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, CanberraBOOK NOW INTERESTED IN ATTENDING
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! Four co-located events in one place.
The ADM Congress will be co-located with the ADM AUKUS Pillar II, ADM Defence Financing Summit 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
Sponsors
Platinum Sponsor
Welcome Reception Sponsor
Afternoon Tea Sponsor
Gala Dinner Sponsor
Lanyard Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Charity Partner
Speakers
The Hon Christopher Pyne
Chairman, Pyne and Partners
Major General Jason Blain
DSC AM CSC, Head Land Systems, Australian Army
Jennifer Parker
Expert Associate – National Security College, ANU
Dr Lavina Lee
Director, Foreign Policy and Defence Program United States Studies Centre
Anthony Weymouth
Head of Technology, Defence, Advanced Manufacturing and Space, Austrade
Dr John Coyne
Director – National Security Program, ASPI
Alan Clements
Chief Executive, L3Harris
Matt Kirk
Director, Worksec
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 Offer – First 300 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.
2026 AGENDA
Wednesday 18th February
9:00
Welcome from Australian Defence Magazine
Ewen Levick, Publisher, Australian Defence Magazine
9:05
Opening Remarks from the Chair
9:10
KEYNOTE | Delivering Australia’s Sovereign Defence Industry
9:40
INDUSTRY KEYNOTE | Navigating Australia’s Defence Industry Landscape in an Era of Strategic Uncertainty
- Current state of Australia’s defence industrial base
- Global uncertainties and industry challenges
- Australia’s position in the world: Strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific and opportunities deriving from AUKUS and other international alliances
- Future outlook: opportunities arising from technology and innovation
Alan Clements, Chief Executive, L3Harris
10:05
Future Defence Capability Requirements in an Evolving World
10:30
Morning Tea & Networking Break
11:10
2026 – Global Security Challenges in the Year Ahead
- Evolving power dynamics around the world
- Emerging threats and hybrid warfare
- Supply chain challenges
- What will this mean for Australia?
11:30
FIRESIDE CHAT | Transforming Land Power: Innovation for Regional Security
- Precision fires and long-range strike capability
- Developing robotic and autonomous systems
- Cyber and electronic warfare
Major General Jason Blain, DSC AM CSC, Head Land Systems, Australian Army
12:00
PANEL | Geostrategic Challenges in the Indo-Pacific: Australia’s Position in a Contested World
- Regional power dynamics: China’s strategic ambitions, US-China competition and emerging alliances among regional states
- Economic security challenges and dilemmas
- Emerging frontiers: Climate security, freedom of navigation and maritime security and grey zone activities
Jennifer Parker, Expert Associate – National Security Colleague, ANU
Dr Lavina Lee, Director – Foreign Policy and Defence, United States Studies Centre
12:40
Welcome to Lunch
Senior Representative, Bupa
12:45
Lunch
13:45
PANEL | Global Opportunities for Australia’s Defence Industry
- Positioning Australia as a trusted partner
- Export opportunities & trends
- Australian Gov support to access key markets
Anthony Weymouth, Head of Technology, Defence, Advanced Manufacturing and Space, Austrade
14:25
The Cost of Defence
- Strategic pressures on defence spending
- Path to 3% GDP Defence spending
- Balancing increased defence spending with other national priorities
14:50
PANEL | Workforce resilience and challenges across Defence & Defence Industry
- Attracting and maintaining a skilled defence workforce ecosystem
- Creating Defence-Industry pathways
- Training, education and talent retention strategies
Mike Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, AIDN
Moderator: Matt Kirk, Director, Worksec
15:30
Welcome to Afternoon Tea
Senior Representative, EOS
15:35
Afternoon Tea and Networking Break
16:00
Building Capability and Capacity: Addressing the Workforce Challenge
- Current workforce gaps and skills shortages
- Competing for talent; How does Defence position it self against other industries?
- Retaining and reskilling
- Long term solutions and collaboration between government and industry
16:25
PANEL | Building a Sustainable Defence and National Security Ecosystem for the 21st Century
- Recognising the strategic benefits of sustainability
- Reducing reliance on vulnerable supply chains
- Opportunity for innovative technology and robotics to support greener operations
- Creating a stable pipeline for defence and national security workforce across military, civil service and industry roles
Senior Representative, Ocean Infinity
John Coyne, Director – National Security Program, ASPI
17:05
Closing Remark from the Chair
17:10
End of Conference & Networking Drinks
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 Monday COB 19 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 | |
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
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.