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The Hunter Defence Conference

The Hunter Defence Conference is AUSTRALIA’S LEADING REGIONAL DEFENCE EVENT where you can meet the people who are meeting the challenges of a rapidly evolving defence landscape.

The Hunter Defence Conference attracts over 220 delegates and keynote speakers from the defence sector nationally. It is unique within regional Australia and key to promoting regional defence industry capability – presenting a strong and unified voice that is heard throughout NSW industry, the NSW Government, nationally, and importantly, by Federal Government representatives.

2024 CONFERENCE SUMMARY

DATES

21 - 22 AUGUST

LOCATION

RYDGES HUNTER VALLEY

430 Wine Country Drive,

Lovedale, NSW 2325

FORMAT

DAY ONE

08:00 – 09:00 Exhibition and Registration
09:00 – 16:30 Conference
16:30 – 18:30 Networking Drinks Function

DAY TWO

08:00 – 09:00 Exhibition and Registration
09:00 – 16:00 Conference
18:00 – 19:00 Pre Dinner Drinks Function
19:00 – 22:30 Gala Dinner

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

  • H.E. The Hon Dr Kevin Rudd, Australia’s Ambassador to the US, emphasised the urgency of accelerating defence technology development, noting, “It takes about 12 years to get new technology into the hands of the warfighter; in China, this is two years. This is driving overall change.”
  • A clear call to action from the ADF panel: to bolster Australia’s defence, we must break down barriers, leverage industry partnerships, and move beyond outdated processes.
  • The Defence Primes highlighted the essential role SMEs play in fostering innovation, sustaining capabilities, and contributing to Australia’s evolving defence needs. 
  • The SME panel discussed the fact that success in the defence sector is achievable with the right strategies, support, and willingness to take calculated risks. Our local SMEs are proving that you can compete on a global scale and bring that expertise back to benefit Australia. 

HDC2024 Highlights

The 2024 Highlights video was created by Ross Mcspedden from I Heart Productions

hdc2024 conference gallery

Explore the highlights from our successful 2024 Hunter Defence Conference with with thanks to our event photographer Laurie Skovgaard from 3L Photography. If you use any of the images for your own purposes, please ensure you credit 3L Photography accordingly.

hdc2024 media coverage

HDC2024 was featured across a range of local and trade publications. Thank you to Kate Baartz from Baartz and Co for her expertise across the event and our media partner for the event Australian Defence Magazine.

EOIs for HDC2025

Please complete the Expression of Interest form on the right if you would like to be part of #HDC2025!

please fill out the details below

Do you currently work in defence?
In what capacity are you interested in being part of the 2025 conference? You may select more than one option.

thanks to Our hdc2024 sponsors

thanks to Our hdc2024 EXHIBITORS

thanks to Our hdc2024 security partner

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