
What is XChange?
Xchange 2025 is buildingSMART Australasia's annual event running over 2 days. It combines a unique technical learning experience on Day 1, and a full day conference on Day 2 featuring a line-up of handpicked speakers who will discuss how Digital transformation and open standards are changing the infrastructure industry. This unique event is a must for anyone working in the infrastructure and construction sector.
Day 1 – Technical Short Course (25th June - 8.15am-6.30 pm*) – what you will learn
Join us at UTS (Building 11- FEIT) for The openBIM with IFC Short Course.
This 1-day series of workshops offers a technical training program covering core buildingSMART technologies and digital workflows applicable to building and civil infrastructure projects.
The course provides an opportunity for subject matter experts to share knowledge and best practice in the concepts and application of buildingSMART technologies.
Attendees receive a Certificate and Digital Badge from bSA in the use of IFC in the AECO industry.
NOTE: There will be an Introductory and an Advanced Stream running in parallel during the morning session.
Day 2 – Conference (26th June - 8.15am-6.30 pm*) – what you will hear
Join us at UTS Aerial Function Centre for a full day conference and networking
Presentations and panels covering topics focused on digital transformation in the infrastructure sector and the importance of open standards. Sessions include the following:
Q&A Highlight: The Hon. Victor Dominello
Updates from Government infrastructure delivery agencies on current digital strategies and the application of open standards, including National Government Panel Q&A
Highlight: Christopher Raitviir from City of Tallinn, Estonia, describes BIM based Permitting and Information Management
New and upcoming digital standards impacting infrastructure
Best practice presentations on the application of global and local open standards
Initiatives in upskilling industry in Digital Engineering & BIM
Fully catered event including Networking Refreshments
* Each day commences with registration at 8.15am and ends with a networking event (beverages and canapes) from 5-6.30 pm

Speakers
The Hon. Victor Dominello
Former NSW Senior Government Minister | Chief Executive Officer, Future Government Institute | Co-Founder, ServiceGen
Q&A HIGHLIGHT: Victor Dominello is a former senior NSW Government minister, best known for serving as the inaugural Minister for Customer Service and Digital, a role he pioneered globally in 2019. Recognised by The Australian in July 2022 as one of Australia’s top 100 innovators, Victor spent 12 years in cabinet leading portfolios including Digital Government, Innovation, Finance, and Aboriginal Affairs. His leadership earned international acclaim for revolutionising NSW public service delivery through initiatives like the Department of Customer Service, Service NSW, and the Digital Restart Fund.
Prior to his political career, Victor practiced law for over a decade, becoming a partner in a commercial firm. In September 2023, he cofounded ServiceGen, a consultancy advising governments and organisations on innovative service delivery strategies. Through ServiceGen, he was selected by The World Bank to spearhead a transformative digital identity initiative in Mongolia. In February 2025, he launched the Future Government Institute, a global hub for forward-thinking public sector leaders, innovators, and practitioners dedicated to shaping the next era of governance.
In March 2025, Victor was named one of The Identity 25 by Okta Ventures, recognising global pioneers shaping the future of digital identity. As part of the announcement, Victor’s image was featured on the Nasdaq Tower in New York’s Times Square—a celebration of his contribution to secure, citizen-focused identity innovation.
Victor currently holds several prominent roles: Chair of the Services Australia Independent Advisory Board, Senior Advisor for the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, and Professor at the University of New South Wales. He also serves as a Director of the UNSW-UTS Trustworthy Digital Society Hub and a Board Director of the Tech Council of Australia
Gavin Cairns - TMR
Department of Transport & Main Roads - Principal Designer - Digital Systems
Gavin has 20 years of experience in civil and structural infrastructure delivery. Gavin has been developing openBIM systems and documentation for road and rail infrastructure since his involvement in TMR’s first BIM pilot in 2014. Gavin is extremely passionate about leveraging openBIM workflows into TMR’s business procedures to meet their client specific Project Information Requirements. Gavin is a lead contributor to openBIM standards for transport infrastructure as part of buildingSMART Australasia’s IFC working groups.
Andrew Curthoys - ABAB
Chair, Australasian BIM Advisory Board
Andrew is Chair of the Australasian BIM Advisory Board (ABAB) an industry and government representative board across Australia and New Zealand. He has extensive policy development experience in BIM and asset management. He recognises the value that digitalisation can contribute in all elements of the design, construction and operations and maintenance phases of infrastructure. He believes it is clear that digitalisation can help significantly in the decarbonisation challenge that government and industry face.
Atsushi Yamamoto - INSW
Director - Infrastructure Digitalisation - Infrastructure NSW
Atsushi is a strategy and policy executive with Infrastructure NSW, currently leading the implementation of the NSW Infrastructure Digitalisation Program. Prior to this, he led the development of the NSW State Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2042 as Project Director. Atsushi has a passion for working with cross-functional teams to drive sustained and genuine transformation.
Peter Stuart - INSW
Associate Director - Infrastructure Digitalisation - INSW
Peter is a Digital Engineering Technical advisor for Infrastructure NSW working on the NSW Infrastructure Digitalisation Program. Previously he was the Director of Digital Engineering Integration at Transport for NSW leading the team responsible for the implementation of the TfNSW Digital Engineering Framework. Peter is passionate about digital engineering and strives to uplift industry into adopting and utilising data in all aspects of the built environment.
Paul Morgan - VHBA
Senior Technical Specialist - Digital Build, Victorian Health Building Authority
Paul leads VHBA’s Digital Build program, where technology & data come together to transform Victoria’s health infrastructure. His team develops and manages VHBA’s Digital Engineering and BIM strategy, delivering solutions that empower people, streamline processes, and leverage technology to meet the evolving demands of infrastructure delivery.
