LG Innovate 2026
2nd - 3rd September 2026 | Melbourne town hall
The national AI summit for local government
Move beyond AI hype and build a practical roadmap for your council.
Join Australia's leading Local Government AI summit to hear from global experts, Australian council leaders and technology innovators as they share real-world strategies, governance frameworks and proven use cases that will help your organisation adopt AI with confidence.
2025 highlights
See why Local Government leaders keep coming back
OUR ATTENDEES
International speakers
Hands-on workshops & demonstrations
0
+
Attendess
0
+
Councils Represented
0
Day conference
0
th
Annual Australian CEO Index 2026
Exclusive networking opportunities
Why attend LG innovate 2026
Gain practical AI strategies
Move beyond theory with proven approaches, real examples and practical ideas you can adapt within your own council.
Learn from leading councils
Hear directly from Local Government leaders who are implementing AI today—their successes, challenges and lessons learned.
Strengthen AI governance
Build confidence in developing responsible AI policies, governance frameworks and risk management practices.
Expand your professional network
Connect with CEOs, executive leaders and digital professionals from councils across Australia to share ideas and build lasting relationships.
Maximise technology investments
Discover practical ways to unlock more value from your existing technology, data and digital initiatives using AI.
Take action with confidence
Return to your organisation with practical insights, clear priorities and actionable next steps to help shape your council's AI journey.
Conference Pass
Full Conference Pass $1,300 + GST
Your registration includes:
- Full access to both conference days
- All keynote presentations and panel discussion
- Interactive workshops and breakout sessions
- Morning tea, lunch and afternoon refreshments
- Networking drinks and social functions
- Access to presentation materials (where available)
- Opportunities to connect with council executives, technology partners and industry experts.
Secure Your Place
Join Local Government leaders from across Australia for two days of practical learning, strategic discussion and valuable networking.
Places are limited to maintain a high-quality delegate experience.
OUR LEADERSHIP
Meet our 2026 CEO panels and speakers
Bianca Lochner,
International keynote, Ph.D chief executive officer city of scottsdale
Julian Patmore
International keynote, service director for digital & customer access peterborough city council
Elijah Glass
Information services manager city of bunbury
Mathias Otte
Customer success team leader Amazon web services
Matt Cosgrove
Customer experience leader port macquarie hastings council
Michael Fagan
Non-executive director, advisor to CEOs and managing directors
Chris Clark
Head of product platform & innovation archistar
Fergal Coleman
Co-founder and director symphony3
Kim Jackson
Sales manager NSW government & local government Amazon web services
Stephen Kraemer
Executive coach & boards advisor Amazon web services
Jill Brown
CEO LG pro victoria
Justin Daly
Emerging technologies lead mornington peninsula shire
Anthony Dow
Revenue management & economic development ANZ
David Hansen
Strategic change leader whitehorse city council
James Plozza
Manager governance warrnambool city council
Alison Leighton
CEO city of Melbourne & non-executive director
View more
ATTEND
Who should attend
This event is ideal for local government senior leaders in:
- Executive Leadership
- Digital & Technology
- Customer & Community
- Governance & Strategy
- Anyone Leading Change
CLIENT PERSPECTIVES
What past attendees are saying
Davidson moved quickly, listened deeply and developed a thorough understanding of the brief. They were also prepared to challenge our thinking when it mattered.
Deputy Electoral Commissioner
Victoria Electoral Commission
Davidson was strategic, creative and insightful. Our Board and senior management team both commented on the strength of the information and advice provided.
Non-Executive Director
SA Animal Welfare League
Davidson was on top of the assignment from day one. They were responsive and engaged, with excellent management of both the process and candidate experience.
Director People and Culture
Tafe Gippsland
davidson were responsive and clear. They understood our business needs, timing and the impact of change on our people.
Head of Process Optimisation, People Shared Services
Banking and Financial Services Industry
Davidson moved quickly, listened deeply and developed a thorough understanding of the brief. They were also prepared to challenge our thinking when it mattered.
Deputy Electoral Commissioner
Victoria Electoral Commission
Davidson was strategic, creative and insightful. Our Board and senior management team both commented on the strength of the information and advice provided.
Non-Executive Director
SA Animal Welfare League
"The event provided an insight into what other local government agencies are doing with AI and the in-person networking with other councils of all sizes was an exceptional opportunity."
"We are very early on in this process, and it was amazing to see what is happening and what is available and options for what we can do in the future."
"LOVED the sessions on finance, costing and risk and how to put a business case together."
"It gave me a greater understanding of AI models and their application in local government and the opportunity to network and discuss industry trends and issues."
