Forging Australia's Tech Future

20-21 July 2023 Brisbane

Tech Council of Australia (TCA)’s inaugural conference

SOLD OUT

📢 Attention tech enthusiasts! 📢

The highly anticipated inaugural National Tech Summit is officially SOLD OUT! 🚀

Join our waitlist and we'll keep you informed if any spaces become available.

Join the waitlist

Welcome to the National Tech Summit

Australia’s premier technology conference

The Tech Council of Australia presents our inaugural National Tech Summit, bringing together the brightest minds and biggest names in the industry. 

The National Tech Summit is a two day event featuring keynote presentations, workshops, and panel discussions led by industry, government, and research leaders. Delivered by the Technology Council of Australia, this year’s Summit covers the big opportunities and challenges in tech including the state of the economy and investment, the impact of new AI applications, how to equip Australians with future skills and jobs, and how to respond to emerging cybersecurity threats. 

The Tech Council of Australia is the peak body representing Australia’s technology ecosystem. Our goals are to have 1.2 million people in tech jobs in Australia by 2030, to grow tech activity from all sectors of the economy to contribute $250bn to GDP by 2030, and to make Australia the best place to start and scale a tech company. 

Join us at the National Tech Summit 23 and be a part of the exciting conversation on the future of technology.  

SOLD OUT

📢 Attention tech enthusiasts! 📢

The highly anticipated inaugural National Tech Summit is officially SOLD OUT! 🚀

Join our waitlist and we'll keep you informed if any spaces become available.

Join the waitlist

What to Expect

Pre-Event: Wed 19 July

  • Welcome Drinks

Day 1: Thurs 20 July

  • Opening Plenary

  • Keynotes & Panels

  • Networking Drinks

  • National Tech Summit Dinner

Day 2: Fri 21 July

  • Morning Plenary Session

  • Tech Minds Meet over Lunch

  • Afternoon Workshops

  • Networking Drinks

Confirmed Speakers

Confirmed speakers
  • The Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk MP, Premier of Queensland and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games
  • Hon Dr. Jim Chalmers, Treasurer of Australia
  • Hon Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science
  • Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy
  • Victor Dominello, Former Minister and TCA Board Member
  • Julia Spicer OAM, Queensland Chief Entrepreneur
  • Robyn Denholm, Chair of Tech Council of Australia and Chair of Tesla
  • Scott Farquhar, Co-CEO and Co-founder of Atlassian
  • Dr Cathy Foley, Australia’s Chief Scientist
  • Elanor Huntington, Executive Director, CSIRO
  • Ed Chung, CEO, TechnologyOne
  • Jason Matusow (US), General Manager of Corporate Standards Group, Microsoft
  • Ciaran Martin (UK), CyberCX, Global Advisory Board, CyberCX UK Chairman and former head of UK National Cyber Security Centre
  • Kate Jones, Board Member, Tech Council of Australia; Former QLD Education Minister
  • Kate Pounder, CEO, Tech Council of Australia
  • Dan Krasnostein, Partner, SquarePeg
  • Christine McLoughlin AM, Chair, Suncorp
  • Chris Jones, Editor, The Courier-Mail
  • Meghan Quinn, Secretary, Department of Industry, Science and Resources
  • Richard Holden, Professor of Economics, UNSW Business School
  • Didier Elzinga, Founder/CEO & People Geek, CultureAmp
  • Mel Silva, Managing Director, Google Australia
  • Johanna Weaver, Director, Tech Policy Centre
  • Richard White, Founder & CEO, WiseTech
  • Narelle Divine, Chief Information Security Officer Asia Pacific, Telstra
  • Dr Aengus Tran, Founder HarrisonAI
  • George Peppou, Co-Founder and CEO, Vow
  • Vu Tran, Co-Founder, Go1
  • Bevan Slattery, Founder, Soda
  • Brendan Dowling, The Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology – DFAT
  • Luke Latham, General Manager ANZ, Airwallex
  • Jamie Simon, Director of SW (SaaS) and Digital Native Segment, ANZ,
    Amazon Web Services
  • Dr Vikram Sharma, Founder and CEO, QuintessenceLabs
  • Min Livanidis, Digital Trust, Cyber Security & Data Public Policy Lead, AWS 
  • Yas Grigaliunas, Founder & Chief Evangelist, Circonomy
  • Dr Cori Stewart, Founder and CEO, ARM Hub
  • Scarlett McDermott, Head of Ecosystem Capability, Tech Council of Australia; Former CTO, WithYouWithMe
  • Sarah Moran, Founder, Girl Geek Academy
  • Ed Santow, Professor, University of Technology Sydney; Co-Director, Human Technology Institute
  • Aaron Hill, Managing Director, Accenture
  • Lee Hickin, Chief National Technology Officer, Microsoft, ANZ 
  • Eglantine Etiemble, Group CTO of PEXA
  • David Swan, Technology Editor of The Australian
  • Jenny Simpson, Chief Technology Officer, Football Australia