With a decade of experience in BIM and Digital Engineering across architecture and construction, Paul combines strategic vision with deep practical expertise, while his on-site experience on major infrastructure projects underpins VHBA’s holistic Digital Build strategy. Paul also chairs the Australasian Health Infrastructure Alliance (AHIA) BIM Subgroup, driving greater digital maturity and consistency across Australian and New Zealand government health departments.
Chris Razzell
Managing Director, dRofus
Chris Razzell joined dRofus in 2014 and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in BIM, Data Management and Project Delivery to the dRofus Leadership Team.
As Managing Director for the Asia-Pacific region, his role is to develop the use of dRofus in the BIM savvy ANZ market and the emerging BIM landscape within Asia. As Chief Revenue Officer he leads the Marketing, Sales and Customer Success Teams globally.
Prior to joining dRofus, Chris worked for several global design firms including HASSELL, HOK and Anshen+Allen (now Stantec). He’s passionate about bridging the divide between briefing, design, construction and operations - a philosophy shared by dRofus and within our software.
Sandra Lang -SYSTRA ANZ
Director - Digital Engineering, Systra ANZ
Director, buildingSMART Australasia
Sandra is a highly experienced professional with over 30 years of expertise in CAD/BIM and Digital Engineering within the international construction industry. Her expertise spans a wide spectrum of projects, from transportation infrastructure like rail and airports to diverse commercial, public, and private developments such as office buildings, government complexes, and residential structures.
Throughout her career, Sandra has played a pivotal role in numerous Digital Transformation programs, consistently demonstrating her commitment to advancing technological solutions within the industry. Notably, she has contributed her expertise to several major global transport projects, including the Sydney Metro in Australia, the High-Speed Rail in the UK, and the Doha Metro in Qatar.
Currently, Sandra holds dual leadership positions within SYSTRA, serving as the Director for Digital Engineering for SYSTRA in Australia and also as the innovation lead for Digital Twins for the broader SYSTRA group. In these roles, she plays a pivotal role in driving technological advancements and spearheading innovative initiatives, both at the regional level in Australia and on a global scale within the SYSTRA organization.
Sandra's dedication to advancing industry standards is further evidenced by her role on the board of Directors for BuildingSmart Australia.
As a thought leader and influencer in the realm of BIM management, she continues to shape the future of digital construction practices.
Sandra holds a Master of International BIM Management from the Zigurat Global Institute of Technology, underscoring her commitment to ongoing education and professional development.
With her wealth of experience, leadership acumen, and passion for innovation, Sandra remains a driving force in shaping the future landscape of digital engineering within the construction industry.
Troy Diamond
Technical Support Specialist, Architect, RAIA, Vectorworks Australia
Troy has over 25 years of experience in the architectural sector, delivering projects throughout Australia and Southeast Asia, including public and large-scale developments in landmark New South Wales locations.
His design methodology emphasises translating conceptual frameworks into coherent, project-specific narratives. He applies a similar philosophy to technology adoption, advocating for solutions that are accessible and practical for widespread industry use.
At Vectorworks, Troy focuses on developing and promoting intuitive, workflow-oriented software solutions that bridge the gap between advanced digital tools and established design practice, enhancing efficiency and collaboration across project teams.
Brendon Reid
Digital Advisory Consultant, IIMBE
Brendon Reid is a Digital Advisory Consultant at IIMBE with a background in architecture and over 30 years of experience in BIM and project delivery. He collaborates with clients to help them define and implement practical digital strategies that promote long-term organisational change. Brendon’s approach is embedded in understanding digital transformation's technical and human aspects. He is particularly interested in assisting clients in developing information requirements that reflect real-world capabilities rather than theoretical ideals. In addition to his consulting role, Brendon actively contributes to the industry through education and community-building initiatives.
Devon Middleditch
Executive Director Digital Engineering Services, Transport for NSW
Devon Middleditch is an engineering and technology leader and the Executive Director of TfNSW’s Digital Engineering Services division.
Devon’s career has spanned across design, project delivery, organisational leadership, and digital change programmes.
Key achievements include the role of Technology Architect where he authored and implemented the “BIM for Lineal Infrastructure framework” on the Doha Expressway programme which supported the infrastructure design and construction for the recent Qatar 2022 world cup’s transportation network, and most recently the launching of two higher education micro-credential pathways for Digital Engineering in a partnership between Transport for NSW and UTS.
Jon Mirtschin
Director at Geometry Gym
Director, buildingSMART Australasia
Jon brings technical and practical openBIM experience to the buildingSMART Australasia Board, that helps facilitate a stronger awareness and successful adoption of openBIM for clients and projects in Australia. In 2018 Jon supported the buildingSMART Australasia board with organisation and execution of the “openBIM: Getting It Right” technical workshops.
Jon has a proven track record in achieving practical outcomes using openBIM standards and technologies. He has opensourced his C# IFC toolkit for reading and writing IFC files (view on GitHub) and taken a leading role on prototyping technologies such as ifcjson and applying version control such as git to an ifc repository. He is a member of the Building Smart International Model Support Group, providing sample files for the technical documentation and testing proposals for IFC improvements.
Jim Plume
Director and Company Secretary, buildingSMART Australasia
An active member of buildingSMART Australasia for many years and a partner of the working group that drove the development of the current National BIM Initiative, Jim has had a career-long interest in BIM. Starting with a Research Masters during the late 1970s that demonstrated the concept of 3D building modeling technology, Jim’s research in the area saw him offered an academic post at UNSW from 1981-2012. Whilst retired from university teaching, Jim remains an active member of the industry as a current member of the Australian Standards Mirror Committee appointed to a number of ISO Working Groups delivering continual improvement on BIM standards, and the buildingSMART International Infrastructure Committee currently focused on coordinating new work to extend the IFC data schema into the infrastructure space. Jim’s BIM vision is to engage the industry in greater and more effective use of BIM across both public and private procurement in Australia and New Zealand.
