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Veteran Business
Conference & Awards Night

A conference and awards event celebrating the Veteran Business Community and the wider military community — those who served in uniform and now lead in business. Conference by day. Awards by night. Community throughout.

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Proudly Presented by

Commonwealth Bank
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Event Details

calendar-yellow Date : 09 July 2026
location-yellow Venue : Commonwealth Bank Place (South Building)
      11 Harbour Street, Sydney
clock-yellow Conference : 0900–1600h
clock-yellow Awards Night : 1800–2100h

Need more details? Come to an info session!

VBC INFORMATION SESSION

What is VetCon26?

VetCon26 is a celebration of the Veteran Business Community — those who served in uniform and now run businesses in their post-military life.

 

It brings together veteran business owners, members of the broader military community, and champions of veteran enterprise for a full day of:

 

  • Professional development
  • Practical learning
  • Meaningful connection
  • Recognition of business excellence

 

VetCon26 is not a mass conference. It is intentionally designed for quality, trust, and community.

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Why Attend VetCon26

Learn

Learn

Be inspired by keynote speakers and gain practical insights through specialist workshops designed for veteran business owners.

Learn

Connect

Build genuine relationships in a high-trust, curated environment where shared experience matters.

Learn

Celebrate

Recognise leadership, resilience, and excellence within the Veteran Business Community at the awards night.

Key Dates

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Registrations/Nominations Open

01 March 2026

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Nominations Close

31 May 2026

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Judging Period

24 - 30 May 2026

 

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Finalists Announced

31 May 2026

 

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VetCon26

Wed 08 July 2026

Bump in / State of Origin networking event

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Thu 09 July 2026

Conference and Awards Night

VetCon26 Finalists Announced

 

Celebrating the veteran-owned businesses, leaders and changemakers selected as finalists across the VetCon26 Awards.

Explore the finalists below across Leadership Awards, Community and People Awards, Business Excellence Awards, and Industry and Innovation Awards as we recognise excellence, contribution, growth, and impact across the Veteran Business Community.

Leadership Awards

Leadership Awards Finalists

Recognising outstanding leadership within the Veteran Business Community.

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Finalists

Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year

 

Awarded to a veteran business owner who exemplifies exceptional leadership, vision, and business performance.

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Finalists

Veteran Family Entrepreneur of the Year

 

Recognises a veteran family business demonstrating shared leadership, resilience, and success in business.

Open to partners and spouses of veterans and currently serving military members.

Community and People Awards

Community and People Awards Finalists

Recognising contribution beyond profit.

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Finalists

Community Impact Award

 

Awarded to a business or individual creating meaningful social impact within the veteran or broader community.

Business Excellence Awards

Business Excellence Awards Finalists

Recognising outstanding commercial performance and growth.

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Finalists

Business of the Year

 

Recognises a veteran-owned business demonstrating strong performance, sustainability, scale, and consistent operational excellence.

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Finalists

New Business of the Year

 

Awarded to a recently established veteran-owned business showing early traction, innovation, and potential.

Industry and Innovation Awards

Industry and Innovation Awards Finalists

Recognising excellence across key industries.

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Finalists

Technology, Software and Innovation

 

Awarded to a business delivering innovative technology or digital solutions with strong commercial impact.

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Finalists

Trades and Construction

 

Recognises excellence in delivery, safety, and professionalism within the trades or construction sector.

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Finalists

Professional Services

 

Awarded to a business providing outstanding advisory, consulting, or professional services.

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Finalists

Defence Industry / Defence Estate

 

Recognises a veteran-owned business contributing to Australia’s defence capability or support of the defence estate.

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Finalists

Consumer Retail Product

 

Awarded to a business delivering a high-quality consumer product with strong market traction.

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Finalists

Health, Fitness and Wellness

 

Recognises a business improving health, wellbeing, or performance through products or services.

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Finalists

Agriculture and Rural Community

 

Awarded to a business demonstrating excellence and impact within agriculture or rural and regional communities.

About the Judging Process

Independent review. Final stage ahead.

 

The VetCon26 Awards attracted an overwhelming response from across the veteran business community, with over 400 nominations received across multiple categories.

Following the close of nominations, all eligible submissions underwent an independent review process led by our judging panel, consisting of Julie Hall of Commonwealth Bank of Australia and Nagy Sorial of Deloitte. Each nomination was assessed against the relevant award criteria, taking into account impact, achievement, contribution, innovation, and leadership within the veteran business ecosystem.

Finalists

The finalists listed on this page represent the submissions that stood out through this process and progressed to the final stage of judging.

Recognition

We extend our sincere congratulations to all finalists and thank every individual who took the time to submit a nomination.

Winners Announcement

The winners of each category will be announced at the VetCon26 Awards Night on 09 July 2026 in Sydney.

