Artificial Intelligence for Engineering; How Engineers, Technicians and Managers Can Work Smarter, Reduce Downtime and Improve Plant Performance
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, 5th August 2026
- Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM AWST
- Location: EIT Perth Campus, 6 Thelma Street, West Perth, WA 6005
- Attendance: Complimentary in-person event. Places are limited and registration is essential.
AI for Engineering Productivity is rapidly becoming one of the most powerful productivity tools available to engineering organizations. Yet many businesses remain uncertain about where AI can deliver genuine value, where caution is required, and how engineering professionals can use it effectively in day-to-day operations.
Join Dr Steve Mackay and Branden Dekenah for a practical and interactive industry briefing exploring how engineers, technicians and managers can use AI to improve productivity, reduce downtime, accelerate troubleshooting and support better operational decision-making.
Combining Dr Steve Mackay’s engineering expertise with Branden Dekenah’s extensive experience in AI strategy, digital transformation and technology innovation, the session provides both technical and business perspectives on implementing AI effectively.
Why Attend:
- Learn where AI can genuinely improve engineering productivity and performance
- Discover practical applications for maintenance, troubleshooting, reporting and engineering workflows
- Understand the risks, limitations and safeguards required when using AI in operational environments
- Explore how leading organizations are beginning to integrate AI into engineering activities
- Leave with practical ideas that can be explored and adapted within your organization
What to expect
- Practical Demonstrations: See AI applied to real engineering scenarios including fault diagnosis, troubleshooting, maintenance planning, engineering reporting and technical problem-solving.
- Industry Perspectives: Hear from both presenters as they share practical engineering applications, AI implementation strategies and lessons learned from industry.
- Interactive Discussion: Explore where AI can add value across engineering, maintenance and operational functions, and where human expertise remains essential.
- Networking: Connect with fellow engineering professionals over refreshments and discuss opportunities, challenges and experiences with AI adoption.
Presenters:
Dr Steve Mackay PhD, Founder and Managing Principal of the Engineering Institute of Technology
Dr Steve Mackay is a Chartered Professional engineer, entrepreneur, educator and international speaker with more than four decades of experience working with engineers, technicians, tradespeople, operators, supervisors and managers across a broad range of industrial sectors.
His engineering career has involved extensive work in industrial automation, electrical engineering, maintenance, manufacturing, mining, utilities, infrastructure and technology-based organizations. Throughout this time, he has focused on helping engineers and organizations solve practical engineering problems and improve operational performance.
He also serves as Managing Principal of the Engineering College of Technology (ECT) in the United Kingdom and has spent the last several years investigating and applying Artificial Intelligence across engineering, maintenance, industrial automation and educational environments. This is a sister institution of the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT), a specialist engineering education institution serving engineering professionals from more than 160 countries.
His focus is not on the hype surrounding AI, but on a simple question: “How can engineers, technicians and managers use AI NOW to improve the way they work?”
Participants consistently value his practical approach, engaging presentation style and ability to explain complex technical topics in a manner that is immediately useful to engineering professionals.
Branden Dekenah, EIT’s Program Manager and Innovation Consultant
Branden is an entrepreneur, business leader, consultant and mentor specialising in technology innovation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and business strategy. With more than 35 years’ experience across engineering, technology and business, he has advised organisations internationally on using emerging technologies to improve productivity, drive innovation and create competitive advantage.
He has founded, grown and successfully exited technology businesses, including co-founding Conducive, which was acquired by Empired (now Capgemini) in 2012, and Interfuze in 2018 (exited in 2026). He has also held senior leadership roles within multinational finance and technology organisations.
Branden’s experience spans industrial automation, ICT, mass transportation, healthcare and financial services, providing practical insight into applying ML, AI and digital technologies in complex engineering environments.
As Managing Director of Sangoma Consulting, Branden’s current work focuses on artificial intelligence, digital transformation, technology strategy and innovation, helping organisations leverage AI to improve productivity and business performance.
Branden holds an Honours Degree in Commerce, Diplomas in Engineering and Computer Science, and an MBA from Curtin University. He is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management.
RSVP & Registration
Attendance is complimentary; however places are limited.
Register now to secure your place at this executive briefing and discover how AI can be applied safely, practically and productively within engineering organizations.
For event enquiries, please contact Pippa Dold: pippa.dold@eit.edu.au
Who is EIT?
The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) provides practical education and training in engineering and technology, designed to equip students with job-ready skills aligned to industry needs across a range of professional development courses and Australian-accredited qualifications. Its lecturers, drawn from around the world, bring considerable industry experience and a passion for teaching.
EIT’s programs are delivered through a live and interactive learning environment, with access to remote and virtual laboratories to support hands-on learning. Courses are available both online and on campus in Australia, using a blended approach to ensure flexibility and real-world application.