GEN AI Transforming GOVT PA & COMMS 2026: The Future of Gen AI for Public Sector Communications & Public Affairs

HYBRID EVENT

Conference

22nd - 23rd April 2026, The Rex Hotel Canberra

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY SPEAKING OPPORTUNITY

Days

Hours

Minutes

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This two-day conference brings together leading voices from government, public sector agencies, technology experts, and communications professionals to explore the transformative role of Generative
AI (Gen AI) in public sector communications and public affairs. Through case studies, expert presentations, fireside chats, and interactive panels, delegates will gain a clear view of current capabilities, practical applications, ethical considerations, and the next frontier of digital engagement.

Key topics explored across the event include:

Evolution and Foundations of Gen AI in Public Affairs – Frameworks, tools, and technology pathways shaping the 2025–2030 public engagement landscape.
Transformation in Practice – Case studies of AI driving measurable gains in sentiment analysis, stakeholder mapping, campaign
precision, and policy forecasting.
Governance, Ethics & Trust – Ensuring transparency, bias mitigation, and compliance while leveraging AI in sensitive political and
public contexts.
AI-Driven Public Opinion & Crisis Management – Harnessing real-time data and predictive analytics to anticipate shifts in sentiment and respond effectively to reputational threats.
Leadership and the 2030 Vision – Equipping public affairs teams with the AI-native skills and cultural readiness to lead in a digitally-driven influence economy.
Interactive panels, fireside chats, and open forums will provide a collaborative space to share learnings, test ideas, and co-design action plans. This summit positions itself as a must-attend event for professionals shaping the future of public affairs in an AI-driven world — offering both strategic foresight and practical implementation tools.

Why Attend?

Learn from first-hand experiences of Gen AI integration in real public sector contexts, including high-profile Australian and international case studies.
Gain practical insights into evaluating, adopting, and scaling AI-driven communication tools while managing ethical, trust, and transparency challenges.
Understand the evolving frameworks, technologies, and skill sets that will shape government communications to 2030.
Network with peers and industry leaders to exchange strategies and build collaboration opportunities.

Benefits of Attending?

Develop a strong foundational understanding of Gen AI technologies, infrastructure, and terminology
relevant to public sector work.
Learn crisis communication strategies where speed, accuracy, and coordination are critical.
Explore innovative approaches to citizen engagement, content personalisation, and channel
optimisation.
Take away actionable roadmaps for AI readiness, risk management, and measurement of impact.

Who Should Attend:

This event is designed for Government and public sector communications, PR, and media officers, Public affairs managers and policy advisors, Digital transformation leaders in government agencies, Technology and innovation strategists in the public sector, Crisis communication and emergency response managers, Professionals in ethics, governance, and risk management for digital technologies.

Sponsorship & Speaking Opportunities:

GEN AI Transforming GOVT PA & COMMS 2026 Conference offers sponsors an excellent opportunity to demonstrate thought-leadership and leverage networking opportunities to build brand-value amongst your target audience. If you would like to know more about sponsorship, exhibition and business development opportunities please just get in touch with us – sponsorship@ibrc.com.au

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Early Invited Key Opinion Leaders Includes:

Speakers of The GEN AI Transforming GOVT PA & COMMS 2026: The Future of Gen AI for Public Sector Communications & Public Affairs Conference

Pia Andrews

Senior Policy Advisor, Regional Innovation and Digital team (UNDP Bangkok Regional Hub)

Katrin Maurer

Head of Communications, Google

Deanna Emms

Assistant Director of Communications and Publishing, Parliamentary Library

Sophie Winter

National Manager, Content and Communications, Australian Wildlife Conservancy

Ross Monaghan

Public Affairs AI Lecturer, Deakin University

Amrita Sidhu

Member Board of Directors, AMEC & MD Medianet

Scott Thomsen

Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Ventura County Fire Department, USA

Philip Longley

Director of Government Relations, Workers Insurance Association of NSW

Holly Badior

A/g Director - Digital Atlas of Australia, Geoscience Australia

Annette Nel

Communications Manager, Plant Health Australia

Craig Thomler

Senior Business Analyst & AI Whisperer, Icon Water

Laura Jiew

Marketing Communications Manager, On Innovations, CSIRO

Brett Nolan

Executive Director, Government and Public Sector Practice, WPP

Caroline Page

Head of Communications, Virtually Human Studio (VHS)

MELANIE GIBBONS

Specialist Communicator and Adviser, Elm Communications

Tom Finnigan

Co-Founder, Murfin Group

Angela Clowry

Director | People Consulting, Ernst & Young

Paul X Mccarthy

CEO, Research Leader, League of Scholars

Dr. Karen Sutherland

Senior Lecturer Public Relations, UniSC

Dr Muneera Bano

Principal Research Scientist, CSIRO

Amanda Sheat

General Manager, Australia Renewable Energy Agency

Jacquie Hanna

Head of Insights and Strategy, Medianet

Warwick Ponder

Managing Director, pCOMZ Communication and Advisory

Mark Pallot

Change Communications Manager, NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water

Will Gilmour

Senior Manager, People Consulting, Ernst & Young

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IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION COST - SUPER EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION:

$2295 + GST

IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION COST - EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION:

$2495 + GST

IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION COST - NORMAL REGISTRATION:

$2695 + GST

IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION COST - GROUP TEAM REGISTRATION:

VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION COST - SUPER EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION:

$1795 + GST

VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION COST - EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION:

$1895 + GST

VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION COST - NORMAL REGISTRATION:

$1995 + GST

VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE REGISTRATION COST - GROUP TEAM REGISTRATION:

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