Join industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators for a powerful one-day summit focused on transforming Australia’s manufacturing future.
Australian manufacturing once made up over a quarter of our GDP. Today, that number has fallen to just 5.9%. But decline is not inevitable—it’s a policy choice. And with the right strategies in place, we can build a stronger, smarter, and more sovereign manufacturing sector.
At the 2025 National Manufacturing Summit, industry leaders, government, educators and experts will come together to set a bold new agenda for growth, capability and innovation.
This is your chance to be part of the conversation—and the solution.
Hosted by Weld Australia, this year’s Summit is on 23 and 24 July 2025 at the Shangri-La in Sydney.
Voices Driving the Future of Australian Manufacturing
The 2025 National Manufacturing Summit brings together an impressive lineup of thought leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers—each playing a critical role in shaping the future of Australia’s manufacturing sector.
From defence and infrastructure to energy, education and sovereign capability, our speakers offer unique insights drawn from experience on the frontlines of innovation and reform. They’ll share practical strategies, and bold ideas to help you navigate today’s challenges and seize tomorrow’s opportunities.
Key Speakers 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. Meet the speakers.
Session Spotlights
Session One: The State of Australia’s Manufacturing Sector: Hear from industry leaders and policy experts including Simon Terry from Dux Hot Water Australia , John Titchen from Goldwind and Rebecca McPhee from Investment NSW. What’s driving the decline? Where are the opportunities? And how do we rebuild local capability for long-term, sovereign success? Don’t miss this essential conversation that will set the tone for bold reform and national renewal.
Session Two: Global Challenges and Opportunities: We look beyond our borders to examine Global Challenges and Opportunities. Hear from Jim Stanford, Industry Professor of Economics at McMaster University Canada, and Doug Luciani, President and CEO of CWB Group How are global trends reshaping industrial policy? What can Australia learn from international approaches to manufacturing resilience and renewal? Join us for this important international perspective on how global forces can help shape a stronger local future.
Session Three: Getting Policy Right and Building Capability: Featuring Tim Buckley from Climate Energy Finance, David Shankey from the Net Zero Economy Authority, and Phil Toner from the University of Sydney, this session dives into the practical, structural reforms needed to rebuild capability in Australian manufacturing. What policy settings will drive genuine growth? How do we align industrial development with our net zero ambitions? And what does real capacity building look like?
Session Four: Workforce, Skills and Training: At the heart of a strong manufacturing sector is a capable, future-ready workforce. This session will explore how we attract, develop and retain the talent needed to drive sustainable industry growth. Hear from Amanda Sonntag from the NSW Department of Education and Justin Spedding from Corrections Victoria as they share insights into innovative training pathways, education reform, and inclusive workforce development. This session is all about building a pipeline of skilled workers—and making sure no one is left behind.
Why Attend?
- Network with influential decision-makers from defence, infrastructure, energy, education, and beyond
- Hear keynote insights from manufacturing pioneers and policy leaders
- Gain practical strategies to address labour shortages, supply chain resilience, local procurement, and more
- Shape the conversation around Australia’s sovereign industrial capability
Don’t Just Take Our Word For It
Hear from just a few of last year’s delegates about their experience.
“Excellent presentations and panels, the quality of the speakers was very high.”
“Many of the presentations were, in my opinion, world class. I am so pleased that I attended and look forward to next year’s event.”
“A great line up of speakers. I go to many VET, industry and education focused conferences, and I rate this one as the best I have been to.”
The 2025 National Manufacturing Summit will be held at the Shangri-La Sydney.
For further information, and to book a room, visit: https://www.shangri-la.com/sydney/shangrila/
176 Cumberland Street
The Rocks, NSW 2000
T: (61 2) 9250 6000
E: sydney@shangri-la.com