:
Hero Innovator Showcase
Civic Leadership
Ecosystem Networking
Featured Speakers
Prof. Thomas Nann
Co-Founder & CEO, Allegro Energy
An internationally recognised physical chemist and the driving force behind Allegro's technology vision. He co-founded Allegro Energy in 2021 to commercialise a proprietary water-based microemulsion electrolyte platform capable of delivering high performance without flammable materials or fragile supply chains.
Prior to Allegro, Thomas served as Head of School at the University of Newcastle and as Alan MacDiarmid Professor of Chemistry at Victoria University of Wellington. He holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry from Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, is listed on multiple international patents in electrolyte and surface chemistry, and was named in the 2023 Australia & New Zealand Climate Tech 100.
Jacqui Daley
Founder, Managing Director and CMO, The Measured Marketer. Author BRAG CLUB
Jacqui is a marketing strategist with over 25 years of experience, focusing the last decade on B2B and industrial sectors. She founded The Measured Marketer in 2016, based in New South Wales' Hunter region. Jacqui works nationally with manufacturers, engineering firms, defence suppliers, and energy businesses.
She specializes in strategic marketing that drives growth and long-term capability. Jacqui has served on the Hunter Manufacturing Awards board, including as Chair, is CMO for the Hunter Defence Taskforce, and strategizes major industry events. She authored BRAG, reflecting her expertise in complex industrial marketing environments.
Andy Olrich
Managing Director, North St Partners
Andy is a Business Improvement Specialist with over 25 years of experience driving impactful change across Mining, Manufacturing, Ports, Logistics, Health, and Government sectors. With a strong foundation in trades and engineering, he is a proven leader in Operations and Maintenance. Andy holds formal qualifications in Lean, Lean Six Sigma, PROSCI Change Management, and Agile methodologies. A proud Maitland local, he is known for energetic facilitation and people-focused leadership. As an international speaker, executive coach, and Lean Solutions Podcast co-host, he empowers teams, streamlines processes, and delivers sustainable outcomes.
Claire Quigley
Chair, Hunter Innovation Festival & Founder, Launchpad9
Claire is an innovation consultant, coach, and the founder of Launchpad9, dedicated to driving sustainable, tailor-made change and challenging the status quo. Originally from Kilkenny, Ireland, Claire brings over 20 years of experience across high-tech startups, European research commercialisation, economic bodies, and major corporates, including leading a startup through acquisition by Red Hat. Her holistic approach integrates strategic execution, emerging technologies like GenAI, and network growth. A steadfast advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Claire serves on the Board of Hunter iF and judges the National #techdiversity awards. A Hunter local, she lives in the upper Hunter alongside her family, horses, and dogs.
The Road to the Main Event
The Maitland Roadshow is a crucial stop on our region-wide tour. We are also bringing the innovation spotlight to Cessnock (22 September) and Muswellbrook (7 October) to celebrate the unique industrial strengths of our local communities.
All of this incredible regional momentum culminates on Tuesday 24 November 2026, where we bring the entire region together at NEX in Newcastle for the massive, full-day Hunter Innovation Festival.
Event Details & Registration
Date: Wednesday, 30 September 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM - Light lunch and refreshments provided
Location: The Bradford Hotel, 358 New England Highway Rutherford
Dress Code: Business / Smart Casual
Space is strictly limited for these intimate regional showcases.
Secure your FREE ticket today and be part of Maitland’s next chapter of growth.