2022 Speakers & panellists

We will be updating our 2022 line up of industry leaders, experts, and decision makers below as soon as they are confirmed. Stay tuned for more speakers to come.

Alex Waldren 
National Director, Industry Policy, Master Builders Australia

Alex Waldren leads national industry policy advocacy for Master Builders Australia.
She has 20 years experience in public policy development working with industry and government on housing, cities, infrastructure, regional development and aged care policy and regulatory affairs.

Prior to working for Master Builders, Alex was a senior adviser to government. She led work on planning, funding and financing city shaping infrastructure projects, including Western Sydney International Airport.

Alex also sits on the board of Livable Housing Australia which is Australia’s longstanding advocate for liveable housing design that helps deliver safer, more comfortable and easier to access homes.

Denita Wawn
Chief Executive, Master Builders Australia 

Denita was appointed as Chief Executive of Master Builders Australia in March 2017. She has 20 years’ experience as a leading advocate for industry and employers in the nation’s capital, around Australia and internationally.  

Her previous roles include CEO of the Brewer's Association of Australia and New Zealand (Brewer's Association), Deputy CEO of the National Farmers’ Federation and Executive Director of the Australian Hotels Association (Tasmanian Division).

Denita is a Director of Cbus Super Fund and Canberra Grammar School. Her previous corporate governance experience includes roles as Chair of the Worldwide Brewers Alliance, Chair of the Alcohol Beverages Advertising Code (ABAC) Scheme and as a director of Hostplus industry superannuation fund. 

Denita was born and educated in Hobart, Tasmania. She has Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws degrees from the University of Tasmania.

Ross Copland
Chief Executive, Te Waihanga / NZ Infrastructure Commission

Ross Copland is the Chief Executive of Te Waihanga. He has experience in the design, procurement, financing, and delivery of infrastructure having worked in commercial construction and property on both sides of the Tasman.

Ross holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering with First Class Honours, a Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA.