Please contact us to enquire about Xchange2026.
What is XChange?
Xchange 2026 is buildingSMART Australasia's annual event running over 2 days - 24th and 25th June 2026. Hosted at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Xchange 2026 combines a unique technical seminar 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 Seminar (8.15am-6.30 pm*) – what you will learn
Join us at QUT for The openBIM with IFC Technical Seminar.
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 series of technical seminars provide an opportunity for subject matter experts to share knowledge and best practice in the concepts and application of buildingSMART technologies.
Day 2 – Conference (8.15am-6.30 pm*) – what you will hear
Join us at QUT 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:
Keynote Speaker (TBC)
Updates from Government infrastructure delivery agencies on current digital strategies and the application of open standards, including National Government Panel Q&A
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
Atsushi Yamamoto
Director - Infrastructure Digitalisation - Infrastructure NSW
Atsushi is Director, Infrastructure Digitalisation at Infrastructure NSW, leading the implementation of the NSW Infrastructure Digitalisation Program including whole-of-government initiatives that strengthen digitalisation and data-enabled infrastructure delivery and asset management. He focuses on translating policy intent into implementable practice, clarifying requirements, driving executive buy-in, and uplifting sector capability to expedite widespread adoption of digital practices and technologies across the NSW public infrastructure program.
Katie Kandelaars
Asset Information Requirements Lead - Department of Transport and Planning
Katie is passionate about public transport.
She has significant knowledge of Victoria’s heavy and light rail operations and maintenance having worked for the State of Victoria during the procurement of the Metropolitan Train and Tram Franchise agreements in 2017 and again in 2024.
Katie is passionate about improving decision making in asset management by improving data collection. Since 2022 Katie has been an integral member of the Victorian Transport Digital Engineering Transformation Program, leading the Asset Information Requirements workstream. Through this program, Katie has fallen into the world of Digital Engineering and is loving how digital engineering can enhance the lifecycle management of Victorian Transport assets.
Quinton Cooper
Digital Engineering Manager - Brisbane Airport
Quinton Cooper is the Digital Engineering Manager at Brisbane Airport, currently responsible for setting information requirements, validation of handover information and governance of the use of all digital assets across the entire Airport precinct. He has worked both construction and client side in architectural, engineering and technology roles on some of Australia's largest construction projects. Quinton is an OpenBIM supporter, focused on clear information requirements, practical use of data, and the avoidance of proprietary systems that lock participants into specific formats.
Professor Robin Drogemuller
Professor of Virtual Design & Construction, Queensland University of Technology
Robin Drogemuller has been involved with buildingSMART since 1996 when he joined the bSI Research Advisory Committee. In his current role as an academic at QUT he promotes BIM in his undergraduate teaching. BIM also motivates or underlies most of his research over the last 25 years while employed at QUT and previously at CSIRO. He also undertook a wide range of BIM-based projects in the CRC for Construction Innovation, CIEAM and the Building 4.0 CRC. Robin has also maintained his involvement in BIM internationally through bSI.
Eric Bugeja
Chair, buildingSMART Australasia
CEO and Founder - Kephron Pty Ltd
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 was formally EIC’s Principal for Digital Integration and Capability supporting the CIMIC Operating companies which include: CPB Contractors, UGL, Leighton Asia, Thiess, Sedgman and Broad. Eric is now CEO of Kephron Pty Ltd, providing strategic consulting and training.
Sandra Lang
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.
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.
Scott Beazley
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.
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.
Jarmyn Tschirpig
BG&E - Senior Structural Drafter (Bridges)
A Senior Structural Drafter at BG&E.
Developer of BG&E's current workflow for bridge design, drafting, and the data requirements.
Advocate for the utilisation of a software agnostic approach to engineering and design.
Brett Dascombe
Award Winning Teacher, Wavell State High School
Award winning educator Brett Dascombe is an early adopter of DEC and a leader in geospatial education. At Wavell State High School in Brisbane, Brett has embedded GIS, remote sensing and digital modelling into project based learning, enabling students to work with real world data and tackle authentic environmental and urban challenges. His approach mirrors the openBIM ethos, where accessible data, collaboration and transparency empower better decision making and deeper engagement.
Sean Lawrence
Global BIM Lead – Bridges and Lead Design Technician, GHD
Sean has over 19 years of experience in building information modelling (BIM) and documentation for large-scale rail and civil infrastructure projects spanning various locations in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. His extensive structural expertise encompasses various road, rail, and pedestrian bridges, including intricate bridge types such as cable-stayed and suspended arch, complex long span and weathering steel box girder bridges.