Dr Lee Gregory
Director, buildingSMART Australasia
CEO at 12D Solutions
Dr Lee Gregory is the CEO at 12D Solutions. He has been involved with IFCs since working on a joint project in 2005 between Queensland Transport and Main Roads and Queensland Project Services, tasked with looking at applying IFC’s to infrastructure work. Since then, he's been committed to extending IFCs to cover Civil Infrastructure (Civil/ Horizontal BIM). He's attended the buildingSMART International biannual IFC Summits since Singapore in October 2015 (except Barcelona), and in particular, has been active in the Infrastructure Room where the IFCs for Civil BIM are being defined. In this capacity, he was one of the authors of the buildingSMART International paper Model Setup Information Delivery Manual “How to Setup Geo-referencing in a Building or Linear Infrastructure Model”, and has given talks in Australia on this subject.
Lee has been an active member of the IFC Software Implementers Group starting in 2017 with IFC Alignment and IFC Triangulated Irregular Network in IFC 4.1 (in a project with TMR), and continues to this day with IFC 4.3 (currently at RC stage), which will be the first IFC Civil BIM. During this time, he's a founding and active member of Open BIM Alliance, a non-profit Australian organisation dedicated to showing that BIM can work, particularly for transferring data between different software packages. Although BIM and IFCs are well established in the Vertical Building space, there has been a lack of entities, and hence, very little take up for linear infrastructure. Lee is passionate about ensuring that IFC 4.3 is approved and released, and working to ensure that it is taken up by the Civil Industry in Australia and New Zealand.
Negar Abedi
Senior Digital Project Manager, DBM Vircon
With more than ten years of experience in the construction and infrastructure industry, I am a Senior Digital Project Manager at DBM Vircon, specialising in Digital Engineering and BIM. My background in architecture, combined with a Master's degree in Construction Project Management and Property Development, has shaped my approach to integrating design, data, and technology to improve project outcomes. I am passionate about leveraging data and information management to enhance project delivery, driving efficiency from inception to completion. As a Women In BIM Regional Lead, I actively strive to create more inclusive opportunities in the industry.
Eric Bugeja
Chairperson, buildingSMART Australasia
Principal for Digital Integration and Capability, EIC Activities
Eric has been at the forefront in the application of technology to improve efficiency. His early engineering career was in the development of leading edge automation of manufacturing processes, applying technology to improve quality and speed of manufacturing processes. He was also an early adopter of 3D design and BIM (Building Information Modelling). Following this, Eric worked with a start-up company to transition out of R&D into large scale manufacturing. In the last ten years Eric has transitioned his skills from Manufacturing and applied this knowledge to transport infrastructure engineering and construction. Eric has a passion for technology and driving industry change. Working on the implementation and standardisation of Digital Engineering in Infrastructure, he is currently EIC’s Principal for Digital Integration and Capability supporting the CIMIC Operating companies which include: CPB Contractors, UGL, Leighton Asia, Thiess, Sedgman and Broad.
Christopher Raitviir
Head of Digital Construction - City of Tallinn
Christopher Raitviir is a Head of Digital Construction in the City of Tallinn. He is leading digitalization of built environment life cycle processes in the City of Tallinn from urban planning to facility management and giving his experience to development of Tallinn Digital Twin. Previously he has developed Estonian BIM-based building permit process when working for the Ministry of Climate. Christopher has a Master of Science degree in civil engineering and is currently doing his PhD on the topic of “Synchronization of Information Flows of Digital Twins in Construction”. He is strong believer of international collaboration and active member in European Network for Digital Building Permits and steering committee member of EU BIM Task Group.
Dion Moult
Emerging Digital Engineering Manager at Lendlease
Dion has more than 15 years of experience working in open source software and software development. In the past he has been involved with the following open source software projects: Blender, KDE, Gentoo Linux, Radiance, OpenStreetMaps, OpenStreetCam, and FreeCAD.
He has a M. Arch and has worked in large architectural and construction firms. Since August 2019, Dion has had the opportunity to develop the BlenderBIM Add-on. The objective of the BlenderBIM Add-on project is to provide a complete, Native IFC, free software pipeline to replace proprietary software in the architecture, engineering, construction, and facility management industries. Dion is also one of the founders of the Open Source Architecture (OSArch) community. This active community, with more than 1000 members, has a forum, chat group, wiki knowledge base, news site, monthly presentations and training resources, to support an ecosystem of 100+ open source software developed for the AECO industries.
Bonnie Ryan - GS1
General Manager Industry Engagement, GS1 Australia
Bonnie is an accomplished and passionate supply chain and eBusiness professional with 30 years’ experience working with many top 200 companies in different industry sectors including retail, manufacturing and transport.
Her knowledge and expertise regarding supply chain digitalization underpins her current responsibilities for leading GS1 Australia’s engagement across a broad sector portfolio to enhance the digital capability of industry through the adoption of global data standards.
Bonnie works with key public and private stakeholders to support and facilitate whole of industry initiatives where common benefits can be derived through effective collaboration. She is an active participant on several domestic and global committees and working groups striving to innovate, through relevant technology approaches to bring positive business and economic outcomes.
Bonnie holds a Master of Business Management from Monash University.
Kimberley Wilkinson
Project Management Lead, MM Victoria and Collaboration Lead for VTDE Program
Through her combined Project Management, Client Side and Construction experience, Kimberley possesses a keen appreciation of the processes and behind-the-scenes issues affecting major capital works projects. Her construction, planning and leadership of teams, have allowed Kimberley to excel in her management of complex projects. Working primarily on social infrastructure projects over her 25 year career, Kimberley has increased her knowledge of these complex projects, mainly in live operational environments.
Joining Mott MacDonald as Technical Director in 2022, Kimberley is the Project Management and Major Projects Lead for the Melbourne office managing a Project Management team to deliver successful outcomes for our clients.
Kimberley joined the VTDE team as the Collaboration Lead in 2023 to assist DTP and VIDA realise their vision of transforming the way large Victorian Infrastructure and Transport Projects managed their project data through the use of Digital Engineering tools, standards, processes and requirements.
