Melbourne Industry Connect 2026: HR Leaders Forum

Building a capable, resilient and future-ready workforce has never been more important for Australia's processing and agribusiness sectors.

As workforce expectations evolve, technology continues to reshape workplaces and organisations face increasing pressure to attract, retain and develop skilled employees, people leaders are being asked to navigate increasingly complex challenges.

To support industry in responding to these challenges, MINTRAC Industry Connect Melbourne 2026 will bring together employers, HR professionals, operational leaders, government representatives and workforce specialists for two days of practical learning, collaboration and industry engagement.

This year's program features two dedicated streams:

Day One - HR Leaders Forum, designed for HR professionals, operational leaders and workforce specialists.

Day Two - RTO & Trainer Network Forum, bringing together trainers, assessors and registered training organisations to explore training quality, capability development and emerging industry priorities.

The event will commence with the HR Leaders Forum on 11 August, delivering a practical program focused on the workforce challenges organisations are facing today, from attracting and retaining talent to leveraging technology, supporting employee wellbeing and building resilient organisations.

"Building workforce capability requires more than training alone. It requires industry, employers, trainers and government working together to address today's challenges and prepare for tomorrow's workforce. Industry Connect is about bringing those conversations together and turning ideas into practical outcomes for the sector." – Mick Crouch, CEO, MINTRAC

HR Leaders Forum is a dedicated program designed specifically for professionals responsible for building and leading today's workforce.

Rather than focusing on theory, the forum has been designed around practical workforce priorities that organisations are managing every day, including:

1. Building workforce capability
2. Attracting future talent
3. Technology and workforce innovation
4. Workplace wellbeing and employee engagement
5. Workforce planning and operational resilience

Across the day, attendees will hear from recognised industry experts and organisations working at the forefront of workforce development.

Sessions will explore:

• Practical strategies for attracting and engaging the next generation of employees.
• How organisations are leveraging technology to improve workforce capability and maximise operational efficiency.
• Creating psychologically healthy workplaces that support retention, wellbeing and performance.
• Practical workforce health initiatives that improve participation and strengthen organisational outcomes.
• Workforce planning strategies that help organisations build resilient and scalable operations.

Importantly, the forum also provides valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration, allowing participants to connect with peers facing similar workforce challenges while sharing practical experiences and solutions.

The HR Leaders Forum forms part of MINTRAC Industry Connect Melbourne, a broader program that brings together industry, training providers and government to strengthen workforce capability, skills development and industry collaboration across Australia's processing sector.

Whether your focus is workforce planning, people and culture, operational leadership or organisational capability, the HR Leaders Forum offers practical insights that can be applied immediately within your organisation.

📅 11-12 August 2026
📍 Best Western Airport Motel & Convention Centre, Attwood, Victoria

Register HERE

Learn from Industry Leaders

Melbourne Industry Connect 2026 will feature an outstanding lineup of speakers bringing expertise from across workforce strategy, technology, recruitment, workplace wellbeing and organisational leadership.

Participants will hear practical insights from:

• Dr Natalie Flatt, Chief Mental Health Advisor at SuperFriend, on creating psychologically healthy workplaces and strengthening workforce wellbeing.
• Adam Harris, Co-Founder and Director at Renofy, exploring how organisations can leverage technology to improve workforce capability and maximise return on investment.
• Max Cohrssen, State Operations Manager (Victoria) at Work Healthy Australia, showcasing practical workplace health initiatives that support workforce participation and performance.
• Cliff Stoneman and Mitchell Stoneman from Explore Careers, discussing innovative approaches to attracting the next generation of workers and building sustainable workforce pipelines.
• Neil Ryder, Founder of The Ryder Group, sharing strategies for workforce scalability, operational resilience and building internationally capable workforces.

Together, these sessions will provide attendees with practical ideas, proven strategies and real-world experience that can be applied across organisations of all sizes.

Download the Mlb IC HR Leaders Forum program and discover this year's speakers.

MINTRAC is proud that Melbourne Industry Connect 2026 has been officially endorsed as part of National Skills Week 2026. The endorsement recognises the event's contribution to advancing national conversations around skills, training and workforce capability, while providing industry with practical insights and collaborative solutions to support the future workforce. 

Register HERE