WorkPlace Experience Summit

3 September, 2024 | Doltone House Hyde Park, Sydney + Virtual

Strategy, technology and design for future-fit productive workplaces

About the event

Strategy, technology and design for future-fit productive workplaces

The workplace is rapidly evolving and the design and building of the workplace has become a powerful tool in influencing productivity, employee satisfaction, innovation and the bottom line. It is now more critical than ever that workplace experience be a partner with corporate real estate and facilities in order to respond to organisational needs taking into account different industries and job functions.

The Workplace Experience Summit focused on the many ways in which the fight for talent and ways of working are: changing the design footprint of organisations; changing real estate needs; changing company culture; changing leadership approaches and harnessing technologies to create collaborative and connected workplace ecosystems.

The Summit brought together employers, office landlords, agencies, tenant rep firms, flex workspace providers, the workplace design (AEC) sector and tech enablers to rethink the needs of the modern workplace. The summit will also cover the cultural shifts and realignments of today’s organisational climate and highlight how the physical workspace is being repurposed and redesigned, revealing the pivotal technological factors in transforming our work.

The event featured top level presentations, interactive panel discussions as well as roundtables and networking activities.

2022 Speakers

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2024 Speakers

Antony Slumbers

Global Workplace Expert (UK),

Stace Fishwick

Executive Director-Commercial Development & Management, Property and Development NSW

Jake Mascarenhas

Senior Program Manager – Global Real Estate Strategy, Design, Development , Atlassian

Domino Risch

Director, Placeology

Letitia Hope

Head of Property Experience, ISPT

Tanya Lanycia

Director – Commercial Development, Property and Development NSW

Oliver Sebastian

Director of Information Technology (CIO), Landcom

Gabrielle Bibby

Head of Commercial Leasing and International Property, NAB

Karen Primmer

National Director, Head of Workplace Transformation and Innovation, Colliers

Graeme Scannell

General Manager, Real Estate and Workplace, MYOB

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THE PROGRAM

The Workplace Experience Summit brought together senior leaders to discuss the following topics:

Hyper-personalisation in real estate: As work changes in this knowledge era, so must corporate real estate. We are now living in a time of hyper-personalisation, in which consumers expect services and products to be customised to their needs. This trend is now reaching CRE as businesses demand the work environment to be personalised, cost effective, and available “on demand.” This new paradigm presents both opportunities and challenges for occupiers, landlords, service providers, and flex operators, as the lines between them keep getting blurred.
Reinvention of the Modern Office: The global pandemic brought our attendance in the office to an abrupt halt and triggered a complete re-evaluation of the purpose of the workplace. With the return to the new normal, what does the workplace look like? Who is coming back and why? What are the new goals for the modern office?
Workplace Occupancy and the War for Talent: We explore the reasons behind employees’ reluctance to return to the office and provide valuable insights and solutions for employers to attract and retain top talent. We’ll consider prevailing narratives about declining office occupancy rates and showcase the immense potential of workplace occupancy in fostering talent acquisition and retention.
Employee Experience: Beyond Hybrid Work– Organisations must rethink how to face the new challenges that hybrid work brings. A new operating model should be considered with at least three dimensions: people, processes, and places. To design and implement the right operating model for every organisation and every role, culture and technology must go together, providing a holistic approach to enable and optimise employee experience in the hybrid work environment.

Meeting Spaces for Today and Tomorrow: The workplace has changed significantly over recent years — where technology was a luxury, it is now a necessity. Hybrid is now mainstream and widely adopted; the right strategies and collaboration technologies will need to be implemented for the evolving modern workplace.
Navigating the Future of Real Estate: The real estate profession is undergoing a transformative evolution, driven by shifting demands, changing work dynamics, and the need for sustainable practices. We’ll explore strategies employed by industry leaders and organisations to prepare their portfolios, workplaces, and workforces for the future of real estate and business change considering key areas of uncertainty, talent management, ESG integration, portfolio optimisation, workplace reinvention, technology adoption, and performance tracking.
AI & Workplace Experience: The advent of hybrid work has prompted organisations to embrace the flexibility of remote and in-office work. But companies are struggling with the best way to design space that meets the needs of hybrid employees that utilise the office for varying purposes. Enter artificial intelligence, which is emerging as a powerful tool in redefining workplace design. We’ll discuss how AI will reshape commercial real estate, emphasizing its potential for experience-driven design and highly customizable environmental settings that lead to increased employee satisfaction and reduced costs.

