Andrew Liveris to lead speakers at Chemeca 2021

Former Dow Chemical CEO Andrew Liveris will lead the diverse range of expert speakers at this year’s Chemeca — Australasia’s premier chemical engineering conference.

A recognised global business leader with more than 42 years at Dow and extensive experience in manufacturing, engineering, sales, marketing, business and general management, Liveris’s session will look at the future of chemical engineering in advanced manufacturing. Sharing his vision for the post-COVID economic recovery and the sustainability challenges for the chemical and process industries, he will reflect on how a focus on innovation and the shift to advanced manufacturing will create growth and new opportunity in Australia.

Liveris places a strong emphasis on the importance of manufacturing worldwide. He is the author of Make It in America and was tapped by two US administrations to help identify new ways to spur innovation, revitalise the US manufacturing sector and drive economic growth and prosperity. He was also chair of President Trump’s manufacturing council and a member of the Apprenticeship of the Future taskforce. Previously, he served as co-chair of President Obama's Advanced Manufacturing Partnership steering committee and a member of his President’s Export Council.

The 50th Chemeca will be held — in an online format — from 27–28 September 2021, bringing together chemical engineers and scientists from Australia, New Zealand and around the globe to share insights and innovations relevant across the wide range of industries. This year’s Virtual+ format presents an opportunity for everyone in Australia and New Zealand to get involved in their state, with plans to host hybrid in-person and virtual networking functions. Delegates can participate fully in the conference program without having to travel interstate — or internationally.

“The use of a virtual platform to host Chemeca 2021 has given us the opportunity to invite global speakers and welcome new delegates and audiences to the conference, an exciting prospect as we celebrate our 50th year,” said Leeanne Bond, Conference Chair. “The speakers are headlined by one of Australia’s most successful businessmen on the international stage, Mr Andrew Liveris.

“We are particularly looking forward to welcoming other international speakers: Dr Jennifer Holmgren of LanzaTech and Dr Patrick Gruber of Gevo, both high-profile pioneers in the US bioenergy industry, as well as Praveen Gorakavi, an inspiring young chemical engineer whose entrepreneurship and socially conscious approach to innovation is helping to address some of the most pressing socio-economic issues in his home country, India.

“Our event themes of ‘Advance, Sustain and Disrupt’ are so critical in the post-COVID world, as we look to recover economically, take advantage of innovation, and tackle sustainability and climate change over the next decade. Our plenary speaker line-up of industry leaders will provide their perspectives on addressing these challenges, and we look forward to welcoming a diverse range of participants to the event to share and learn from each other.”

“Chemeca is a superb opportunity for chemical engineers to learn from each other,” said IChemE President Jane Cutler. “The event provides a platform for cross-pollination of knowledge across the industries in which our members work, facilitating innovation across our profession.

“It provides a platform for those in industry and academia to discuss and debate the latest advances and best practices to face the challenges of the 21st century in the Australasian region, and to explore the future for our young process engineers and scientists.”

“Manufacturing has always been an integral part of the Australian economy; however, the coronavirus pandemic has elevated its importance to a new level,” said Dr Bronwyn Evans, CEO of Engineers Australia. “With his extensive experience in business and as a global-level advisor to government, Mr Andrew Liveris is set to provide delegates with valuable insights at the conference.

“Chemical engineers — indeed, all engineers — are encouraged to register for what will be a high-calibre event.”

To view the full list of presentation topics and read the speakers’ biographies, please visit the Chemeca 2021 website. Early-bird registrations are now open until 2 August 2021.