Join industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators for a powerful two-day summit focused on transforming Australia’s manufacturing future.

Manufacturing Sovereignty: Australia’s Defence Advantage

As global tensions reshape supply chains and accelerate the need for self-reliant industrial systems, the Defence industry stands out as both a priority and an unparalleled opportunity for Australian manufacturers.

Australia’s Defence programs (from continuous naval shipbuilding and next-generation aerospace platforms to advanced munitions, autonomous systems, critical minerals, materials science, and secure energy systems) represent some of the largest and most technologically complex undertakings in our nation’s history. These programs demand precision, reliability, and world-class innovation, and offer local manufacturers a pathway to scale, diversify, and embed themselves in globally competitive value chains. 

Australia must build the partnership architecture that underpins world-class Defence manufacturing. Strong collaboration between government, Defence primes, SMEs, research institutions, and technology providers will be essential to accelerate capability development, enhance quality and certification pathways, and create the supply-chain depth required for true sovereignty. The National Manufacturing Summit program will unpack the strategies, capabilities, and partnerships needed to meet Defence’s ambitious procurement timelines and capability targets. It will explore how to ensure local businesses, particularly SMEs, are equipped, competitive, and ready to contribute to Defence projects at home and abroad.

Sponsor the 2026 National Manufacturing Summit

Sponsoring the 2026 National Manufacturing Summit will give your company unparalleled exposure to an interested, engaged audience. You’ll receive multi-level promotion opportunities, showcasing your brand at events and in Weld Australia’s media.

You’ll also enjoy the support of Weld Australia and ensure that your brand is viewed as an engaged and passionate member of the industry.

Your involvement in the Summit will demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

To tailor a package or for more information, contact: 

Michelle Tagliapietra (Executive General Manager, Sales & Marketing, Weld Australia) on  +61 437 106 726 or m.tagliapietra@weldaustralia.com.au

Expert Industry Speakers

Attendees will hear insights from Defence leaders, prime contractors, tier-one suppliers, and specialist manufacturers who are already delivering into major programs. They will also gain perspectives from policymakers, capability planners, and innovation experts shaping Australia’s industrial future. Together, these voices will present a clear-eyed view of what it will take for Australia to build and sustain a sovereign manufacturing base that enhances national resilience and positions the sector for long-term success.

Key Speakers Will Include:

• Senior Government Officials shaping national manufacturing, energy, and skills policy
• CEOs and Executives from Australia’s leading fabricators, OEMs, and defence primes
• Academics and Researchers building the next generation of advanced manufacturing capability
• Industry Advocates fighting for procurement reform, skills development and sovereign supply chains

Whether you’re in operations, strategy, procurement, or policy—this is your chance to hear directly from the people influencing the sector’s direction.