PEOPLE & CULTURE: REcruit/REtain/REtrain/REgroup

Organisations that prioritise workplace wellbeing out-perform their competitors – Thriving workplaces are healthier, more profitable and creative.

How to build a thriving/FOMO inducing workplace to attract the next generation of talent
Building a regenerative workplace: Restoring employee wellbeing to achieve performance excellence
What does a “Return to People” look like when placing the emphasis on the most important ingredient of work and the workplace – the people?
How millennials and digital natives are reshaping what’s important in workplace and employee experience
Metrics of happiness: workplace design considerations and the happiness ecosystem
Taking a people centric, data-driven approach to workplace planning
Managing flexible agile workplace arrangements
Shaping/designing the workplace to reinforce culture and drive workplace value

TECHNOLOGY: REconnect/REtool/REallocate/REengage

Technology’s role in shaping the end user experience and expectations of the new workforce for a digital-first, hybrid work environment.

Workplace experience, productivity, health and digital office integration
The impact of smart building technology on the future of work
Leases, locations, and employees: Driving workplace decisions with integrated technology
Designing a frictionless digital employee experience
Balancing portfolio planning and tenant expectations with hybrid workplace technology
How to connect people and place and make informed, data-driven space decisions
Sensing the future – Using Proptech and workplace analytics to support the flexible workplace experience and meet new workplace challenges

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday | 3rd September

08:30 - 09:00

Registration

09:00

Official welcome

THE GREAT WORKPLACE RESET – WHERE TO NEXT?

09:05

Chairperson’s Opening Remarks

Has Fakira, Principal, Five Words Consulting

09:10

KEYNOTE ADDRESS | Neuro-diversity: A new lens for workplace design

The boundaries between being neuro-typical, experiencing mental health issues, being ‘on the spectrum’ and having a clinical diagnosis are murkier and more overlapping than is generally recognised. In every team you work with and meeting you go to, there will be people who behave, feel, think, hear, speak and learn very differently to you. This deeply personal and emotional presentation showcases Domino’s personal experience as a parent of an autistic child together with examples from her workplace design portfolio and asks the question: What if we designed our workplaces and shaped corporate cultures around a broader and more equitable definition of diversity – beyond gender, race, religion, physical ability, sexual orientation and age, and started to take into account people – actual real people’s – neurological preferences in designing workplaces?

Deepen your knowledge of Neuro-diversity and what makes different people tick;

Gain insight into how modern workplaces exacerbate sensory issues for most people;

Learn how to create a more sensorily-inclusive workplace

Domino Risch, Director, Placeology

09:30

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Using AI to turbo charge human-centric real estate

Join this presentation as we dive into the ever-evolving future of the workspace and examine the implications of AI on Workplace and Real estate:

How AI is shaping the modern office and the workplaces of the future
How AI is enabling the creation of human-centric spaces and workplaces
How AI will make these types of spaces even more important, as the ‘work we do’ is fundamentally reconfigured due to technological change
Assessing how AI is providing the tools for new and existing companies to dramatically improve their productivity

Antony Slumbers, Global Workplace Expert (UK),

10:00

PANEL DISCUSSION: Working through transformative times

Join us for an insightful discussion alongside industry experts as we explore the complex and constantly evolving workplace landscape. We examine human-centric strategies, working models, AI, and the gig economy, as we navigate the work of the future and the future of work.

