25-26 May 2027 | Sydney | Ilumina
The Future of Corporate Affairs Starts Here
Australia's premier leadership event for
corporate affairs, communications and reputation leaders
Corporate Affairs Summit returns in 2027 as one of Australia’s most established events for senior corporate affairs, communications and reputation executives. Its longevity reflects the strength of the community it serves and the growing influence of the function on enterprise judgement, trust and organisational resilience.
Geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory pressure, social scrutiny, misinformation and rapid technological change are increasing the consequences of corporate communication and stakeholder decisions. Corporate affairs leaders are expected to provide sharper intelligence, guide executive judgement and protect organisational credibility when the right response is neither simple nor universally supported.
Corporate Affairs Summit 2027 brings together senior corporate affairs, communications, public affairs, reputation and stakeholder leaders to examine the decisions shaping the function. Across two days, the programme will address executive influence, reputation intelligence, authentic communication, AI governance, mandatory disclosure and crisis response.
Candid, peer-level exchange will focus on how leaders anticipate risk, strengthen trust and exercise influence when scrutiny is high.
Why Attend
- 1Unrivalled Expertise
- 2High-Calibre Content
- 3Invaluable Networking Opportunities
First Wave of 2027 Speakers
Tony Warren
Group Head Corporate Affairs
Dr Tony Warren is currently Group Head Corporate Affairs, Communications and Public Affairs at ANZ. Reporting to the CEO, Tony has responsibility for Government Relations, Public Policy, External and Internal Communications and Sustainability. Tony leads a team of some 130 experts across a range of fields. He has accountability for managing relationships with ANZs wide range of significant stakeholders, the external environment, staff communications and corporate reputation.
As previous Group Executive of Corporate Affairs at Telstra, Dr Warren led the negotiations on behalf of Telstra that culminated in an AUD11 billion deal to secure Telstra’s participation in the Australian Government’s National Broadband Network.
Prior to joining Telstra in 2002, Dr Warren was a Director of the Network Economics Consulting Group (NECG) and helped build it into Australia’s premier regulatory economics consulting firm.
Before joining NECG, Dr Warren was a post-doctoral fellow in the Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies at the Australian National University where he led a team of researchers developing methodologies for quantifying barriers to trade and investment in services. This project built on Dr Warren’s PhD dissertation on ‘The Political Economy of Services Trade and Investment’, which he undertook at the Australian-Japan Research centre under the supervision of Professor Peter Drysdale.
William Gibaud
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
Nicole McKechnie
Chief Corporate Affairs & Sustainability Officer
Nicole is a senior executive with global corporate affairs experience in both the corporate and public sector who has a passion for working in highly scrutinised, regulated, and complex organisations.
As the Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at EnergyAustralia Nicole oversees communication, community engagement, government and regulatory affairs, and sustainability. The energy transition is incredibly challenging and complex, and she is currently leading the implementation of the team’s strategic roadmap to address these challenges.
Prior to joining EnergyAustralia, Nicole was at Telstra for over a decade. Here, she led the communications function and played a key role in strengthening Telstra’s reputation and building a high-profile social media presence. She was also chief of staff to the CEO for two years. Previously, Nicole led communications and reputation management functions for the Victorian Police and within the Commonwealth Government.
Nicole spent the early part of her career as a journalist and has worked as a Senior Media Advisor in the national political environment both in Australia and in the UK. While in the UK she also worked for the Mobile Operators Association on the highly contentious UK mobile phone tower deployment.
Nicole has a Masters of Public Administration from Monash University.
Jane Anderson
EGM, Community, Sustainability & Stakeholder Engagement
Jane is the Executive General Manager, Community, Sustainability & Stakeholder Engagement, responsible for Australia Post’s engagement with key communities and stakeholders, including customers, communities, team members, licensees, government stakeholders, the media, and many others.
Prior to joining Australia Post in 2024, Jane held senior corporate affairs appointments at some of Australia and New Zealand’s leading insurance and financial services organisations, including IAG and AMP. Jane was responsible for managing these companies’ profile and reputation in complex and highly regulated environments. In addition, Jane was accountable for major customer and stakeholder engagement programs and community relationships.
Jane has a Post Graduate diploma in banking and a Master of Management (Communications) from Massey University. She is currently Deputy Chair of SCECGS Redlands, a coeducational K-12 independent school. Jane is a former member of CEDA’s NSW State Advisory Council and a former member of the NZ Advertising Standards Complaints Board.
Elizabeth Rex
Head of Corporate Affairs
Elizabeth Rex leads Corporate Affairs for Australia’s largest listed biopharmaceutical company, CSL, where she heads up the team responsible for corporate communications, government relations, media relations and brand and reputation.
Previously, Elizabeth has led corporate affairs and communications in complex, highly regulated ASX-listed and global organisations. She has served as a trusted adviser to CEOs, Boards and executive teams, guiding companies in different sectors through transformation, market scrutiny and leadership transition; supporting strategic repositioning, strengthening brand narrative and leading stakeholder engagement.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts (USYD), a Master of Commerce (AGSM), is a Graduate of the AICD and is a member of the AusBiotech Board.
