People across the Hunter will not have to wait until the Hunter Innovation Festival reaches Newcastle to take part in this year’s discussions about how the region’s industries and economy are changing.
Three free roadshows will be held in Cessnock, Maitland and Muswellbrook between 22 September and 7 October, bringing different parts of the festival program into communities with their own industries, businesses and transition challenges.
The events lead into the 24th Hunter Innovation Festival at NEX Newcastle on Tuesday 13 October, where Energy, Manufacturing, Health and Aerospace will form the four industry pillars of the 2026 event.
While the detailed Newcastle program is still being developed, the roadshow programs already provide some clues about where the conversation is heading.
Circular economy comes to Cessnock
The first stop will be Cessnock on Tuesday 22 September, where circular economy and health innovation will share the agenda.
For businesses interested in reducing waste and recovering resources, the program includes Samantha Cross, Business Development and Engagement Lead at Recycle Central Group.
Cross works with businesses, industry groups, government and communities on resource recovery, circular economy practices and net-zero outcomes. Recycle Central operates an NSW EPA-licensed resource recovery facility for mixed dry waste streams.
Her background includes more than 30 years working across industry, government and community sectors on waste reduction and continuous improvement. She also founded Cross Connections Consulting, where she developed the Plastic Police program.
The Cessnock program will also feature Grub Lab founder Mick Carr, who grew up in Kurri Kurri and has more than 20 years’ experience building businesses across mining, hospitality, retail and technology.
Other speakers include Natalia Cowley and Redleaf Property Group founder Matthew Low.
The two-hour event will run from noon to 2pm at Cessnock Leagues Club, with a light lunch and refreshments provided.
Battery technology joins the Maitland conversation
The roadshow moves to Rutherford on Wednesday 30 September, with industrial technology and the energy transition at the centre of the Maitland program.
Professor Thomas Nann will be a featured speaker, giving the event a direct connection to battery technology being developed in the Hunter.
Nann co-founded Newcastle-based Allegro Energy in 2021 to commercialise its water-based microemulsion electrolyte technology. Before establishing the company, he was Head of School at the University of Newcastle and has worked in physical chemistry and electrolyte research.
For people following the development of a new-energy industry in the Hunter, his inclusion provides an opportunity to hear from someone involved in taking locally connected research and battery technology towards commercial application.
The Maitland Roadshow will run from noon to 2pm at The Bradford Hotel, 358 New England Highway, Rutherford, with a light lunch and refreshments provided.
The event is presented by the Hunter Innovation Festival and Maitland City Council.
Energy transition discussion heads to Muswellbrook
The final roadshow will take the industrial technology and energy transition theme further into the Upper Hunter.
The Muswellbrook event will be held on Wednesday 7 October at the STEM Innovation Lab at The Melt, in the Donald Horne Building on Bridge Street.
Its location puts the discussion in a community where the future of industry and economic activity is particularly relevant as the Hunter’s energy system changes.
Featured speaker David Ward brings a different industry perspective to the program. Ward has 50 years of business experience across retail, wholesale, manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods and financial services and is founder and chair of Agribevco.
Agribevco’s Sydney Rum Distillery operates from Muswellbrook’s former Oak Milk factory.
The Muswellbrook Roadshow will run from noon to 2pm, with a light lunch and refreshments provided.
Regional events lead into Newcastle festival
The three roadshows will lead into the Hunter Innovation Festival at NEX Newcastle on Tuesday 13 October.
Now in its 24th year, the festival has adopted “Yes, And…” as its 2026 theme, following last year’s “What If?”. Hunter iF said 600 people attended the 2025 event.
Hunter iF has described the change in theme as a move from considering possibilities towards developing ideas and putting them into practice.
The festival has received funding through the City of Newcastle’s 2026 Event Sponsorship Program. Hunter iF said City of Newcastle has supported the festival since its inception.
The regional roadshow and festival have also received support through the NSW Government’s Fostering Innovation Sponsorship Program.
Further speakers and individual sessions for the Newcastle festival are still to be announced.
The Cessnock, Maitland and Muswellbrook roadshows are free to attend, with registration currently open for all three events.