 

 

 

 

 

VetCon26 Speakers

Meet the Speakers

Learn from veteran entrepreneurs, industry experts, and leaders who have navigated the path from service to business success.

Master of Ceremonies

Rebecca Plant

Rebecca Plant

Co-founder, The Business League

Veteran spouse | Leadership & Human Performance Specialist

The voice of the conference. 

Workshop: The 7-Figure Room. People, problems, finance problems.

 

 

 

 

Speaker Line-up

Andy Macdonald

Andrew MacDonald

Founder & CEO, Ringers Western

Keynote Speaker: Running with an Idea Over Anything Else

Army Veteran | Entrepreneur, building globally recognised brands through culture and strategy
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Robert McRuvie

Director of Procurement, Brisbane 2032

Plenary Hall: How Veteran-Owned Business Can Access the Olympic Supply Chain

Procurement leader specialising in complex sourcing, commercial strategy, and sustainable outcomes
Damien Thomlinson

Damien Thomlinson

Motivational Speaker, Brand Ambassador, Author, Actor

Keynote speaker: The Courage to Keep Turning Up

Ex-commando | Best-selling author of Without Warning, speaking on resilience and mindset
Julie Hall

Julie Hall

Senior Manager, CommBank for Veterans

Veteran spouse | championing the success of veterans, Defence families, and veteran-owned businesses 
Robert Kilsby

Robert Kilsby

Author, Ultimate Freedom

Workshop: Mastering Personal Discipline

SAS Combat Veteran | Keynote speaker, author, and leadership mentor
Peter Liston

Peter Liston

Co-founder, Veteran Business Community

Plenary Hall: The Veteran Procurement Program. Challenging Australia’s Governments and Corporates to ‘Buy Their Values’

Army Veteran | Champion for veteran enterprise and entrepreneurship
Edward Plant

Edward Plant

Co-founder, The Business League

Workshop: Breaking Through the $1 Million Revenue Barrier

Army Veteran | Business strategy, marketing, and revenue growth
Emily Pyke

Emily Pyke

Co-Founder and CEO, Undatech

Keynote Speaker

Navy Veteran | Vogue Codes Future Innovator 2024 | Prime Minister’s Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year 2025
Tim Walmsley

Tim Walmsley

Founder and CEO, The Industry Platform

Workshop: Digital Sourcing Ecosystem for Stronger Sovereign Capability

Army Veteran | 2025 Defence Industry Executive of the Year, non-executive director of Australian Charity This Story Australia
Karen Lenton

Karen Lenton

Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Industry Capability Network

Workshop: How to Access Australia's Largest Projects

Communications and marketing leader with expertise in stakeholder engagement, brand strategy, and industry collaboration
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Karl Schwantes

Director, The Curated Circle / CEO, Reputable Academy

Workshop:  The Veteran advantage - Turning Service and Reputation Into Business Success

Army Veteran | Organic lead strategist specialising in reputation, reviews, and business growth
Michelle Creevey

Michelle Creevey

Founder & CEO, Purpose Procurement

Workshop: Defining Your Capability for Success

Social procurement strategist helping businesses create impact, build partnerships, and unlock sustainable growth
Callum T

Callum Taylor

Head of Partnerships & Marketing, Offshore Talent

Workshop: Building Offshore Teams

Marketing strategist with a hands-on approach to driving growth, brand impact, and business success
Kelligh Jackson

Kelliegh Jackson

Founder & CEO, Advocates Online

Keynote Speaker

Army Veteran | Veteran advocate connecting families to the support, services, and guidance they need to thrive

 

 

 

 

 

Conference Format

How the day unfolds

 

A conference experience designed as a clear progression — beginning with shared perspective, moving into practical application, returning together for reflection and insight, and culminating in the VBC Awards Night and the celebration of this year’s winners.

 
 
01
Shared Stage

Main Plenary Hall

The day begins with a shared conference experience featuring industry leaders, procurement specialists, veteran entrepreneurs, and keynote speakers.

This opening stage sets the direction for the day through procurement and growth opportunities, insights from major organisations and industry leaders, and shared learning that shapes the conversations to follow.

What this stage delivers

A strong shared starting point that aligns the room around opportunity, leadership, and the broader direction of the conference.

 
 
02
Applied Sessions

Specialist Breakout Rooms

From there, attendees move into multiple breakout streams designed to help solve real business challenges and accelerate growth.

In smaller, focused learning environments, subject matter experts deliver practical sessions built around actionable strategies that can be implemented immediately.

Breakout Session Topics

  • How to access Australia’s largest projects
  • Defining your capability for success
  • Digital sourcing ecosystem for stronger sovereign capability
  • The veteran advantage: turning service and reputation into business success
  • Your first million in annual revenue
  • The 7 figure room: people problems, finance problems
  • Mastering personal discipline
  • AI workshop
  • Building offshore teams

What this stage delivers

Practical depth, focused conversations, and learning designed for people who execute.