Sean's main roles include the Global BIM Lead for Bridges, BIM Manager and Lead Design Technician. Throughout his career, Sean has significantly contributed to multiple projects by developing automation tools that have streamlined the modelling of complex linear structures, resulting in substantial improvements to project efficiency.
In addition to project-related responsibilities, Sean has played an essential leadership role in developing the national OpenBIM Industry Foundation Class (IFC) interoperability standards for GHD. This achievement demonstrates his expertise and ability to bridge the gap between different software platforms, a topic he has presented at several industry conferences.
Sarah Zahradnik
Aurecon - Associate Digital Consultant and Technical Community Lead
Sarah Zahradnik is an Associate Digital Consultant and Technical Community Lead with over 13 years’ experience across Architecture, Engineering and Construction. She has worked in four countries across four continents, contributing to projects across the Residential, Education, Sport, Commercial, Health, Industrial, Government and Public sectors.
Her experience includes the Melbourne Olympic Park Redevelopment, Marvel Stadium, the German Embassies in Turkmenistan and Egypt, and the Athletes’ Villages for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.
In the digital realm, Sarah advocates for and implements innovative, standards-aligned delivery solutions that improve efficiency and cross-disciplinary coordination. Her approach integrates Building Information Modelling (BIM) and structured information management practices to enhance project outcomes and streamline collaboration across national and international teams.
Sarah champions digital innovation and the adoption of robust information standards that elevate quality, governance and performance across major construction programs. She is an active Regional Women in BIM (WIB) Lead, contributing to the organisation of industry events focused on emerging themes in digital delivery.
Most recently, Sarah was recognised as a finalist for the Industry Excellence Award at the Women in Digital National Awards.
Gavin Cairns
Department of Transport & Main Roads - Principal Designer (openBIM)
Gavin Cairns has been involved in Queensland’s transport infrastructure sector since 2006 and has been a key driver in the adoption of openBIM across the state. He has led the development of openBIM documentation, data standards and supporting software systems since the Department of Transport and Main Roads’ first BIM pilot in 2014, working closely with the TMR Digital Systems team and industry partners.
Through collaboration with buildingSMART, Gavin and the TMR team have aligned contract documentation and digital workflows with IFC, IDS and IDM standards. This work has enabled stronger lifecycle asset management, including interoperability between project information models, GIS platforms and TMR’s Asset Management systems.
Recognised with a Special Mention in the 2025 buildingSMART International Awards, Gavin is widely regarded for his expertise in IFC schema, attribute standardization and BIM data validation. Gavin remains passionately committed to contributing to openBIM standards and advocating for the long-term value of digital engineering.
Raymond Miller
Principal Surveyor and Digital/ Geospatial Lead - TMR
Ray has extensive experience in high precision, existing conditions capture, and digital delivery of TMR's rail infrastructure projects. As the digital lead for TMR's Rail Infrastructure Delivery Office Ray is delivering connected data models starting with reality capture of existing conditions. By advancing project documentation in accordance with ISO 19650 and emphasising client side digital roles and responsibilities, Ray's team are leading the development of Project Information Models with connected CDE's, integrated with GIS, containing data structure for use throughout options analysis, business cases, detailed design, construction and handover into asset management, operations and maintenance.
Ray's strategic approach is demonstrating the downstream efficiency gains and benefits of integrated digital delivery from project inception by default.
Veljko Janjic
Chairman of the Board & Founder - BEXEL
Veljko Janjić is an esteemed BIM expert and lecturer, creator of BEXEL Manager and BEXEL CDE platforms. He founded BEXEL, motivated by high-cost overruns, delays, and productivity issues of construction projects. Being a member of Stanford University’s CIFE Industry Advisory Board and Technical Advisory Committee since 2009, he believed that developing comprehensive BIM project management processes and state-of-the-art software for their implementation would be a solution. At buildingSMART International, Veljko is a Standards Committee Technical Executive and a Steering Committee member of the Construction Domain. He is a Vice-Chair of the FIDIC EFCA BIM and Digitalisation Committee, monitoring the developments in regulations, normalisation (ISO, CEN), openBIM standards, software market, etc. He is the President of buildingSMART Serbia Chapter and one of the founding members of buildingSMART Slovenia Chapter. He lectured at many high-profile BIM and project management conferences, has been a guest lecturer at many universities worldwide and is a regular lecturer at buildingSMART International Summits from Tokyo (2018) to Porto (2026). Veljko has been co-author of the Strategic Plan for Digitalisation of Construction and an official reviewer of BIM Guidelines in Slovenia, and a co-author of a Booklet on ISO standard 19650 Information management using BIM published by EFCA.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Holger de Groot
CEO & Founding Director, Modmation
Vice Chair, 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.
