SPEAKERS & PANEL DISCUSSIONS

Key Note Speaker – Tim Jarvis

Tim is an environmental scientist, author and adventurer with Masters degrees in environmental science and environmental law. He is committed to finding pragmatic solutions to major environmental issues related to climate change and biodiversity loss and uses his public speaking engagements, films and books about his expeditions and sustainability work to promote progressive thinking in these areas.

After over two decades of polar travel and work as an environmental scientist, Tim is a well-known public speaker, applying the lessons he has learned throughout his expeditions to talk about leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, change management and goal setting for both organisations and individuals.

Tim Woods, IndustryEdge 

We are thrilled to announce that the respected and dynamic Tim Woods of Industry Edge will be gracing our 2024 National Conference as a speaker! Known for his insightful dissection of FTMA’s Trussted Insight over the past four years, and more recently the amazing FATSO Reports, Tim brings a quarter of a century of experience in the fibre, wood products, and pulp and paper industries. His solid foundation in research, policy, strategy, and project management make his presentations a much-anticipated event. We are indeed fortunate to have him on board.

Brenda Garrard-Forster, HR Anywhere

We are elated to announce that Brenda, a seasoned Human Resources Executive, will be gracing the FTMA National Conference with her noteworthy insights on various aspects of HR. With her profound expertise in organisational development, change management, cultural transformation, and leadership capability, Brenda promises to engage the audience with transformative discourse. Her wealth of experience and innovative approaches in HR are sure to enlighten and inspire all attendees, making her contribution one of the most anticipated sessions of the conference.

Dr Alastair Woodard, Wood Products Victoria (WPV)

Dr Alastair Woodard is a director of Technical Promotion & Consulting Solutions (Aust) Pty Ltd, a consultancy specialising in advice on the use and impact of building and construction materials. He has over thirty years of experience as a professional consulting structural engineer, a university lecturer whilst undertaking a PhD in engineering, and in a range of senior roles with building industry associations including his current role as General Manager of Wood Products Victoria and Victorian Wood Solutions Program manager. Dr Woodard is passionate about helping fabricators grow and branch into new market areas and will bring his passion and energy to Geelong to discuss future framing and the next generation of lightweight timber structures.

Karl-Heinz Weiss, Weiss Insights

Mr Weiss, director of Weiss Insights, is a respected expert specialising in timber adoption across the design and construction communities. Karl-Heinz has a strong track record in delivering valuable insights into complex and ambitious problems as well as identifying opportunities to operationalise solutions at scale. He has a key commitment to the importance of building skills and capabilities across the sector and supporting pathways to the adoption of DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly) and Modern Methods of Construction. We are excited to have Karl-Heinz bring his extensive knowledge and understanding of resources, processes, applications, assembly methodologies and in technologies and regulatory and certification frameworks to the 2024 FTMA National Conference.

Nick Hewson, WPV and Arboralis

We are delighted to announce that Nick, a highly experienced chartered structural engineer and timber engineering expert, will be one of our esteemed speakers at our upcoming conference. With a flourishing career spanning over 18 years, Nick has amassed considerable expertise in a diverse range of projects, from modest domestic renovations to immense multi-billion dollar civil and structural projects in both the UK and Australia. His in-depth knowledge of engineered wood products, structural dynamics, and stairs, along with his contributions to various publications on timber design and robustness, will provide invaluable insights for our attendees. Prepare to be enlightened by Nick’s profound understanding and broad experience in the construction industry.