Conference Program

Meet with a senior mining executive to gain career advice, ask questions and learn from their professional journeys.

Senior industry leaders share the lessons that shaped their careers and discuss the skills, mindset and leadership qualities that help graduates stand out in today's mining industry.

Discussion topics:

• Lessons learned early in their careers
• Technical versus professional skills
• Standing out as a graduate
• Leadership qualities for the future

Explore how emerging technologies, new commodities, automation, artificial intelligence and the energy transition are reshaping careers across the mining and resources sector.

A curated tour of the IMARC Exhibition featuring leading organisations and technology providers showcasing graduate pathways, emerging technologies and future career opportunities. Also includes different IMARC featured areas.

Leaders share their experiences navigating career progression, overcoming challenges and developing the confidence and resilience needed to lead in a rapidly changing industry.

Discussion topics:

• Building confidence
• Career setbacks and lessons learned
• International opportunities
• The importance of mentors and sponsors

Meet with a senior mining executive to gain career advice, ask questions and learn from their professional journeys.

The first five years of a career can shape where you go next. Industry and people leaders share their perspectives on navigating the transition from study to work, making the most of early career opportunities, building the skills and relationships that matter, and creating a career with purpose and longevity in the resources sector. 
 
Discussion topics: 

• Making the transition from study into industry  
• What makes early career professionals stand out  
• Building skills, confidence and professional networks  
• Finding mentors, sponsors and opportunities to learn  
• Navigating different career pathways across the resources sector  
• Understanding workplace culture and what to look for in an employer  
• Taking ownership of your career development  
• What employers can do to better support and retain emerging talent 

Meet with a senior mining executive to gain career advice, ask questions and learn from their professional journeys. 

A high-energy, facilitated networking experience connecting undergraduate students, graduates and early career professionals with people across the industry.

Rather than traditional networking, each industry leader presents a real-world challenge facing their organisation or the mining sector. Working in small standing groups, participants collaborate to share ideas, discuss solutions and provide fresh perspectives before rotating to the next industry leader.

Participants rotate every 10–12 minutes, engaging with 4–5 industry leaders during the session and contributing to meaningful conversations on the future of the industry.

Example discussion themes may include:

1. Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

• How can mining attract and retain the next generation of talent? 
• What would encourage graduates to build long-term careers in mining? 
• How do we improve the industry's image with students and early career professionals? 

2. The Workplace of 2040

• What does the workplace of 2040 look like? 
• How can technology make mining more attractive to young professionals? 
• How can FIFO and remote work evolve for the next generation? 

3. Leadership & Workplace Culture

• How should leadership evolve for the next generation? 
• How do we create workplaces where young people feel they belong? 
• How do we better support the wellbeing of young people working on mine sites? 

4. Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

• How do we improve diversity, inclusion and belonging across our workforce? 
• How do we create an industry where every young professional can thrive? 

5. Challenging Industry Thinking

• What blind spots do industry leaders have when it comes to attracting and developing young talent? 
• What opportunities are established leaders missing? 
• How should mining communicate with younger generations, and what messaging truly resonates with Gen Z?

Session Format

• 20 industry leaders positioned throughout the room
• Each leader hosts a standing discussion zone, identified by floor decals.
• Participants are allocated to a small group of 6–8 people. 
• Each discussion runs for 10–12 minutes before participants rotate. 
• Groups capture 2–3 key recommendations on a response card or digital form, which is provided to the industry leader at the end of each discussion. 
• The session concludes with informal networking and LinkedIn connections, and all attendees are encouraged to attend the daily IMARC Networking Reception in the IMARC Exhibition Delegate Lounges from 5:30pm

Meet with a senior mining executive to gain career advice, ask questions and learn from their professional journeys