From the first welcome to the final farewell, GRX26 is designed to create the moments where conversations begin, partnerships form and momentum is built. These three signature networking experiences anchor the GRX26 journey — opening the event with energy, connecting delegates through shared celebration, and closing with purpose and intent.
The Spark — Opening Night
Tuesday 5 May | 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Exhibition Floor
Where GRX26 begins.
The Spark transforms the exhibition floor into an electrifying opening night experience where the energy of innovation comes alive. As the sun sets over Perth, the lights rise, performers move through the crowd and exhibitor activations draw delegates into the heart of GRX26.
At 6:00pm, the Ignition Moment brings the entire community together for the official launch of GRX26 — a shared experience that sets the tone for the days ahead.
This is where first connections are made, conversations begin and the GRX26 journey truly starts.
Tech & Tonic — Cocktail Reception
Wednesday 6 May | 5:00pm – 7:00pm | Exhibition Floor
Where connection meets celebration.
Tech & Tonic transforms the exhibition floor into a sophisticated networking lounge at the close of Day One. With ambient lighting, curated seating, live music and a signature cocktail menu featuring WA craft spirits, this experience shifts the energy from conference mode to connection mode.
Tech & Tonic also hosts Innovation on the Rocks inside the GRX Theatre — bringing live startup pitching and industry engagement into the heart of the evening.
This is where informal conversations turn into serious opportunity.
Spark Forward — Closing Drinks
Thursday 7 May | 4:00pm – 5:00pm
The final gathering — and the beginning of what comes next.
Spark Forward brings the GRX26 community together one last time to reflect, reconnect and commit to action. Delegates consolidate the relationships formed across three days, confirm follow-ups and set the next steps for collaboration.
Timed to support Eastern States departures, Spark Forward ensures the final hour of GRX26 is spent turning intention into implementation.
You arrived with a spark. You leave with momentum.
Why These Experiences Matter
Together, these three experiences are designed to:
- Create natural, high-value networking environments
- Foster informal but commercially meaningful conversations
- Strengthen relationships beyond the conference program
- Support collaboration across the full mining and METS ecosystem
- Embed the GRX26 theme of activation and implementation
These are not add-ons. They are core to how GRX works.