Building on the success of our renowned Business News Success and Leadership series, the Leaders Summit is designed for senior executives, entrepreneurs, and prominent decision-makers. This premier event will explore the critical challenges, emerging trends, and new opportunities shaping Western Australia’s business landscape.
Running as a half-day event, the summit begins with breakfast, followed by a thoughtfully curated program of keynote addresses, insightful interviews, and dynamic panel discussions featuring some of the state’s most respected leaders.
Don’t miss this exceptional chance to connect with Western Australia’s business community, gain valuable perspectives from leading voices, and strengthen your professional network across Perth’s corporate landscape.
THE DAY
- Guests are invited collect event name tags and connect with peers ahead of the morning program.
- An Acknowledgement will officially open the Summit, recognising and paying respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet, and to Elders past and present.
- Our 2026 Leaders Summit opens with Business News, Chief Executive, Charles Kobelke, offering a forward-looking perspective on the challenges and opportunities shaping Western Australia’s business future to set the tone for an inspiring session of insight and connection.
- Enjoy breakfast and conversation before the official program begins. A great opportunity to network and make new connections.
- Official Welcome delivered by Host Partner - Chris Wilson Fitness Studio.
- Sam Walsh AO, former chief executive of Rio Tinto and now a non-executive director of Mitsui & Co, will share insights on leadership, purpose, and life after leading one of the world’s biggest mining companies.
- Drawing on insights from Julia Ewert’s recent U.S. training with FBI experts, Applying FBI Skills in Business – How business leaders can employ expert techniques to influence better results will equip leaders with practical techniques inspired by FBI negotiators to build trust, ask the right questions, and influence outcomes more effectively. This masterclass offers practical, actionable skills you can apply immediately to achieve stronger results.
- Take a short break with refreshments and light snacks while connecting with fellow attendees.
- Official Welcome delivered by Host Partner – Aveling.
- Natalie Sarich-Dayton is accomplished consumer goods executive and the first female chief executive and managing director of Brownes Dairy, having led the company’s marketing and sales since 2013 following senior roles at Coca-Cola Enterprises, Heinz, Danone and Unilever, and twice named among Australia’s top 50 Chief Marketing Officers.
- Previous 40Under40 First Amongst Equals winners Greg Bowden (Emyjor Services), and Hannah Mann (Kimberley Pharmacy Services) and WA Business of the Year winner Suzanne Dodds (Complete Home Filtration), share their entrepreneurial journeys and reflect on how the First Amongst Equals award has shaped and supported their success.
- Guests are invited to enjoy lunch and continue meaningful conversations, sharing reflections and takeaways from the day’s discussions.
- Paul Blackburne is the founder and Executive Chair of Blackburne, one of Western Australia’s largest apartment developers, having grown the business into an Australian leader in high-end residential development since establishing the company in 2003, and recognised with multiple industry accolades for his leadership and entrepreneurship.
- Exciting prize draw followed by extended networking opportunities to wrap up the afternoon.
- The summit officially concludes.
Host Partners
Event Partners
