Weld Australia is calling for sponsors and speakers to participate in the 2026 National Manufacturing Summit, to be held in Adelaide on 29 and 30 July 2026. The Summit will bring together senior leaders from across government, industry and research to address one of Australia’s defining national priorities: sovereign manufacturing capability.
The 2026 theme, “Manufacturing Sovereignty: Australia’s Defence Advantage”, will place Australia’s Defence manufacturing ecosystem firmly in the spotlight. It will explore how sovereign industrial capacity underpins Defence readiness, economic resilience and long-term national security. The program will highlight opportunities across shipbuilding, aerospace, critical minerals, advanced materials and secure energy systems, and examine the partnerships required to meet Defence’s ambitious procurement and capability targets.
“Australia’s Defence manufacturing capability is central to our national resilience,” said Geoff Crittenden CEO of Weld Australia. “The National Manufacturing Summit is designed to move the conversation beyond rhetoric and into practical, collaborative action, bringing together the people and organisations that can genuinely shift the dial.”
Each year, the Summit attracts over 200 senior delegates, including representatives from Federal and State Government, Defence primes, Tier One suppliers, SMEs, unions, financial institutions, universities, and industry bodies. The event has a strong track record of securing high-profile speakers, with previous keynotes including Professor Ross Garnaut, Dr Jim Stanford, Simon Kuestenmacher, Tania Archibald, the Hon Tim Ayres, Queensland Premier the Hon Steven Miles, and the Hon Brendan O’Connor.
Call for Speakers
Weld Australia is seeking keynote presenters, panellists and specialist session speakers with expertise across Defence, advanced manufacturing, sovereign capability, workforce development, technology adoption, policy, and supply chain resilience.
“Speaking at the Summit offers the opportunity to influence national dialogue on sovereign manufacturing and Defence industry priorities, showcase leadership, innovation and technical excellence, and engage directly with decision-makers from government, academia and industry,” Crittenden said.
“We are particularly interested in speakers who can share real-world case studies, lessons learned and practical frameworks that other manufacturers can adopt. The Summit is about outcomes as much as ideas.”
Call for Sponsors
Weld Australia is also inviting expressions of interest from sponsors looking to align their brand with one of Australia’s most respected advanced manufacturing events. A range of packages offers tailored opportunities for visibility and engagement.
“Our sponsors are not just logo supporters. They are strategic partners in building a more sovereign, resilient and competitive Australian manufacturing sector,” Crittenden said. “The Summit is where serious conversations about manufacturing capability turn into practical collaborations and investment.”
The 2026 National Manufacturing Summit is designed to deliver tangible outcomes, including:
- Stronger collaboration between government, Defence primes, SMEs and researchers
- Improved pathways into Defence supply chains for Australian manufacturers
- Increased investment in skills, technology, standards and advanced manufacturing capability
- Greater national awareness of the opportunities and challenges shaping Australia’s industrial future
How to Get Involved
Organisations and individuals interested in sponsorship or speaking opportunities at the 2026 National Manufacturing Summit are encouraged to contact Michelle Tagliapietra (Executive General Manager, Sales & Marketing, Weld Australia) on 0437 106 726 or [email protected].
About us:
Weld Australia represents the welding profession in Australia. Its members are made up of individual welding professionals and companies of all sizes. Weld Australia members are involved almost every facet of Australian industry and make a significant contribution to the nation’s economy. The primary goal of Weld Australia is to ensure that the Australian welding industry remains locally and globally competitive, both now and into the future. Weld Australia is the Australian representative member of the International Institute of Welding (IIW). For more information or to join Weld Australia, please visit: https://weldaustralia.com.au/
Contact details:
Sally Wood on 0434 442 687 or [email protected]