Jon Mirtschin
Director at Geometry Gym
Director, buildingSMART Australasia
Jon Mirtschin received his Bachelor of Engineering/Science from the University of Melbourne, Australia. He worked for Connell Wagner and Expedition Engineering (London) before starting Geometry Gym in 2009. Geometry Gym provides consultancy, training and develops BIM software tools specifically for Model Exchange using OpenBIM standards such as IFC. These are primarily in the form of plugins for applications such as Revit, Rhino, Grasshopper, Civil 3D and various Structural Analysis applications. Jon has been a director on the board of buildingSMART Australasia since 2019.
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.
Alison Watson
Founder & CEO - Class Of Your Own Pty Ltd
Alison Watson MBE is a former land surveyor and founder and Chief Executive of Class Of Your Own (COYO), an award winning education consultancy and social enterprise established in 2009.
She created the Design Engineer Construct (DEC) accredited learning programme for secondary school students, supported by leading companies, professional bodies and universities through COYO’s Adopt A School scheme. DEC is delivered across the UK and internationally and is embedded within ESG strategies, creating pathways into technical and professional careers for young people.
Following the establishment of Class Of Your Own in Australia, Alison is working with educators in the lead up to Brisbane 2032 to inspire young people to join Team Construction, providing opportunities to engage with industry professionals while still in education.
Alison remains a strong advocate for the geospatial profession and served as President of the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors from 2024 to 2025. She is an Honorary Fellow of the CICES, the Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists, the Royal Institution of British Architects and holds honorary doctorates from the University of East London and Heriot Watt University. She was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to education.
Negar Abedi
Senior Digital Project Manager, DBM Vircon
Digital Engineering specialist with over a decade of experience delivering major transport and infrastructure projects. Expertise spans BIM strategy, ISO 19650-aligned information management, digital workflows, multidisciplinary coordination, and full asset lifecycle enablement. Proven capability in seamlessly working with multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaborative delivery environments, and driving alignment across technical and non-technical stakeholders, with a record of leading client-side advisory, major project delivery, establishing enterprise standards, and driving digital transformation across complex project environments.
David Greaves
Principal Surveyor (Systems) - QLD Dept of Transport & Main Roads
Dave is a Principal Surveyor (Systems) at the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, based in Brisbane. He provides technical leadership in the development and governance of surveying, spatial, and digital engineering systems that support transport infrastructure projects.
A key focus of Dave’s work is the practical adoption of openBIM standards, including the use of IFC 4.3 for linear infrastructure. He works at the intersection of surveying, spatial data, and BIM to improve interoperability, data quality, and the long‑term usability of information across multidisciplinary teams and asset lifecycles.
At Xchange2026, Dave presents Structuring Survey Data for openBIM using IFC 4.3, sharing practical insights into aligning survey data and documentation with open, standards‑based BIM data structures.
Bryan McSweeney
Manager - Special Projects - C42 Solutions
Bryan McSweeney has extensive experience in the interpretation and application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) standards. As Manager - Special Projects, Bryan plays a key role in driving the implementation of BIM processes and practices in major infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance with national and international standards.
Bryan is a member of the Standards Australia BD-104 Technical Committee where he contributes to the review of the ISO standards relating to BIM including ISO19650.
With a career spanning over 54 years, Bryan continues to contribute to the advancement of digital systems in infrastructure projects through knowledge sharing and collaboration with industry.
Agenda
Day 1
– Technical Short Course
8.15am-6.30pm
8.15am - Registration
Registration
Networking & coffee
9am - Welcome to QUT & Housekeeping
Robin Drogemuller
Welcome to QUT
9.10am - Welcome and openBIM
Eric Bugeja - Chair, buildingSMART Australasia
Conference Welcome
Technical Insights from openBIM applications in the US
Will Sharp & Will Holmes
TBA
Some real examples of openBIM workflows in action
Dion Moult
TBA
Introductory
Getting Started with openBIM
Holger de Groot - Modmation
This talk introduces the concept of openBIM and explains how open standards enable effective digital collaboration across the Architecture, Engineering, Construction, and Operations (AECO) industry. The talk focuses on the standards and services developed by buildingSMART that support interoperable information exchange across different software platforms and project stakeholders.