Karl Fitzpatrick
Spatial Information Manager - Auckland Airport Ltd
Karl Fitzpatrick is the Spatial Information Manager for Auckland Airport in New Zealand and is tasked with reimagining how built environment data can be utilized in a business that isn’t your typical AEC firm. Having previously studied Architecture in New Zealand and working as an Architect on healthcare projects in Finland, Karl has experience working on both sides of large-scale and complex projects. Karl is passionate about the need for OpenBIM and fostering innovation by not dictating what tools the supply chain must use, but rather, setting clear requirements for data delivery.
Jackson Tucker - VHBA
Principal Technical Engineer, Digital Build, Victorian Health Building Authority
Jackson is the Technology Lead of VHBA’s Digital Build program, bringing nearly two decades of experience as a BIM and technology leadership in architectural practice. His background as a vocational TAFE teacher in AEC digital applications gives him a rare ability to distil complex technical concepts into clear, actionable solutions. Jackson excels at translating requirements and fostering collaboration across disciplines — a capability central to advancing VHBA’s Digital Build strategy and delivering smarter, data-driven health infrastructure for Victoria.
Michael Bannah
HDR - Australian Digital Delivery Lead
Michael is the Australian Digital Delivery Lead for HDR, a Technical Principal with over 27 years’ experience specializing in the geometric design and coordination of major and minor Highways including multidisciplined projects that span the broader Transportation market sectors (Road, Rail, Bus, Active Transport). In the last 10 years Michael has taken a leadership role within Infrastructure Teams and on projects planning and executing Digital Engineering and BIM systems and processes and is an advocate for boosting project success through Digital Engineering.
Deepak Maini
Principal Business Consultant - Autodesk
Deepak is a multiple award-winning international speaker and a top-selling author. Based in Sydney, Australia, he is a qualified Mechanical Engineer with over 27 years of industry experience. He has helped customers implement technology on projects ranging from a few Million dollars to several Billion dollars. He has also won numerous Top-Speaker awards at conferences around the United States, Singapore, and Australia.
His books on the technologies used in the building construction industry, such as Autodesk Navisworks and Autodesk Advance Steel, are top sellers in their categories and are used by dozens of universities all around the world.
Currently, Deepak works as a Principal Business Consultant with Autodesk. Outside his full-time job, he is also an Industry Guest Lecturer at various local and international universities.
Jenny Tseng
Spatial WA Data Management Lead - Landgate
Jenny is a distinguished Enterprise Digital Advisor leading Data Management for the Landgate Spatial WA Digital Twin Program. With over two decades of experience in design and construction within both public and private sectors, she has demonstrated exceptional expertise in transport infrastructure, health, building, and aviation projects. Jenny has held pivotal roles at Sydney Metro and the Victorian Suburban Rail Loop Authority, where she has guided government agencies in digital engineering frameworks, digital twin implementation, project delivery, asset management, and data governance.
As a Subject Matter Expert for Transport for NSW and the Victorian Digital Asset Strategy (VDAS), Jenny has significantly contributed to the digital transformation strategies. Her involvement with Standards Australia has been instrumental in the development of the ISO 19650 document suite. Additionally, Jenny serves as a Board Director for Women in BIM (WIB) Asia-Pacific and is an Honorary Industry Fellow at UTS, where she leads the development and lecturing of the Digital Engineering micro-credential curriculum.
Scott Beazley
Digital Technologies Manager at Mitchell Brandtman,
openBIM Consultant at Geometry Gym
After completing a Bachelor or Architecture at the University of Sydney Scott has over 35 years of experience practicing in Architecture and 28 years in CAD-BIM teaching at university and technical colleges. For the past 6 years, as well as his university commitments Scott has worked as a digital technology manager for a leading quantity surveyor helping with validation of models for quantification to derive costs.
John Mitchell
Director at CQR and Owner, CQR
John Mitchell trained as an Architect, specialised in hospital design, and focussed over his career on the adoption of digital modelling. John has over 35 years experience in openBIM: he was the founding chairman of buildingSMART Australasia, and has been engaged in a wide group of Australasian and international industry, government and academic organisations practising, advocating and teaching openBIM.
John was the leader of the BSi Model Setup IDM work - an extension of the IFC openBIM standard enabling BIM and GIS models to be geo-referenced, with cadastre playing a key role as the foundation for precinct models comprising building and infrastructure built assets. Recent work has been working with a small team to develop an IDS for BASIX and improved methods of BASIX submission.
Holger de Groot
CEO & Founding Director, Modmation
Vice Chairperson, buildingSMART Australasia
Holger de Groot is the CEO and Founding Director of Modmation, having more than 20 years of experience within the AEC industry. As a certified BIM Manager, he has accrued invaluable experience in (building) information management and digital project delivery in Australasia and Europe.
Holger is also the Vice Chairperson at buildingSMART Australasia, registered with the German Chamber of Architects of Lower Saxony (#020262), associate member of the Australian Institute of Architects (#69913) and a sought-after author and regular speaker at high level industry conferences.
Before Holger founded Modmation in 2020, he has led the BIM implementation while employed at HDR as their National Director of BIM for the Australian region, and at Grimshaw Architects as their Office BIM Manager for the Sydney studio, advising on BIM matters at all levels.
Today, Holger’s professional experience in digital project delivery and his technical competence and comprehensive knowledge of BIM allow him to provide advice, support, guidance and resources to clients who need strong information management capabilities.
Aaron Traylen
Director, buildingSMART Australasia
Aaron is a highly experienced Enterprise Solutions Consultant with over 18 years of global experience across diverse sectors. He specialises in the strategy, design, and implementation of enterprise technology solutions, supporting organisations in planning future infrastructure and delivering operational digital ecosystems. A key area of his expertise is assisting projects, clients, and organisations in planning and achieving their Digital Twin applications, enabling real-time, data-driven insights to enhance decision-making and operational performance.
