MEET THE SPEAKERS
Dedication. Expertise. Passion. Sustainability. Hemp. Building
Join the Global Hemp Summit to hear from the world’s leading innovators, builders, and agronomy experts driving the hemp revolution. Discover how cutting-edge research in building regulations will influence our sustainable building innovations, and real-world success stories can transform your business and the planet. Be inspired, connect, and shape the future of hemp! 👉 www.globalhempsummit.au
Steve Allin
BUILDER INNOVATOR
Steve Allin is an author, teacher and pioneer in the use of hemp in construction and director of the International Hemp Building Association. Refered to as the Godfather of HempCrete - Steve has helped Australians embrace their hemp building future in Australia since 2012 we look forward to hearing Steve talk about what's working and what's next!
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Steffen Welsch
ARCHITECT & LOW CARBON BUILDING SPECIALIST
Steffen Welsch 'Designing for a Regenerative Future': Building with Hemp and Hope Steffen Welsch, Director of Steffen Welsch Architects, is an award-winning Melbourne architect and a pioneer of hemp construction in Australia. His acclaimed “Hemp House” in Northcote (2012)
OMID ANSARI
AGRONOMY and GENETICS ​
HempGenTec are hemp variety innovators - providing the best genetics and agronomy support and to identify market opportunities to develop hemp-based products. Led by Omid, their focus is on the development of hemp varieties suitable for grain and fibre production across a range of latitudes supplemented by full agronomy support during the growing season. Choosing the right variety may create more opportunities than you thought possible.
JOHAN TIJSSEN
ENGINEER & BUILDER
Johan Tijssen has been a key figure in the development of the Hemp Building Industry in Australia over the last 20 years. His passion is designing simple, fast and efficient construction systems. Johan founded global company HempBLOCK International, where he developed hempcrete products, certification, patents, manuals & training programs to meet the growing interest and demand for truly sustainable building materials. His mission is to set up HempBLOCK factories that will supply sustainable, environmentally friendly, healthy homes around the world.
DARREN CHRISTIE
AUSTRALIAN HEMP GROUP OF COMPANIES
Since 2005, Darren Christie has been at the forefront of Australia’s hemp movement, driven by a deep belief that industrial hemp will transform the way we build and live. With a clear vision for a sustainable future, Darren sees hemp as a cornerstone of Australia’s evolving green economy. In 2012, he built one of the nation’s first hempcrete home, a hands-on example of what’s possible when innovation meets purpose. Today, his passion lies in building the farming and processing foundations needed to take industrial hemp from niche to nationwide impact....
DAVID BRIAN
SOUTHERN HEMP
David Brian is one Australia’s leading Hemp installers, having completed 35 projects to date with many more in the pipeline. David is also very actively involved in promoting and facilitating the development and growth of the hemp industry as a whole to farmers, industry, researchers and end users through his business Southern Hemp. David has a passion and drive for doing things better for the benefit of the entire community.
Dr Habibi Ghazali and Dr Shiran Geng
Sustainable Building Composites Reinforced with Hemp Fibres, This study investigates the microstructural, chemical, and thermal properties of hemp-fibre composites to clarify their suitability for sustainable and health-centred building applications. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fibre Damage Ratio Index (FDRI
Dr Hing-Wah Chau and Dr Nardo Wai​
Overview of International Hemp-Based Construction Regulations, Standards and Guidelines ; Hemp-based construction, primarily using hempcrete (a bio-composite of hemp hurds/shives, lime binder, and water), is recognised as a non-structural, insulating infill material in many jurisdictions. It offers benefits like carbon sequestration, breathability, and low embodied energy but requires compliance with local codes.
MATHIEU BUILDER
MATHIEU GERVAIS
Mathieu Gervais comes with 30 years of building industry experience. A carpenter by trade, builder, architect, and entrepreneur, he is passionate about innovation and sustainability. He built his first eco-home 20 years ago and has, ever since, remained loyal to sustainable building practices. Mathieu has created a patented wall system and hempcrete mix. Come and learn how that innovative system transforms hemp builds.
PAUL DODD
Low Carbon Construction & Building
Paul Dodd, founder of HEMPANEL has a background in heavy construction and the building industry. HEMPANEL is founded on industrial hemp modular building, that reflects on better farming and a healthier built environment, we can build better in Australia. We want to prove that HEMPANEL, can hold us, minimises a world of waste, lessens damage to the lands, whilst creating healthy spaces & beautiful modern homes. Yep we want to reach for the stars.
