The Queensland Defence Summit is a key initiative of the City of Ipswich Defence Industry Strategy and an exemplar of strategic partnerships between industry, research and all levels of government to guide acceleration of the regional defence industry in Queensland.
The summit, to be held at the USQs Springfield Campus on November 20th will give Queensland-based businesses interested in being part of the nation’s burgeoning defence industry the chance to better understand the sector.
Queensland Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the State Government’s involvement was a big vote of confidence in the upcoming summit and the state’s expanding defence industry.
“Queensland’s Defence industry is growing rapidly, including in Ipswich, and this summit will be invaluable to equipping local businesses with the knowledge and connections they need to succeed in this sector,” he said.
“Essential to building that is getting the right people together in a room. By bringing all the pieces together, we can unlock a network of capability that is greater than the sum of its parts.
“That’s why the Queensland Government is proud to be a partner in this event and to work with Ipswich City Council to attract the highest calibre of speakers and attendees.”
Some of the confirmed speakers include the Defence sector’s biggest names, including newly appointed Assistant Minister for Defence David Fawcett and Australian Defence Export Advocate David Johnston. The lineup also includes local movers and shakers in the Defence industry, including TAE Aerospace’s CEO and Managing Director, Andrew Sanderson.
The premier defence industry event will focus on sustainment, integrated logistics, exports, innovative technologies, research and partnerships and bring together all levels of government and industry to engage on defence industry strategies, projects and opportunities.
Defence industries in Ipswich are worth about $800 million in sales, $600 million in exports and accounts for 20 per cent of Queensland’s total Defence employment.
The summit – also supported by the Australian Industry and Defence Network (AIDN) – is expected to attract about 200 delegates and features key defence industry speakers and decision-makers.
President of AIDN Queensland Carl Quarterman said attendees will get key insights from decision-makers and experts about how they can tap into the defence industry supply chain; the Australian and Queensland Governments’ industry support mechanisms; and how local businesses contribute to the current defence industry jobs and investment boom.
“For me, this event is about bringing the movers and shakers of the defence sector to South East Queensland and allowing local businesses – the kind who may not be able to travel to the large interstate defence events – to hear directly from them how they can make the most of working with the industry,” he said.
A conference of this calibre being held in the city proves that Ipswich’s garrison status is only getting stronger and more reputable.
For tickets, search Queensland Defence Summit: Ipswich 2018 on www.eventbrite.com.au. Attendees need to secure their seat/s by Monday, 12th of November.