Torie Brown
Executive Director, Student Accommodation Council, Property Council of Australia
Home Future Cities Summit
Australia’s Future Cities: The places we need for people and the planet
A summit for the shapers of cities, precincts and communities.
Welcome to Future Cities Summit, where the most brilliant minds and daring innovators in the realm of property and placemaking converge. It’s a summit for the shapers of cities, precincts and communities. A gathering place for industry as we discuss Australia’s Future Cities – the places we need for people and planet.Â
Join us in this immersive one-day event, where you’ll gain industry knowledge, network with peers and leaders and experience the future of property taking flight.
The program confronts issues such as global urbanisation, the Australian governments urban policy, housing, transport, resilience, 24-hour districts, and decarbonisation.
Benefit from the expertise of Professor Greg Clark CBE FAcSS, a global cities advocate with an extensive background in shaping over 300 cities and advising 40 national governments.
Engage with 30+ industry speakers, connect with 400+ delegates, and participate in curated site tours and interactive exhibits, all while gaining practical and tangible learnings, diving into case studies, and fostering thought-leadership and deeper connections.
2024 gallery
Speakers
Engage with 30+ industry speakers shaping the future of our cities, precincts and communities. More speakers announced soon...
Michael Rodrigues
24 Hour Economy Commissioner
Department of Enterprise, Investment & Trade, NSW Government
Lissa van Camp
Executive General Manager, Land, Planning, Environment and Sustainability
Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA)
Scientia Professor Deo Prasad AO LFAIA
Chief Executive Officer
Decarbonisation Innovation Hub, University of NSW
Professor Greg Clark CBE FAcSS
Global Advisor and Chairman for Cities
The Business of Cities
Program
Tuesday 26 March 2024
Time
Site tour information
Sponsored by
Site Tours (Seperately ticketed)
Join colleagues from across the country to tour Sydney’s reactivated former power station and gain access to Australia’s first Purple Flag accredited precinct in Australia.
Tickets can be purchased in addition to your registration to the Future Cities Summit. Site tour ticket links will be emailed in your registration confirmation email.
Please note that spaces are limited.Â
10:00am – 11:30am
White Bay Power Station
The NSW State Heritage-listed White Bay Power Station will soon bring new energy to Sydney and Australia as it opens its doors to the public for the 2024 Biennale of Sydney.
3:30pm – 5:00pm
Uptown Program: YCK (York, Clarence, Kent) Laneways Precinct
The office of the 24-hour Economy Commissioner launched the inaugural Uptown Program in late 2022 to empower independent business collectives across Greater Sydney.Â
Wednesday 27 March 2024
Time
Session information
8:00am – 8:30am
Registration
8:30am – 8:45am
Welcome to the Future Cities SummitÂ
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Welcome:
Mike Zorbas, Chief Executive, Property Council of Australia
8:45am – 9:35am
Sponsored by
Session oneÂ
Opening keynote: the future cities Australia needs for people, place and planet global practices review
Benefit from the expertise of Professor Greg Clark CBE FAcSS, a global cities advocate with an extensive background in shaping over 300 cities and 40 national governments.
Greg is a recognised authority on cities, urban leadership and investment into the sustainable urban transition.Â
The global perspective keynote will cover:
- Global urbanisation today and in 2080
- Australian cities in global perspective
- People, place, planet
- The issues all cities now face
- The new tools and platforms for successful urbanisation
- A new investment thesis and partnership platform for cities
- Opportunity for Australian cities and property sector.
Keynote:
Professor Greg Clark CBE FAcSS, Global Advisor and Chairman for Cities, The Business of Cities
9:35am – 10:00am
Sponsored by
Session two
AI cities are here. Is Australia ready?
Around the world, AI is radically reshaping our cities. In Helsinki, a chatbot already offers citizens 24-hour help with housing services. In Seoul, an AI taxi system analyses millions data points to find the fastest routes and create seamless experiences for passengers. And in Boston, an AI-powered tree-detecting algorithm maps tree canopy and health to tackle the urban heat island effect. These are just three of dozens of examples already logged in the Atlas of Urban AI. Technology is transforming urban planning, design and construction. But are we ready? This session moderated by Procore’s Jeremie Henry will bring together government, industry and on-the-ground project specialists to explore how Australia can accelerate action today to create AI cities of tomorrow.
Host:
Jeremie Henry, Industry Relations and Alliances, Procore
Presenter:
Camille Jasson, Business Lead & Innovation Lead, Property and Social infrastructure, The App Group
Meredith Hodgman, Digital Infrastructure Lead, Indara
10:00am – 10:50am
Sponsored by
Session three
Our place: housing more people and building better places, meeting the future housing mix
Australia’s recent record of home-building is already way behind our population growth, which will now accelerate and risks a permanent housing deficit that would undermine our economy and our quality-of-life promise. One key focus is on diversifying the types of tenures of new homes to dilute our dependence on single family car-dependent lifestyles. In this session we will examine the opportunities and barriers, and predict the future state, for each asset class.
