• ADM Congress

    This major Defence/Industry Conference has evolved into a pivotal event in the Defence calendar, attracting over 500 delegates each year.

    18 February 2026
    Hyatt Hotel, Canberra

    BOOK NOW INTERESTED IN ATTENDING

First release early bird tickets now on sale – book now and SAVE

Overview

The ADM Congress returns to Canberra for the 23rd year on 18 February 2026 at the Hyatt Hotel, Canberra.

This annual industry gathering regularly attracts over 500 senior-level attendees and includes addresses from Government, Defence leadership, prime contractors, and SMEs. The Congress is the pivotal event in the Australian defence calendar focussing on future capability requirements, major acquisition projects, sustainment, regional geopolitics, and national security issues.

Don’t miss out on policy dialogue and high-level debate at the 23rd ADM Congress 2026.

Back for 2026! Three co-located events in one place.

The ADM Congress will be co-located with the Australian Defence Magazine AUKUS Pillar II and the 7th ADM Space Summit. This unique convergence of events gives you exclusive access to three powerhouse industry gatherings with just one registration. It’s the ultimate opportunity to engage with key decision-makers, industry experts, and thought leaders across defence, space, and international collaboration.

And that’s not all – we’ve got special rates for SMEs and academia, ensuring everyone can join in on the action. Department of Defence/ADF attend for free – see details below.

Get in early! The first 300 delegates to register will receive a complimentary seat at the ADM Congress Dinner, valued at $350 + GST. Don’t miss out on this exclusive chance to network, dine, and discuss the future of defence and space.

Why attend?

“Attending the annual ADM Congress is a highly beneficial experience. This event provides opportunities to network with industry leaders and defence dignitaries while gaining valuable insights into defence’s current priorities. These insights influence and shape the projects released to the Estate Works Program to enhance capability.”
– 2025 Delegate

“The best program for several years – well done Informa”
– 2025 Delegate

“The ADM Congress is a must-attend for the start of each year in the Defence industry Australian calendar. The quality of speakers and attendees is always worth the effort to attend.”
– 2025 Delegate

“ADM Congress with its mix of Political, high-level Defence and other Commonwealth executives and the top-to-bottom stratum of defence industry along with its central location, provides a unique opportunity that is not replicated in the other more domain specific conferences.”
– 2025 Delegate

2025 Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Gold & Coffee Cart Sponsor

Lanyard Sponsor

Welcome Reception Sponsor

Charity Dinner Partner

Supporting Sponsor

Supporting Sponsor

2025 Exhibitors

2025 Speakers


The Hon Pat Conroy MP
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery


The Hon Andrew Hastie MP
Shadow Minister for Defence


Maria Fernandez
President, Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific


Ohad Katz
Managing Director,
Raytheon Australia


Vicki Treadell CMG
MVO, British High Commissioner to Australia


Jeremy Rockliff
Premier of Tasmania


Kate Dann
Assistant Secretary Defence Industry Security Branch, Department of Defence


Chris Deeble
Deputy Secretary – Capability Acquisition and Sustainment, Department of Defence


Marcus Hellyer
Head of Research,
Stategic Analysis Australia


Major General Hugh Meggitt
Head of the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, Department of Defence


David Speers
Host – Insiders, ABC


Jennifer Parker
Expert Associate – National Security College, ANU


Michael Shoebridge
Director, Strategic Analysis Australia


Cassandra Trumble
Chief People Officer, Aurizn


Mike Johnson
Chief Executive Officer, AIDN

ADM Congress Charity Dinner

18 February 2026 – 6:30pm

Wrap up the day’s exciting discussions in style at the ADM Congress Charity Dinner. This evening offers the perfect opportunity to continue networking with fellow Congress attendees while supporting a great cause. Join key industry leaders, defence experts, and policymakers for an unforgettable night of conversation and charity.

Special Guest Speaker to be confirmed.

Special Offer – First 30 conference delegates get a FREE seat at the dinner.