Looking at how the evolution of workplace models are enhancing productivity, team collaboration, staff engagement and well being
How is technology integration in the modern workplace embracing AI, automation, and robotics – and what impact is this having?
Embracing the Gig Economy: Balancing flexibility and organisational culture in the modern era of work
Shaping the future of workplace experience: What are the trends, challenges, and strategies involved?

Graeme Scannell, General Manager, Real Estate and Workplace, MYOB

Letitia Hope, Head of Property Experience, ISPT

Jake Mascarenhas, Senior Program Manager – Global Real Estate Strategy, Design, Development , Atlassian

Facilitated by:

Has Fakira, Principal, Five Words Consulting

10:40

Morning refreshments & networking break

11:20

INTERACTIVE ROUND TABLE SESSIONS

These quickfire moderated 40-minute roundtable sessions enable delegates to break up into small focus groups of 20 to deep dive into topics of specific interest. This will be followed by a quick recap of each table discussion by each of the facilitators.

Roundtable 1: Beyond Four Walls: The Rise of Tenant-Centric Office Amenities, Services and Hospitality

Facilitated by: John Preece, Chief Property Officer, Hub Australia

Roundtable 2: This changes everything—or does it? Examining AI’s impact on the future of work

Facilitated by: Graeme Scannell, Head of Real Estate and Workplace, MYOB

Roundtable 3: Curating better workplace experiences and facilitating collaboration. What have we tried? What works? What needs improvement?
Facilitated by: Allan Ryan, Executive Director, Hargraves Institute

Roundtable 4: The next generation workplace: what elements are key?

Facilitated by: Tanya Lanycia, Director – Commercial Development, Property and Development NSW/ Stace Fishwick, Executive Director-Commercial Development & Management, Property and Development NSW

Roundtable 5: How to manage a multigenerational workforce: Reviewing common challenges and the best practices to engage all parties

Facilitated by: James Koch, Co-Founder and CEO, CulturAlchemy

Graeme Scannell, General Manager, Real Estate and Workplace, MYOB

Tanya Lanycia, Director – Commercial Development, Property and Development NSW

Stace Fishwick, Executive Director-Commercial Development & Management, Property and Development NSW

Allan Ryan, Executive Director, Hargraves Institute

James Koch, Co-Founder and CEO, CulturAlchemy

John Preece, Chief Property Officer, Hub Australia

WINNING THE WAR FOR TALENT: CULTURE, STAFF WELLBEING AND PEOPLE FOCUSED

12:00

PANEL DISCUSSION: Managing the employee experience in a changed world

Were the last few years a blip? As the pendulum swings back toward employers having the upper hand, this discussion will focus on what will “managing the employee experience” mean in the future? This discussion with key thought leaders will explore employers’ relationships with their workers in rapidly changing times.

As the social contract changes, which perks and benefits will matter, and which ones won’t?
What strategies can managers employ to foster a sense of belonging and community amongst its remote and hybrid teams, and how will this impact employee engagement and productivity?
What role will middle managers have as companies flatten their staff?
How will last year’s focus on wellness and burnout fare when people are worried about the future of their employment?

Kim Ronaldson, Workplace Experience Manager, Australian Retirement Trust

Rebecca Dowell, Manager, Workspace Experience, Reserve Bank of Australia

John Preece, Chief Property Officer, Hub Australia

Facilitated by:

James Koch, Co-Founder and CEO, CulturAlchemy

12:35

Workplace Data Strategy

In this session, we dive into how organisations can harness data to optimise workplace operations, improve employee experience, and drive business growth. It covers the critical components of a data strategy, including data collection, integration, analysis, and governance, all tailored to the unique needs of modern workplaces. The presentation highlights the importance of aligning data initiatives with organisational goals, ensuring data privacy and security, and leveraging analytics to gain actionable insights.

Mick Reynolds, Global Business Development Director, Schneider Electric

12:55

Snack Proud Lunch Introduction

Join us for a thought-provoking panel discussion as we delve into the transformative landscape of the modern office. We explore innovative approaches that adapt to the evolving paradigm of hybrid work. Our panellists will share strategies that foster a harmonious blend of physical and virtual collaboration, by empowering agile and distributed workforces, the redesign of workspace and real estate strategy.