Panel:
Michelle Bruggeman, Chief Operating Officer, Levande
Angela Buckley, General Manager, Build to Rent, Mirvac
Anouk Darling, Chief Executive Officer, Scape
Moderator:
Torie Brown, Executive Director, Student Accommodation, Property Council of Australia
10:50am – 11:20am
Morning tea
11:20am – 11:50am
Session four
Connected places for vibrant lifestyles
The magic of any city is connections and opportunities. Australia’s massive transport infrastructure investment of recent decades requires us to accelerate the place-based opportunities for connected living and working. Combined with digital technologies and platforms, new high-capacity transport systems allow us to re-make our cities around vibrant, dense, and mixed-use hubs that optimise land use, expand human choice, and contain carbon emissions. So where in the world is it being done right and what are the best governance models deliver transit-oriented developments in Australian cities? How do we inspire citizen support for major transport projects?Â
Panel:
Lissa van Camp, Executive General Manager of Land, Planning, Environment & Sustainability, Melbourne Suburban Rail Loop Authority
Anne Jolic, Director of Operations, Development, Lendlease
Chris Brown, Cross River Rail Precincts Director, QIC
Moderator:
Professor Greg Clark CBE FAcSS, Global Advisor and Chairman for Cities, The Business of Cities
11:50am -12:30pm
Session fiveÂ
Australia’s future cities from the outside in
How does the rest of world see the future of Australian Cities? Where are we ahead and where are we behind? What do Australian cities need to stay ahead in the global rankings over the next 20 years as the cities across the world make decisive improvements in their quality of life, affordability, sustainability and liveability? Joining us live and in person, meet some of the world’s leading analysts of cities.
Panel:
Dr. Tim Moonen, Co-Founder, The Business of Cities
Dr. Tm Moonen has led more 20 comparative assessments of Australian cities against their global competitors. Tim is based in the UK.Â
Chris Fair, President and Chief Executive Officer, Resonance
Chris Fair leads the team that produces the World’s Best Cities report each year and he convenes and hosts the WRLD CTY congress. Chris is based in Canada.Â
Rosina Di Maria MDIA, Principal, Adelaide Studio Chair, Woods Bagot
Rosina Di Maria MDIA is an interior designer with extensive global experience, having lived and worked across Europe, Russia, Asia. Rosina is based in Adelaide.
12:30pm – 1:30pm
Networking lunch
1:30pm – 2:15pm
Session six
24 hour districts: places that serve 21st century people
Australian Cities work around the clock. Port cities and airports hubs serve our trade and travel economies all day and night every week. Our office and media districts support information, finance, trades, and service economies as they connect with global markets, events, and time zones. Our cultural quarters and entertainment zones stay open late to curate unique experiences and encounters, and to service participation, welcome tourists, and nourish revellers. The city, after dark, is a busy and productive place that needs leadership. So, how can we optimise the nighttime economy without losing sleep?
Panel:
Jessica Christiansen-Franks, Founding Director and CEO, Neighbourlytics
Michael Rodrigues, 24 Hour Economy Commissioner, Department of Enterprise, Investment & Trade, NSW Government
Kate Meyrick, Director, Urbis
Moderator:
Ash Nicholson, Director, Government & Industry, CBRE
2:15pm – 3:00pm
Session seven
Decarbonisation of cities & precinctsÂ
Cities have a special relationship with climate. They concentrate the activities that produce emissions, and the density of cities heat and air pollution. Property is the largest single cause of emissions. Cities are also vulnerable to climate change and concentrate the assets, infrastructures, and systems that must become resilient. Cities are also the centres on innovation in human living, behaviour change, and technology adoption, and retrofitting that can drive out carbon and increase quality of life and place at the same time. How will our cities decarbonise? Who will lead and what will governments do? What role for property, and what can we measure in decarbonising in the built environment, and what do we need to be ready for?
Panel:
Scientia Professor Deo Prasad AO LFAIA, Chief Executive Officer Decarbonisation Innovation Hub, University of NSW
Connor McCauley, Head of Sustainability, Australia & New Zealand, JLL
Davina Rooney, Chief Executive Officer, Green Building Council of Australia
Ann Austin, Head of Sustainability, Australia Lendlease
Moderator:
Francesca Muskovic , Director, National Policy, Property Council of Australia
3:00pm – 3:30pm
Afternoon tea
3:30pm – 4:20pm
Session eight
Future cities hypothetical: resilience & security lense Â
Our next 50 years will see dramatic rises in droughts, fires, floods, freak weather, noxious air, and cyber & bio warfare. Concern for the security of our water, food, energy, land, waste, atmosphere, infrastructure, technology systems, and buildings will rise accordingly.Â
How can Australia retrofit itself for resilience? What tools and technologies are needed across our cities to make the adjustment to resilience now?  What leadership is needed from whom, and how well are we equipped to provide it?Â
For the property sector, how can our built environment take a lead to drive innovation for resilience, creating a competitive advantage for Australian cities and for real estate expertise? Â
Host:
Professor Greg Clark CBE FAcSS, Global Advisor and Chairman for Cities, The Business of Cities
Speakers:
Professor Peter Newman AO, Curtin University
Michelle Cramer, Future Communities Leader – Australia, GHD
Anita Mitchell, Chief Executive Officer Placemaking NSW
Mike Zorbas, Chief Executive, Property Council of Australia
4:20pm – 4:30pm
Wrap & close
4:30pm – 6:30pm
Networking cocktail party
6:30pm – 9:30pm
Networking
VIP networking dinner
An interactive discussion on Australia at 40 million: where and how?