ADM Congress Welcome Reception

17 February 2026 – 6pm

Your event experience begins with the ADM Congress Welcome Reception. Network, connect, and engage while enjoying refreshments, as you hear from a distinguished guest speaker (to be announced).

This exclusive event is included in your conference ticket.

2025 AGENDA

Wednesday 19 February 2025

8:50

Welcome from Australian Defence Magazine

Ewen Levick, Publisher, Australian Defence Magazine

8:55

 OPENING | Opening remarks from the Chair

Deanna Nott, Managing Director & Founder, Wings Public Relations

9:00

Ministerial Address | Strategic Priorities for Defence Industry

  • Expanding local manufacturing and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers
  • Supporting SME’s entering the supply chain
  • Preparing for emerging global challenges

The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry

9:10

Fireside Chat |

The Hon Pat Conroy MP, Minister for Defence Industry
Ewen Levick, Publisher, Australian Defence Magazine

9:30

KEYNOTE | Strategic Defence Vision and Future Defence Capability Requirements

  • How are Australia’s defence capability requirements evolving in response a changing global environment?
  • How is Defence closely working with industry partners and international allies to achieve strategic goals?
  • Building resilience and readiness for future challenges
  • Workforce retention and recruitment strategies

Chris Deeble, Deputy Secretary – Capability Acquisition and Sustainment, Department of Defence

10:00

INDUSTRY KEYNOTE | Australia’s Role on the Global Stage: Geopolitical Challenges, Global Partnerships and Opportunities for Defence Industry

  • What strategic risks are Australia and its allies confronting today and into the future?
  • How are Australia and its defence industry collaborating with international partners to reinforce alliances in an increasingly complex global landscape?
  • What opportunities are emerging from geopolitical shifts and advancements in defence capabilities?

Maria Fernandez, President, Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific

10:30

Welcome to Morning Tea

Geoff Camp – Defence Vertical Lead, JLL

10:35

Morning Tea & Networking Break

11:00

Fireside Chat | Navigating Covid, Shifting Geostrategic Dynamics and Shaping the Future: How Must Australia and the UK Today’s Challenges and Prepare for What’s Ahead?

Vicki Treadell CMG, MVO, British High Commissioner to Australia
Interviewer: Marcus Hellyer, Head of Research, Strategic Analysis Australia

11:25

KEYNOTE | Supporting Australia’s Defence mission and advancing its national interests

Ohad Katz, Managing Director, Raytheon Australia

11:40

KEYNOTE | Accelerating Defence Innovation and Capability: The role of ASCA

  • How ASCA is reshaping and driving innovation and capability
  • Strengthening partnerships with industry and academia
  • Collaboration with international partners
  • Challenges and opportunities for ASCA into the future

Major General Hugh Meggitt, Head of the Advanced Strategic Capabilities Accelerator, Department of Defence

12:00

Panel Discussion | Building a Skilled and Sustainable Future Workforce

  • Recruitment and retention challenges faced in Defence
  • Upskilling and reskilling requirements in a technologically evolving environment
  • Improving SMEs ability to compete for skilled talent
  • Defence focussed education pathways and integrated work learning

Andy Davis, Executive Director – AUKUS & Strategic Growth , Babcock Australasia
Cassandra Trumble, Chief People Officer, Aurizn
Mike Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, AIDN
Moderator: Deanna Nott, Managing Director & Founder, Wings Public Relations

12:30

Lunch

13:50

Shadow Ministerial Address | Australia’s Defence Priorities

  • Optimising Defence spending and investment
  • Ensuring readiness to respond to regional strategic challenges
  • Future ADF capability requirements
  • Streamlining access to Defence contracts for local industries

The Hon Andrew Hastie MP, Shadow Minister for Defence (Virtual)

14:15

Grumpy Strategists | Acceleratification: The Year Ahead for Defence and Defence Industry

Marcus Hellyer, Head of Research, Stategic Analysis Australia
Michael Shoebridge, Director, Strategic Analysis Australia

14:45

Tasmania’s Vital Contribution to National Defence Capability – Now and into the Future

  • A new Tasmanian Defence Industry Strategy – present and evolving advanced capabilities.
  • Unique and innovative businesses and organisations that are making a difference – nationally and around the globe.
  • A world leading defence & maritime design and innovation precinct – driving capability forward.
  • Developing leading defence professionals through specialised education, training and research.