Agenda

PRE-EVENT

Wednesday 19 July – Welcome drinks and networking

Level 3, 135 Coronation Drive, Milton – Access via Little Cribb St

5:00pm – 7:00pm: Welcome Drinks hosted by Swyftx

DAY 1

DAY 1 – Thursday 20 July 2023

Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane

Registration opens

Opening Plenary

Keynote: Australia’s tech opportunity

Robyn Denholm, Chair of Tech Council of Australia and Tesla; Operating Partner of Blackbird

Experience a captivating keynote address by Robyn Denholm, Chair of the Tech Council of Australia and Tesla, and Operating Partner of Blackbird. With her profound expertise in the renewable energy transition and digitisation of the economy, Robyn stands as a global leader in the tech sector. From her extensive career spanning Australia’s automotive industry to Silicon Valley, Robyn will present her visionary outlook on Australia’s tech opportunity in the upcoming decade.

Join us as she explores the potential for Australia to assume a global leadership role and sheds light on the next breakthroughs in innovation, the path to building internationally successful industries, embracing failure without fear, and the potential emergence of the next Elon Musk from QLD.

Panel: Surfing the wave

  • Moderator: Chris Jones, Editor, The Courier-Mail 
  • Scott Farquhar, Co-CEO and Co-founder of Atlassian
  • Robyn Denholm, Chair of Tech Council of Australia and Tesla; Operating Partner of Blackbird
  • Ed Chung, CEO, TechnologyOne
  • Christine McLoughlin AM, Chairman, Suncorp
  • Hon Paul Fletcher MP, Shadow Minister for Government Services and the Digital Economy


Delve into a high-powered session where distinguished leaders from Australia’s tech sector share their personal experiences of manoeuvring through the fluctuating cycles of tech sector investment and innovation. Gain valuable insights into the current environment as these experts reflect on their journeys of building and leading companies during periods of both downturns and upswings. Practical advice for founders and decision-makers will be provided, illustrating how downturns can be an opportune time to cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs and foster the development of new industries.

Major Partner Address – TechnologyOne

Keynote Speech – The Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk, Queensland Premier and Minister for the Olympic and Paralympic Games

Report launch: Transforming Australia into the world’s best country for start-ups and scale-ups

Kate Pounder, CEO, Tech Council of Australia

Witness the unveiling of our latest research report, which sets a bold ambition for Australia to become the pre-eminent global destination for launching, expanding, and investing in tech companies. This comprehensive study explores the prevailing trends within Australia’s start-up and scale-up ecosystem and emphasises the indispensable tax, investment, skills, and regulatory frameworks required at both the state and federal levels. Discover the indispensable ingredients necessary to nurture the next wave of globally successful tech firms.

Panel: How can Australia spur investment and build globally competitive companies

Moderator: Kate Pounder, CEO, Tech Council of Australia

  • Mel Silva, Managing Director, Google Australia
  • Didier Elzinga, Founder/CEO & People Geek, CultureAmp
  • Meghan Quinn PSM, Secretary, Department of Industry, Science and Resources
  • Dan Krasnostein, Partner, SquarePeg
  • Richard Holden, Professor of Economics, UNSW Business School
  • Eglantine Etiemble, Group Chief Technology Officer, PEXA

Building upon our latest research report, this session offers an in-depth exploration of how global and local economic conditions influence investment trends within Australia’s tech industries. By examining the impact of high inflation, rising interest rates, and innovative investment models like the National Reconstruction Fund, we will uncover the keys to fostering the growth of our tech companies. Gain insights from current founders and venture capital investors on navigating the capital-raising landscape across different stages and positioning companies for a prosperous future.

Lunch and Networking

Set the scene 

Ciaran Martin, CyberCX Global Advisory Board, CyberCX UK Chairman, and former head of UK National Cyber Security Centre

Address

Brendan Dowling, Incoming Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology, Australian Government Department of Home Affairs

Debate: Can tech ever be secure by design and default?

