Co-located with ADM Congress 2026, ADM AUKUS Pillar II Summit & ADM Defence Financing Summit. One registration gives access to all three conferences.

Overview

The 7th Australian Defence Magazine Space Summit blasts off in Canberra on 18 February 2026.

This high-profile event will unite key players from government, industry, academia, and the pioneering world of space to explore Australia’s evolving space strategy and its role on the global stage.

With a focus on building a sovereign space industry and driving global collaboration, this summit is your chance to be at the forefront of the space revolution. Attendees will discover cutting-edge innovations in space technology, learn about game-changing national and international partnerships, and gain valuable insights on navigating the regulatory terrain.

Back for 2026! Four co-located events in one place!

The 7th ADM Space Summit will be co-located with the 23nd ADM Congress, the ADM AUKUS Pillar II Conference & ADM Defence Financing Summit. This unique convergence of events provides you with exclusive access to four powerhouse industry gatherings, all 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.

Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Welcome Reception Sponsor

Gala Dinner Sponsor

Lanyard Sponsor

Charity Partner

Speakers


Ben Sorensen
ELO2 Consortium Director, EPE

AGENDA | Wednesday 19th February

8:50

OPENING | Opening remarks from the Chair

Raoul Heinrichs, General Manager – Defence and National Security, SES Satellites

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 | Australia’s Strategic Space Strategy

  • Investment in space infrastructure and technologies
  • Australia’s position in the global space community
  • Collaboration within Australia’s space industry
  • Opportunities for growth and support for SME’s

Chris Hewett, General Manager – Space Policy, Australian Space Agency

10:00

KEYNOTE | Space’s critical role in Defence objectives

  • Highlighting the importance of space capabilities – communications, surveillance, situational awareness etc.
  • Threats posed by adversaries in space such as anti-satellite weapons and cyber threats
  • Partnerships with industry and academia

Major General Greg Novak AM, Commander Space Command

10:30

Morning Tea and Networking Break

11:00

Australia’s Space Policy and the Importance of Space Capability to National Security

  • What is Australia’s position within the global space community?
  • What capabilities does Australia offer, and what are our strategic requirements?
  • Space as a critical domain for ADF operations
  • Government approach and investment in space capability
  • International partnerships and collaboration

Dr Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst, ASPI

11:30

Case Study | Gilmour Space Technologies’ journey to launch

  • Challenges and obstacles launching the first Australia’s designed rocket from an Australian spaceport
  • How has the Australian Space sector changed over the past 10 years?
  • What does the future hold for Gilmour Space Technologies and the Australian space community?

Adam Gilmour, Chief Executive Officer, Gilmour Space Technologies

12:00

Case Study | Innovations in Advance RF based Space Domain Awareness

Phil Ridley, CEO, Quasar Satellite Technologies

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

Case Study | Advancing Space Exploration and Operations Through Non-Earth Imagery

  • The importance on non-earth imagery
  • Satellite innovation and space situation awareness
  • Technological advancements and utilising AI, robotics and machine learning
  • Collaboration and opportunities

Will Crowe, Co-Founder & CEO, HEO Space

14:45

Panel Discussion | Building a Future-Ready Space Sector Workforce

  • Government activities and commercial space operations increasing demand for skilled workers
  • Key skills required now and in the future for a career in space
  • Challenges for SME’s accessing the talent pool

Kelly Barlow, Principal Consultant – Space Sector, EMA Advisory
Portia Wolf, Director – Space Domain, SPA Australia
Moderator: Raoul Heinrichs, General Manager – Defence and National Security, SES Satellites

15:10

Afternoon Tea & Networking Break

15:40

Innovation for Australia’s Space Future

Kimberley Clayfield, Space Research Program Director, CSIRO

16:10

Panel Discussion | Future Space Technologies: Innovating for Next Generation Exploration

  • Advances in satellite technology and communications
  • Critical infrastructure and skills required for a successful launch
  • Developing in-space manufacturing and sustainment
  • Utilising AI, robotics and machine learning

Ben Sorensen, ELO2 Consortium Director, EPE
Peter Kerr, Defence & National Security Coordinator, Smartsat CRC
Dr Milica Symul, Chief Operating Officer, iLAuNCH Trailblazer
Moderator: Raoul Heinrichs, General Manager – Defence and National Security, SES Satellites

16:50

Closing remarks from the Chair

17:00

End of Conference and Networking Drinks

Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities

The ADM NSW Defence Summit presents a unique opportunity to showcase your organisation’s capabilities to an engaged high-level audience. To enquire about the sponsorship and exhibition opportunities available at this event in Hobart, please contact:

Andrew Sinkovich
Sponsorship & Exhibition Sales Manager
e: [email protected]
t: 02 9080 4308

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 Offer – First 300 conference delegates get a FREE seat at the dinner.

ADM Congress Welcome Reception

18th February 2025 – 6pm | Lavender Courtyard & Terrace, Hyatt Hotel Canberra

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 (stay tuned for the announcement!)

This exclusive event is included in your conference ticket.

Speaker: Matt Anderson PSM, Director, Australian War Memorial

Pricing

Conference registration include includes access to:

  • All four co-located conferences
    • ADM Congress
    • ADM Space Summit
    • ADM Pillar II Conference
    • ADM Defence Financing Summit
  • 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.

Early bird rate expires 18 January 2026

Packages Early Bird Full Rate
Conference pass – Standard Industry Rate $2,895 + GST $3,095 + GST
Conference pass – SME, Govt & Academia Rate $1,895 + GST $2,095 + GST
Conference pass – Micro SME Rate $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

Venue

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

Event Code Of Conduct

We want everyone who comes to our events to have a great experience. This code explains our expectations and rules, which includes general good practice behaviour, and how to report anything witnessed or experienced that goes against them. Read our Event Code of Conduct here.

Sustainability

Our Commitment to Sustainability

In Australia, we are committed to running our events in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Across Informa 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.