Matthew Martyn-Jones
Chief Corporate Affairs Officer
More to be announced
Speakers
Sessions
and Networking
Days
Content by leaders, for leaders
Our cutting-edge content is carefully researched and curated in step with the expertise and insights of Connect Media’s vast network of industry specialists. Timely and uniquely tailored, our content ignites innovation, addresses leading industry challenges, all while delivering the skills and tools needed to achieve business excellence in the future.
Agenda
From Strategic Adviser to Enterprise Decision-Maker: The Evolving Role of Corporate Affairs
Corporate affairs leaders exercise more influence than ever over decisions that shape reputation, stakeholder relationships and communication across the enterprise. Operating credibly at this level requires clear decision rights, strong executive and board relationships, and evidence linking judgement with organisational performance.
- Clarify when corporate affairs should advise, challenge or directly shape an enterprise decision.
- Strengthen influence with the CEO, executive team and board through timely insight and clear accountability.
- Demonstrate the function’s strategic value using measures that extend beyond activity and media coverage.
Holding the Line: Authentic Communications in an Age of Scepticism
Fragmented channels, contested values and misinformation make organisational credibility harder to protect. Leaders must decide what to address publicly, preserve message integrity and communicate with enough clarity and candour to earn trust under scrutiny.
- Determine which organisational positions require a visible response and where restraint is more credible.
- Protect message integrity across internal, external and digital channels without sacrificing speed.
- Maintain employee and stakeholder confidence when expectations conflict or information is contested.
Distinctively Human: Corporate Affairs in the Digital and AI Era
AI and digital tools are changing how corporate affairs teams detect risk, create content and engage stakeholders. Their value depends on sound governance, transparent use and human oversight at the moments where context, credibility and consequence matter most.
- Identify where AI and digital tools can improve productivity, insight and effectiveness across the function.
- Establish appropriate governance, disclosure and human sign-off for high-stakes communication.
- Prepare teams to recognise and respond to synthetic media, misinformation and other emerging reputation risks.
Beyond the Story: How Mandatory Disclosure Is Reshaping Corporate Affairs
Mandatory climate reporting and broader demands for substantiated corporate claims are drawing corporate affairs deeper into disclosure governance. The challenge is to communicate material information clearly and consistently while preserving legal accuracy, evidentiary discipline and stakeholder confidence.
- Define corporate affairs’ role alongside legal, finance and sustainability in disclosure governance.
- Translate technical and material information into clear communication without changing its meaning or certainty.
- Reduce the reputational risk created by unsupported claims, inconsistent narratives or delayed communication.
Crisis Leadership: Decisions, Trade-Offs and Trust Under Pressure
Crisis scrutiny now escalates across news, social media, internal channels and regulatory environments at the same time. Effective response depends on prepared decision rights, trusted intelligence and the ability to act quickly without compromising accuracy or judgement.
- Establish decision rights, escalation paths and stakeholder priorities before a crisis occurs.
- Distinguish verified intelligence from misinformation when pressure for an immediate response is high.
- Make communication choices that protect trust, support recovery and strengthen organisational resilience.
Event Pricing
1-2 Delegates
Early Bird
3-4 Delegates (10%off)
Early Bird
5+ Delegates
(15% Off)
Early Bird
What’s included in my delegate pass
Access to Full Event Program
Exclusive Networking Opportunities
Executive Insights & Event Content
Delegate registration is strictly for in-house Corporate Affairs and Communications professionals from consumer or government facing organisations. Please note, service providers are not permitted to attend through standard delegate registration. If you are a Service Provider, please email duncanh@connectmedia.com to discuss your involvement.
Registrations will be reviewed for the correct rate, Connect Media reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone not paying the correct rate. Furthermore, we will not be responsible for travel costs if you do not pay the correct rate.
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Our 2026 Partners
Become A Partner
Corporate Affairs Summit is Australia’s premier event for in-house Corporate Affairs and Communications professionals. We focus on actionable insights and real-world solutions by bringing together the leading voices shaping the sector. Every year we refine our event model to unlock greater value for our partners and to ensure that our delegation’s expectations are exceeded.
Whether you’re looking for brand visibility, lead generation or exclusive event networking opportunities, our sponsorship packages are tailor made and designed to maximise your ROI.
Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss what these opportunities could look like for you and your brand.
PARTNERSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES
Duncan Hladik
Commercial Manager
T: +61 411 636 010
E: duncanh@connectmedia.com
GENERAL
ENQUIRIES
T: 61 2 8004 8590
E: team@connectmedia.com
Connect with these companies attending
Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with the industry’s most prominent brands at the Corporate Affairs Summit. Explore the companies already confirmed and secure your chance to network with the best in the business.
Venue & Accommodation
Ilumina Sydney
1 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s included in my delegate pass?
A Delegate Pass includes access to all sessions, refreshment breaks, networking lunches, and access to provided speaker presentations. Please note: Sharing of speaker presentation’s is subject to approval from the guest speaker. One delegate ticket is entry for one person only, passes cannot be shared. Organiser’s reserve the right to deny entry to anyone not registered.
Is there a group booking discount?