Aaron’s work focuses on aligning digital strategies with organisational objectives, bridging the gap between innovation and practical delivery. He has successfully guided numerous organisations through the adoption of transformative technologies, ensuring seamless integration of solutions that drive scalability, efficiency, and long-term value. With a strong track record of delivering tailored and future-ready digital frameworks, Aaron remains a trusted leader in helping organisations harness technology to unlock their full potential in an increasingly digital world.
Dr. Julie Jupp
Director, buildingSMART Australasia
Associate Professor, University of Technology Sydney
Dr Julie Jupp is Associate Professor of Digital Engineering at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in the Faculty of Engineering and IT. Julie’s research, teaching and professional interests lie in the creation of a smart, resilient and sustainable built environment.
As an interdisciplinary academic, Julie works in the cross-cutting fields of digital engineering that link model-based design and construction with intelligent operations and maintenance, resulting in smart built environments. Research impacts originate from innovative contributions to the theory and praxis of sustainability, with the goal being to advance data-driven processes, and inform the policy and practice of smart property development, construction and operations. As the co-founder and Director of Research for the not-for-profit International Intelligent Building Organisation (IIBO), Julie aims to make a difference and help industry push the frontiers of digital building capabilities. In this role Julie is leading the development of the Intelligent Building (IB) Index, a multi-criteria performance assessment method for measuring the intelligence of smart buildings and precincts. Julie is also an active member of a number of academic and industry committees, including the Technical Education Committee in the Australasian BIM Advisory Board (ABAB), a core member of the BIM Excellence (BIMe) Initiative, SYDBIM Consortium, and Intl. Federation for Information Processing’s PLM Working Group (WG 5.1). In the Faculty of Engineering and IT, Julie is teaching studio-based and industry-engaged courses on Digital Engineering and BIM, including under- and postgraduate subjects in 3D modelling, model-based co-ordination, 4D construction scheduling and simulation, and BIM management. Julie has published in the fields of design science, engineering design, BIM, through-life knowledge and information management, multidisciplinary design optimisation, and artificial intelligence.

Agenda
Day 1
– Technical Short Course
8.15am-6.30pm
8.15am - Registration
Networking & coffee
9am - Welcome to UTS & Housekeeping
Julie Jupp - UTS
Welcome to UTS
9.10am - Welcome and openBIM
Eric Bugeja - buildingSMART
Introductory
9:25 - Getting Started with openBIM
Holger de Groot
Introductory Stream: Are you feeling overwhelmed by the complexity of openBIM? Join this class as we unravel the concepts of IFC, MVD, bSDD, IDM, IDS, and BCF, essential for effective information management. Understanding these terms and concepts is vital for navigating information requirements and facilitating creation, validation and exchange processes.
9:50 - buildingSMART International update - Infrastructure
Jim Plume
Introductory Stream: buildingSMART International update - Infrastructure
10:15 - buildingSMART Standards, Services & Domains
Scott Beazley, Jim Plume
Introductory Stream:
11.05 - IFC 4x3 Rail Example Project
Sandra Lang - SYSTRA ANZ
Introductory Stream: we will demonstrate on the basis of a rail project the implementation of IFC4x3 ...
11.30 - Using GenAI to scope construction planning on high rise buildings
Robin Drogemuller - Professor of Virtual Design & Construction, QUT
Introductory Stream: A lot of noise is being made around the capabilities of Generative AI. It is expected to have significant impacts on both working methods within the AEC industry and teaching into AEC qualifications. We included the use of GenAI in the Highrise Construction unit within the Construction Management degree at QUT to assess how useful GenAI would be both in industry and also the impact within university education.
While this was conducted in a university environment, the results are still relevant to industry since over 75% of the students are already working in industry and are also the people who are likely to be asked to assess GenAI within their workplaces.
11:55 - TfNSW Presentation
David Bayliss - TfNSW
Introductory Stream: TfNSW Presentation
Advanced
9:25 - Advanced openBIM: Model Validation, Certification, IFC5
Jon Mirtshin
Advanced Stream. Advanced openBIM: Model Validation, Certification, IFC5
9:50 - IFC 4x3 - Georeferencing, IFC Alignment, IFC for Survey data
Dr Lee Gregory - 12D
Advanced Stream: IFC 4x3 - Georeferencing, IFC Alignment, IFC for Survey data
10:15 - Advanced: Technical Q&A
Jon Mirtschin & Dion Moult
Advanced Stream: Technical Q&A
11:05 - IFC, IDS, bSDD, coding
Dion Moult
Advanced Stream: IFC, IDS, bSDD, coding
11:30 - Open Common Data Environment (CDE) in 2025
Aaron Traylen - Director, buildingSMART International
Advanced Stream: An Open Common Data Environment (CDE) in 2025 hinges on API standardization, but its viability depends on broader interoperability and governance. The industry must go beyond theoretical frameworks and address the practical enablers of an OpenCDE.
API Standardization as the Foundation
An OpenCDE relies on platforms communicating through standardized APIs. Interoperability across Autodesk Construction Cloud, Bentley ProjectWise, and 12d Synergy is crucial to eliminating vendor lock-in. However, API limitations and vendor reluctance continue to restrict seamless integration. The question remains: can current API structures be leveraged through a logic engine to enable a truly OpenCDE?
What Enables an OpenCDE?
Beyond API standardization, several elements must align:
Industry Standards Compliance: Adoption of IFC, IDS, and ISO 19650 aligns data models and workflows.
Governance & Data Integrity: Role-based access, version control, and regulatory compliance.
Multi-Platform Interoperability: Bi-directional synchronization and real-time data updates.
Federated Data Ecosystem: A distributed network of systems contributing to a shared data source.
Workforce Enablement: Allowing companies to use their existing tools and skilled workforce, without forcing software consolidation.
