Grow with our region
Hunter Industry Open Day
Join us at the University of Newcastle Hunter Industry Open Day for a day of connection, innovation, and collaboration as we explore opportunities to grow our region together.
As the Hunter continues to evolve and thrive, partnerships between industry, research and education become increasingly vital. Our Hunter Open Day is your opportunity to discover how we can work together to drive regional growth, innovation, and success. Whether you're interested in research collaborations, developing future talent, or building professional networks, come along andexplore how we can shape an even brighter future for our communities.
Event Details
- Date and Time: 6 May 2026, 9:00AM – 2:00PM
- Location: Level 1, Tertiary Education Centre,87 Hill Street, Muswellbrook, NSW 2333
- Registrations: Registration closes 21 April 2026, or when capacity is reached.
Hunter Industry Open Day
6 May 2026
Why Attend?
- Find your next innovation partner - Meet researchers and educators and discover how we can help solve your challenges through research collaboration and education innovations
- Access future talent - Learn how to engage with our talent pipeline and bring skilled students into your workplace before they complete their degree.
- Expand your network - Connect with other industry leaders and university partners
Event Schedule/Agenda
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00am |
Guests arrive Research and Innovation Capability Expo commences |
| 9:30am kick off | Welcome including Acknowledgement of Country |
| 9:40am | Mayoral Muster – Panel facilitated by Nathan Towney, DVCEE |
| 10:00am | Ministerial address – Minister Chanthivong |
| 10:20am | Hunter Insights Session |
| 10:40am | Future made – Panel facilitated by Laura Eadie, IRF Director |
| 11:10am | Morning tea break - Research and Innovation Capability Expo |
| 11:30am | PD workshops - Practical Gen AI workshop, Cultural Capability Taster, Build your brand and talent pipeline |
| 12:45pm | Closing address – Patricia Forsythe, Chancellor |
| 1:00pm | Networking lunch and Research and Innovation Capability Expo |
| 2:00pm | Event end |
About the sessions
Mayoral Muster
Kicking off the event will be the mayoral muster – bringing together Mayors from three councils – Muswellbrook, Upper Shire and Singleton to set the scene for the future of the region.
Hunter Insights Series
Delivered by the Institute for Regional Futures, this insights session will draw upon national and regional data to provide details on economic conditions and predictions for the Upper Hunter region.
Future Made Panel
The Future Made panel will include a mix of University representations and industry to discuss key themes around planning and investment in our local regions.
Professional Development Workshops and Precinct Tour
Choose from any of the below professional development workshops and tours:
- Cultural Capability Taster: Learn about Indigenous culture and how to build a culturally responsive environment.
- Practical Gen AI Workshop: Learn about the big changes in Gen AI from 2025 to 2026, outline the best use-cases for small business, and discuss the future ramifications of this ambiguous technological frontier.
- Build Your Brand and Talent Pipeline: Learn how to enhance your organisation’s brand presence and attract top emerging talent.
- Hunter Innovation Precinct Tour: Take a tour of the Hunter Innovation Precinct including the Tertiary Education Centre, Muswellbrook Energy & Resources Centre, Donald Horne Building, STEM Innovation Lab, Modern Manufacturing Centre and the Muswellbrook Library.
Research, Teaching & Innovation Expo and networking lunch
Discover cutting-edge research, innovative teaching approaches, and learning innovations from across the University. Meet the creative minds behind these initiatives and connect with researchers and educators.
FAQs
This event is primarily designed for industry representatives, business leaders, employers, and organisations who have partnered or who are interested in partnering with the University. There will also be a select group of University researchers, academics, and staff attending.
No, this event is free to attend, but registration is required due to capacity limitations.
Business casual attire is suggested.
Yes, food and drinks will be available during the networking lunch.
You can select your preferred workshop or tour during the registration process. They have limited capacity and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Parking is available on campus. Detailed parking information will be sent to registered attendees closer to the event date.
Please indicate any dietary requirements in the registration form. For specific queries, please contact industry-engagement@newcastle.edu.au.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.