The organisers billed it, literally, as the construction industry equivalent of the United Nations’ annual climate conferences. Foundations and Frontiers would be “a gathering like no other”, they said, and provide a “catalyst for an industry-wide response to the most pressing issues facing Australia’s construction industry”.

Held on Thursday, the conference was like no other – if you exclude all held in Sydney at generic venues, hosted by former ABC presenter Adam Spencer, or with speakers who express feel-good bromides about their industry.