ADM Congress
This major Defence/Industry Conference has evolved into a pivotal event in the Defence calendar, attracting over 500 delegates each year.
19 February 2025
Hyatt Hotel, CanberraBOOK NOW INTERESTED IN ATTENDING
The ADM Congress returns to Canberra for the 22nd year on 19 February 2025 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 22nd ADM Congress 2025.
New for 2025! An Unprecedented Opportunity – All in One Place!
The Australian Defence Magazine Congress will be co-located with the Australian Defence Magazine AUKUS Pillar II and the 6th 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.
What past attendees have said:
The ADM congress provides valuable insights into the direction Defence is steering. It also brings together industry partners in a forum to hear what is working well and what can be incorporated into our current roles to better serve Defence.
The line up of speakers was second to none! The professional learning, particularly post DSR, was invaluable.
Sponsors
Gold & Coffee Cart Sponsor
Supporting Sponsor
Exhibitors
Speakers
The Hon Pat Conroy MP
Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery
The Hon Andrew Hastie MP
Shadow Minister for Defence
Amy List
Managing Director,
Boeing Defence Australia
Kate Dann
Assistant Secretary Defence Industry Security Branch, Department of Defence
Vicki Treadell CMG
MVO, British High Commissioner to Australia
Jeremy Rockcliff
Premier of Tasmania
Marc Ablong PSM
Senior Fellow, ASPI
Marcus Hellyer
Head of Research,
Stategic Analysis Australia
Michael Shoebridge
Director, Strategic Analysis Australia
ADM Congress Charity Dinner
19th February 2025 | Grand Hyatt, Canberra
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: Major General (Retired) Andrew Bottrell, AO, CSC and Bar, DSM
Special offer – the first 300 conference delegates get a FREE seat at the dinner.
ADM Congress Welcome Reception
18th February 2025 | Grand Hyatt, 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.
Location: Hyatt Hotel, Canberra
19 February 2025 | 6:30pm
Experience an unforgettable evening at the ADM Congress Charity Dinner, at the Hyatt Hotel, Canberra. This event offers more than just a night of networking; it provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause.
2025 AGENDA
Wednesday 19 February 2025
8:50
OPENING |Opening remarks from the Chair
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
9:20
KEYNOTE | Strategic Defence Vision and Defence Capability
- 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
9:50
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?
Amy List, Managing Director, Boeing Defence Australia
10:20
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
11:20
KEYNOTE | Delivering World Class Naval Capability
- Progress in current naval shipbuilding programs
- Workforce and industry challenges
- Incorporating innovation and technology
11:40
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
12:20
Lunch
13:20
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
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)
14:20
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 Rockcliff, Premier of Tasmania
14:40
Afternoon Tea and Networking Break
15:10
Cost of Defence
- Current government expenditure and key investment priorities
- Long-term financial commitments to Defence spending; are we sufficiently allocating funds?
- Impact of global economic trends on the defence budget
15:50
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?
Kate Dann, Assistant Secretary Defence Industry Security Branch, 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
16:50
Closing Remark from the Chair
17:00
End of Conference & Networking Drinks
Pricing
Conference pass includes access to:
- All three 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 with MAJGEN (Ret’d) Andrew Bottrell AO, CSC & Bar, DSM.
SME is defined as fewer than 200 global employees
Micro SME is defined as fewer than 50 global employees
Standard rate ends 31 January 2025
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 info@informa.com.au and ensure you use your business email address.
| Packages | Standard Rate | Full Rate |
| Conference pass – Standard Industry Rate | $2,695 + GST | $2,895 + GST |
| Conference pass – SME, Government and Academia Rate | $1,695 + GST | $1,895 + GST |
| Conference pass – Micro SME Rate | $1,395 + GST | $1,595 + GST |
| Charity Dinner – Table of 10 | $3,300 + GST | $3,300 + GST |
| Charity Dinner – Department of Defence, ADF and Speakers | $250 + GST | $250 + GST |
Sponsorship & exhibition opportunities
The 22nd 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
Andrew.Sinkovich@informa.com.au
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.