2026 Regional Leadership Summit

The 2026 Regional Leadership Summit, themed Grit, Growth and Glory is a call out to all current and future regional leaders to rise!

The 2026 Regional Leadership Summit, themed Grit, Growth, and Glory: Embracing Resilience, Driving Progress and Attaining Success in Region, is a premier not-for-profit one-day conference designed to empower regional leadership across business and industry, local government and community leadership specifically in regional South Australia.

Scheduled for February 25, 2026, at the Life Whyalla Auditorium, this event is expected to bring together over 150 business owners, managers, community leaders and local government leaders from the Eyre Peninsula and Upper Spencer Gulf regions.

Key highlights include:

• High-Calibre Speakers: Engaging keynotes and panels featuring Olympians and experts such as Olympian, Hall of Famer and 3 times Championship winning coach with the Adelaide 36ers, Phil Smyth who will share inspiration on leadership and collaborating as a regional team, Professor Sam Sellar, Dean of Research at Adelaide University talking on leveraging AI and regional innovation, Olympic Bronze Medallist in cycling, Leigh Hoffman on ‘From the Outback to the Olympics’.
• Focus Areas: Regional focus, connecting people across multiple sectors of leadership, business development, social inclusion, building social/business networks, promoting regional businesses and driving regional economic development.
• Interactive Elements: Extensive networking opportunities, a platform for local businesses to share successes and challenges, light-hearted and attention keeping comedy from Adelaide Fringe Comedian Marc Ryan - The Beautiful Bogan.
• Charitable Impact: All proceeds after costs will be donated to the Plaza Youth Centre in Whyalla, which supports disadvantaged youth through programs fostering education, skills development and community engagement.

This Summit is more than an event, it is a catalyst for regional growth, fostering collaboration across sectors and industries to build resilient, inclusive communities. By sponsoring, your organization aligns with these values, gaining visibility among key decision-makers while contributing to meaningful community outcomes.