From June 25–26, Sydney played host to one of the most forward-thinking gatherings in the infrastructure and construction sector: Building Smart Xchange 2025. Held at the Aerial Function Centre at UTS, this two-day event brought together digital pioneers, government leaders, and industry professionals to explore how open standards and digital transformation are reshaping the built environment.
Whether you missed the event or just want to relive the highlights, here’s your inside look at what went down—and what it means for the future of infrastructure.
What Was Spoken About:
The conference was split into two dynamic days:
- Day 1 featured a hands-on technical short course on openBIM with IFC, offering both introductory and advanced streams. Attendees earned a certificate and digital badge from buildingSMART Australasia, deepening their understanding of digital workflows and openBIM technologies.
- Day 2 was a full-day conference packed with keynotes, panels, and case studies. The central theme? How digital transformation and open standards are driving efficiency, transparency, and sustainability in infrastructure delivery.
Topics ranged from:
- National digital strategies and government-led innovation
- The role of IFC (Industry Foundation Classes) in enabling interoperability
- Global case studies on BIM-based permitting and information management
- The future of digital identity in public infrastructure
Highlights of the Event:
Several standout moments had the crowd buzzing:
- Victor Dominello, former NSW Minister and now CEO of the Future Government Institute, delivered a powerful keynote on citizen-centric digital identity. His insights into transforming public service delivery through tech earned a standing ovation.
- Christopher Raitviir from the City of Tallinn, Estonia, shared how his city uses BIM for permitting and urban planning, offering a glimpse into what’s possible when digital tools are fully embraced.
- The National Government Panel brought together representatives from major infrastructure agencies to discuss how open standards are being embedded into procurement and project delivery.
- Networking sessions, complete with canapés and cocktails, gave attendees the chance to connect with peers, tech providers, and policy makers.
What Was Learnt:
The key takeaway? Digital transformation isn’t optional—it’s inevitable. And open standards are the foundation.
Attendees walked away with:
- A deeper understanding of IFC and openBIM workflows
- Real-world examples of how digital tools are improving project outcomes
- Insights into how governments are aligning policy with technology
- A renewed urgency to upskill teams in digital engineering and data management
The conference also emphasized the importance of collaboration across disciplines—from architects and engineers to software developers and regulators.
What Companies Can Take Back to Implement:
For those looking to turn inspiration into action, here are four practical takeaways:
- Adopt Open Standards: Begin integrating IFC and openBIM into your workflows to future-proof your projects and ensure interoperability across platforms.
- Invest in Training: Upskill your team in digital engineering, BIM, and data governance. The ROI on digital literacy is only growing.
- Engage with Policy: Stay informed about government digital strategies and align your practices with emerging standards and requirements.
- Collaborate Early: Break down silos between design, construction, and operations teams. Early collaboration using shared digital models leads to better outcomes.
Building Smart Xchange 2025 wasn’t just a conference—it was a call to action. As the infrastructure sector faces increasing pressure to deliver smarter, greener, and more resilient assets, events like this remind us that the tools and knowledge are already here. It’s time to build better—together.
Testimonials
Very professional and efficient organization. Delivered a great product to a tight deadline.
ACE Power
Karl and the team are very professional and have a vast knowledge of BIM coordination.
Dwayne Willaims Babinda Electrics
We had multiple large projects with tight deadlines and needed a company we could trust. The teams delivery, attention to detail and understanding of what is being designed is always executed to a high standard.
Martin O’Donovan Envar Engineers
Draftech offered a flexible and reliable approach to working collaboratively with our team. They met our expectations and quality requirements and also offered up new ideas.
Draftech have proven to be a valuable and trustworthy resource and we will continue to work with Draftech on other projects.
Simon Marsden Umow Lai
Draftech is different from others in the professionalism and features they provide.
The ability to walk through projects in real time online provides invaluable insight into problem areas and helps provide an efficient resolution on the spot without many phone calls, emails and the necessity for us to paw through countless drawings to understand the issues.
Todd Morris Manager - Air mech
Draftech were put forward to FIP Electrical as the solution to Coordinate, Model, carry out clash detection, provide Electrical Services Shop Drawings, as built documentation and completed electrical model.
Simon Thorpe FIP Electrical
In close collaboration Draftech set up all our systems and model deliverables. In this process Draftech have proven to be a valuable resource for us and demonstrated commitment, understanding and professionalism.
David Skelley DJCoalition
Draftech’s attention to detail and proactive nature throughout the project assisted us in identifying issues before becoming evident on site, saving us both time and unexpected costs.
Matt Payne PJM Engineering Services
They delivered very high quality Revit models and associated 2D documentation at key milestones, working to a tight budget and in strict accordance with the Architects’ BIM requirements.
Peter Thomas Geoff Hesford
We found Draftech’s work to be of high standard and the team delivered exactly as agreed, in fact, when we considered the project complete, Draftech put further resources into the project as they were not satisfied.
John Johnson Beca
Engaging Draftech during design gave us the tools to make smart decisions.
Hansen Yuncken Design Manager - Michael Harkins
The drafting service is timely, reliable and fit for purpose for the built environment.
Peter Harvey Harvey Industries
Draftech stands apart from other drafting services that we have previously used in their attention to detail and ability to adapt to the individual client’s requirements.
Doug Holt McCaig Aircon
I can confidently recommend Draftech as a solid and reliable supplier, and experts in their field. I look forward to working with them again in the near future.
Chris Behan Norman Disney & Young
After seeing the benefits Draftech provided us on the Townsville Hospital Redevelopment we have set up a relationship with Draftech and intend to continue to use their BIM knowledge and skills for our future projects.
Brad Lund Energy Power Systems
Draftech has no competition as they are in a class of their own.
John Boyes Babinda Electrics
Draftech Developments Drafting and Design Capabilities, in conjunction with their outstanding level of Client service and support has provided great solutions to our engineering and Drafting Design portions within our Gorgon Barrow Island Project.
Aaron Hazelton Applied Electro Systems Pty Ltd
Draftech set up necessary systems and workflows very quickly, but also setup auditable estimating and weekly cost tracking processes that we utilised, requiring little maintenance.
TOM PURDON MPM GROUP