Proudly brought to you by CyberCX – our Secure Tech Partner

Moderator: Ryan Black, Head of Policy & Research, Tech Council of Australia

  • Richard White, CEO, WiseTech Global
  • Jason Matusow (US), General Manager of Corporate Standards Group, Microsoft
  • Johanna Weaver, Director, ANU Tech Policy Design Centre
  • Ciaran Martin, CyberCX Global Advisory Board, CyberCX UK Chairman, and former head of UK National Cyber Security Centre
  • Victor Dominello, Executive Director, Tech Council of Australia; Director, UNSW UTS Trustworthy Digital Society Hub
  • Narelle Devine CSM, Chief Information Security Officer Asia Pacific, Telstra

 

As cyber-attacks proliferate in frequency and magnitude, governments and security agencies around the globe are increasingly looking to technology and tech companies to develop more secure, seamless, and hack-proof products and services. From software and hardware, to digital ID and “clean pipes”, the ultimate goal is to shift responsibility for cyber security off end-users and up the supply chain to tech companies, including through mandatory requirements. Technology has a critical role to play in cyber protection, but the feasibility and desirability of some of the proposed policy and regulatory approaches remain highly debated. Engage in a live debate-style panel featuring top local and global experts as they explore the opportunities and challenges of making technology secure-by-design and default.

Panel: What will be the biggest tech breakthrough of the next decade?

Proudly brought to you by Airwallex, our Tech Breakthrough Partner

Moderator: David Swan, Technology Editor, The Australia

  • Dr Cathy Foley, Australia’s Chief Scientist
  • Dr Aengus Tran, Co-Founder & CEO, harrison.ai
  • Dr Vikram Sharma, Founder and CEO, QuintessenceLabs
  • Jane Hunter, CEO, Tritium
  • George Peppou, Founder & CEO, Vow
  • Luke Latham, General Manager ANZ, Airwallex. 

Join us for an extraordinary closing panel on day one of the Summit, where renowned scientists and entrepreneurs will ignite your imagination with their visions for the next wave of technological innovations. Prepare to be captivated by presentations on pivotal areas of innovation and research that will shape the coming decade. Explore captivating topics such as quantum technology, artificial intelligence, lab-grown foods, electric vehicles, and transformative advancements in the payments system. Engage in thought-provoking discussions on the economic, social, and environmental implications of these groundbreaking innovations, and embrace a positive outlook on the limitless potential
they hold.

Closing Day Reflections

Networking Dinner

Felons Barrel Hall, Howard Smith Wharves

MC: Kate Jones, Executive Director, Tech Council of Australia; Advisor, Soda

Sponsor address: Jamie Simon, Director of SW (SaaS) and Digital Native Segment, ANZ,
Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Keynote speaker: Hon Ed Husic MP, Federal Minister for Industry, Science and Resources

Keynote speaker: Hon Stirling Hinchliffe, Minister for Tourism Industry Development and Innovation and Minister for Sport, Queensland Government  

DAY 2

DAY 2 – Friday 21 July 2023

Go1 Offices, Logan + The Precinct, Fortitude Valley 

Transfer to Go1 Offices

2908 Logan Rd, Underwood

Day 2 Opening Session

Welcome Address

MC: Kate Jones, Executive Director, Tech Council of Australia; Advisor, Soda

Go1 Official Office Launch

Plenary Partner: Go1

Featuring: Vu Tran, Co-Founder of Go1

QLD Tech Jobs Opportunity Announcement

MC: Kate PounderCEO, Tech Council of Australia

Panel: Queensland’s Tech Jobs Opportunity

  • Vu Tran, Co-Founder, Go1
  • Julia Spicer OAM, Queensland Chief Entrepreneur
  • Bevan Slattery, Founder of Soda and Megaport
  • Yas Grigaliunas, Founder & Chief Evangelist, Circonomy
  • Dr Cori Stewart, Founder and CEO, ARM Hub


While Queensland is renowned for its tourism, mining, and agricultural sectors, it has quietly emerged as a major hub for tech and innovation within Australia. Southeast Queensland stands as the fastest-growing region for tech jobs in the country, and fascinating stories of tech growth abound in regional and outer-suburban Queensland. Join us as prominent tech leaders explore how Queensland has fostered the incubation of tech businesses, the necessary steps to build upon this success, the future trajectory of the state’s tech sector, and the valuable lessons other parts of Australia can glean from Queensland’s inspiring journey.

