Weld Australia is actively seeking sponsors and speakers for the upcoming **2026 National Manufacturing Summit**, scheduled for **July 29-30, 2026**, in **Adelaide**. This significant event aims to convene leaders from government, industry, and research to address a critical national priority: enhancing Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capability. The theme for this year, “**Manufacturing Sovereignty: Australia’s Defence Advantage**,” will highlight the country’s Defence manufacturing ecosystem and its role in national security.
The Summit will explore how a robust industrial capacity supports Defence readiness, economic resilience, and long-term security. Key areas of focus will include shipbuilding, aerospace, critical minerals, advanced materials, and secure energy systems. It will also investigate the partnerships necessary to achieve Defence’s ambitious procurement and capability goals.
Geoff Crittenden, CEO of Weld Australia, emphasized the importance of Defence manufacturing for national resilience. “The National Manufacturing Summit is designed to move the conversation beyond rhetoric and into practical, collaborative action,” he stated. “We aim to bring together the people and organisations that can genuinely shift the dial.”
The Summit has a history of attracting over **200 senior delegates**, including representatives from federal and state government, Defence primes, Tier One suppliers, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), unions, financial institutions, and educational bodies. The event has featured prominent speakers in the past, such as Professor **Ross Garnaut**, Dr. **Jim Stanford**, and the Hon **Brendan O’Connor**.
Call for Speakers
Weld Australia is currently looking for keynote presenters, panellists, and session speakers with expertise in areas such as Defence, advanced manufacturing, and supply chain resilience. Crittenden noted, “Speaking at the Summit offers the opportunity to influence national dialogue on sovereign manufacturing and Defence industry priorities.”
The organization is particularly interested in speakers who can provide real-world case studies and practical frameworks that manufacturers can adopt. “The Summit is about outcomes as much as ideas,” Crittenden added.
Call for Sponsors
In addition to seeking speakers, Weld Australia invites expressions of interest from potential sponsors who wish to align their brand with one of Australia’s premier advanced manufacturing events. Various sponsorship packages are available, offering 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 explained. The Summit aims to turn serious discussions about manufacturing capability into actionable collaborations and investments.
The **2026 National Manufacturing Summit** is positioned to deliver meaningful outcomes for participants, including insights on enhancing manufacturing sovereignty and strengthening Defence capabilities. Interested parties are encouraged to get involved and contribute to the dialogue shaping Australia’s manufacturing future.