The session begins by addressing a key challenge in the industry: project teams often work in isolated software environments, which leads to inefficient information exchange and data loss. openBIM addresses this problem by enabling vendor-neutral workflows, allowing stakeholders to use different tools while still sharing reliable and structured data. In this context, openBIM improves the accessibility, usability, management, and long-term sustainability of digital information across the entire asset lifecycle.
A core concept explained in the presentation is the distinction between native (closed) formats and open formats. Models are typically created in proprietary authoring tools, but for collaboration and data exchange they should be exported to open standards such as IFC (Industry Foundation Classes). This approach ensures that information can be accessed, reviewed, and reused without requiring the same software used to author the model.
The talk then outlines the principles of openBIM, which include interoperability, openness, reliability, collaboration, flexibility, and sustainability. These principles support a digital workflow where information can move freely between project participants while maintaining consistency and traceability.
A significant part of the presentation introduces the openBIM standards ecosystem developed by buildingSMART. These standards structure the lifecycle of digital information exchange:
•Use Case Management (UCM) – establishes a common language for defining BIM use cases across project phases.
•Information Delivery Manual (IDM) – maps processes and defines information exchange requirements for specific use cases.
•Model View Definition (MVD) – defines subsets of IFC data tailored to particular exchange scenarios.
•Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) – the core open standard for exchanging structured building and infrastructure model data.
•BIM Collaboration Format (BCF) – supports issue tracking, coordination, and communication without exchanging full models.
The talk also highlights other standards that strengthen data quality and automation. The buildingSMART Data Dictionary (bSDD) provides a shared semantic framework for classifications and properties, while the Information Delivery Specification (IDS) enables machine-readable definitions of information requirements and supports automated model validation. In addition, the IFC Validation Service allows users to check IFC models against the standard to ensure compliance and reliable data exchange.
Finally, the talk introduces the concept of openCDE, which aims to connect different Common Data Environments through open APIs. This development supports seamless data exchange across platforms and further strengthens the interoperability goals of openBIM.
Overall, the talk provides a structured introduction to openBIM by linking industry challenges, collaborative workflows, and technical standards. It demonstrates how open standards enable transparent information exchange, improve data quality, and support long-term digital asset management in line with modern information management frameworks such as ISO 19650.
Navigating your way around buildingSMART resources
Eric Bugeja
Abstract TBA
IDS: Information (verification workflows that) Don't Stink
Troy Diamond - Vectorworks
To quote one of my colleagues…
"Currently, most of the products supporting IDS work with only one file, but working with multiple IDS’s is a must. In many cases, there is one IDS defining the common requirements for each project (like entities present, their attributes and classifications/materials) and one or more file(s) defining project-specific requirements. Also, on every milestone the requirements become more specific and additional IDS files are created to validate the model."
The focus of my presentation is to explore…
* A compelling workflow for the average industry punter (design types, not just BIM managers), that gives them the ROI to want to engage with OpenBIM data (beyond simply swapping a 3D model).
* How IDS can be used for code compliance – including multiple IDS’s on a design disciplinary basis.
* Utilise BCF in this data validation process.
Digital Approach in Rail Infrastructure - Queensland Train Manufacturing Program
Negar Abedi - DBM Vircon
The Queensland Train Manufacturing Program (QTMP) is a large, multi-disciplinary initiative involving diverse delivery partners, each working with different tools, methodologies and levels of digital maturity. This naturally results in variation in how information is structured and exchanged across the program. In this joint presentation, Downer and DBM Vircon explore how digital approaches are being used to unify these varied inputs, supporting both delivery coordination and long-term asset operations.
The presentation will highlight the role of Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) as the backbone of data exchange between parties and disciplines, and how IFC enables the conditioning and harmonisation of model data across the program. Rather than emphasising inconsistencies, the team has adopted a constructive, future-focused approach: identifying differences in modelling practices, proactively aligning data structures, and reshaping federated models to enable reliable mapping to Downer’s asset management requirements. This includes establishing consistent attribute frameworks and integrating specialist equipment information sourced from a range of suppliers. By applying OpenBIM principles with the end state in mind, QTMP is building a resilient, standards-aligned information environment that enhances coordination today and enables a dependable, interoperable digital handover for tomorrow.