Exploring innovative workspace design concepts that support agility and discuss the flexible layouts, technological integration and remote collaboration tools
We discuss strategies for empowering teams in dynamic environments, with a closer look at autonomy, trust, and effective communication techniques
Examine the role of workplace culture in promoting collaboration
Discuss the shifts in attitudes toward remote work and the implication of virtual collaboration

Ashleigh Whittaker, Founder, Snack Proud

13:00

Lunch & networking break

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AND WORK DESIGN

14:00

PANEL DISCUSSION: Reinventing the Modern Office from a hybrid work standpoint

Exploring innovative workspace design concepts that support agility and discuss the flexible layouts, technological integration and remote collaboration tools
We discuss strategies for empowering teams in dynamic environments, with a closer look at autonomy, trust, and effective communication techniques
Examine the role of workplace culture in promoting collaboration
Discuss the shifts in attitudes toward remote work and the implication of virtual collaboration

Fabian Andreoni, National Workplace Planning and Strategy Manager, Origin Energy

Deb Sweetman, Head of Workplace Experiences and Services, Zurich

Joanna Savakis, Head of Workplace Experience ANZ, Dentsu

Facilitated by:

Has Fakira, Principal, Five Words Consulting

14:40

WORKPLACE INNOVATION TALKS

In this series of 3 x 5 minute talks innovators share ideas, tools and technologies to create thriving workplaces. This dynamic and engaging session will close with a 20 minute panel discussion.

Talk 1: Jason Boyd, Regional Sales Leader, Appspace

Talk 2: Riz Mridha, Co-Founder, Hampr

Talk 3: Sip Smarter – Sustainable hydration for the modern workplace

Ryan Nelson, CEO and Founder, Refilled

Facilitated by: Simon Hayes, Innovation and PropTech Expert

Jason Boyd, Regional Sales Leader, A/NZ, Appspace

Riz Mridha, Co-Founder, Hampr

Ryan Nelson, CEO and Founder, Refilled

Facilitator

Simon Hayes, Innovation and PropTech Expert ,

15:20

Afternoon refreshments & networking break

WORKPLACE TECHNOLOGIES

15:50

Culture leaves clues: Unveiling predictive power in your organisation

Dive into the world of organisational culture. Many strive for a utopian ideal but often fall short. In this session, see how understanding your current culture can provide valuable, predictive insights to boost engagement and performance. Learn how your existing culture can work for and against you and discover how to turn 10% of lost momentum into productivity. This presentation will outline the secrets to engaging employees, managing strategic risks, and navigating resistance to change. Join us for a transformative session that reshapes how you harness the power of your organisational culture!

Exploring the critical links between purpose, context and culture

Understanding your team’s / organisation’s culture, how it aligns (or not) to the strategic intent and the implications of this

Identifying your existing cultural accelerators and handbrakes and what you can do to fully leverage them.

Exploring approaches to bridge the gap between strategy and execution.

James Koch, Co-Founder and CEO, CulturAlchemy

16:05

LOCKNOTE DISCUSSION: Maximising workplace efficiency and adaptability through technology

In this panel discussion, we explore the key themes surrounding the introduction of innovative technologies that are shaping the future of the workplace. Join as our expert panellists outline how to make the most out of technology in the new age.Join as our expert panellists outline some key industry trends and opportunities.

Explore how workplace technology can be utilised to create a more engaging and satisfying work experiences for employees by including user-friendly interfaces and digital platforms that foster engagement and productivity
Discuss the challenges of resource management and the transformative role of technology in optimising workflows, allocating resources, and enhanced operational efficiency
Explore how technological innovation, including the adoption of AI, IoT, and automation are reshaping work processes, driving innovation, and positioning organisations for optimal success in the future
Addressing the key challenges related to skill gaps, continuous learning, and adaptation.
Ensuring organisations remain agile and competitive in an ever-changing digital environment

Oliver Sebastian, Director of Information Technology (CIO), Landcom

Alicia Cook, Managing Director, Emerson Health

Nicola Karcz, Business Development Manager, Schneider Electric

Facilitated by:

Karen Primmer, National Director, Head of Workplace Transformation and Innovation, Colliers

16:40

EatFirst Drinks Introduction

Daniel Carew, Head of Sales, EatFirst

16:45

Networking drinks reception

17:30

Close of Summit

Who should attend and why?

This event is for workplace leadership job functions who need to work together to create the workplace that best meets the challenges inherent within a hybrid or work-from-anywhere (WFA) model. The Summit focuses on the three core areas affected by hybrid and WFA, namely:

C Level, HR, Wellness and Work Culture Specialists

You are responsible for supporting remote and office staff management, engagement, recruitment, and overall performance within the workplace.

The Summit will show you how your role has expanded to include the remote and digital workplace and how these changes will influence employee experience, mental and physical welfare, work community and corporate culture.

Do staff perform well out of the office?
Is the workplace fair to all employee groups?
How do we reconnect staff to the brand values?
Can we provide meaningful wellbeing support?
How can we boost innovation & collaboration?
How do we stop “the great resignation”?

Creating high performance workplaces that your employees love
Boosting employee experience in a remote first and flex friendly company
Designing for corporate culture – Creating the new hub strategy for the hybrid office
Ensuring fairness & wellbeing to all employees in the hybrid and work-from-anywhere workplace
How to build a work from anywhere policy

Technology, Digital and Remote Employee Support Specialists

You are responsible for determining the current and future needs of the organisation to create fit-for-purpose solutions for the distributed digital and physical office.

The Summit will show you how to optimise digital tools and broader Proptech offerings to streamline and automate processes, improve productivity, empower and engage employees wherever they work.

What new tech do we need to stay relevant?
How can we better connect staff to the office?
Can we make our services easier to use?
How can we use EX data to improve services?
How will the VR office change the digital needs?

Building people success: measuring employee happiness and engagementusing data driven tools
Developing future ready workplaces which connect business strategy with people, digital and place
Predictions from the edge of the future workplace
Optimising immersive meeting technologiesfor the virtual office
Reading the future in the present for hybrid & digital workplaces

Building, Real Estate and Flex Service Specialists

You are focused on ensuring that the operating costs of office space are justified and supportive of staff needs and company/employee requirements.

The Summit will provide you with current real-world insights from large enterprise organisations and industry experts mapping out where the market is heading, what factors are driving their decision-making process, and why flexible workspace arrangements will be the norm going forwards.

What is the best way to use flex space services?
How do we ensure our space is fit for purpose?
Should we keep our old office lease or adjust it?
Will hybrid-WFA models continue post covid?
How can technology help maximise space use?

Boosting employee experience in a remote first and flex friendly company
Designing for corporate culture – Creating the new hub strategy for the hybrid office
Building employee centric workplaces with corporate purpose and social value
In the hybrid workplace, how do you reposition your office assets for future value?
Creating a win-win workplace experience supporting performance, culture and authenticity

Workplace Designers, Workplace Experience and Digital Office Connectivity Specialists

You are responsible for refitting/repurposing the office to effectively engage and empower staff who seek improved digital, collaboration and innovation hubs.

The summit will show case the importance of having a dedicated workplace experience strategy and team to successfully manage the shift to a distributed workplace and digital office with a space and technology platform that is fit for this new purpose.

Is our office design and services competitive?
Will employees value returning to the office?
Can we help boost the brand values in design?
Can we improve health and wellness in design?
Are we prepared for the future of digital work

Building employee centric workplaces with corporate purpose and social value
Making sure you have appropriate flex policies in place for your office space
Creating spaces for activity based work cultures
Design places and spaces that support mental health and wellness
Ensuring equity, flexibility & work-life balance in hybrid workplaces

Event Ticket Price

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$1095 + gst

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Session recordings and presentation slides
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$1595 + gst

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Access to all conference sessions and networking opportunities
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