Meet the speakers

Marc Snape
National Manager for City Development, NBN Co

Marc Snape is the National Manager for City Development at nbn, collaborating with stakeholders in the built environment and city-shaping organisations on how digital infrastructure supports future cities and expanding communities. Marc has over 20 years of experience in both government and private sectors, holding various roles across corporate affairs, stakeholder relations, politics, and consulting.

Rebecca Finn
Director, UrbanFold

Rebecca is an urban designer and registered landscape architect with significant experience in the design of cities, towns and neighbourhoods across Australia and North America. She launched UrbanFold in 2020, a Melbourne-based urban design studio with the single, simple aim – to design places that elevate urban life. The studio is focused on clients and communities who plan for, invest in, design, develop and build cities. People, community and stakeholder engagement are therefore central to her practice.

Sarah Barns
Co-Director, Studio ESEM
Vice Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University 

Dr Sarah Barns is an urban engagement and digital placemaking strategist who uses civic design methods to enhance opportunities for community engagement, belonging and participation in place-based settings. She is Co-Director of creative placemaking practice Studio ESEM, Founder of STORYBOX.CO as a platform for civic media & storytelling, and currently a Vice Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University. 

Andrew Wear
Principal and Founder, Econovation

Andrew Wear is an economic strategist, author and public policy professional with deep expertise in economic development, industry growth and public policy. As the founder of Econovation, he works with cities, regions and industries to navigate economic change and unlock new opportunities.