9:00 AM - 9:10 AM | Welcome, Conference Plenary ![]() Nick Kennedy · Workforce Planning Institute · Chair | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9:10 AM - 9:40 AM | Global Workforce Trends: Tackling Skill Gaps for Future Success Plenary ![]() Rob Major · RTX · Director, Workforce Planning Rob Major from RTX discusses how their Strategic Workforce Planning team identifies and addresses critical skill gaps. Learn how RTX integrates SWP with HR and functional teams to ensure workforce readiness for the next 3-5 years. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9:40 AM - 10:10 AM | Unpacking Workforce Planning for Tangible Results Plenary ![]() Sebastien Berlioz · Orgvue · Vice President - APAC Learn how to build workforce planning capabilities that integrate business, finance, and workforce needs into a cohesive, flexible process. This session explores leveraging technology, creating a robust data foundation, and aligning WFP with business strategy to navigate uncertainties like skill demands and economic shifts. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10:10 AM - 10:40 AM | Defining SWP in a Rapidly Changing World Foundation ![]() Ursula Kidson · TalentNeuron · Vice President - EMEA This session will explore the latest technological advancements driving end-to-end Strategic Workforce Planning . Ursula Kidson, Vice President - EMEA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10:40 AM - 10:55 AM | Q&A Plenary ![]() ![]() ![]() Sebastien Berlioz · Orgvue · Vice President - APAC Rob Major · RTX · Director, Workforce Planning Ursula Kidson · TalentNeuron · Vice President - EMEA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10:55 AM - 11:25 AM | Networking Break Break | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11:25 AM - 12:00 PM | A Constructor’s Take On Job Architecture: Connecting Job Families to HR Functions Foundation ![]() Sarah Jordan · John Holland · General Manager People Planning and Enablement Discover how John Holland Group connects job family frameworks to core HR functions, driving efficiency and consistency across processes. Sarah Jordan shares practical insights from the construction industry, explaining how this approach enhances talent management, role clarity, and alignment across teams. | Advanced Action Planning for SWP Alignment Immersion ![]() Clif Sittinger · ANZ · Employee Journey Expert Discover how ANZ uses advanced action planning to align workforce capabilities with future demands. Gain insights into crafting agile, data-driven workforce transition strategies. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12:10 PM - 12:45 PM | Strategic Value Creation: Leveraging SWP in Critical Commercial Activities Foundation ![]() Ali Menzies · APA Group · Head of Strategic Workforce Planning Explore how APA Group utilises strategic workforce planning to directly support its critical commercial initiatives. This session reveals SWP strategies that enable better decision-making and improved resource alignment, delivering measurable value to APA Group’s core commercial operations. | Workday Adaptive - Can it Really? Immersion ![]() Chris Tearle · Bank of Queensland · Senior Manager, Workforce Optimisation This session will delve into Bank of Queensland’s Workday Adaptive implementation, detailing its impact on dashboards, position management, and strategic alignment. Attendees will gain insights into how Workday’s Adaptive technology is being harnessed to manage complexity in a challenging tech environment. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM | Lunch Break | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1:45 PM - 2:20 PM | The SWP Challenge: Skills, Tasks, AI – Oh My! Foundation ![]() ![]() ![]() Catriona Miriklis · Pearson · Client Engagement Lead, Professional Services Kitty Wilson · Optus · Associate Director Strategic Workforce Planning James Sullivan · Australian Retirement Trust · Practice Lead, SWP This panel features SWP leaders from Australian Retirement Trust and Optus, sharing how they apply strategic workforce planning to real business scenarios. Learn how skill mapping, predictive analytics, and data-driven strategies support workforce transformation, address future needs, and build organisational resilience. Gain practical insights into integrating AI and aligning skills, tasks, and technology with strategic goals. | Transforming Workforce Planning: Delivering Impact and Actionable Outcomes Immersion ![]() ![]() ![]() Jaye Matheson · Tailored HR Solutions · Chief Insights and Transformation Expert Tamara Lee · NSW Health · Director, Future Workforce Cathy Weeden · Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation · Senior Manager Workforce Strategy & Business Partnering This session explores transforming workforce planning into a results-driven, business-owned and led practice. Discover practical, evidence-based techniques that unlock organisational performance and enable a thriving workforce. Jaye and the panel will discuss building workforce acumen in our leaders and the critical role of HR as leading people thinkers and stewards of our workforce. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2:30 PM - 3:05 PM | NSW Health Workforce Planning Journey – Moments that Mattered Foundation ![]() Tamara Lee · NSW Health · Director, Future Workforce Explore NSW Health's transformation from tactical workforce management to a strategic planning enterprise. Tamara Lee shares pivotal lessons, challenges, and breakthroughs in integrating strategic foresight, megatrends, and skills adjacencies into the planning ecosystem, revealing a new vision for workforce planning. | Shaping the Future: Building Expertise and Empowering Leaders in Strategic Workforce Planning Immersion ![]() Samantha Wilson · Optus · Senior Strategic Workforce Planning & Org Design Consultant Ready to empower the next generation of workforce strategy leaders? Join Samantha Wilson from Optus to explore building SWP expertise, tackling challenges, and navigating career growth opportunities. Whether you're new to SWP, advancing your career, or enhancing your team's capabilities, this session offers practical strategies for success. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3:05 PM - 3:35 PM | Networking Break | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3:35 PM - 4:15 PM | Cutting Through the Noise: Strategic Workforce Planning in a World of Competing Priorities Plenary ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Amanda Lovelock · BHP · Manager Workforce Strategy Dani Schlesier · Australian Public Service Commission · Assistant Commissioner Professions and Pathways Rob Major · RTX · Director, Workforce Planning Nick Kennedy · Workforce Planning Institute · Chair This panel discussion brings together industry leaders to explore the art of navigating multiple strategies, prioritizing effectively, and fostering agility in Strategic Workforce Planning (SWP). Learn how to cut through the noise and deliver impactful workforce outcomes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4:15 PM - 4:25 PM | Q&A Plenary | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4:25 PM - 4:45 PM | Day 1 Wrap-up Plenary ![]() ![]() Nick Kennedy · Workforce Planning Institute · Chair Sarah Rogers · Deloitte Consulting LLP · Partner | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4:45 PM - 6:45 PM | Networking Drinks |
9:00 AM - 9:05 AM | Welcome, Day 2 Plenary ![]() Nick Kennedy · Workforce Planning Institute · Chair | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9:05 AM - 9:35 AM | Science or Art? Plenary ![]() Kate Ryan · Defence Australia · Director Workforce Modelling and Simulation Explore the intersection of science and art in workforce planning with Captain Kate Ryan, RAN. Learn how defence workforce modelling tackles challenges, balances data with decision-making, and adapts plans to dynamic demands using tools like the Athena Simulation Suite. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
9:35 AM - 10:05 AM | SWP 5.0: Shifting the Skills Lens Towards a Digital Future Plenary ![]() Dani Schlesier · Australian Public Service Commission · Assistant Commissioner Professions and Pathways Explore how the Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) is pioneering a skills-based approach to future-proof its workforce. Learn how digital readiness, strategic upskilling, and long-term planning align public sector roles with emerging technological demands. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10:05 AM - 10:35 AM | Breaking Biases – The Workforce You May Not Know You Need Plenary ![]() Kate Naess · Paralympian This session explores the value of expanding workforce inclusivity beyond traditional abilities. Paralympian Kate Naess shares her perspective on breaking biases and hiring individuals with disabilities to help companies close talent gaps, foster innovation, and cultivate a truly diverse workforce. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10:35 AM - 10:50 AM | Q&A Plenary ![]() ![]() ![]() Dani Schlesier · Australian Public Service Commission · Assistant Commissioner Professions and Pathways Kate Ryan · Defence Australia · Director Workforce Modelling and Simulation Kate Naess · Paralympian | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10:50 AM - 11:20 AM | Networking Break Break | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
