Forward Motion –  leveraging collective strength to shape change

As trusted business advisors, HR leaders are relied upon to navigate change within their businesses, sectors and communities. Leadership is a behaviour that can inspire change and create a meaningful impact on people. The 2026 South Australia HR Leadership Summit will encourage attendees – people and culture leaders – to examine what change looks like in their organisations and how they can influence decision-making and drive positive change for the benefit of their organisations, workforces, and the communities they serve.

Key conference themes include building a sustainable people strategy, fostering skills- and work-based talent, balancing human and digital capabilities, aligning values across business and leadership, and empowering a diverse, multigenerational workforce. These topics will guide attendees in shaping their strategic approach to the evolving landscape – one where people can thrive and excel both individually and collectively.

Key topics to be explored:

• Leveraging human potential, collaboration, knowledge, and technology – developing a future-ready organisation
• Sustainable people strategy – prioritising employee well-being and engagement as a foundation for long-term success
• Future-ready workforce – upskilling, reskilling, and capability uplift to meet evolving business and community needs
• Retention and engagement – recognising people as a critical driver of success, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, meaningful connection, and collaborative growth
• Responsible AI governance and adoption – empowering HR to champion ethical, secure, and people-focused digital transformation
• Creating a safety-first environment – the interconnection of HR, safety and leadership
• Shifts in leadership mindset and behaviour – emphasising inclusive leadership, workforce agility, leadership accountability, digital transformation, and employee safety and well-being
• Data-driven HR – using analytics to inform workforce planning and strategic decision-making
• Multigenerational workforce – creating inclusive strategies for collaboration across age groups
• DE&I and purpose-driven work – embedding diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging into organisational culture
• Harnessing the power of the collective – leveraging people and knowledge to build a thinking organisation
• What's next? Trends and expectations that might shape the way HR influences business outcomes, inspires future leaders and contributes to a wider ecosystem

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Featured presenters:

• Angela Wiggins, Chief People Officer, BAE Systems Australia
• Sophie Holdstock, Executive People & Safety, ElectraNet    
• Debbie Kirby, General Manager, People & Safety, SA Water    
• Kate Berry, Chief People Officer, G'Day Group    
• Kimberly Boland, Chief People Officer, Chrysos Corporation     
• Renee Draper, Group Chief People & Culture Officer, Kelsian Group Ltd.
• Lesley Marchioro, Group Executive, People & Culture, SAGE Group    
• Christelle Simpson, Chief People Officer, Saab Australia 
• Sarah Curran, General Manager, Human Resources, Thomas Foods International     
• Liz Humphreys, General Manager, People & Culture, SkyCity Adelaide    
• Anita Peace, General Manager, People, Culture & Professional Services, Star Pharmacy Group  
• Tanya Di Lorenzo, General Manager, Workforce Capability Development, ASC Pty Ltd    
• Kath Faulkner, Group Manager, Capability, Silverchain Group

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For information about registration, partnership or speaking opportunities, please contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.