The largest regional defence conference in Australia, the Annual Hunter Defence Conference will be held on 30 to 31 August at Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley.

Designed to develop SMEs and their understanding of their respective roles and requirements in delivering defence outcomes, the conference will focus on regional innovation and collaborative commercial opportunities relevant to land, sea and air defence.

Hunter Project Director, Renae Gifford said the conference provides a unique opportunity to engage with domestic and global supply chain key decision makers.

“We encourage all local industry to get on board and invest in their future of opportunities,” Renae said.

“The conference is a fantastic networking opportunity as well as providing an opportunity to interact with defence and understand what is required to meet their standards.

“We have a number of high quality speakers from defence which will outline government initiatives that support industry and will outline how these may be accessed.”

In addition to the scope of speakers, the conference offers an opportunity for SMEs and start-ups to showcase their products and/or services to other conference attendees.

Always a highlight, the first day will finish with an evening Gala Dinner, at which Red Bull Racer, Matt Hall, will perform a low flying aerial show whilst guests enjoy networking drinks below.

“We will also welcome Matt as our special guest speaker during the dinner, sharing with us some of the highlights of his career as a Master Class Pilot,” Renae said.

“Once again, we will donate to the Hunter Defence Support Network and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service from the proceeds of the conference. These organisations do great work in supporting our region and the serving members and veterans of the Australian Defence Force. We encourage all conference participants to also give their support.”

IMAGE | Red Bull Racer, Matt Hall will perform a low flying aerial show at the Annual Hunter Defence Conference.