Debuting at ICC Sydney from 23–24 July 2025, ReGen will bring together circular economy exhibitors, buyers, and thought leaders from across the country. The event is presented by Diversified Communications Australia and marks the next evolution of the former Australasian Waste & Recycling Expo (AWRE).
According to Event Director Ali Lawes, the theme for this year’s speaker program – Aligning for Regeneration: A Collective Movement for Sustainable Progress – captures the event’s core purpose.
“This theme recognises Diversified Australia’s new role in presenting ReGen, which unifies two leading events – the Circularity conference and AWRE – under one platform,” she explains.
“It’s a natural next step for both communities to come together and explore how alignment can drive real progress toward a sustainable future.”
From AWRE to ReGen: Expanding the Vision
For over 15 years, AWRE served as a key business event for Australia’s waste and recycling sectors, connecting the industry’s top innovators with practical solutions. In early 2024, the event was rebranded to ReGen, signalling a broader emphasis on the circular economy.
A significant part of this shift is the integration of Circularity, presented by Planet Ark’s Australian Circular Economy Hub (ACE Hub) in partnership with Diversified Australia. Circularity has showcased leading-edge design, practices, and research to accelerate economic growth through circular thinking – and from 2025, it becomes a core part of the ReGen program.
Ali says the speaker sessions aim to inspire action.
“This event offers a space for everyone to collaborate, share insights, and address the challenges holding us back from a truly circular economy,” she says.
“We want attendees to leave knowing that change is not only possible, but within reach.”
A Refined and Insightful Program
The ReGen 2025 program is structured around two main stages:
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The Circularity Stage, which will explore design innovation, policy development, and research aimed at shaping a more circular future.
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The Resource Stage, which will focus on recovery, recycling, and the real-world logistics of resource stewardship.
Ali says the free program will deliver both visionary ideas and practical advice to help meet Australia’s target of doubling circularity by 2035.
Advisory Expertise Driving the Program
The ReGen Advisory Board – a diverse group of experts from across the circular economy spectrum – has played a pivotal role in developing the speaker lineup.
“Our board includes long-time industry collaborators from AWRE and new voices from the Circularity conference,” Ali says. “They reflect the wide range of interests among our attendees and help ensure our program speaks to every corner of the supply chain.”
The result, she says, is a robust program featuring keynote presentations, expert panels, and practical sessions tailored to the needs of both businesses and policymakers.
Research-Led Rebranding and Development
To support the transition from AWRE to ReGen, Diversified Australia partnered with consultancy Proto Partners to lead a comprehensive research and development project. This included one-on-one interviews with key stakeholders, broader market research, and a thorough review of feedback from previous events.
“The research gave us a clearer picture of what the industry wants from future events – and how we can deliver something meaningful,” Ali says.
To shape the speaker program, Diversified opened an expression of interest (EOI) process, inviting proposals from across the sector.
“We then handed the EOIs to our advisory board and independent stage leads, who applied their expertise to select the most relevant and engaging topics,” she explains.
The result is a speaker series that Ali says spans the full breadth of the circular economy and resource recovery landscape.
“Our aim is to provide a platform that helps all stakeholders – from local councils to national policymakers and business leaders – navigate the transition to a circular future.”