Address: Hon Dr Jim Chalmers, Treasurer of Australia

Morning Tea and Networking

Return transfer to Brisbane City

Lunch & Tech Minds Meet at The Precinct

Proudly brought to you by our major partner – TechnologyOne

We are thrilled to introduce the Tech Minds Meet, a highly anticipated addition to our program. This session aims to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere where attendees can personally meet and interact with our distinguished speakers and delegates during this lunch break. It promises to be an incredibly entertaining experience!

In this unique session, we offer delegates the opportunity to engage in an ‘Ask Anything’ format, granting them exclusive access to Australia’s leading tech representatives from various specialised fields. We believe this will foster meaningful conversations and allow attendees to gain valuable insights from these esteemed individuals.

Join us for this exciting session, as it promises to be an interactive and engaging experience like no other!

Choose Your Workshop: A CXO’s guide to a future-proof workforce

Facilitator: Scarlett McDermottHead of Ecosystems & Capability at Tech Council of Australia

  • Didier Elzinga, Founder/CEO & People Geek, CultureAmp; Director, Tech Council of Australia
  • Louise Nobes, CEO, 42 Adelaide
  • Sarah Tinsley, General Counsel & Company Secretary, CultureAmp
  • Sarah Moran, CEO, Girl Geek Academy
  • More to come


Embark on a transformative workshop experience designed to equip CXOs with the knowledge and tools necessary to cultivate a resilient, adaptable, and productive workforce. Delve into the challenges posed by the modern workforce and explore leading-edge solutions for future-proofing your team. Together with a group of experts, navigate the intricacies of the employee lifecycle, gain clarity by asking critical questions to yourself and your team, and discover practical strategies to propel your organisation in the right direction.

Choose Your Workshop: Shaping AI

Proudly brought to you by Microsoft, our Shaping AI Partner

  • Kate Pounder, CEO, Tech Council of Australia
  • Ed Santow, Professor, University of Technology Sydney; Co-Director, Human Technology Institute
  • Elanor Huntington, Executive Director, CSIRO
  • Jason Matusow (US), General Manager of Corporate Standards Group, Microsoft
  • Lee Hickin, Microsoft
  • Aaron Hill, Accenture
  • Sophie Farthing, Head, Policy Lab, Human Technology Institute, University of Technology Sydney

 

Join us for an immersive session that delves deep into the latest breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI). Gain valuable insights into the legal and economic implications arising from AI advancements and explore the strategic responses necessary to harness the opportunities while managing associated risks. This workshop provides a unique opportunity to stay at the forefront of AI innovation and gain a competitive edge in this rapidly evolving field.

Closing Address

Networking Drinks at The Precinct

Registration 

SOLD OUT

📢 Attention tech enthusiasts! 📢

The highly anticipated inaugural National Tech Summit is officially SOLD OUT! 🚀

Join our waitlist and we'll keep you informed if any spaces become available.

Join the waitlist

We are delighted to welcome you to join TCA Chair, Robyn Denholm, and the board, at the inaugural National Tech Summit in Brisbane from Thursday 20 July, and Friday 21 July 2023.

  • TCA Members & Digital Employment Forum Anchor Partners Registrations

  • All-Inclusive Registration: A$650 inc GST

  • Summit Dinner Ticket: A$150 inc GST

  • Public (non-member) Registrations

  • All-Inclusive Registration: A$850 inc GST

  • Summit Dinner Ticket: A$150 inc GST

Summit Registration All-Inclusive Inclusions

Wednesday 19 July – Welcome drinks and networking

Thursday 20 July – All sessions, day catering, Summit dinner

Friday 21 July – Morning plenary, afternoon workshop of choice, session transfers*, day catering, networking drinks

*transfers will be arranged for the morning plenary and returning to the workshops on Friday afternoon

Summit Dinner Ticket Inclusions

Access to Thursday 20 July Summit Dinner from 6.30pm

No access to sessions

Contact TCA Events for group table bookings (8pax each)

  • Prices include 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
  • In order to comply with stringent capacity restrictions, promote fairness, and maximise engagement, each booking is restricted to a maximum of six (6) registrations per booking.
  • Payment by VISA or MasterCard is required at the time of booking
  • See FAQs below for additional information

Accommodation

The below accommodation options are all within walking distance of the Day 1 Summit venue at Howard Smith Wharves.

