The Hemp-Connect Forum was more than just a gathering. It was a strong demonstration of what’s possible when different parts of the hemp industry come together. From researchers and product manufacturers to designers, developers, and policy influencers, the event showed how collaboration can expand the pie for everyone involved. When businesses, academics, and advocates connect, we don’t just grow our networks. We grow the industry. Events like this allow the sector to unite behind shared goals, foster innovation, and build the critical mass needed to influence mainstream construction and development. The Hemp Building Directory was proud to support this momentum as a Forum Business Partner.
Check out the wrap up video by Environmentarian
Notably, while most attendees were Australian-based, there were limited international supplier representatives present—something that’s pivotal to the early adoption of emerging technologies. For example, hempcrete blocks, while not yet manufactured at scale in Australia, are readily available in more established overseas markets. Access to imported materials can help fast-track adoption and standards development here, and stimulate healthy competition that lifts local product quality. Clients who prefer Australian-made will always have that as a point of difference—reduced transport emissions, regional supply chains, and the pride of using local products. But learning from those who are further along gives us the opportunity to leapfrog mistakes and build a world-class, resilient hemp building industry sooner.
The Hemp-Connect Forum was such a privilege to attend. The Hemp Building Directory was selected as a Forum Business Partner and was a major sponsor of the event. Hosted by the team from Australian Hemp Council and held at the Agribio building at La Trobe University in Melbourne people, place and professionalism really made this event special from the first moment at welcome drinks on Wednesday evening to the last session which include 4 great companies doing 8 minute pitches of their innovative sustainable projects that included hemp.
Welcoming and connecting
With a range of hemp beverages including beer, gin and hempranillo wine matching the canapés and grazing table on the first night to the lunch spreads and amazing dinner service by Bread and Butta that all played a significant part in the event drawing people together over breaking bread and more.
Day 1
Richard Barge was a charming, witty and on track MC for the entire event. His knowledge from his work as the Chairperson NZHIA New Zealand Hemp Industries Association Inc was pivotal in welcoming ideas from the speakers and managing the great questions and answers during question time.
Opened by the honourable Senator Richard Colbeck who provided an update on an parliamentary enquiry which includes how hemp based materials fits into the construction industry.
Monika Doblin and Ricarda Jost from La Trobe University gave us a science perspective. The Bob Doyle and Klara Marosszeky gave us some real life business insight. Mark Bytheway and Winton Evers spoke about investment and growth opportunities.
After the break Nana Borsie-Aryee spoke and 3rd party certification with Global GreenTag. Then Dr Ernesto Valenzuela & Prof David Fleming from the La Trobe University spoke about Affordable Carbon Housing using hempcrete modular panels.
Tom Ascroft from Standards Australia helped us understand where we are at in regards to Standards for Hempcrete Composite Construction. Then Scott Barnes from RACE for Business and Homes Programs talked about how hemp can be used in creating sustainable well insulated structures citing examples of warm houses in freezing Canada to cold houses in relatively warm Australia.
Massoud Sofi spoke about how hemp plantation and construction can help heal the carbon wounds on our planet. Then Bob Doyle from Hemp Inside presented on how a National Cooperative to mainstream hemp would benefit the whole sector citing examples of how this works in France.
The Q&A managed in fantastic form by Richard Barge really felt like there was a room full of hemp industry masterminds all contributing to a greater understanding of the myriad of aspects from farm to construction and was an amazing example of how with everyone working together can can connect and grow the industry so there is a bigger pie for everyone to share.
The dinner was magnificent, held in what feels like the grand hall of the Agribio Building. We were entertained by talks from Phil Warner and Tim Schmidt and we wined and dined and mingled and chatted. It was fantastic to see the connections being made over food and drink in a relaxed environment.
Day 2
Anna Maskiell from Public Realm Lab talked about the barriers they overcame regarding hemp masonry use in public and commercial construction and how their practice successfully navigated the extra hurdles, red tape and challenges and now has 1 completed public building with hemp materials and several projects underway. This step to bring hemp from residential buildings to public buildings is pivotal in its acceptance in the wider construction industry.
Alastair Flynn from Woods Bagot spoke about sustainability in practice in UTAS Forestry. And Rachel Goldlust spoke about the rise of hemp in self-build projects. Vladimir Finn spoke about research commercialisation and taking an idea to market.
And Andrew Cortese from CIIRCL covered connecting hemp businesses with financial instruments. This led nicely into a part from Shishir Chowkse from Birchal who covered a foundational understanding of crowd-sourced funding (CSF).
We then heard from Kirstie Wulf of Shelter Building Design and the Hemp Building Directory on Getting Approval for Hempcrete Homes and how there are several pathways that are really not that hard. Followed by another powerful woman in the industry Andi Lucas who told her story of funding which helped bring real world financials in regards to hemp farming and processing businesses.
Pitching Hemp
The final pitch session where 4 up and coming business with ties in hemp pitched to a panel which was an exciting way to wind up the Hemp-Connect Forum proceedings. We wish Mark Gilder from CIIRCL, Harrison Marsh, Chris Ball and team from Otetto, Leigh Fletcher and team from Murray Industrial Hemp and Alf Wheeler from ZEOFORM – Zeo Sustainable Materials – all the best in their fantastic businesses that use hemp in different ways and hello lock this carbon dense material away.
With so many great presentations I feel there were a few missed out on this list. Head to Hemp-Connect Forum page for more info.
Hemp-Connect Forum Gallery
And beyond…
The Hemp Building Directory, Environmentarians flagship project in partnership with Shelter Building Design, was extremely honoured to have been selected as a Forum Business Partner of the Hemp-Connect forum and we look forward to contributing to more events and news over the years to come…
Disclaimer
HBD do not warrant the quality or experience of anyone listed on this directory.
We have relied on the information provided by the business and its representatives.
This site is not intended to provide and does not constitute building advice, or other professional advice.
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