Learn how to respond to some of the world’s biggest challenges by being part of the conversations that matter. By connecting thought-leaders, professionals, start-ups and large enterprises, we can create positive change on a global scale.
Join our community of change-makers for a one day think tank to help you put sustainability on your organisation’s agenda. IMPACT! is your opportunity to transform the way you procure and put people, planet and profits at the heart of your process.
Step into the future of procurement with exclusive insights from the thought leaders shaping our sector. Our 2024 speakers and hosts are at the forefront of sustainability, innovation, and ethical practices, and they’re ready to share their expertise with you. Watch below for a sneak peek of what our speakers will be covering at IMPACT! This is your opportunity to arm yourself with the knowledge and connections to lead your organisation into the next era of responsible procurement.
Over 170 professionals gathered to drive meaningful change in procurement and sustainability. With insights from 9+ visionary speakers and a 98% satisfaction rate, the event laid the foundations for innovation and collaboration.
What we cover
At IMPACT! we’re deep-diving into the emerging trends disrupting industries across the world.
While our speakers come from a diverse array of industries and backgrounds, they’re united by their leadership in sustainable and ethical procurement. Get ready to be inspired by those who are not only shaping industry standards but are also setting the stage for a more responsible future. You’ll hear their actionable insights to help you make a tangible difference in the world.
Victorian Minister for Environment, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Minister for Outdoor Recreation
Steve is a dedicated parliamentarian committed to elevating Melbourne’s global standing as a hub for sports, creativity, and tourism. His work focuses on improving public infrastructure and policy effectiveness across education, health, housing, and transport to foster equal opportunities. At IMPACT! Steve will speak to the Government’s plans and progress on key reforms to create a greener, more sustainable and brighter future for the Victorian community.
Principal, Impact Spender
Matt Perfect brings 20 years of procurement and leadership experience across numerous industries to amplify the impact of procurement at every opportunity. His passion for embracing the power of procurement will be felt at this year’s IMPACT! Leading this jam-packed day inspired by a fresh speaker lineup and leaning further into the important conversations started at last year’s event, Matt will again ensure that anyone who steps into IMPACT! will leave with more case studies, connections and capacity to procure with purpose than ever before.
Co-founder & NED, Sports Environment Alliance
Dr Sheila Nguyen has been committed to improving our natural world through sport for the last twenty years. She has partnered with global sporting organisations, such as FIFA and the Australian Olympic Committee, to deliver key sustainability strategies to protect the places where we play so we can continue to do what we love – watch and play sport. Dr Nguyen has witnessed firsthand the power procurement has to positively change people and the planet in the world of sport. At IMPACT!, you'll have a front-row seat in her masterclass on creating a meaningful impact when the whole world is watching.
Footy For Climate, Co Founder
Footy for Climate, founded by AFL players Tom Campbell and Jasper Pittard, is dedicated to driving climate action within the Australian football community. From elite leagues to grassroots clubs, this player-led initiative bridges the gap between the sport and environmental stewardship, encouraging fans and players alike to protect both the game and the communities it supports. At IMPACT! Footy for Climate will discuss how football can lead the charge in combating climate change and fostering sustainable practices across the sport.
Social Entrepreneur and CEO, Transform Engine
Sam Dharmapala, CEO of Transform Engine, is a dedicated social entrepreneur who champions the role of social enterprise in the fight against modern slavery. In his role at Transform Engine, Sam leads a team that provides survivors of trafficking with meaningful employment opportunities, offering them a pathway out of exploitation and into sustainable, fulfilling careers. Sam will unpack his experience of working with survivors to show how social procurement can influence meaningful progress on modern slavery and make their supply chains part of the solution, not the problem.
Founder and CEO, Procurious, The Faculty, and The Source
Tania Seary is a leading procurement and supply chain entrepreneur and is recognised as one of the most influential members of the global procurement & supply chain profession. Throughout her career, Tania has been wholly committed to raising the profile of the procurement and supply chain professions and connecting its leaders. She is a regular commentator and host of global webinars and digital events. She has been named “Influencer of the Year” and recognised by IBM as a #NewWaytoEngage Futurist.
Procurement Leader and ESG Specialist
Rina Abbott-Jard, a seasoned leader in ESG, has a wealth of sustainable procurement experience under her belt. Drawing from her experience as a Gamilaroi leader and industry veteran, Rina will explore how better engagement with Indigenous perspectives can support sustainable procurement, particularly in relation to the environment and climate. With Rina's industry-leading perspective, you’ll discover how aligning your organisation’s ethical priorities can not only enhance commercial value but also help to change the world.
Founder, NorthStar Impact Funds
The current economic system is largely geared towards increasing growth. But this could come at the expense of rising social inequality and environmental degradation. Kerry Series, founder of NorthStar Impact Funds, will share his experience of challenging the status quo in investment markets. He will show you how to go beyond box-ticking with your ESG efforts and drive meaningful change in your own spend portfolio.
Senior Manager, Sustainability Partnerships, Westpac
Belinda Ramirez, an accomplished sustainability professional and expert, has supported suppliers and Westpac colleagues to cultivate sustainable purchasing decisions that will benefit people and the planet. She is the author of Wildflowers, a book that tells the stories of the survivors of human trafficking in the Philippines. At IMPACT! Belinda will be sharing the lessons she’s learnt from survivors of modern slavery to inspire you to play your part and be a catalyst for change.
Sustainability Manager, Australian Grand Prix Corporation
Sarah Lowe is a sustainability manager for the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. She is passionate about sustainability and creating innovative sustainable solutions for major events. With her immense knowledge in this field, Sarah will be participating in an engaging panel at IMPACT! to examine the effect of sport on people and the planet, and the lessons that we can learn from them.
Honorary Fellow, Melbourne Climate Futures (MCF) & Principal Sustainability, Senversa
Melbourne Climate Futures (MCF) connects and amplifies the depth and breadth of University of Melbourne research, creates a portal to share ideas and collaborate on real action, and empowers the next generation of climate activists. We are committed to leading our national, regional and global communities to a sustainable, safe, fair and equitable climate future. Senversa are a boutique national professional services firm applying high-quality technical and strategic advice to environmental, sustainability, and resource management projects in Australia.
Founder, Save Our Seas
Leading sustainable fashion pioneer Kit Willow, founder of two global fashion brands and most recently CIRKIT advisory has revealed her latest collaboration, a campaign to save the oceans from plastic pollution in partnership with future planet advocate 11-year-old Melbourne student Lumi Wilson. Entitled “Save Our Seas”, the campaign aims to increase awareness and educate audiences through sales of a limited edition KITX x Save Our Seas activism tee, with 100% of profits going to leading conservation organisations Melbourne Zoo’s Marine Response Unit and Take 3 for the Sea. “Save Our Seas” was born of Lumi’s desperation when learning of the devastating effects of plastic waste on marine life after watching David Attenborough’s documentary series Blue Planet 2.
Get ready to change the world for the better at IMPACT! Join like-minded procurement experts for this action-packed day focused on building your skills and confidence to make your mark!