Working with Defence | SME Seminar
Download the Sponsorship Prospectus
SAVE THE DATE NOTICE
REGISTER HERE – TICKET SALES OPEN 12 MARCH
TUESDAY, 12 MAY, 2026
Working with Defence | A practical forum for SMEs on risk, security and workforce
A practical, in-person Defence readiness seminar for industry.
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About the Event
Working with Defence is a full‑day, in‑person seminar designed to equip organisations with the knowledge, tools and connections required to confidently engage with Defence and critical industry.
Hosted by Alliance SA, this event focuses on the real‑world risks that can derail Defence opportunities — from cyber security and regulatory compliance to workforce, export controls and immigration considerations. Attendees will gain practical insights into how to identify, manage and reduce these risks, strengthening their Defence readiness and commercial resilience.
While education is the primary objective, presenters will also share current policies, services and frameworks in a value‑led, informative way, providing clarity on how industry can respond to evolving Defence requirements.
REGISTER HERE – TICKET SALES OPEN 12 MARCH
Why Attend?
By attending Defence Ready, you will:
- Understand the key operational, security and compliance risks impacting Defence‑aligned organisations
- Gain practical guidance on cyber security, DISP, CMMC 2.0, workforce, and regulatory obligations
- Learn how to prepare your business for Defence procurement and supply‑chain participation
- Hear directly from government, industry and professional services experts
- Build relationships across the Defence and critical industry ecosystem
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.
Event Details
- Host: Alliance SA
- 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)
- Tickets: $369.00 + GST
REGISTER HERE – TICKET SALES OPEN 12 MARCH
Discount codes available for members of Alliance SA, the Defence Teaming Centre and AIDN. Ask your member organisation for the discount code!
Speakers
Department of Home Affairs
Okke Velzeboar
Assistant Director of the SA Business, Industry and Regional Outreach
DHA – National coordination and policy across security, borders, cyber resilience, sovereignty, and social cohesion
Department of State Development
Callan Markwick
Executive Director, Workforce Population & Migration
DSD – Supporting South Australia’s businesses and industries to succeed at a local, national and global scale
Department of Defence
AGSVA (Confirmed) & DISP Team (pending)
Speakers TBA
Secure State
Luke Smith
Founder and Managing Director
Secure State – A South Australian cyber security and IT consultancy supporting, but not limited to, supply chain and critical infrastructure organisations.
SAHR
Ben Harvey
Manager – Technology & Export Controls
SAHR – Export controls, and procurement and finance
McGrathNicol
Ben Cornish
Director – National Security & Insider Risk Specialist
McGrathNicol – Advisory and Restructuring firm
Skills Frontier
Lauren Conceicao
Managing Director
Skills Frontier – Future skills, workforce planning, global connectivity
Who Should Attend?
- Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) seeking Defence readiness
- Defence primes and Tier 1–3 suppliers
- Industry associations and peak bodies
- RTOs, GTOs, Labour Hire & Recruitment firms
- Government stakeholders
- Professional services firms supporting Defence and critical infrastructure
Indicative Program & Contributors
Subject matter A:
- Cyber Security fundamentals
- DISP requirements
- CMMC 2.0 alignment
- ICT managed services and risk mitigation
Subject matter B:
- Export controls and compliance obligations
- Defence procurement practices and considerations
Subject matter C:
- Enterprise risk management
- Workforce, HR and recruitment practices
Subject matter D:
- Immigration considerations relevant to Defence and critical industry
- Programs and processes, key discriminators and costs
- AGSVA
- DISP
Subject matter E:
- Skills Shortages
- Employee attraction and retention
- Workforce development programs
- Training and education pathways
Final content will be shaped collaboratively with presenters.
Built for Industry. Backed by Experience.
Whether you are entering the Defence market or strengthening your existing position, this seminar will help you de-risk, prepare and progress with confidence, prepare and progress with confidence
Save the Date!
Event date:
- Tuesday, 12 May 2026,
- Arrival: 8am – 8.30am
- Conference starts: 8.30am – 4.30pm
- Networking drinks: 4.30pm – 5.30pm
The full agenda will be released closer to the date.
Early Bird discounts will apply! Discount codes available for members of Alliance SA, the Defence Teaming Centre and AIDN. Ask your membership organisation for the code!
Sponsorship Opportunity
Sponsorships are available for this event! Reach out to Michael to find out more!
By sponsoring Working with Defence, your organisation demonstrates leadership in:
- Strengthening Australia’s Defence supply chain
- Supporting SME capability uplift
- Reducing systemic industry risk
- Enabling informed, compliant Defence participation
We welcome the opportunity to tailor sponsorship inclusions to align with your organisation’s strategic objectives.
