The Hunter Defence Conference has become Australia’s premier regional Defence event, offering excellent program quality and value for money, attracting over 220 delegates and keynote speakers from the defence sector nationally.
 

The Hunter Defence Taskforce is excited to have expanded and enhanced the HDC2024 agenda, with new speakers and session formats which will:

• Provide more opportunities to hear directly from SMEs working with Defence and Primes, with increased SME presentations and panel discussions across the two-day event
• Include additional Q&A sessions and new small-scale roundtable discussions enabling delegates to interact directly with our speakers from Government, Defence Leaders and Primes
• Incorporate sessions on technology trends impacting the Defence sector
• Share the latest on Defence funding options, with updates from both CASG and ODIS
• Expand networking opportunities with extended conference breaks, welcome drinks, and our popular Conference Gala Dinner.                                                                                                  

All Defence Forces (Army, Navy, Airforce, and Joint Capabilities) and major Defence Primes will attend, providing current information on relevant Defence projects and opportunities for the Hunter region.  The Hon Pat Conroy, Minister for Defence Industry, will provide the keynote address at the Conference Gala Dinner.

CONFERENCE OVERVIEW:

Dates: WED 21 AUGUST – THURS 22 AUGUST 2024

Location: Rydges Hunter Valley, 430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale, NSW 2325

Format:

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY AUGUST 21

• Exhibitors and Registration: 8:00 – 9:00 am
  • The exhibition will run during registration, morning tea, lunch and at the completion of the afternoon session.
• Conference: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
• Welcome Cocktail Event: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm

DAY 2: THURSDAY AUGUST 22

• Exhibitors and Registration: 8:00 – 9:00 am
• Conference: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
  • The exhibition will run during registration, morning tea, lunch and at the completion of the afternoon session.
• Gala Dinner:
  • Arrival Drinks: 6:30 pm
  • Gala Dinner Event: 7:00 pm    

FIND OUT MORE AND VIEW THE AGENDA

TICKETS

MEMBERS $1,190 +GST

NON-MEMBERS $1,290 +GST

• Access to the complete conference event for the two days
• Conference packages include morning tea, lunch, the Wednesday evening cocktail event and the Thursday evening Gala Dinner. All other catering is at the delegate’s own expense
• Conference packages exclude accommodation
• Conference tickets are non-refundable but delegates are transferable
• A ‘member’ is any organisation that is a Hunter Defence Key Stakeholder: RDA Hunter, HunterNet, Business Hunter, Australian Industry Group, Australian Industry Defence Network, Industry Capability Network NSW, Hunter Defence Support Network, University of Newcastle, TAFE NSW, Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, and the NSW Government.

GALA DINNER TICKET ONLY - $220+GST

• Pre dinner drinks and canapes
• 3 course dinner and keynote speaker.

ACCOMMODATION

Access Hunter Defence Conference rates from the Rydges website (https://www.rydges.com/accommodation/regional-nsw/hunter-valley/)

1. Enter your date range (20-23 August) and guest numbers 
2. Click 'I have a code' 

3. Enter code 2408HD in the 'Block Code' field

4. Click 'Check Rooms' and your rates will appear on the screen

There are a range of sponsorship and exhibition opportunities available for the 2024 conference. Simply download the prospectus for full details or contact Merran Wiggins via merranw@travelmanagers.com.au or 0414 599 636 to discuss your requirements.

Location

Rydges Hunter Valley
430 Wine Country Drive, Lovedale NSW 2325

With thanks to our 2024 Hunter Defence Conference Sponsors

Get directions