OpenBIM at Scale: Engineering a Cloud-Based Content Ecosystem for Automated, Measurable Infrastructure Delivery
Sarah Zahradnik - Aurecon
As infrastructure programs increase in scale and complexity, the challenge is no longer producing models - it is ensuring information is structured, reliable and reusable across projects, disciplines and supply chains. While openBIM provides the foundation for interoperability, its full value is only realised when supported by governed, standards-aligned information systems.
This presentation explores the development of a cloud-based content management ecosystem aligned to openBIM principles, designed to transform digital delivery from project-based modelling into a scalable, measurable information system.
The approach centres on structured, classification-driven content governed in the cloud and deployed through controlled workflows. By aligning digital objects and data to open standards and consistent classification frameworks, the platform enables interoperability across authoring tools and project models while maintaining version certainty and quality control.
Rule-based automation plays a critical role - not as an isolated feature, but as an enabler of assurance. Automated classification, validation and compliance checking reduce manual review, increase consistency and embed quality directly into the delivery process.
Beyond automation, the platform introduces measurable performance into digital delivery. Because content is standardised and centrally governed, metrics can be tracked across projects - including reuse rates, compliance levels, data completeness and rework reduction. This creates visibility at portfolio scale and enables informed decision-making aligned with organisational and asset objectives.
Advanced
Civil IFC Spatial Structures
Jon Mirtschin
Abstract TBA
IDM
Lee Gregory & John Mitchell
Abstract TBA
Structuring Survey Data for openBIM using IFC 4.3
David Greaves - TMR
Survey data underpins infrastructure delivery, yet when exchanged with BIM environments it is often reduced to geometry, losing the rich structure and meaning embedded in survey models. This presentation focuses on how survey string data and cadastral information can be structured to align with IFC 4.3, enabling openBIM based exchange that preserves survey intent, attributes, and spatial integrity.
The presentation focuses on the structuring of survey data, including the preparation and management of attributes at the string, segment, and vertex level. It demonstrates how this information can be aligned with IFC 4.3 concepts so that survey data carries not only shape, but also metadata and survey semantics when exchanged. Particular attention is given to how string based survey models—commonly used to represent surfaces, breaklines, boundaries, and features—can be meaningfully hosted within the IFC schema.
Existing Conditions BIM Modelling in the TMR Rail Division
Ray Miller - DTMR Rail Division
This presentation explores the concept of Existing Conditions Building Information Modelling (BIM) within the TMR Rail Division, focusing on its application in TMR rail infrastructure projects and its transformative potential.
Overview:
•Overview of the development of precise, survey-based 3D models that represent the as-built conditions of rail assets and sites.
•Highlights the shift from traditional idealised concept models or outdated CAD data to accurate spatial representations.
•Emphasises the benefits of improved design integration, reduced errors, and streamlined project planning.
•Laying the foundation for the Digital & BIM process for the TMR Rail Division Digital Delivery framework
•Exploring technical processes for the full lifecycle of information production:
•Data capture
•Information exchange document and specification
•Modelling and information production
Key Topics Covered:
•Foundational Principles:
•Importance of creating precise and reliable datasets that reflect real-world existing and as-built conditions for visible and non-visible assets in the rail corridor
•The role of accurate data in supporting effective project delivery.
•Creation of precise 3D BIM models from accurate survey, reality capture and modelling techniques and technology
•Technical Standards and Frameworks:
•Overview of standards and frameworks guiding the modelling and information production process.
•The importance of uniform standards for consistency and interoperability with project Digital standards
•Information Exchange Requirements and Standards:
•Enabling effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
•Defining clear data exchange protocols to ensure project success through Digital Exchange specifications
•Scan-to-BIM Processes and Lifecycle Management:
•Use of advanced technologies such as LiDAR and photogrammetry for data capture.
•Modelling principles and technical processes
•Challenges and Future Directions:
•Addressing common challenges , including data accuracy, integration with legacy systems, and technical constraints
•Exploring the potential of emerging technologies to enhance BIM capabilities in rail projects.
Case Studies:
•Practical illustrations from ongoing TMR Rail projects to showcase real-world applications in including New Albion Sation, Roma Street and The Wave.
Relevant Themes:
•Digital Transformation in Rail Infrastructure
•Standards and Frameworks in Digital Engineering in TMR Rail Projects
•Technology Integration and Innovation
•BIM, Digital Engineering, Survey, Geospatial, Reality Capture
Combined
IFC 4.3 and 4.4 and the future of openBIM
Dion Moult & Jon Mirtschin
Abstract TBA
QA for IFC (The Open BIM Pledge)
Dion Moult & Scott Beazley
Abstract TBA
Closing Session
Eric Bugeja (bSA Chair)
Closing remarks and thanks
Networking Event to 6.30pm
Networking event - canapes and beverages
Day 2
– Conference
8.15am-6.30pm
8.15am - Registration
Registration
Networking & coffee
9am - Welcome & Introduction: Current and Future Strategies in openBIM
Eric Bugeja - Chair, buildingSMART Australasia
Conference welcome and introduction. Current and Future Strategies in openBIM
TMR Road and Rail digital implementation
Gavin Cairns & Ray Miller - TMR
This co-presentation will give insight as to how Gavin and Ray are leveraging openBIM standards to action digital delivery at scale across transport infrastructure delivery in Queensland.
Gavin Cairns has developed openBIM data structures that form contractual requirements for Department of Transport and Main Roads BIM deliverables. Gavin and the TMR digital systems team have spearheaded client side technical workflows that enable automated BIM data validation, direct asset management upload and GIS integration. This workflow was recently recognised by buildingSMART International with a special mention at the 2025 buildingSMART international summit.
Ray Miller is building upon TMR’s openBIM standards, progressing client side digital roles and responsibilities in accordance with ISO19650. This includes high precision, existing conditions reality capture as tender documentation. Ray is developing standards that will see fully integrated digital project delivery for current live projects in TMR’s Rail Infrastructure Delivery Office.
Digitally-Driven Health Infrastructure: Scaling Smart Delivery in Complex Environments
Christian Dorst - Health Infrastructure Queensland & Mark Cronin - IIMBE
This presentation will explore how Building Information Modelling (BIM) is transforming the delivery of hospital and health infrastructure projects with the help of openBIM standards. Attendees will learn how digital systems are used to manage complexity, ensure compliance, and coordinate multiple stakeholders in challenging environments. The session will also highlight strategies for delivering future-proof, high-performance facilities, demonstrating how BIM enables smarter, more efficient, and sustainable outcomes in the dynamic health sector.
Ensuring digital engineering and connectivity support the future of our infrastructure
Katie Kandelaars - Victoria's Department of Transport and Planning
A shared initiative across the Victorian Transport portfolio, Victorian Transport Digital Engineering (VTDE) is connecting for the future with a transformation program which will activate the power of digital engineering through people, process and technology.
Our vision? An industry leading, hyperconnected ecosystem of digital engineering and asset information.
But what does this mean?
Currently in Horizon 4 of a 6-year program, we’re rolling towards modernising operations and changes are afoot. In this session you will learn about:
What we mean when we talk about VTDE
VTDE progress. What we’ve done and what’s ahead as we strive for a revolutionary information management shift for the Victorian construction, engineering and transport sectors
What changes you might see from a project perspective over the coming years (yes, it’s a marathon, not a sprint)!
How this will change the way we manage our asset base in the operations and maintenance phase
Making it stick: NSW Infrastructure Digitalisation and Data Policy
Atsushi Yamamoto - INSW
In this presentation, Atsushi will provide an overview of the NSW Infrastructure Digitalisation and Data Policy which was released in September 2025, and the range of whole-of-government initiatives his team at Infrastructure NSW is delivering to ensure the policy 'sticks' across NSW government agencies.
PANEL - Skills shortage and upskilling - who's responsibility is it?
Panel
Panel discussion
The Teacher Imperative - educating a digital workforce for Brisbane 2032
Alison Watson & Brett Dascombe - Class Of Your Own Pty Ltd
Alison Watson MBE, founder and Chief Executive of award-winning social enterprise Class Of Your Own, and Brett Dascombe, award winning educator at Wavell State High School and Global Teacher Prize Top 10 finalist, represent a powerful alignment between education and industry at a critical moment for the future of construction.
Alison’s journey from land surveyor to education pioneer led to the creation of the Design Engineer Construct! ("DEC") learning program, an industry aligned curriculum designed to educate the future of construction. Grounded in the principles championed by buildingSMART and openBIM, DEC introduces young people to a collaborative, data driven and interoperable built environment. Students learn through shared digital models, structured information and coordinated workflows that reflect modern industry practice, preparing them for a sector where integration and collaboration defines success.
