{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions Advertise jobs HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes National Construction Code Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Communication for your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Support for you Charitable Foundation Get to know us Our members Our people
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2026 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

WA Housing Forum

{{ tag.label }} {{ tag.label }} $vuetify.icons.faTimes
Hear the latest economic forecasts and trends to help you make better business decisions, featuring key presenters from HIA’s Economics Team as well as guest speakers.

RSVP

Wednesday 20 May 2026

Location

The Westin
Tickets

$290*

for members

$390*

for non-members
  • Date
    Friday 29th May
  • Time
    8:00AM to 3:30PM
Add to calendar
Register $vuetify.icons.faClipboardListCheck
Enquire $vuetify.icons.faComments

* Prices include GST.

Presented by Prompt Engineering

Join us at the WA Housing Forum, where we’ll explore the key issues shaping residential construction and the factors influencing the industry today and into the future.

Hear from industry leaders, experts and decision-makers, and connect with peers across the sector. This is an opportunity to gain practical insight, challenge your thinking and stay informed with what’s ahead.

At this event, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of topics, including:

  • Future homebuyer demand and the economic drivers shaping the market
  • Copyright, AI and protecting intellectual property in a changing landscape
  • Regulatory updates and what they mean for your business and compliance
  • AI in practice — emerging tools, efficiencies and associated risks
  • Design trends influencing modern homes, inside and out
  • Leading a multigenerational workforce and what people really want at work
  • Mental health, resilience and supporting performance in high-pressure environments

It’s a power-packed program designed to give you clarity, context and confidence in a changing environment.

Reserve your seat today and be part of a day dedicated to insight, connection and industry direction.

Agenda
{{ propApi.expandedIcon }} {{ propApi.collapsedIcon }}
Time Session
7:30am Registration opens
8:00am Plated breakfast
8:15am Official welcome address
8:30am - 9:15am

Future Homebuyer Trends

Speaker : David Cresp - Partner, Urbis

This session explores the key trends shaping future homebuyer demand, drawing on economic indicators and market data. It will provide insight into the factors influencing purchasing behaviour and how these may evolve over time. Gain a broader understanding of where demand is heading and what this could mean for the residential building industry in the years ahead.

9:20am - 10:00am

Copyright in the Age of AI

Speaker : David Wilson - Principal, Stratocumulus Legal

Copyright has always been a core consideration for architects and building designers, used to maintain a point of differentiation and strengthen their market position — but AI is changing the rules. This session explores how generative AI is challenging ownership, control and intellectual property. Who owns AI-generated designs? What risks should you be aware of? Understanding how to protect and manage your IP is becoming critical.

10:30am - 11:15am

Choose one of the following seminars :

Building and Energy: An Industry Update

Speaker : Dan Kearney - Executive Director, Building and Energy

This session provides a practical update on the regulatory environment shaping residential construction in Western Australia. It will cover current priorities, recent developments and what they mean in practice. Leave with a clearer understanding of the role of Building and Energy in the current landscape, key areas of focus, and how evolving requirements may impact business operations, compliance and project delivery.

AI for Builders: Agents, Safety & What's Coming Next

Speaker : Cameron Rule - Director, Downtime Assassin 

This session will explore how AI is reshaping the way builders work and what it means for the future of the industry. It will examine the rise of AI agents and the efficiencies they promise, while highlighting the growing importance of AI safety – from protecting sensitive information to understanding risks and why every building business should be thinking about responsible AI use.

11:30am - 12:15pm Choose one of the following seminars :

From Visa to Worksite: The reality of bringing skilled workers into the industry

Speaker : Brett McPhee - CEO & Overseas Recruitment Specialist, Peloton WorkReady

What does it take to bring skilled workers into your business and is it worth it? This session unpacks the full journey, from sourcing talent and navigating visas through to onboarding and integration. Explore current market conditions, timeframes, costs and risks, brought to life through a real builder case study.

Trends Shaping Modern Homes

Speaker : Joel Meek - Business Development Manager, James Hardie & Lisa Ciccerelli - Director Marketing and Business Development, Myaree Ceramics

This session takes a sharp look at the design trends shaping today’s homes — from exterior form and materiality through to interior layouts and finishes. Drawing on insights from the latest Modern Homes Forecast, it will highlight what’s emerging in residential building design and what it signals for the homes of tomorrow. A dedicated interior focus will complement this, offering practical direction on finishes, functionality and creating spaces that truly connect with homeowners.

12:15pm - 12:55pm Lunch break
1:00pm - 1:50pm

Leading Across Generations: What people really want at work

Panel Moderator : Claire Seeber

Panelists: Paris McNeil, Cameron Lade, Emma Hains & Querida Swinnerton

Step beyond the stereotypes and into the real motivations driving WA’s multigenerational workforce. From purpose and progression to communication and leadership, this session unpacks what people truly value at work – and how businesses can evolve to attract, support and retain talent across every generation.

2:00pm - 2:50pm

The Toughest Opponent

Speaker : Greg Hire - Founder, A Stitch in Time

This session delves into the internal challenges that shape wellbeing, leadership and performance. Drawing on his experience in elite sport, Greg Hire reveals how the greatest challenge often isn’t the opponent in front of you – it’s mastering the voice within. Through practical insights and storytelling, he explores resilience, self-care, strong support networks, and values-driven decision-making to help you thrive personally and professionally.