Yes – groups of 3 people or more are entitled to a discount. Full discount information is available on our registration page. If you have any questions about how group bookings work, please contact team@connectmedia.com
Can I transfer my pass?
A delegate pass is entry for one person only, passes cannot be shared. A substitute delegate is welcome at any time prior to the event, provided the request is made in writing to team@connectmedia.com
How do I receive my delegate pass?
Following the completion of your registration, you will receive an email confirmation. We will contact you via email the day prior to the event with a QR code, to make your arrival as seamless as possible have your QR e-ticket ready and visible on your device.
Is media registration available?
No, this is a closed and confidential event. Media registrations are not available.
Cancellation Policy:
A full refund less a $250 (GST Inclusive) processing fee is applicable on cancellation requests made in writing within 10 days of registration. No refunds are available for cancellations made more than 10 days after registration. Where Connect Media is required to reschedule the event in the interest of the event partner’s and guests, your pass will be automatically transferred to the rescheduled dates. Should Connect Media be unable to offer, deliver or fulfil any engagement within 12 months, you will be entitled to a full refund.
What is a Service Provider?
A service provider refers to an individual or organisation who supplies products and/or services to the primary audience of the event.
Will there be a delegate list available?
No, Connect Media does not provide delegate lists to attendees.
Fraudulent activities
We’ve been alerted to instances of companies proposing to purchase and sell lists of attendees for our events. Please be assured, we do not engage in the sale or distribution of event-related data. Such companies have no association with us, and we are actively working to halt these deceptive practices.
Regrettably, this type of scam is not uncommon in the media industry. Any information purported to originate from our events and offered by a third party would be completely fabricated. Should you have doubts about the legitimacy of a potential supplier, we urge you to contact us directly.
For any additional questions please contact us on 02 8004 8590 or team@connectmedia.com.
Terms and Conditions
Delegate Pass:
Delegate Pass includes access to all sessions, refreshment breaks, networking lunches, networking drinks reception, and access to approved speaker presentations/on demand content. Please note: Sharing of speaker presentation’s is subject to approval from the guest speaker. One delegate ticket is entry for one person only, passes cannot be shared. Organiser’s reserve the right to deny entry to anyone not registered.
Digital Pass (only applicable for digital events):
A digital pass is valid for the use of 1 user and provides access to live content, inclusive of all keynotes, and sessions. The pass also includes access to approved speaker presentations/on demand content; this will be available to you via email in the week following the event. Please note: Sharing of speaker presentation’s is subject to approval from the guest speaker. Access must not be shared by multiple user’s or redistributed in any way. Organiser’s reserve the right to deny access to anyone who is found violating the above terms.
Payment & Discounts:
Only one promotional discount code can be applied per registrant. All prices and promotions are valid at the time of purchase only and may not be redeemed after the point of purchase.
Registrations will be reviewed for the correct rate, Connect Media reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone not paying the correct rate. Furthermore, we will not be responsible for travel costs if you do not pay the correct rate.
Organiser’s Rights:
Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd endeavours to ensure the conference programme and speaker line-up is correct at the time of the event. All advertised details are correct at time of publishing. Due to unforeseen circumstances Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd reserves the right to alter the programme prior to the event without notice. We also reserve the right to cancel or postpone the event. Where Connect Media is unable to run the event in the next 12 months (from the date of the event), you will be entitled to a full refund. In the unlikely event that it is cancelled or postponed, no compensation will be provided for cancelled/amended travel arrangements.
Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd reserves the right to deny access to any individual that engages in or is alleged to engage in practices that are considered unprofessional and inappropriate for a business conference. We reserve the right to deny access to delegates that may affect the client / vendor ratio of attendance in favour of the interests of sponsors and commercial partners of the event.
In registering for this event, delegates grant permission to Connect Media and Communications Group Pty Ltd to take and to have full and free use of video/photographs containing their image/likeness for promotional use. Should a delegate not agree to the above image release, they must advise team@connectmedia.com.
Cancellation Policy:
A substitute delegate is welcome at any time provided the request is made in writing. A full refund less a $250 (GST Inclusive) processing fee is applicable on cancellation requests made in writing within 10 days of registration. No refunds are available for cancellations made more than 10 days after registration. Where Connect Media is required to reschedule the event in the interest of the event partner’s and guests, your pass will be automatically transferred to the rescheduled dates. Should you be provided with a credit note at the discretion of the event organisers, this credit is valid for the specified amount of passes, and not the monetary value. Should Connect Media be unable to offer, deliver or fulfil any engagement within 12 months, you will be entitled to a full refund.
Event Delivery:
In case of a change in government restrictions and advice, Connect Media reserves the right to make the decision to deliver the event completely digital, or completely in person. Should you hold a different pass, you are entitled to move your registration to digital/in person, or receive a credit for the following edition of the event.
Privacy Disclosure:
We take your privacy seriously. Information collected on this registration will be held in the strictest of confidence on a secure database. This information may be used in order to contact you regarding future events, product development and services offered. If you do not wish to be contacted please email team@connectmedia.com. To view our full privacy policy please visit: https://dashboard.connectmedia.com/privacy-policy/.