The Cost of Inefficiency in Construction
The need for an OpenCDE is urgent. A study from PlanGrid and FMI Corporation found that $177.5 billion is lost annually in the construction industry due to inefficiencies—time wasted on fixing mistakes, searching for data, and managing conflicts. The lack of seamless software integration is a major contributor, reinforcing the need for open standards and interoperable platforms.
Can an OpenCDE Exist in 2025?
While progress is being made, challenges remain:
Vendor Reluctance: Limited willingness to open APIs.
Legacy System Integration: Many platforms lack modern cloud-based capabilities.
Data Governance & Security: GDPR compliance, audit trails, and access control across platforms.
Adoption of Open Standards: The industry must embrace openBIM methodologies and support open APIs.
Despite these hurdles, CDE Sync and similar integration solutions are bridging gaps, proving that OpenCDE is feasible in practice. The industry must push for standardization, vendor collaboration, and regulatory alignment. By overcoming API and interoperability barriers, OpenCDE can move from concept to reality—not just in 2025, but as a long-term industry standard.
11:55 - Advanced: Technical Q&A
Jon Mirtschin, Dion Moult, Aaron Traylen
Advanced Stream: Your questions answered by our tech experts
Open BIM for Automated Permit Checks in Estonia - Information Model based public sector processes
Christopher Raitviir - Head of Digital Construction, City of Tallinn
Information model based processes are emerging as a transformative approach in public sector urban planning and building permitting, establishing a more cohesive framework for data flow and decision-making. Since 2024, Estonia has fully implemented a BIM-based building permit software in the Estonian Building Registry (EHR), enabling the extraction of critical data directly from BIM models into application forms. This system includes 47 automated checks that validate design compliance against building codes, reducing errors and significantly shortening processing times.
This integration of BIM in permitting aligns with ongoing efforts to introduce common BIM data requirements, defining structured data fields and user-defined property sets that facilitate data consistency across submissions. By specifying IFC references and data types, the EHR ensures that data quality is maintained, enabling automated rule checking and more accurate regulatory reviews. Additionally, a unified classification system, CCI-EE, is being implemented to foster a common digital information space, supporting clear information exchange throughout the building lifecycle.
Urban planning, as the foundational layer for building permits, is evolving to align with IM-based processes. Traditionally grounded in 2D plans, urban planning can now leverage IM to create digital zoning plans that are machine-readable and interoperable through open standards like IFC and CityGML. This shift establishes a direct data flow from zoning plans to building permits, ensuring that planning conditions and regulatory checks are seamlessly connected through a unified framework.
The session will explore how IM-based urban planning and permitting workflows can be structured to enable early-stage analyses and automated rule checks. By integrating zoning plans, environmental analysis data, and BIM models, municipalities can implement rapid, data-driven decision-making processes that provide insights on factors such as sunlight, wind, and noise impacts. This approach enhances data coordination, reduces manual interventions, and supports more informed planning decisions.
In pilot projects such as Tallinn Harbour and the Estonian National Broadcast building zoning plan, the integration of IM has demonstrated how automated checks can verify building height, greenery percentage, setback distances, and environmental restrictions, providing greater transparency and accuracy in regulatory assessments. The implementation of 47 automated checks in the permitting process further underscores the value of digitalization in regulatory processes, streamlining workflows and minimizing delays.
This session will advocate for a paradigm shift towards fully connected IM-based processes in public sector urban planning and permitting, emphasizing the adoption of open formats, standardized data structures, and automated analysis tools to create a coherent and transparent regulatory framework that benefits all stakeholders in the building lifecycle.
The Productive Data Difference
Troy Diamond
How do we transfer data into and out of our design software?
The process often referred to as ‘data wrangling’ involves gathering, organising, and importing information from multiple sources – a task that can be time-intensive but critical for maximising the benefits of BIM.
Let’s explore practical ways to streamline and simplify data handling for practitioners working within an openBIM collaborative environment.
From Model to Meaning: Granular Data Exchange through a Connected Data Environment
Deepak Maini - Autodesk
Today's complex AEC projects often struggle because design data is locked inside large model files, hindering effective collaboration. Autodesk Data Exchange for IFC is designed to revolutionize how data is shared and consumed. It allows you to extract a specific subset of your IFC files as granular data, which can be loaded with other Data Exchange connectors. It enables you to share precise subsets of your design model data, like structural elements or specific equipment, instead of the entire file. Data Exchanges can be effortlessly utilized within and beyond Autodesk applications, such as Revit, Inventor, Rhino, Tekla, Power BI, and more. Unlike sharing traditional static files, Data Exchange lets you securely and flexibly share only what you need, safeguarding your intellectual property.
openBIM Asset Information Requirements: A Data-Centric Workflow
Chris Razzell, Managing Director - dRofus
The effective delivery of Asset Information Requirements (AIR) is a critical component of contemporary Building Information Modelling (BIM) and asset management practices. This presentation examines a structured, data-centric, end-to-end workflow for managing AIR using dRofus, with a focus on interoperability, data integrity, and compliance.
The session begins by outlining methods for defining property sets within dRofus, establishing a foundation for consistent asset data capture aligned with project-specific AIR. The process of updating and maintaining asset values in dRofus is explored, including the mechanisms for synchronising these values with design environments such as Archicad and Revit. The workflow further addresses the export of IFC files enriched with asset data, facilitating open data exchange and downstream use.
See how Solibri’s powerful model checking capabilities are supercharged by the dRofus Solibri plug-in, allowing you to review compliance, capture asset data, and edit live dRofus information directly within Solibri’s environment—removing silos and streamlining collaboration.
The presentation also demonstrates the assignment of asset classifications and the implementation of automated unique asset identifiers, plus capture of critical attributes like make and model, Asset Documentation, contributing to structured and standardized asset information.
Finally, the session demonstrates methods for exporting a comprehensive Asset Register, supporting handover, operations, and lifecycle management with customizable, standards-compliant outputs.
