Shaping a Sustainable and Resilient Future for Australia’s Furnishing Industry
The 2026 Grow. Promote. Protect. Forum brought Australia’s furnishing, forestry, materials and manufacturing leaders together for two days of strategic discussion, practical insight and genuine collaboration.
Hosted by the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council, Australian Furniture Association and RMIT University, the Forum built on the momentum of recent Commonwealth and State-funded research projects that identified priority actions to strengthen the industry over the next three to five years.
Held at RMIT’s Emily McPherson Building in Melbourne, the event combined keynote presentations, expert panels, industry updates and structured networking – all focused on advancing a more sustainable, competitive and resilient sector.
Day One: Understanding the Landscape
The Forum opened with a welcome and industry address from Patrizia Torelli, Group CEO of the Australian Furniture Association, who set the tone for two days centred on growth, collaboration and responsible leadership.
A keynote from Oliver Jones, Director of Education at the Regenerative Futures Institute, challenged delegates to think beyond incremental change and consider how regenerative thinking can influence business models, materials choices and long-term industry impact.
Panels throughout the day addressed the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the sector:
- Global supply chains and trade pressures – examining tariffs, imports, exports and how global dynamics are impacting local manufacturers and suppliers.
- Circular economy in practice – translating principles into actionable strategies, business models and measurable outcomes.
- Operating tools for success – identifying the equipment, services and systems needed to improve productivity and manage rising costs.
- Protecting IP and brand value – exploring design protection, certification integrity and the broader implications for business wellbeing.
- Chemical compliance and material choices – including insights into PFAS and the regulatory scrutiny shaping product development and procurement.
Day One concluded with a networking reception that reinforced one of the Forum’s strongest themes: collaboration across the supply chain is essential to achieving meaningful progress.
Day Two: Turning Strategy into Action
The second and final day shifted focus from context to capability.
Discussions began with a powerful reminder to “know your customer,” challenging businesses to test assumptions and align more closely with evolving expectations.
Technology and innovation featured strongly, with panels exploring how augmented reality, digital platforms and online sales tools are transforming the marketplace — and how businesses can leverage these tools to grow, promote and protect their offerings.
Workforce development was another central theme. Conversations around training, skills, attraction and retention highlighted that long-term industry strength depends on investing in people as much as products.
A key highlight was an update on FurnitureDNA, the AFA’s digital product-based system under development. Designed to streamline reporting and align with government regulatory requirements, FurnitureDNA represents a significant step toward greater transparency, efficiency and industry cohesion.
The Forum also examined economic sustainability — from managing “loyalty taxes” and operating costs to identifying strategies that improve financial resilience.
The event closed with reflections reinforcing that the work ahead will require coordinated effort between industry leaders, researchers and policymakers.
A Collective Commitment to Progress
Across both days, the message was clear: the Australian furnishing industry has the expertise, creativity and leadership to navigate complexity – but success will depend on alignment, evidence-based decision-making and a shared commitment to responsible growth.
The Grow. Promote. Protect. Forum 2026 has concluded, but its purpose continues. The conversations sparked, partnerships strengthened and strategies outlined will help guide the next phase of action.
The Australian Furniture Association and the Australian Furnishing Industry Stewardship Council extend sincere thanks to all speakers, panelists, sponsors and delegates who contributed so generously to the program.
Together, we grow.
Together, we promote.
Together, we protect.