3:00pm Closing Remarks

Speakers

Greg Hire

Founder - A Stitch in Time

Greg Hire is a four-time NBL Champion with the Perth Wildcats, Commonwealth Games medallist and former Western Australian of the Year (Youth). Since retiring from professional basketball, Greg has become one of WA’s leading voices in mental health and suicide prevention. Through his charity A Stitch in Time, he works with schools, workplaces and communities to build resilience, encourage open conversations and support better mental wellbeing.

Brett McPhee

CEO & Overseas Recruitment Specialist - Peloton WorkReady

Brett McPhee is an executive with over 25 years’ experience in international labour supply and offshoring. As CEO and Overseas Recruitment Specialist, he has supported the placement of thousands of workers across global markets. With a background in leadership, contract management and business improvement, Brett brings a practical understanding of workforce strategy, global talent and the complexities of international recruitment.

David Wilson

Principal - Stratocumulus Legal

David Wilson is the founder and principal of Stratocumulus Legal, specialising in intellectual property, technology and commercial law. With more than 20 years’ experience across international firms and in-house roles, he advises on the ownership, protection and use of IP across a range of sectors, including construction. His current focus is on the intersection of intellectual property and emerging technologies, particularly AI and automation.

Dan Kearney

Executive Director - Building and Energy

Dan Kearney is the Executive Director of Building and Energy, overseeing building regulation and energy safety in Western Australia. With more than a decade in the organisation, he has held senior roles across compliance, policy and legislation. Dan has led significant reforms impacting the construction sector, including security of payment and regulatory frameworks. His background in legal and public sector reform underpins his practical approach to industry oversight and change.

Joel Meek

Business Development Manager (Residential) - James Hardie

Joel Meek is a design and product innovation specialist, working at the forefront of building trends with James Hardie Australia. In this role, he focuses on modern construction methods and lightweight solutions, bridging design thinking with practical application. His ability to connect technical design expertise with on-site application is underpinned by over 20 years’ experience as a building designer, shaping how people live and build today.

Cameron Rule

Director - Downtime Assassin

Growing up watching his architect father design major projects, Cam Rule developed an early appreciation for how good planning keeps projects moving. Today, as Director of Downtime Assassin, he leads an award-winning IT support team helping builders reduce downtime and work smarter. Cam works closely with residential builders to identify where technology can streamline admin, improve collaboration and lift productivity, with a practical focus on using AI to support everyday workflows and better decision-making.

Lisa Ciccerelli

Director, Marketing & Business Development - Myaree Ceramics

Lisa Ciccarelli is a Director of Myaree Ceramics, leading the marketing and sales teams with a focus on supporting architects, designers and clients in delivering considered, high-quality spaces. An Interior Architect with a background spanning design and business, Lisa has extensive experience across the interiors industry, including running her own practice and working internationally in Rome and Melbourne. Her work brings together design insight with a strong understanding of commercial outcomes.

Claire Seeber

Leadership and Career Coach - Claire Seeber & Co

Claire Seeber is a leadership expert, career coach and author who helps professionals navigate the realities of modern leadership. With more than 17 years’ experience across business, HR and communications, she brings practical insight into workplace dynamics and leadership challenges. Claire is the author of Less Hustle, More Happy and works with organisations and leaders to build stronger, more effective teams.

Paris McNeil

Youth Engagement Specialist - Thriving Futures Co

Paris McNeil is a youth engagement specialist who translates the perspectives of young people into practical insights for leaders and organisations. Working across policy, education and behaviour change, she bridges the gap between youth experience and workplace response. Her expertise includes emerging trends such as AI, digital wellbeing and generational change, helping organisations better engage, support and lead the next generation.

Cameron Lade

General manager - Summit Homes Group

Cameron Lade is an accomplished senior leader in Australia’s residential construction sector with over 20 years’ experience. As Group General Manager of Summit Homes Group, he drives operational excellence, business growth, and high performance culture across multiple brands. Cameron is known for his authentic leadership, strong customer focus, and proven ability to deliver results in complex, fast moving markets.

Emma Hains

Sales Manager, WA - Satterley

Emma Hains is Sales Manager at Satterley, leading WA sales strategy across a diverse portfolio of masterplanned communities. With 14 years’ experience across development and construction, she has held senior roles spanning sales, business development and operations. Emma brings strong expertise in partnerships, strategy and people leadership, with a focus on delivering innovative housing outcomes and supporting the next generation of industry leaders.

Querida Swinnerton

Director, ANZ - Brunel

As Director for ANZ at specialist recruitment agency Brunel, Querida leads the organisation’s strategy, drives business growth, and ensures the delivery of top-tier staffing solutions. With more than two decades of experience in the recruitment and employment industry, she combines deep expertise with a passion for genuine engagement to empower her teams, understand client and industry challenges, and spearhead initiatives that enable Brunel to consistently exceed expectations.

David Cresp

Partner - Urbis

David Cresp is a leading voice on the Perth property market, with more than 30 years’ experience providing clients with market insights. With a background in property and a strong focus on residential markets, he draws on economic and demographic data to understand market trends. David is known for his ability to interpret where the national apartment and Greenfields land market is heading and what it means for industry.

Headline partner

Major partner

Supporting partners

Insurance partner

Venue

The Westin Perth

480 Hay St, Perth WA 6000

Have any questions?

If you're still looking for more information on events, give us a call or hit enquire now and we'll get back to you.

1300 650 620

Enquire now