 
 
03
Keynote Session

Back Together as one

The conference closes with a keynote session that brings everyone back together for reflection, perspective, and a shared finish to the day.

It is a closing moment shaped by inspiring journeys and lessons learned, leadership, resilience, and growth insights, and a shared sense of where the community goes next.

Keynote Conversation

Insights, lessons, and perspectives from leaders who have built, grown, and overcome.

What this stage delivers

A meaningful close to the conference experience that leaves attendees with perspective, connection, and momentum.

 
 
04
Awards Night

The Winners Announced

The journey concludes at Awards Night, where VBC brings the community together once again to recognise excellence and officially announce the winners.

It is the final destination of the event experience — a moment of celebration, recognition, and shared pride as the standout businesses, leaders, and contributors are acknowledged before the full community.

What this stage delivers

A powerful closing celebration where the community gathers to honour finalists and hear the official winner announcements.

 

From procurement pathways and business growth strategies to practical workshops, keynote conversations, and the VBC Awards, VetCon26 is designed to take attendees on a complete journey — from insight and application to connection, celebration, and recognition.

Program

Program Details

Detailed session topics and facilitators will be announced closer to the event.

Attire Guide

Dress with confidence for the full VetCon26 experience

Business attire is the standard across both the Conference and Awards Night, creating a polished look that carries seamlessly from the day program into the evening celebration.

Women
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Business attire suitable for both the Conference and Awards Night.

*Miniatures for VBC Awards Night only

Men
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Business attire suitable for both the Conference and Awards Night.

*Miniatures for VBC Awards Night only

Dress Code Guidance

Business attire applies throughout both the Conference and Awards Night. Veterans and serving members are encouraged to wear miniature medals during the VBC Awards Night. This allows attendees to remain comfortably dressed for the entire event without needing to change between the conference and the evening celebrations.

Our Partners

Exclusive sponsorship opportunities are now available—
secure your place among our distinguished partners.

Platinum Partner
Gold Partner
Silver Partner
Bronze Partner

 

 

 

VetCon26

Our Partners

We are proud to recognise the organisations supporting VetCon26 and the Veteran Business Community.

Platinum

Commonwealth Bank

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Industry Procurement

Primary Charity Partner

200+

MEMBERS

50+

EVENTS

167+

BUSINESS LISTED

150K+

REFERRED REVENUE

VETERAN OWNED BUSINESSES

You Need To Check Out

 

Gold Supporters

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Silver Supporters

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Allectum-logo-stacked-colour-CMYK

Bronze Supporter

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Why Support Defence Kidz

Defence Kidz Foundation is a purpose-driven charity dedicated to supporting children from defence and veteran families. Through connection events, advocacy, education, and inclusive programs, we help kids feel seen, supported, and proud of their unique experience. Our work bridges the gap between military and civilian communities, fostering resilience, awareness, and belonging.

Looking ahead, we’re committed to expanding our impact, reaching more underserved families, enhancing our educational programs, and building strong partnerships with local organisations. These efforts will help us provide meaningful, lasting support to the families we serve.

Together, we’re creating a community where every defence child feels valued, no matter where their family’s service takes them.

Nominations

Nominations are open to veteran-owned businesses and members of the Veteran Business Community.

Nominate a Business View Nomination Criteria

Finalists will be announced prior to VetCon26. Winners will be announced on the night.

Who Should Attend VetCon26?

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Veteran Business Owners

Those currently running businesses and looking to grow, improve, and connect.

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The Military Community

Veterans, serving members, and families exploring business as a pathway.

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Community Champions

Government, charities, industry partners, and stakeholders who support veteran enterprise.

If you believe in veteran-owned business, this is your room.

What You’ll Walk Away With

After VetCon26, we want you to feel:

  • Inspired by speakers who understand your journey
  • Educated through practical, relevant workshops
  • Connected to new relationships and opportunities
  • Proud of your service and post-service contribution
  • Aligned under a veteran-owned banner

Most importantly, we want you to feel the Veteran Business Community is your tribe.

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Tickets & Access

VetCon26 is capped at 250 attendees to protect the quality of the experience. This is a deliberately curated event designed to foster trust, connection, and meaningful engagement.

Get your tickets now

Venue

Commonwealth Bank Building, South Building

Located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD with excellent transport access.

FAQs

Do I need to be a Veteran Business Community member?

No — membership is encouraged but not required to attend.

Can serving members and families attend?

Yes. VetCon26 welcomes the broader military community.

Is this a conference or an awards night?

It is both — a professional development conference by day and awards night by evening.

What is the dress code?

Conference: business or smart casual
Awards Night: business formal / evening wear

Be in the Room

VetCon26 is where veteran business owners come together to learn, connect, and celebrate.

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