​🔮 Maitland! Your Future Awaits

​Innovation is thriving in our region ⚡️

​The 2026 Hunter Innovation Festival and Roadshow has begun! At our highly successful "Igniting the Spark" warm-up event on 31 July we brought together the "Hero Innovators" from all over our region who are fundamentally changing how we live, work, and build.

​Now in September Hunter iF and our partner Maitland City Council 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:

​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.

​We’ll discuss engaging and attracting the right people from within the region and around the country and share insights about whats needed to continue building our workforce in the Maitland LGA and the wider Hunter.

​We’ll also tap into valuable insights about how to propel your business’s reputation in the region through strategic use of marketing to make your business attractive to investors within the Hunter, nationally and internationally.

​What to expect:

• ​Hero Innovator Showcase with Thomas Nann, Allegro Energy

• ​Civic Leadership

• ​Ecosystem Networking

​Featured Speakers

​Read more on all our speakers here → Maitland Roadshow

​The Road to the Main Event

​The Maitland Roadshow is a crucial stop on our region-wide tour. With Cessnock (22 September) kicking things off and Muswellbrook (7 October) closing out the roadshow 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, Rutherford

• ​Dress Code: Business / Smart Casual

• ​Tickets: FREE

​Space is strictly limited for these intimate regional showcases. Secure your ticket today and be part of Maitland’s next chapter of growth.

​Presented by the Hunter Innovation Festival & Maitland City Council

​The Hunter Innovation Festival is dedicated to showcasing and fostering innovation across the Hunter region. Our roadshow series aims to bring targeted expertise and collaborative opportunities directly to our vibrant local communities.