We suggest you book early as accommodation is not being held. 

*Please check with the Hotels directly regarding their booking and cancellation policies.

The nearest hotels to HSW are:

Images: Crystalbrook Vincent Hotel

Visit Queensland

Contact Us

Tech Council Events

events@techcouncil.com.au

Kellie Sydlarczuk, TCA Events Manager, 0402 450 402

Jacqui Murkins, TCA Head of Membership & Engagement, 0413 532 924

Kate Lord, Media enquiries, 0438 448 248

FAQs

What is the National Tech Summit?

The National Tech Summit is the inaugural Summit of the Tech Council of Australia (TCA) that will bring together established and emerging leaders across Australia’s tech ecosystem.

When and where will National Tech Summit be held?

The National Tech Summit will be held on Thursday 20 July and Friday 21 July 2023 at a variety of locations around Brisbane, Queensland.

 

Day 1 – The main program and the Summit Dinner will be held at Howard Smith Wharves.

Day 2 – The morning plenary will be held at Go1 Offices in Logan and The Precinct, Fortitude Valley for the afternoon workshops. Transfers will be provided to and from Go1 offices. Further details will follow.

How do I register?

TCA Members and Digital Employment Forum Anchor Partners are offered discounted tickets. Please register via the Member portal. 

Public & Non-member tickets are now available. Please register via the Public portal. 

Online registrations close Monday 17 July 2023, unless sold out earlier.

Sharing of registrations
  • Registrations are non-transferable between staff.
  • Each registration [two full days of content, including catering] is allocated to a specific individual and cannot be used by someone else.
  • Access will be via an attendee application and monitored daily.
I’m not a member of TCA, can I purchase a ticket?
Tickets are now available for the public to purchase – secure your spot here. We also encourage you to consider becoming a member of the TCA. Please get in touch to find out more about becoming a member! 
Why is it important to indicate attendance to social events and workshops during the registration process?

Indicating your attendance to social events and workshops on Day 2 during registration is crucial for managing capacities and catering arrangements. Your cooperation in providing these details will significantly assist us in planning and organising the event effectively.

Can I sponsor The National Tech Summit?
Yes, sponsorships for The National Tech Summit are available at various levels. For more information, please contact the Tech Council of Australia at events@techcouncil.com.au
Payment / Cancellations

Payment must be made by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) at the time of booking. 

All payments are in Australian dollars and are inclusive of GST.

 

Cancellations – Attendees who find themselves unable to attend the Summit after submitting their online registration are most welcome to nominate a substitute. All substitutions and cancellations must be made in writing, via email to events@techcouncil.com.au

 

Alternatively, if you cancel up to one month prior a full refund will be made. If you cancel two weeks prior, there will be no refund.

 

Substitutions and/or cancellations will not be accepted after Monday 17 July 2023

 

No Shows – If you fail to advise us prior to Summit, we regard your registration as a ‘no show’ and a cancellation fee of 100% will apply.

Where’s the fine print? Privacy and Liabilities

Disclaimer of liability – TCA will not accept any liability for damages of any nature sustained by participants or loss of or damage to their personal property as a result of the Summit or related events. 

 

Insurance – TCA confirms that the attendee registration fees do not in any way include insurance coverage. It is recommended that attendees consider their individual travel and health insurance requirements prior to making travel arrangements. 

 

Privacy – TCA complies with the National Privacy Principles set out in the Commonwealth Act 1988 and reaffirmed in the Privacy Act (Private Sector) Amendment Act 2000 which came into effect in law in December 2001. Unless required by law the Association will not disclose personal information about an individual unless the individual has provided consent, either at the time of providing the information or following a specific request.

 

Information – When registering for this Summit, you’ll be asked to provide permission for various details (name, position, organisation, photo, bio etc) to be included on the Summitt Attendee App and Attendee list. Only those who grant permission will be published and distributed to all attendees and sponsors. Please advise us during the registration process if you do not consent for your details to be included on the App or Attendee list. 

 

Media and photography – In registering for this Summit, you accept that various events may be photographed, video and/or audio recorded and that this content may be used by TCA at its discretion on the website, social media, newsletters or other promotional material. 

Places are limited

So register today to secure your spot at the conference

Member RegistrationPublic Registration

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