REGISTER FOR FORWARD NEWCASTLE 2026.

TIME: 5:30-7:30 PM
DATE: 13 AUGUST
VENUE: Mercure, 12 Steel Street, Newcastle West

FORWARD NEWCASTLE

The Newcastle and Hunter region is one of Australia’s most dynamic employment markets. With continued investment across infrastructure, mining, manufacturing, healthcare, energy, technology and professional services, recruiters have significant opportunities—but also face growing challenges around skills shortages, client expectations, profitability and an increasingly competitive market.

FORWARD Newcastle brings together local recruitment leaders and industry experts to share practical insights on AI, profitability, contractor growth, market trends and the future of recruitment.

Whether you’re looking to grow your business, strengthen your network or stay ahead of industry change, this event offers the knowledge, connections and strategies to help you succeed in an increasingly competitive market.

Join the region’s recruitment community for an evening of fresh ideas, practical insights and valuable conversations that will help you prepare for what’s next.

SPEAKERS & PRESENTER

NEWCASTLE FORWARD RECRUITERS’ EVENT

MONICA WALMSLEY

Founder & Director
Connected People

JAMES MCDONALD

Managing Director
NTP Talent

DAVID FRANZE

Talent Partner
Protecht

ANDREW RODGER

Director
RecMate

LESLEY HORSBURGH

Managing Director
APSCO

RAJ SESHA

Founder/Director

AGENDA

FORWARD RECRUITERS’ EVENT

NAVIGATING CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITES FOR RECRUITMENT LEADERS

What must recruitment leaders do amid a rapidly and constantly changing business climate? This session explores in depth what recruitment leaders and business owners must do to survive and thrive in a turbulent environment. At Forward event we dissect how recruitment leaders can move forward and grow.

  • 5:30 PM WELCOME & INTRODUCTIONS

    Tea, coffee and networking. Introductions and welcome by Mandar Erande

  • 5:40 PM KEYNOTE ADDRESS

    The Agencies Eating Your Lunch Are Not Bigger. They Replaced the Grind With AI and Spent the Difference on Growth.

    Every recruitment agency owner has experimented with AI. Most have tried a tool, been impressed by a demo, or told a client they are exploring it. Meanwhile, a smaller agency with half the headcount just placed a candidate you had in your database, won a client you have been nurturing for six months, and responded to an enquiry at 11pm on a Sunday. They did not do it by working harder. They replaced the grind with AI and spent the difference on growth.
    That gap between experimenting and deciding is where most agencies are stuck right now, and it is costing them placements, margin, and clients they cannot see walking out the door.
    In this keynote, Andrew Rodger, founder of recMate and electrifyAI, and a 25-year veteran of the recruitment industry starting at Michael Page, cuts through the noise on AI in recruitment. Not the tools. Not the hype. The three decisions every MD and agency owner needs to make now to stop experimenting and start compounding, plus two practical examples they can take back and build inside their business the same week.

  • 6:10 PM TALK

    FIVE FINANCIAL TRENDS IMPACTING RECRUITERS

    From rising operating costs and changing economic conditions to evolving funding models and the growing influence of AI, the financial landscape for recruitment businesses is shifting rapidly. Understanding these trends is essential for agency leaders looking to protect profitability and position their businesses for long-term success.  In this session, we’ll explore the five key financial trends shaping the recruitment industry and what they mean for 2026 and beyond.

  • 6:35 PM PANEL DISCUSSION

    NAVIGATING CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECRUITMENT LEADERS

    Join a panel of experienced recruitment leaders as they explore the strategies, decisions, and leadership approaches required to not only survive—but thrive—in today’s rapidly changing business environment. This insightful discussion will examine the biggest challenges and opportunities facing agency owners and recruitment executives, offering practical advice and real-world perspectives that attendees can apply immediately.

    Panellists:

FORWARD

EXCLUSIVE EVENT FOR AGENCIES TO MOVE THEIR BUSINESS FORWARD

FORWARD is a series of events exclusively designed and organised for contractors to get ‘ahead’ in their careers and professions.

The event aims to facilitate a platform where professional contractors from all industries can meet, network, and grow from each other’s experiences. It will also facilitate knowledge sharing and learning by providing access to experts who will offer financial, career, and recruitment advice.

At a FORWARD event, both virtual and in-person,  you will be in the room with experts who know how to increase your take-home pay, manage your payroll and finances, find your next project or learn to improve your brand.

Go FORWARD with us.

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