Here are the highlights of Wynyard Neighbourhood’s two-day Flow and Glow event

We know the environment that we surround ourselves in has an impact on our general wellbeing (hello holiday in Mykonos), so how do we create a conscious city that’ll maximise the human experience? Hear from a panel of experts including Laura Hamilton-O'Hara, CEO of Living Future Institute of Australia; Brett Leavy, director of First Nations social impact company Bilbie XR Labs; Dr Caroline Butler-Bowdon, executive director, cities revitalisation and place, Transport for NSW; Michelle Tabet, founder and director at Left Bank Co; and Valerie Saavedra Lux, regenerative practice lead at BVN Architects. They will explore how purpose-driven businesses and communities create opportunities for us to evolve how we live, work and play. Creating Conscious Cities will be held at 11am (Thu Oct 13) at the Brookfield Place Foyer, and there'll be time to network with the thought leaders who are changing the way we use our spaces afterwards.

From diversity in the workplace to inclusive spaces and practices to drive investments, the Economics of Equitability session will explore how equitable organisations drive economic value, held at 2pm (Thu Oct 13) at the Brookfield Place Foyer. Lisa Crennan, who oversees corporate services and sustainability at Accenture Australia; Rebecca Jinks, the director of ESG and sustainability at the Taronga Group; and Phil Rowland, the CEO of CBRE will be all sitting on the panel to share their thoughts and insights, with more names soon to be announced. The Economics of Equitability talk will be held at 2pm (Thu Oct 13) at the Brookfield Place Foyer.

Placemaking plays an important role in creating meaning for the community, from sparking conversation to creating a sense of belonging. Taking place at 4pm (Thu Oct 13) at the Brookfield Place Foyer, Art in Place will look at placemaking and how it centres around creating connection and community in Sydney. For this talk, hear from an Aboriginal Australian artist, Noni Cragg; as well as artist Tracey Deep; the managing principal of Urban Art Projects, Owen Craven; Oliver Watts, head curator, Artbank and Sarah Hetherington, the director of galleries at Sydney Contemporary, as they look at how integrating art in place can lead to more innovation, cultural diversity and deeper engagement. You don’t need to ask us twice.

Settle in for a discussion for the Building Brand Sydney session at the Fullerton Hotel Sydney, lower ground at 2pm (Fri Oct 14) as the panel examines how we can shape and create a thriving CBD. From precincts and attractions to services on offer, we’re all shaping the future of Sydney – so let’s make it count. Michael Gibb, chief executive officer of the Night Time Industries Association; James Hulme, office of the 24-hour economy commissioner and Jennifer Di Bartolomeo, head of place and experience at Charter Hall, will all be there to share their expertise. Stay around afterwards to meet the creative pioneers and the future-focused businesses that are pushing the boundaries of what Sydney can be.

From online shopping to AI technology, retail shopping is changing dramatically. So what does the future of retail look like and how can we utilise the space and capitalise on the synergies between digital and traditional to elevate and innovate the experience? Join a range of speakers such as Simone Barker, co-founder/head of production at Zebrar; Rosemary Condron-Calic, national portfolio manager at ISPT; and Gordon Renouf, CEO and founder of Good on You, as they unpack the ever growing opportunities for immersive retail experiences. Future of Retail will be kicking off at 4pm (Fri Oct 14), lower ground at the Fullerton Hotel, Sydney.