Working with Defence – SME Seminar: strengthening SME participation in Defence.

The Working with Defence – SME Seminar is bringing together an exceptional cross-section of South Australia’s defence ecosystem — uniting industry, government, and specialist organisations in one room with a shared goal: strengthening SME participation in Defence.

Through expert presentations and panel discussions, attendees hear practical, real-world insights from Defence professionals working across policy, procurement, security, and delivery.

With contributors spanning Defence SA, Department of State Development and the Australian Department of Home Affairs, alongside national capability programs like AusIndustry and the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS), the seminar provides direct access to the policies, pathways, and programs shaping the sector.

Hear from representatives of leading primes and industry players including BAE Systems Australia and ASC Pty Ltd, and H&B Defence, as well as trusted advisory and security experts such as McGrathNicol and Secure State.

We also highlight critical enablers for workforce, compliance, and capability development, including Skills Frontier, SAHR, WorkSec (the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency, AGSVA), and the Defence Industry Security Program (DISP), so SMEs understand both the opportunity and the requirements to participate.

Industry connection and collaboration are further strengthened through organisations like the Defence Teaming Centre and the Australian Industry & Defence Network, alongside niche capability providers such as The Naval Welding Institute, PEER Group and innovative firms like Westside Group and ExIQ.

Together, this line-up reflects the full Defence ecosystem in action — from policy and procurement through to workforce, security, and delivery.

For SMEs, this is a rare opportunity to engage directly with the organisations that set the requirements, enable participation, and award the work — all in one place, in one day.

And importantly, the conversation doesn’t end when the formalities do — attendees are invited to stay for networking drinks, providing a valuable opportunity to build relationships, have candid conversations, and turn insight into real connections.

This is a readiness session — practical, current and designed to help organisations understand, prepare for and de‑risk engagement with Defence at all stages of their Defence journey.

Hear from Government, Primes and Industry Bodies
6 x Key Advice and Compliance Sessions
3 x Panel Sessions
1 x Westside Group – SME Case Study
Morning Tea & Lunch Provided
Networking Drinks Included

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Arrival: 8am – 8.30am (Morning tea provided)

Forum starts: 8.30am – 4.30pm (Lunch provided)

Networking drinks: 4.30pm – 5.30pm

Venue: The HWY, 290 Anzac Highway, Plympton, SA 5038 (onsite parking available)

Discount codes available for members of Alliance SA, the Defence Teaming Centre and AIDN. Ask your membership organisation for the code!

Find out more/register:
https://alliancesa.com.au/about/news-events/working-with-defence-sme-seminar/

Hosted by: Alliance South Australia
Industry Leadership Partner: PEER
Networking Partner: WorkSec
Industry Support Partner: Mas National