Journalists are invited to attend the ASA Investor Conference 2025, either in person at the W Sydney or via Zoom, on Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 May.
Following the outcome of the Federal Election, the Australian Shareholders’ Association (ASA) is bringing together retail investors, CEOs, chairs, regulators and economists at a pivotal time for Australia’s markets. The conference features more than 60 speakers across two days of panels, keynotes and workshops. The program focuses on governance, leadership, regulation and investment strategy—especially relevant as political, economic and technological forces reshape market conditions.
(Zoom link details included further down in the release)
“Retail investors are a vital part of Australia’s capital markets, and their voices matter now more than ever. With over 300 people gathering post-election, this conference gives investors a rare opportunity to engage directly with CEOs, chairs, regulators, and economists — the people shaping market outcomes in the year ahead.”
— Rachel Waterhouse, CEO, Australian Shareholders’ Association
Selected sessions include:
🔹 Monday 8:45am – 9:15am
Global Economic Outlook: What Lies Ahead
Paul Bloxham (Chief Economist, Australia and New Zealand, AFR’s most accurate forecaster for 2024)
Explore key economic trends, interest rates, and inflation shaping markets. Understand how workforce productivity impacts business and economic growth. Learn how skills shortages, automation, and policy shifts affect industries. Gain insights to navigate risks and identify opportunities.
🔹 Monday 10:00am – 10:30am
Small to Mid-Cap Companies: Unlocking Growth Opportunities
Hosted by Andrew Page (Strawman), with Robert Kaye SC (Collins Foods), Tony Abrahams (AI MEDIA), and Dr Francis Wedin (Vulcan Energy Resources)
Join senior leaders shaping the future of Australia’s small to mid-cap sector. Hear directly from a Chair, CEO and Executive Chair as they discuss their companies’ strategies for growth, how they’re navigating market challenges, and the distinct advantages that position them for long-term success.
🔹 Monday 11:45am – 12:40pm
Chair Panel: Beyond the Boardroom – ASX Chairs on Leadership & Strategy
Dr Richard Dammery, Susan Forrester AM, David Thodey, Stephen Johns
Moderated by James Thomson (AFR)
Hear from ASX-listed company chairs on governance, leadership, and strategic decisions shaping shareholder value. They will discuss contemporary business challenges, including Australia’s productivity problem, and how businesses drive efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness—while sharing perspectives on leadership and the future of corporate Australia.
🔹 Monday 2:15pm – 3:00pm
Spotting the Signs: Avoiding Corporate Controversies & Protecting Shareholder Value
Hosted by Lel Smits (ASA), with Joe Aston (Rampart News), Steven Mabb (ASA), and Mike Robey (ASA)
Learn how to identify corporate governance red flags early and safeguard your portfolio from scandals and mismanagement. This panel will provide practical tools and strategies to navigate potential risks, assess controversies, and understand their impact on shareholder value in today’s dynamic market.
🔹 Monday 4:15pm – 5:00pm
CEO Panel: The CEO–Shareholder Connection: Balancing Strategy, Transparency & Performance
Elaine Jobson (Jetts Fitness), Stuart Irving (Computershare), Geoff Wilson AO (Wilson Asset Management)
Moderated by Rachel Waterhouse (ASA)
This panel brings together three influential voices to explore how CEOs balance strategy, performance, culture, and shareholder expectations. The discussion will examine how culture drives commercial results, how investors evaluate leadership beyond the numbers, and the practical realities of leading a company in a high-transparency environment.
🔹 Tuesday 8:00am – 8:30am
Economist Session: A Macro Overview of the Global Economy
Anna Wong, Chief US Economist, Bloomberg Economics
Join us for a live cross to New York City as Anna Wong provides a global economic outlook, examining key trends, risks, and opportunities shaping markets in 2025 and beyond.
🔹 Tuesday 9:00am – 9:45am
Meet the Regulators: Maintaining the Integrity of the Markets
Therese McCarthy Hockey (APRA), Peter Crone (ACCC), Sarah Court (ASIC), Daniel Moran (ASX), Jeremy Hirschhorn (ATO)
Moderated by James Thomson
How do regulators keep markets competitive during periods of inflation and international uncertainty? Hear from some of the key figures in financial regulation about the risks, challenges, and opportunities in our evolving investment landscape.
🔹 Tuesday 3:30pm – 3:50pm
Powering the Digital Economy
Craig Scroggie, CEO, NEXTDC
Moderated by Phil Muscatello
As demand for AI, cloud, and data-driven technologies accelerates, so does the need for world-class digital infrastructure. In this session, Craig will share how NEXTDC is scaling to meet these demands, navigating Australia’s energy transition, and integrating ESG into its long-term vision.
Day 1: ASA Investor Conference 2025 Media Link
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81434182773?pwd=TdabHRXQiaFfZYmUh4TFbFunu8N7CT.1
Passcode: 991154
Day 2: ASA Investor Conference 2025 Media Link
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81020554571?pwd=nyy86n2q2pksfn8G821hPviYaemZ73.1
Passcode: 290627
About us:
About the Australian Shareholders Association
The Australian Shareholders’ Association (ASA) is a not-for-profit organisation that has been representing retail investors and advocating for better corporate governance since 1960. ASA supports thousands of individual shareholders across Australia by providing independent education, company monitoring, and a unified voice at ASX-listed company AGMs. Through events, research, and advocacy, ASA empowers retail investors to make informed decisions and engage confidently in the investment landscape. For more information, visit www.australianshareholders.com.au.
Contact details:
For more information, please contact:
Rachel Waterhouse
CEO
Australian Shareholders’ Association
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 0402 336 352