"It enabled space and time away from the daily work to allow for strategic discussion and establish goals for the next 12 months."
"The event provided an insight into what other local government agencies are doing with AI and the in-person networking with other councils of all sizes was an exceptional opportunity."
"We are very early on in this process, and it was amazing to see what is happening and what is available and options for what we can do in the future."
Davidson moved quickly, listened deeply and developed a thorough understanding of the brief. They were also prepared to challenge our thinking when it mattered.
Deputy Electoral Commissioner
Public Sector
Davidson was strategic, creative and insightful. Our Board and senior management team both commented on the strength of the information and advice provided.
Non-Executive Director
Not-For-Profit Industry
Davidson was on top of the assignment from day one. They were responsive and engaged, with excellent management of both the process and candidate experience.
Director People and Culture
Higher Education Industry
Davidson were responsive and clear. They understood our business needs, timing and the impact of change on our people.
Head of Process Optimisation, People Shared Services
Banking and Financial Services Industry
Davidson moved quickly, listened deeply and developed a thorough understanding of the brief. They were also prepared to challenge our thinking when it mattered.
Deputy Electoral Commissioner
Public Sector
Davidson moved quickly, listened deeply and developed a thorough understanding of the brief. They were also prepared to challenge our thinking when it mattered.
Deputy Electoral Commissioner
Public Sector
Davidson was strategic, creative and insightful. Our Board and senior management team both commented on the strength of the information and advice provided.
Non-Executive Director
Not-For-Profit Industry
Davidson was on top of the assignment from day one. They were responsive and engaged, with excellent management of both the process and candidate experience.
Director People and Culture
Higher Education Industry
Davidson were responsive and clear. They understood our business needs, timing and the impact of change on our people.
Head of Process Optimisation, People Shared Services
Banking and Financial Services Industry
JOIN US
Join us in Melbourne
Melbourne Town Hall 2-3 September 2025 Hosted by City of Melbourne
Easier to engage across government
Davidson is an approved supplier across a range of Federal, State and Local government procurement arrangements, making it easier for government organisations to access our expertise through established procurement pathways.
Selected agreements include:
Federal government
- People Panel 1 (Recruitment and Search Services)
- People Panel 2 (Labour Hire Services)
- People Panel 3: Professional Contractor Services
- Digital Transformation Agency - DMP2: ICT Labour Hire
- Digital Transformation Agency - DMP2: Professional & Consulting Services Department of Defence: ICTPA
State and territory government
- NSW Government SCM007 (contract recruitment)
- NSW Government SCM0012 (permanent recruitment)
- NSW Government SCM0020 (ICT services)
- NSW Government SCM0005 (performance management services)
- NSW Government Master ICT Agreement (MICTA) (professional services)
- NT Government (AGC25-0031) (recruitment services)
- VIC Government State Purchasing Contract (staffing services)
- QLD Government – GGS0060 (temporary and contracted workers)
- QLD Government - GGS0111-24 (professional services)
- SA Health (professional services)
Local government
- Local Buy LB297: (recruitment services – permanent)
- Local Buy LB334 (recruitment services – contract and labour hire)
- Local Buy LB309 (business management & consulting services)
- Local Buy LB308 (ICT solutions, products, services & new tech)
- Local Buy LB328 (people & wellbeing services)
- Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV(temporary and permanent recruitment services)
- Local Government Procurement LGP808-4 (contract and permanent recruitment)
- Comensura (contract and labour hire)
- Procurement Australia (temporary and permanent recruitment services)
- Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (temporary and permanent recruitment services)
FAQ
What does the ticket price include?
Full Price ($1300 + GST & Eventbrite fees): Access to 2 full days (2nd–3rd September), including keynote sessions, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and catering. Early Bird Offer: $990 + GST per person (plus Eventbrite fees)
Is the cost of the optional networking event included the in the ticket cost?
Yes the cost of attending the exclusive evening networking event is included in your ticket price but you still need to register your attendance by selecting the add-on ticket when paying.
What are the summit dates and times?
The LG Innovate 2026 Summit runs from Wednesday, 2nd September 8:30AM to Thursday, 3rd September 5 PM.
Will there be any virtual access options?
No, LG Innovate 2026 is an in-person event only. To fully engage in the keynote sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, we encourage attendees to join us on-site.
CONTACT US
Still have a question?
Join us at the National AI Summit for Local Government Leaders By attending this event, you consent to being photographed and recorded. Davidson & AWS reserves the right to use any images or videos captured for promotional purposes, including in our marketing materials, social media channels, and website.