Throughout, the focus is on practical strategies for maintaining data quality, enhancing collaboration, and meeting information delivery standards across the asset lifecycle.
This presentation will be of interest to BIM managers, information managers, and asset owners seeking evidence-based approaches to AIR delivery using integrated digital tools.
Transformational Change through practical application of Digital Engineering
Michael Bannah - HDR
Coordination and collaboration are fundamental functions that can boost project success. Two functions that may seem interchangeable, yet each function has a crucial role in achieving success in project delivery. Throughout the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry in Australia, coordinating a project’s moving parts often feels like it requires a sprinkle of magic. Coordination is never simple; the challenge lies in ensuring everyone shares their information and works towards a common solution. While Building Information Modelling (BIM) and technology continues to challenge many, we are is seeing significant benefits when adopting a practical approach that fosters collaborative behaviors while embracing the use of technology and digital models throughout the design development. The project’s use of both open BIM standards and a Federated Model and approaches in transitioning from 2d Drawings to the 3d models has demystified the hesitation and unknowns surrounding BIM.
OpenBIM for Major Infrastructure Projects
Negar Abedi
As major infrastructure projects become increasingly complex, the need for digital collaboration across disciplines and stakeholders has never been greater. openBIM, with its focus on interoperability, data consistency, and lifecycle integration, is transforming how infrastructure assets are designed, delivered, and maintained.
This presentation explores the application of openBIM methodologies in a large-scale infrastructure project, showcasing how open standards such as Industry Foundation Class have played a critical role in ensuring data exchange, asset management, and long-term operational efficiency. We will delve into the challenges of coordinating multiple design and construction teams, the role of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) in enabling structured data handover, and the impact of digital workflows on streamlining stakeholder collaboration.
Key lessons will be shared on overcoming interoperability barriers, ensuring data quality throughout the project lifecycle, and aligning digital deliverables with asset management and operational requirements, highlighting how openBIM can enhance future-proofing and improving long-term asset performance.
IFC, IDS, and Bonsai: Design Verification for Everyone
Jarmyn Tschirpig - BG&E
Data verification (and data robustness) is a vital part of the BIM workflow.
Due to the sheer volume of data required for large modern civil structures projects, solutions often come in the form of 'spot checking' to extremely complicated operations/programes/spreadsheets that only a select few can use effectively.
The IDS file (and Bonsai BIM) opens data verification up for everyone to ensure a compliant model. As simple as: Load model, point to the IDS file, and then hit 'Execute IFC Tester'. A report is then generated with highlighted errors linked to object ID to facilitate error correction. This report can be read and used by any interested parties to fix any issues and to send as a proof of compliance.
Utilising open-source software, I have been able to quickly generate the IDS files for specific project use. Adapting to any changes quickly (within an hour) as TMR's data requirements mature.
The simplicity of the IDS workflow and the ease that anyone with a little coding experience can generate the IDS file should make anyone working in this space seriously consider this workflow.
Closing Session
Eric Bugeja (bSA Chair)
Networking Event to 6.30pm
Day 2
– Conference
8.15am-6.30pm
8.15am - Registration
Networking & coffee
9am - Welcome & Introduction: Current and Future Strategies in openBIM
Eric Bugeja
Conference welcome and introduction. Current and Future Strategies in openBIM
9.10am - Regulatory/Sustainability Case Study: BIM based permitting and Information Management for the Estonian Government
Chris Raitviir
Regulatory/Sustainability Case Study - BIM based permitting and Information Management for the Estonian Government
Digitising Government - challenges and solutions: Q&A with the Hon. Victor Dominello
Victor Dominello
Digitising Government - challenges and solutions. Q&A session discussing digital transformation, the challenges faced by governments, and how it relates to the AEC sector.
TMR openBIM delivery progress – Technically and Operationally
Gavin Cairns - TMR
•How TMR’s BIM documentation structures IFC data from the supply chain
•Our new Information Delivery Manuals (IDM) - BIM for ITS and Electrical and BIM for Road Furniture. Accompanying IFC Class + Property set definitions
•IFC upload to TMR’s Road Operations Asset Register (ROAR) asset management system
•IFC attribute edit workflows for BIM models used in TMR operations and maintenance
•TMR Bridge IFC models used in construction
•As-constructed IFC upload to TMR’s GIS system (iMaps)
•TMR custom IDS for automated, machine readable validation of IFC from the supply chain
NSW Infrastructure Digitalisation Program - 2025 update
Atsushi Yamamoto & Peter Stuart
Progress update on the implementation progress of the NSW Infrastructure Digitalisation Program - the NSW Government program to drive widespread adoption and application of digital practices and technology across the State's infrastructure program.
The Victorian Government's DE Transformation Program (VTDE)
Kimberley Wilkinson
An overview of the Victorian Transport Digital Engineering Transformation Program (VTDE) and how it is assisting the Victorian Government drive efficiency, benefits and innovation through DE.
Spatial WA Advanced Spatial Digital Twin Program
Jenny Tseng - Landgate
The Spatial WA Advanced Spatial Digital Twin Program is a pioneering whole-of-Government initiative aimed at creating a highly accurate, digital representation of Western Australia's built and natural environments. This program, led by Landgate in collaboration with over 30 government agencies, is designed to revolutionize decision-making, planning, and resource management across the state.
Central to the success of the Spatial WA Digital Twin is the adoption of openBIM standards, which ensure seamless data sharing and collaboration across various platforms and stakeholders. OpenBIM, developed by buildingSMART International, includes standards such as Industry Foundation Classes (IFC), BIM Collaboration Format (BCF), and the buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD). These standards provide a common language and framework for the exchange of information, enabling interoperability and enhancing data quality and consistency.
The Spatial WA Digital Twin leverages openBIM standards to integrate diverse datasets from multiple sources, creating a unified and comprehensive digital environment. This integration facilitates real-time data access and analysis, allowing government agencies to generate actionable insights, run predictive models, and streamline digital workflows. By adhering to openBIM principles, the program ensures that data remains accessible, reliable, and flexible, supporting long-term sustainability and innovation.