Who will be in the audience?
The Future Cities Summit will bring together senior property leaders from Australia and overseas. Hear how these leaders are making the biggest waves, and how they’re making our cities livable, affordable and productive.
Property professionals
Government
Media
Why attend?
Discover the future of Australia’s cities from an outside-in perspective, alongside other cities in the world. With 30+ speakers and a thriving community of senior property people, this event is your gathering place for industry as we discuss Australia’s future cities – the places we need for people and planet. You’ll forge invaluable connections with industry leaders and discover what lies ahead.
A word from our keynote...
Buy tickets
Bring your team and secure further savings with our group tickets for 3 or more people.
Member
$1150/person
- Option to purchase pre-summit site tour tickets
- Access to all 9 summit sessions
- Invitation to closing cocktail party
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea catering
Non-Member
$1550/person
- Option to purchase pre-summit site tour tickets
- Access to all 9 summit sessions
- Invitation to closing cocktail party
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea catering
Future Directions
- Discounted rate for 35s and under
- Option to purchase pre-summit site tour tickets
- VIP Session for Future Directions delegates
- Access to all 9 summit sessions
- Invitation to closing cocktail party
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea catering
Government Employees
$899/person
- Eligible to current full-time employees of federal, state or local government agencies and international government agencies
- Save $251 off the registration price for members
- Access to all 9 summit sessions
- Invitation to closing cocktail party
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea catering
- Option to purchase site tour tickets
- Not a Property Council member? Email [email protected] to claim rate.
Member Group 3+ People
$999/person
- Eligible for groups of 3 or more people
- Save $151 off the registration price for members
- Access to all 9 summit sessions
- Invitation to closing cocktail party
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea catering
- Option to purchase site tour tickets
Non-Member Group 3+ People
$1399/person
- Eligible for groups of 3 or more people
- Save $151 off the registration price for non-members
- Access to all 9 summit sessions
- Invitation to closing cocktail party
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea catering
- Option to purchase site tour tickets
Supporting First Nations property professionals
We are offering First Nations Professionals from the property or property related sectors the opportunity to attend the Future Cities Summit as our guest.
The Property Council of Australia is on a reconciliation journey. One of our key focus areas while on our journey is to forge deeper connections and support career development for First Nations Peoples.
To attend Future Cities Summit through the First Nations Professionals Program, nominate yourself or a First Nation colleague below.
The Property Council of Australia is on a reconciliation journey. One of our key focus areas while on our journey is to forge deeper connections and support career development for First Nations Peoples.
To attend Future Cities Summit through the First Nations Professionals Program, nominate yourself or a First Nation colleague below.
Sponsors
Principal Sponsor
Major Sponsors
Build Partner
Future Communities Partner
Associate Sponsor
Place Partner
Networking Partner
Education Partner
Media Partner
Sponsorship
Express your interest in partnering with us for the Future Cities Summit. Reach out by enquiring below.
Five reasons to partner with us
Connect with your target audience.
Collaborate with industry peers.
Make new business connections and increase lead generation.
Show your support for industry.
Promote brand awareness and grow brand engagement.
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney)
The Future Cities Summit is being held at the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) located in Darling Harbour.
The main entrance to the Convention Centre can be found at the northern end of ICC Sydney, closest to Cockle Bay (Darling Harbour) and Harbourside Shopping Centre.
Parking
ICC Sydney has two car park facilities located within the Exhibition Centre and Aware Super Theatre.Â
TaxiÂ
The closest drop off and taxi zone address is Iron Wharf Place.
Public Transport
The closest train station is Town Hall and the closest light rail stop is Convention stop.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Future Cities Summit 2024 will be held on Wednesday 27 March at the ICC Sydney.
Companies and organisations who are not members of the Property Council of Australia can attend the conference and networking events paying a non-member rate.
The Future Cities Summit registration includes all conference sessions and the networking function. Tickets to any site tours can be purchased separately during the registration process. Registration fees start from $999 for members and $1,399 for non-members. Please contact Concierge if you’re not sure if your company is a member. Visit the registration page here to find out more.
The Future Cities Summit registration is open to everyone within the property industry and the wider business community. Companies who wish to send three or more members may choose to purchase a discounted group registration package for groups of 3+ or 10+ delegates.
For the summit sessions, business casual is recommended.
Have another question?
Take a look at previous Future Cities Summits
Get in touch
For registration, delegate, media or program enquiries, please contact the Future Cities Summit Concierge – Juliana Newton
P: +61 2 9033 1957