11:20 AM - 11:55 AM | From Scratch: Securing Executive Buy-In in a Greenfields SWP Landscape Foundation ![]() Michael Sanese · University of Sydney · Director - HR Performance, Workforce Planning and Insights Discover effective strategies for winning senior executive buy-in for Strategic Workforce Planning in organisations new to the field. Michael Sanese from the University of Sydney shares insights on crafting persuasive cases for SWP that address business needs, risk mitigation, and talent sustainability. | The Accidental Workforce Planner Immersion ![]() Kath Hume · Workforce Planning Institute · Head of Learning Kath Hume introduces a practical framework for professionals unexpectedly tasked with creating a strategic workforce plan. This session covers foundational concepts, critical tools, and step-by-step guidance to develop a basic plan while showcasing elements from SWP and ECM courses to encourage further learning. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12:05 PM - 12:40 PM | The SWP Evolution: Tracking Our SWP Journey to Technology Enablement Foundation ![]() ![]() Emma Sutton · Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation · Senior People Business Partner - Workforce Strategy Cathy Weeden · Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation · Senior Manager Workforce Strategy & Business Partnering Gain insights into Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation's Strategic Workforce Planning journey, tracking its evolution from initial pilot phases towards full technology enablement. Cathy Weeden and Emma Sutton reveal challenges faced and lessons learned in building a resilient SWP approach at scale. | How to Make the Most of the Shift to Skills Immersion ![]() ![]() Farah Irani · NSW Health · Manager, Strategic Workforce Planning, Future Workforce Unit Amelia Budiawan · NSW Health · Senior Project Officer Hear from NSW Health on their journey exploring a skills-based workforce approach, moving beyond the hype to practical applications. This session delves into early lessons, evolving strategies, and the integration of cutting-edge thought leadership. Reflect on your organisation’s path and gain insights into aligning skills frameworks with workforce planning for measurable outcomes. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
12:40 PM - 1:40 PM | Lunch Break | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1:40 PM - 2:15 PM | Driving Outperformance Through SWP Foundation ![]() Adam Malski · Allianz Australia · Head of Workforce Strategy This session explores Allianz’s 5-year journey to embed Strategic Workforce Planning into its core operations, transforming talent management into a driver of business outperformance. Attendees will gain insights into overcoming implementation challenges, aligning SWP with strategy and finance, and the tangible benefits of a scalable, future-ready workforce. | The SWP Game: Mastering Workforce Planning in a Dynamic Environment Immersion ![]() Nick Kennedy · Workforce Planning Institute · Chair Dive into the SWP Game, a hands-on simulation where participants face real-world workforce planning challenges. Compete to achieve the lowest possible workforce costs while balancing demand, supply, and revenue goals. Are you ready to win at SWP? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2:25 PM - 3:00 PM | Increasing Meaningful Representation of Employees with Disability Foundation ![]() ![]() Erin Hannah · Scope (Aust) · Head of Workforce Planning and People Analytics Zane McKenzie · Scope (Aust) · Workforce Strategy Lead This session explores the journey of developing a Disability Inclusive Workforce Strategy to create meaningful representation for employees with disabilities. Speakers will share how structured problem-solving, stakeholder engagement, and prioritising inclusion drive sustainable cultural and business outcomes. | The SWP Game: Mastering Workforce Planning in a Dynamic Environment (Continued) Immersion ![]() Nick Kennedy · Workforce Planning Institute · Chair | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3:00 PM - 3:30 PM | Networking Break | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM | Panel - Ask Us Anything Plenary ![]() ![]() ![]() Nick Kennedy · Workforce Planning Institute · Chair Dani Schlesier · Australian Public Service Commission · Assistant Commissioner Professions and Pathways Alicia Roach · eQ8 · Co-Founder Join a live Q & A session with renowned SWP experts Nick Kennedy, Alicia Roach, and Daniela Schlesier. This interactive panel will address your most pressing questions about advanced strategic workforce planning, from scenario planning to aligning workforce strategy with business outcomes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4:00 PM - 4:10 PM | SWP Game – Winners Announced Plenary ![]() Kai Berendes · Workforce Planning Institute · Member Global Standards and Content Committee |