The ACFA 2025 Industry Conference is your chance to discover innovative practices and learn from the leaders shaping the future of cabinetmaking, joinery and design industry.

We are focusing on equipping your business for the future, covering everything from cutting-edge AI solutions and efficient business structures to essential legal insights and the evolving workforce. Each session is designed to provide practical, actionable strategies that will drive growth, improve efficiency, and help you stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

Whether you’re looking to harness technology, build a more resilient business, navigate legal complexities, or attract the next generation of talent, this conference has insights tailored to your needs. Join us for a day packed with expertise, networking, and strategies that will keep your business thriving. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a competitive edge and prepare your business for tomorrow!

Is Your Business Running You, Instead of the Other Way Around?

Are you buried under time-consuming tasks that keep you from focusing on what really matters—like growing your business? Do you wish there was a way to reduce costs, free up your team, and still achieve more?

At the ACFA Industry Conference, we’re here to help you find answers. Join Julian Moore, a renowned AI expert, as he tackles the challenges so many businesses face:

• “How can I make my processes more efficient?”
• “Where do I even start with AI?”
• “Will this actually save me time and money?”

Here’s What You’ll Learn

Julian’s session isn’t about overwhelming you with jargon or theories—it’s about practical solutions. He’ll show you how Artificial Intelligence can:

• Simplify your workload: Replace manual, repetitive tasks with smarter systems.
• Save you money: Implement cost-effective AI tools that work for businesses of all sizes.
• Unlock potential: Help you and your team focus on what really drives growth.

Why Julian?

Julian Moore doesn’t just understand AI—he understands your business. With years of experience across Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, he specialises in turning technology into real-world solutions. His storytelling and relatable examples will leave you thinking, “Why didn’t I start this sooner?”

Let Us Help You Work Smarter

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start making real progress, this is your chance. Walk away with ideas, tools, and inspiration that will make your life easier and your business more efficient.

Don’t wait—join us to see how AI can help you reclaim your time, cut costs, and achieve more.

Hear from Julan’s AI Avatar!

Built to Last: Creating a Business That Thrives Without You”

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you had to step away from your business? Would it thrive, or would everything come to a halt?

Imagine having a business that not only survives in your absence but flourishes giving you the freedom to focus on the big picture or take a well-deserved break.

At the ACFA Industry Conference, join Ben Fewtrell, Co-Founder of MaxMyProfit and creator of the Business Exceleration™ Blueprint, as he shares the secrets to creating a business that’s truly Built to Last.

Questions You’ll Finally Have Answers To:

• “How do I create a team that’s accountable and driven?”
• “What systems do I need to keep my business running smoothly?”
• “How do I plan for the future without losing sight of today?”

What You’ll Learn

In this high-energy session, Ben will walk you through the four key areas every business owner must master:

• Building a team that’s clear on their roles and responsibilities.
• Setting KPIs that actually drive results.
• Creating systems to keep your business running seamlessly day-to-day.
• Structuring for sustainable growth, whether you’re there or not.

Why Ben?

With over 20 years of experience helping businesses like yours boost sales and efficiency, Ben Fewtrell is a master at breaking down big ideas into practical, actionable steps. As a sought-after speaker, coach, and co-host of the Max Your Business Podcast, Ben’s insights will inspire and equip you to future-proof your business.

Ready to Build a Business That Works for You?

Whether you’re planning for succession, seeking more freedom, or simply want to stop being the bottleneck, this session will give you the roadmap to make it happen.

Take the first step toward a thriving, self-sufficient business, don’t miss Ben’s inspiring and actionable session at the ACFA Industry Conference.

Essential Legal Insights: Understanding Consumer Rights,
Contracts 101, Warranties, and Payment Protection

Have you ever faced a situation where a customer refused to pay, challenged their rights, or misunderstood the terms of your agreement? Do you feel confident that your contracts protect you or could they leave you exposed?

At the ACFA Industry Conference, join Andrew Seaton, Managing Partner of Easton Belle Lawyers, for a session packed with essential legal insights designed to help you safeguard your business and get paid every time.

Questions We’ll Help You Answer

• “What are my customers’ rights, and how can I comply without being at risk?”
• “How do I ensure my contracts are clear, enforceable, and protect me?”
• “What steps can I take to guarantee payment for my work?”

What You’ll Learn

Andrew will break down complex legal concepts into practical, actionable advice. Here’s what you’ll take away:

• Consumer Guarantees

Learn the non-negotiable rights every customer has under Australian law and how to meet these obligations while protecting your business.

