Overview
Imagine a place where visionary ideas converge with hands-on expertise, and industry leaders collaborate with rising talents to shape the future. It’s what you can expect at Ignite Kick-off – a dynamic event designed to inspire, connect and drive progress in engineering.
This free event for members offers unique opportunities to connect with peers, exchange insights and gain fresh perspectives. Through thought-provoking discussions, Ignite Kick-off brings experienced professionals, skilled engineers and emerging talents together at your local Engineers Australia office to explore the latest trends and solve industry challenges.
Who should attend
Engineers Australia members. Whether you’re an established leader or looking to advance your career, this event supports growth at every professional stage. Join us to broaden your perspective, expand your network and shape the future of engineering in Australia.
What you’ll be part of
- An atmosphere of connection: Emerge in engaging conversations over food and drinks in a welcoming environment that fosters meaningful connection.
- A celebration of new talent: We’re thrilled to welcome our newest graduate members into a diverse community of engineering professionals.
- Sharing opportunities for growth: Hear about upcoming engineering events and initiatives, designed to support your growth and keep you connected.
- Inspired real-world insights: Learn from industry leaders and award winners as they share personal stories, career highlights, and achievements that can inspire your own journey.
- Lasting connections: Build and strengthen relationships through dedicated networking sessions that continue throughout the year.
Special guests
Jillian Formentin FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER
Head of Engineering, APAC West, Wood
Jillian is a passionate, relationship and results driven engineering leader and board director with a proven ability to lead engineers and technicians who design, develop, construct, and operate industry projects and operations. She is experienced in engaging multiple and diverse stakeholders including government and private sectors to produce exceptional results safely and ethically. She is a resilient leader who over the past nearly 30 years has shaped industry in mining and energy construction and brownfields projects, energy distribution and utilisation, mining operations, technical governance, and consulting services.
Jillian received the Professional Engineer of the Year Award at Engineers Australia's Excellence Awards in 2024.
Linden Blair MIEAust
Engineering and projects Leader, Alinta Energy
Linden Blair is an engineering and projects leader at Alinta Energy and has played a vital role in building Alinta Energy’s offshore wind capability and project pipeline. Linden’s current role involves leading a joint venture with multinational energy giant JERA/Parkwind to develop the Spinifex Offshore Wind Farm, a proposed 1GW+ offshore wind farm in the Southern Ocean.
Prior to entering the renewable energy industry, Linden worked in the oil and gas industry, most recently successfully delivering the subsea hardware package for a billion-dollar offshore gas project for Australia’s largest energy company Woodside Energy.
Linden Blair has a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (1st class honours) and Bachelor of Sciences (Physics and Applied Maths) from the University of Western Australia. Linden is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a member of the Institution of Engineers Australia and the Society for Underwater Technology.
Linden was named an Emerging Professional Engineer of the Year Award Finalist for Engineers Australia's Excellence Awards in 2024.
Susan Kreemer Pickford FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER
General Manager – Western Australia, Engineers Australia
Susan emigrated to Australia in 1999 and spent 15 years in consulting engineering before joining Engineers Australia as the General Manager WA. Susan is also a Principal Engineer reporting to Engineers Australia’s Chief Engineer. She is Chair of the Curtin University Faculty of Science and Engineering Advisory Council and past Chair of the National Science Week WA Coordinating Committee.
Pricing
In-person
Member: Free
Student Member: Free
Graduate Member: Free
Technical Society Member: Free
Non-Member: $100.00
Student Non-Member: $55.00
Graduate Non-Member: $55.00