This vision is brought to life in classrooms by educators such as Brett Dascombe, an early adopter of DEC and a leader in geospatial education. At Wavell State High School in Brisbane, Brett has embedded GIS, remote sensing and digital modelling into project based learning, enabling students to work with real world data and tackle authentic environmental and urban challenges. His approach mirrors the openBIM ethos, where accessible data, collaboration and transparency empower better decision making and deeper engagement.
Together, their work demonstrates how education can move beyond theory to become a live, connected ecosystem. Through COYO's Adopt A School model, students, teachers and industry professionals collaborate as integrated teams, reflecting the way infrastructure and buildings are conceived, designed and delivered in practice.
This model is particularly significant in the context of Brisbane 2032. The Games represent the largest peacetime mobilisation of skills and resources, requiring a workforce that is digitally fluent, collaborative and ready to contribute from day one. Rather than viewing this as a future challenge, Alison and Brett position it as a present opportunity, to engage young people early, before career perceptions are fixed, and to build capability through meaningful participation.
Central to this approach is the concept of belonging. By framing construction as a team sport - “Team Construction” - students are invited to see themselves within the industry, regardless of background or prior attainment. This sense of identity is critical to widening participation, addressing skills shortages and building a more diverse and resilient workforce.
Aligned with social value frameworks and national procurement priorities, DEC offers a scalable and measurable solution that connects education directly to infrastructure delivery. It supports digital competence, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and embeds open standards thinking from the outset.
Through this partnership between visionary leadership and classroom innovation, Alison Watson and Brett Dascombe are demonstrating how education can align with the mission of buildingSMART, not only to improve how we build, but to transform who gets to be part of building it.
OpenBIM in an Operational Environment
Quinton Cooper - Brisbane Airport
Brisbane Airport uses an OpenBIM approach to manage its complex infrastructure and long-term development, specifically focusing on interoperability for the entire asset lifecycle. This strategy is central to its $5 billion Future BNE program, which includes major infrastructure and terminal upgrades to deal with future capacity all factoring in the timing of the 2032 Olympic Games. The BIM and wider DE strategy is designed to be scalable, supporting everything from the delivery of individual retail tenancies to critical infrastructure like the New Parallel Runway and new passenger terminals, plus internal data use across all departments including finance, legal, commercial and operational teams. By enforcing open standards, Brisbane Airport ensures its digital assets can evolve alongside any emerging technologies or environments. The main challenge to date has not been gaining acceptance of the strategy internally, but rather translating the different interests and areas of focus from designers and contractors into an operational environment. This presentation will focus on this challenge along with the overall strategy and internal use cases for digital information.
Synergy of openBIM, Automation and AI in Integrated Planning & Project Management: National Football Stadium & Expo 2027
Veljko Janjic - BEXEL
This lecture explores the integration of openBIM, smart automation, AI-driven project management, location-based planning, Lean principles, and the Last Planner® Method in delivering complex projects such as the National Football Stadium and Expo 2027 Complex. It highlights how this synergy enhances flexibility in daily site operations while improving reliability, collaboration, and predictability.
Through real use cases based on openBIM standards (IFC4.3, BCF), the session demonstrates how data-driven workflows - supported by advanced progress tracking and interactive dashboards - enable better decision-making and measurable project outcomes.
Key takeaways include:
- How Integrated Planning & Project Management is executed in real case studies, benefiting from the synergy of openBIM, smart automation, AI, Lean, and Last Planner® work together in practice
- Using data-driven workflows to improve decision-making and performance
- Practical strategies for reliable, flexible planning that enhance collaboration, reduce waste, and increase site efficiency
PANEL - ISO 19650 - latest updates and interactive session
Panel
Panel discussion and interactive session
The openBIM Pledge
Dion Moult
Abstract TBA
Closing session
Eric Bugeja - Chair, buildingSMART Australasia
Moderator-Eric Bugeja
Panel Q&A with Speakers:
Karl Fitzpatrick-Auckland Airport Ltd
Brendon Reid-IIMBE
Dion Moult-Lendlease
Networking Event to 6.30pm
Networking event - canapes and beverages
Venue
Day 1 is hosted at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and will close with a networking session.
Day 2 will also be at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Brisbane at The Gardens Theatre and will also close with a networking session.