• Unfair Contract Terms

Discover the new laws in effect since November 2023 and how to avoid costly penalties of up to $50 million by ensuring your contracts comply.

• Home Statutory Warranties

Understand your state’s requirements for Home Warranty Insurance and the level of cover needed for residential building projects.

• Contracts 101

Find out how and when contracts are formed—whether written, verbal, or even agreed online—and ensure you know the rules that apply.

• Written Contracts to Get Paid

Navigate the specific contract requirements for your state to ensure you secure payment for every job, big or small.

Why Andrew?

With over 30 years of experience, Andrew Seaton is a leader in corporate and commercial law. He’s successfully represented businesses of all sizes, from local companies to international clients, and has appeared in courts across Australia. Andrew’s deep understanding of legal frameworks and his knack for making them easy to understand will leave you feeling empowered and prepared to tackle your business challenges.

Protect Your Business, Secure Your Payments

This session is for business owners who want to avoid costly mistakes, comply with evolving laws, and strengthen their contracts to protect their bottom line. Whether you’re new to business or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with clear, practical strategies to handle disputes, manage customer expectations, and ensure you get paid.

Don’t miss Andrew’s invaluable session—because understanding your contracts isn’t just important; it’s essential.

Struggling to Find and Keep Great Staff?

In today’s competitive labour market, attracting and retaining skilled tradespeople feels tougher than ever. Are you wondering what motivates the next generation of tradies or how to build a workplace where they’ll want to stay and thrive?

Join us at the ACFA Industry Conference for an eye-opening session on Building Tomorrow’s Trades: Inspiring, Attracting, and Retaining the Future Workforce.

What’s Changing in the Workforce?

Millennials and Gen Z are reshaping the trades industry with new expectations, priorities, and ways of working. In this session, based on the groundbreaking Future Tradie Report—Australia’s first comprehensive study on the next generation of tradespeople, you’ll gain critical insights, including:

• What motivates younger tradies?

Learn what drives their career choices and keeps them engaged.

• What role does workplace culture play?

Discover how evolving values and technology are influencing where they want to work.

• How can you attract and retain talent?

Explore strategies to address labour shortages and create a business that appeals to the workforce of tomorrow.

Why You Need to Attend

With Millennials and Gen Z expected to make up 75% of the workforce in the next decade, this session is a must for every business looking to stay competitive.

Through interviews with over 1,000 trades professionals and industry leaders, this session will provide actionable insights to help you:

• Understand their ambitions and motivators.
• Create a workplace culture that attracts top talent.
• Retain staff by fostering loyalty and integrity.

Don’t Let Labour Shortages Hold You Back

The workforce is evolving, and so should your recruitment and retention strategies. Whether you’re looking to fill positions today or future-proof your business for tomorrow, this session will give you the tools to inspire, attract, and retain the next generation of tradespeople.

Join us and learn how to build a team ready to take your business into the future.

Shaping the Future of Cabinetmaking: An Open Forum on Apprentice Training

Are you finding it harder than ever to train apprentices effectively while juggling the demands of your business? Do you feel the current training package isn’t quite meeting your needs? You’re not alone—and we want to hear from you.

At the ACFA Industry Conference, don’t miss our interactive forum: Shaping the Future of Cabinetmaking: An Open Forum on Apprentice Training. This session is your chance to have a voice in shaping the future of apprentice training in our industry.

Why Should You Attend?

This forum isn’t about listening—it’s about collaborating. Here’s what you’ll get:

Real Solutions for Real Challenges – Hear from a panel of experts who understand the challenges you face as a business owner or trainer in cabinetmaking.

Your Voice Matters – Share your thoughts on what works, what doesn’t, and what changes would make a difference to your business.

Actionable Ideas – Walk away with fresh perspectives and practical ideas to improve apprentice training in your workplace.

What We’ll Cover

• What are the biggest challenges in training apprentices today?
• Are there gaps in the Furniture Training Package, and how can they be addressed?
• What support or resources would make training easier for you?
• How can we ensure apprentices are ready for the demands of the trade?

Why This Session Is Different

This isn’t just another talk, it’s a conversation designed to solve the issues you face every day. Whether you’ve been training apprentices for years or are just starting, this forum is your chance to help shape a better future for cabinetmaking training.

Your insights could make a real difference—not just for your business, but for the entire industry.