Jeremy Rockliff, Premier of Tasmania

15:10

Afternoon Tea and Networking Break

15:40

Defence Industry Security Program (DISP) Overview

  • What is the Defence Industry Security Program?
  • Who should be a DISP Member and what are the benefits.
  • How do you become a DISP member?

Peter West, First Assistant Secretary Defence Security, Department of Defence

16:10

Panel Discussion | Trump 2.0: implications of a new Trump Administration for Australia

  • How may a new Trump administration influence the AUKUS alliance
  • Navigating Indo-Pacific security and the US approach to China
  • Economic and Trade relations between the Australia & the US
  • Global climate policy and energy impacts

Jennifer Parker, Expert Associate – National Security College, ANU
Guy Boekenstein, Director Australia,  Armatus Inc. & Non-Resident Fellow, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney
Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst, ASPI
Moderator: David Speers, Host of Insiders ABC

16:50

Closing Remark from the Chair

17:00

End of Conference & Networking Drinks

Pricing

Conference registration include includes access to:

  • All three co-located conferences
    • ADM Congress
    • ADM Space Summit
    • ADM Pillar II Conference
  • Welcome Reception
  • Post Conference Networking Drinks
  • ADM Congress Charity Dinner *

*First 300 delegates get a FREE seat at the ADM Congress Dinner

Special rates:

  • SME is defined as fewer than 200 global employees
  • Micro SME is defined as fewer than 50 global employees
  • Department of Defence / ADF attend the conference free. Please note this does not include a seat at the Charity Dinner. Simply register for the ADF/Dept Defence pass by emailing [email protected]and ensure you use your business email address.

Super early bird rate expires 30 November 2025
Early bird rate expires 18 January 2026

Packages Super Early Bird Early Bird Full Rate
Conference pass – Standard Industry Rate $2,695 + GST $2,895 + GST $3,095 + GST
Conference pass – SME, Govt & Academia Rate $1,695 + GST $1,895 + GST $2,095 + GST
Conference pass – Micro SME Rate $1,295 + GST $1,495 + GST $1,695 + GST
Additional Charity Dinner $350 + GST
Charity Dinner – Table of 10 $3,300 + GST
Charity Dinner – ADF & Dept Defence ONLY $200 + GST
BOOK NOW

Sponsorship & exhibition opportunities

The 23rd Annual ADM Congress, exhibition, and networking functions offer unparalleled opportunities to reach key industry stakeholders, senior decision-makers, and customers within the defence sector.

Don’t miss the opportunity to share your expertise and showcase your products, services, and solutions at this established industry gathering. Forge new business relationships, share your experiences and position yourself as a leader in the field.

Contact Andrew Sinkovich for a copy of the sponsorship & exhibition prospectus today!

Andrew Sinkovich
+61 2 9080 4308
[email protected]

ConnectMe

ConnectMe • Networking enhanced

All of our events utilise a bespoke dynamic smartphone app, ConnectMe – which guarantees attendees a premium event experience. Logins are sent prior to the conference commencement allowing you to check who’s attending, schedule in meetings and catch ups, participate in live Q+A and interactive polls, and much more. ConnectMe ensures you never miss a beat prior, during and post event.

Venue

Hyatt Hotel, Canberra
120 Commonwealth Ave
Canberra ACT 2600
(02) 6270 1234

Book accommodation with HotelMaps
To access the best available rate, book here.

Sustainability

Our Commitment to Sustainability

In Australia, we are committed to running our events in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Across Informa Connect we are focusing on the short and long-term sustainability impacts we have on customers and colleagues alongside the communities we work in.

We recognise that it’s not just about the way we produce our events and products but recognising that we have a role to play in providing a space to work in partnership together with our markets to inspire the sustainable development of the industries we serve.

To read more on our latest sustainability reports and Faster Forward initiatives – click here.