• APPMA marketing and events manager Denni Egan will emcee the pavilion again in 2026.
    APPMA marketing and events manager Denni Egan will emcee the pavilion again in 2026.
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APPMA will power a dedicated Processing and Packaging Pavilion as part of the newly released Innovation Stage programme at Industrial Transformation Australia 2026.

The agenda has been released, offering manufacturers a forward-looking programme focused on the technologies, strategies and investment decisions shaping the sector's future.

Taking place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 23-25 June, the free-to-attend Innovation Stage will bring together industry leaders, technology providers and practitioners to examine the opportunities and challenges facing Australian manufacturing.

Topics on the agenda include artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0 adoption, quantum computing, smart factory investment, cybersecurity and digital transformation, alongside broader discussions on the current state of Australian manufacturing and the competitiveness of local SMEs.

A key feature of this year's programme is the dedicated Processing and Packaging Pavilion on Day 2, powered by the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA).

The APPMA-led stream will focus on the technologies and trends reshaping packaging and processing operations, with sessions covering smart packaging, AI-powered quality control, sustainable automation and connected production environments.

The programme aligns closely with APPMA's broader mission of supporting the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies across Australia's packaging and processing sectors.

Organisers say the Innovation Stage has been designed to address the practical realities facing manufacturers as they navigate rising costs, global trade uncertainty, workforce challenges and accelerating technological change.

The three-day programme will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, fireside chats and practitioner-led sessions, all included with visitor registration.

Industrial Transformation Australia 2026 will be held at MCEC Melbourne from 23-25 June.

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