Written by Sara Kirby. Photo by Peter Bennetts.

Thirty two creative industry influencers will speak at MPavilion’s MRelay, in a free event on Saturday 30 January.

The day-long event will bring together local and international thinkers, fashionistas, mavericks, activists, and architects, who will share their ideas and expertise in a series of conversations, structured around four themes – habitat, ritual, transformation, and utopia.

Speakers include the founder of MPavilion, Naomi Milgrom AO, actress Rachel Griffiths, chef and restaurant owner Andrew McConnell, Indigenous artist Reko Rennie, Melbourne’s Director of City Design, Rob Adams, Wheeler Centre Director Michael Williams, and artistic director Robyn Archer AO.

International speakers include authority on retail and brand communication Mary Portas (UK), inventor Oluwaseyi Sosanya (UK), and Paul Stoller of Atelier Ten (US).

Passing the microphone from one to another in a relay fashion, the guests will share their thoughts on design over four rounds:

–  11am–1.30pm—“Habitat” hosted by co-founder of architect Simon Knott

– 2pm–4.30pm—“Ritual” hosted by singer, writer and artistic director Robyn Archer AO

– 5pm–7.30pm—“Transformation” hosted by Rose Hiscock, inaugural director of the upcoming Science Gallery Melbourne

–  8pm–10.30pm—“Utopia” hosted by Wheeler Centre Director Michael Williams

MRelay will run from 11am-11pm on January 30 at MPavilion.

For more information visit www.mpavilion.org