JAMES VOSPER
HEMP CARBON & BUILDING
Discover what we have known for many years - hemp is the future of sustainable building and construction. Carbon Futures Australia is an originator of the hemp carbon equation. Creating revenue pathways for farmers and manufacturers alike and pioneering a blockchain solution for traceability. Join us at the Global Hemp Summit to explore the endless possibilities of hemp. Learn how hemp can create additionality for farmersand how every hemp building could be a carbon project and earn offsetts, and offer builders and product developers certification.
LEIGH FLETCHER
BUSINESS BUILDER & INNOVATOR
Leigh has over 30 years of experience in agriculture, manufacturing, stakeholder and project management. During the past six years, Leigh has focused on developing expertise in the hemp industry. He has been instrumental in growing hemp crops, completing local hemp trials, and undertaking a hemp-building course. Leigh has more recently dedicated himself to developing Murray Industrial Hemp (MIH). Sourcing investment, forging industry connections and partnerships to advance the hemp sector. Join us at the summit and hear the latest MIH developments.
CHARLES KOVESS
INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER
After 20 years of high-level legal and business experience, Charles Kovess turned his back on the law in 1993 to share success strategies as a professional speaker, educator, facilitator and coach. Charles is known as Australasia’s Passion Provocateur. He became the CEO of the TCI in October 2015. He now has over 13 years’ extensive experience in the field of industrial hemp in Australia and Internationally. Charles is the President of the AIHA and the Secretary of FIHO.
ECOYIELD AUSTRALIA
BIOCHAR TECHNOLOGIES
Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced by the pyrolysis of organic biomass, is gaining attention as a sustainable additive in building materials. When incorporated into concrete, bricks, or plaster, biochar can enhance mechanical strength, thermal insulation, and moisture regulation while significantly reducing the carbon footprint of construction. When BIOit's added to hemp in construction it takes an already superb solution and
Event Partners
THE 4th GLOBAL HEMP SUMMIT and CROP SHOWCASE IS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
The Event
TWO DAYS OF ENVIRONMENTAL
BUILDING EXCELLECE AND INNOVATION
Join us for two action-packed days exploring the future of sustainable ​building and design. Discover how low-carbon materials are being integrated into modern buildings and why hemp genetics is the game-changer driving this global movement. Meet world-class experts, connect with pioneers in sustainable architecture, and explore cutting-edge innovations transforming construction, housing, and consumer products with Industrial Hemp. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this ground-breaking event shaping the future of building and sustainability! Book your early bird pass now!
GLOBAL HEMP SUMMIT
HEMP : Architecture & Designing For A Regenerative Future
9:30:am - 5:00pm + Networking Drinks
Thursday, 11th December
We open with a full day focused on sustainable building, bringing together experts, innovators, and industry leaders. Hear from architects and builders who pioneered hemp building in Australia, along with acclaimed speakers and authors in the hemp sector. Sessions will highlight expertise in low-carbon construction and the circular economy, demonstrating hemp’s potential to create eco-friendly buildings and products designed to last a lifetime. Meet seed breeders, agronomists, soil scientists, farmers, and industry advocates to learn about genetics, soil health, and innovative farming practices, the foundation for successful hemp products and sustainable building projects. The day concludes with networking drinks at 5pm, offering the perfect opportunity to connect, share ideas, and build collaborations. Try some of the local wines and our very own Australian Hemp Vodka and Gippsland's, acclaimed Wild Dog Distilery.
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Hemp Innovations: For a Sustainable Future
DAY 2 Friday, 12th December
9:00am - 4:30pm
DAY 2, The showcase continues with sustainable hemp products. A showcase of the next generation of carbon-neutral innovations. Delegates will hear from leading hemp building experts launching new companies and products- implementing the latest construction techniques and witness a live hemp wall demonstration, with opportunities to speak directly with the builders. Sessions will also explore hemp’s carbon sequestration potential and how both farmers and builders can benefit from carbon credit opportunities. This day brings together hands-on demonstrations, expert insights, and ground breaking projects, highlighting how hemp is transforming both sustainable construction and product design.
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