One of the key benefits of the Spatial WA Digital Twin is its ability to support a wide range of use cases, from urban planning and infrastructure development to emergency management and environmental monitoring. For instance, the digital twin can be used to simulate and analyze the impact of new developments, optimize asset management, and enhance disaster preparedness and response. The use of openBIM standards ensures that these applications are built on a solid foundation of accurate and interoperable data, maximizing their effectiveness and efficiency.
Moreover, the Spatial WA Digital Twin promotes collaboration between government, industry, and academia, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. By providing a common platform for data exchange and analysis, the program enables stakeholders to work together more effectively, share best practices, and drive the adoption of digital technologies across the state.
In conclusion, the Spatial WA Advanced Spatial Digital Twin Program, underpinned by openBIM standards, represents a significant advancement in the use of digital technologies for spatial data management. It offers a robust and flexible framework for integrating and analyzing data, supporting smarter decision-making and more efficient resource management. As the program continues to evolve, it will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Western Australia's built and natural environments.
National Government Panel
Government Panel Speakers
National Government Panel Speakers:
Devon Middleditch-TfNSW
Kimberley Wilkinson-Mott MacDonald VIC, VDTE
George Schwerin-Department of Transport & Main Road, QLD
Atsushi Yamamoto-Infrastructure NSW
Jenny Tseng-Landgate WA
How industry is collaborating and leading itself to improve productivity through digitisation
Bonnie Ryan - GS1
The construction sector is renowned for its low productivity performance; continued growth in demand putting pressure on the entire sector means that we need to look at doing more with what we have or indeed less as labour constraints continue to bite. A coalition of the willing is collaborating to encourage the sector to be the master of its own destiny to improve productivity, product compliance and regain the trust of customers and consumers. Who is the coalition of the willing? This session will introduce the coalition and the work they are doing for the benefit of the entire industry.
ABAB Update - Digitalisation: can it help with decarbonisation?
Andrew Curthoys - Chair ABAB
openBIM standards can be used very effectively to establish good data management and create good practices to improve asset outcomes. Importantly, as governments require more information and data on the carbon intensity of a project, openBIM standards will contribute to improving data that is required to be included in the construction process to demonstrate how we are decarbonising projects, what the trajectory will be and the carbon impact. Utilising digitalisation will be key to measuring carbon and therefore creating opportunities to improve the decarbonisation process in projects and help governments meet their targets.
I will discuss the value proposition, the approach, the direction and the contribution that all BIM managers and BIM participants can play in contributing to the decarbonisation agenda. I will also discuss the importance of every BIM manager becoming an advocate for decarbonisation as they will be charged with data that they can use to assist contractors and government departments in their decarbonisation journey.
This will be a call to action for industry to embrace digitalisation to contribute to decarbonisation.
Improving Productivity using BASIX
John Mitchell/Scott Beazley
Submission of a BASIX assessment is currently a complex web-based task. IDS - the new way of validating information content in a building model - offers a simpler process, integration with the BIM authoring process and actually more accurate data to assess the performance requirements of BASIX. The talk will explain the role of IDS and provide a demonstration of an actual residential building.
Regulatory and Standards Panel
Regulatory and Standards Panel
moderator: Aaron Traylen.
Making BIM & GIS Take Flight at Auckland Airport
Karl Fitzpatrick -Spatial Information Manager, Auckland Airport Ltd
Auckland Airport is embarking on its largest capital investment program to date, committing over $4 billion NZD over the next five years to major upgrades across the precinct. This ambitious program spans a diverse range of assets—including terminal buildings, airfields, roads, and utilities—all while the airport remains operational 24/7. Delivering such a complex program requires precise coordination across multiple projects, stakeholders, and suppliers.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have been instrumental in supporting the planning, design, construction, and long-term asset management of these projects. The integration of GIS provides critical geospatial context, enabling teams to manage underground services, optimize airfield and landside infrastructure, and assess environmental impacts. BIM, on the other hand, ensures detailed 3D modeling, clash detection, and digital construction coordination, reducing risk and improving efficiency.
Given the diverse supply chain and range of asset types, Auckland Airport has adopted an open BIM approach, allowing interoperability between various software platforms and data formats. This flexible strategy ensures seamless collaboration, enhances data accuracy, and facilitates a connected digital ecosystem that supports the entire asset lifecycle—from design and construction to operations and maintenance.
Fit for Purpose: Aligning Requirements with Reality
Brendon Reid
Whether expressed through IFC or IDS, information requirements are crucial for achieving clarity and consistency in digital project delivery. However, for many asset owners, the challenge lies not in defining these requirements but in aligning them with industry capabilities. In this session, we will share lessons from recent project work with Queensland Health, emphasising the importance of prescribing only what the market can deliver and building capability over time. Instead of relying on overly complex specifications, we advocate for a balanced approach that meets clients where they are without overwhelming supply chains or creating unintended risks. Our approach to implementing IFC and IDS prioritises clarity, progression, and collaboration. We will demonstrate how success has emerged from progressive adoption, stakeholder engagement, and clear value alignment and how thoughtful, OpenBIM-aligned strategies can lead to better outcomes for clients and the industry.
The OpenBIM Pledge
Dion Moult
Closing session
Eric Bugeja
Networking Event to 6.30pm

Venue
University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Aerial Function Centre and Labs

Day 1 is hosted at UTS Computing Labs at the Faculty of Engineering & IT and will close with a networking session. Classes will be capped at 60 participants.

Day 2 will utilise the Aerial Function Centre. Capacity will be approximately 200 attendees based on proposed configuration.

2m x 2m exhibition spaces will be provided amongst the area attendees will have lunch and networking drinks (*no. of spaces to be confirmed and subject to availability).

