Icon alert
Attention current members - the MyECA Payment Agreement Portal is now LIVE. Set-up your ECA WA membership payment agreement

Business Program

Day 1 - Thursday 20 February

From 3pm - Arrivals and check in

6.30pm - Welcome Function

Kick off the retreat by making meaningful connections at our relaxed Welcome Function. Mingle with industry leaders, reconnect with familiar faces, and meet new ones in a vibrant setting. This is where your network starts to grow—don’t miss it!

Day 2 - Friday 21 February

From 7am - Breakfast

Included in accommodation bookings

9am - Conference welcome

9.15am - Industry Panel

Register now and have your say on the industry panel topic! 
The topic will be announced in November based on YOUR input. 

10.15am - Morning Tea

10.40am - Keynote - Recruiting, engaging and leading diverse generations

Grand Dusting
In today’s workplace, the key to success lies in effectively managing and developing leadership within diverse, multi-generational teams. Join Grant Dusting as he explores the strategies for nurturing emerging leaders and creating leadership opportunities across all levels of your workforce. This session will cover practical techniques for understanding generational differences, fostering collaboration, and empowering individuals to take on leadership roles. Whether you’re looking to cultivate new talent or enhance team dynamics, this session will equip you with the tools to build strong, future-ready teams.

11.45am - Keynote - Safety Essentials: Injury Management and Compliance Made Simple

Matthew Blampey
Join Matthew Blampey, WHS Manager, for an insightful and practical workshop on Safety, Rehabilitation, and Injury Management. This session will cover the latest best practices in workplace safety, helping businesses navigate the complexities of injury prevention and management. Matthew will guide attendees through real-life examples, common pitfalls, and essential strategies for creating a safer working environment.

Learn how to implement effective safety protocols, manage incidents efficiently, and reduce workplace injuries. This workshop is perfect for business owners, managers, and safety officers looking to improve safety outcomes and ensure compliance with industry standards.

12.30pm - Lunch

1.15pm - Keynote - Innovation Unleashed: Thriving in Disruption

Gus Balbontin
Are you ready to challenge the status quo and lead the charge in an ever-changing world? Join us for an electrifying keynote with Gus Balbontin, an investor, entrepreneur, and former executive director and CTO of Lonely Planet. Gus brings a wealth of experience in revolutionizing businesses and navigating the complexities of digital transformation.

In this session, Gus will share his unique perspective on how leaders can adapt to rapid technological advancements and harness innovation to drive meaningful change. Through captivating stories and practical insights, Gus will inspire you to break free from outdated thinking, embrace disruption, and pave the way for a future filled with possibility. Get ready for a dynamic and insightful journey that will empower you to rethink your approach to leadership and innovation.

2.15pm - Afternoon Tea

2.30pm - Workshop - Innovation in Action: Tackling Industry Challenges

Gus Balbontin
Join Gus Balbontin for a hands-on Innovation Workshop designed to tackle the real challenges facing the industry today. In this interactive session, participants will be divided into groups, each tasked with solving a current industry challenge. Through lively discussions and collaborative problem-solving, you’ll explore innovative approaches and creative solutions.

Groups will then share their insights, with live feedback from both Gus and the audience, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience. Known for being both fun and highly practical, Gus’s workshops empower participants to take what they’ve learned and apply it directly within their own teams long after the event. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and turn ideas into action!

4.15pm - Closing remarks

5pm - Sundowner & Networking

Settle into the evening with our laid-back Sundowner, where great conversations meet stunning views. Enjoy a casual setting designed to help you unwind, share ideas, and connect with peers. This is your chance to build relationships that will last well beyond the retreat.

Day 3 - Saturday 22 February

From 7am - Breakfast

Included in accommodation bookings

8.30am - Opening remarks

8.35am - Keynote - Industrial Relations

Johnny Britts
Industrial relations in Western Australia are undergoing significant changes, impacting businesses across the electrical industry. In this session, Johnny Brits will provide a comprehensive overview of the latest updates in industrial relations law, focusing on how the Closing Loopholes legislation changes affect employers, employees, and contractors in the WA electrical sector.

Participants will gain valuable insights into the new regulatory requirements, including changes to the definition of casuals, casual conversion, workplace rights (including fixed term contracts, flexible work requests, paid family & domestic violence leave, same-job-same-pay applications, the right to disconnect, as well as changes to Enterprise Bargaining such as single interest multi-enterprise agreements, new delegates’ rights, and new voting requirements). The session will also cover practical steps for ensuring compliance, managing workforce relations, and mitigating risks associated with the evolving industrial landscape. Whether you're an employer, manager, or HR professional, this session will equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate these changes effectively and maintain a harmonious, compliant workplace.

9.25am - Workshop - General Awareness Training

MATES in Construction
MATES aims to achieve 100% suicide awareness on-site/in the workplace by running this training regularly. The one-hour session introduces workers to the problem of suicide and mental health in the industry and describes how some behaviours could indicate that a workmate may be at risk of suicide and how they may be able to help by following a few easy steps. MATES in Construction’s General Awareness Training (GAT) makes it clear to the industry that for some workers this culture is life threatening. Workers need space, opportunity, and permission to discuss personal issues while at work.

10.25am - Morning Tea

10.45am - Keynote & Workshop - Thriving Amidst Change: Strategies for Sustainable Growth

Rael Bricker
Join Rael Bricker for an impactful session that addresses the most pressing challenges facing the electrical industry today, including financial and regulatory pressures, skilled labor shortages, and technological advancements. This session will dive into how these macro challenges affect small to medium enterprises (SMEs) within the electrical contracting sector and will provide actionable strategies for overcoming them.

Rael will guide you through a practical "plan on a page" approach, focusing on key areas such as staffing, recruitment, communication skills, customer selection, and revenue management. Through interactive exercises and self-reflection, participants will gain insights into creating sustainable and scalable growth within their businesses. The session will conclude with goal setting using Rael's proprietary WWWWW method, ensuring that attendees leave with clear, actionable steps to drive their businesses forward. Prepare to be inspired and equipped with the tools needed to thrive in an evolving industry landscape!

12.45pm - Lunch

2.00pm - Optional activities

Beer Tasting
Savor the finest local brews from Eagle Bay Brewery with a guided tasting experience that’s sure to delight any beer enthusiast.

Clay Shooting
Test your aim and have some adrenaline-fueled fun with a session of clay target shooting in a safe environment—perfect for thrill-seekers and beginners alike. All material will be provided, as well as a safety briefing and training to give you the best chances to win the competition!

Paint n Sip
Unleash your creativity with a fun-filled Paint n Sip session, where you can enjoy a glass of wine while creating your own masterpiece.

6.30pm - Closing Night

End the retreat on a high note with our Closing Night Celebration! Reflect on everything you’ve gained, celebrate new connections, and enjoy a lively evening with friends old and new. It’s the perfect send-off for a transformative few days together. Plus, be in the running for our exclusive door prize—a free 1-year ECA WA membership!

Day 4 - Sunday 23 February

From 7am - Breakfast

Included in accommodation bookings

11am - Departures

2025 ECA WA BUSINESS RETREAT Embracing WA Electrical Excellence (1)
Icon of a speech bubble

Register now!

Don't miss out—secure your spot today! Register now to be part of an event that’s shaping the future of the electrical industry in WA.

Sponsors
Key Deadlines