ELEVATE! Local Government Communication Summit

See you there!

Thursday 3 & Friday 4 April 2025

at Bunjil Place, Narre Warren MELBOURNE

Our sponsors and supporters

Why the summit is happening

Building trust and connection between local councils and their myriad stakeholders has never been more important amid a perfect storm of a crisis of trust in government, an AI communication revolution, significant economic, social and environmental challenges, and changing community expectations.

As the key conduits between councils and their stakeholders, local government communicators and leaders are pivotal to their organisation successfully navigating today’s dynamic, disruptive and evolving landscape, including bringing all internal and external stakeholders along on the journey.

Summit hosts Marcomms Australia and Socom have brought together some of Australia’s top experts in strategic communications, crisis management, community engagement, artificial intelligence, leadership communication and governance as well as key sector leaders.

Speakers will share their perspectives, deep insights and practical skills needed to build trust and connection between councils and their stakeholders, in times of change and crisis.

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Who the summit is for

The summit is open to employees and representatives of local government and other public sector organisations plus sponsor and charity partners.

Thurs, 3 April 2024

Day 1 of the summit is for public sector communication professionals and those who have communications responsibilities
Fri, 4 April 2025

Day 2 of the summit is for public sector leaders, including executives, councillors, managers and other key leaders

While the content of the summit is focused on a different key audience each day, public sector communicators and key leaders are welcome to attend any day or both days.

What you’ll take away from the summit

BE INSPIRED

Elevate your motivation with a specially-curated program of thought-provoking content from experts in their field
COMMUNICATE WITH IMPACT

Elevate your communication impact with powerful lessons shared from experts in times of issues management, emergency and crisis
LEARN NEW SKILLS

Elevate your knowledge and skills as local government leaders share their insights and practical tips from fascinating case studies
ENHANCE YOUR GRAVITAS

Elevate the way you think, act and speak to achieve respect and authority with one of Australia’s top voice and body language experts
NAVIGATE THE FUTURE

Elevate your customers’ experience of council by discovering how artificial intelligence is transforming local government communications
TELL BETTER STORIES

Elevate your storytelling skills to foster trust, internally and externally, and help unify the local government narrative
STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS

Elevate your council’s impact by building trusted relationships with the media, partners and the wider community
ENGAGE YOUR STAFF

Elevate trust in your organisation with powerful lessons to build a highly-engaged workforce
ENHANCE LEADERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE

Elevate leadership effectiveness and good governance practices in your organisation with expert guidance
BUILD CONNECTIONS

Elevate your visibility by forging new connections and expanding your local government network

Secure your seat

Day 1: Thurs 3 April 2025

Registration: 8am-9am Session time: 9am-5pm

Opening address:

Glenn Patterson Chief Executive Officer, City of Casey

Presenters:

Dr Louise Mahler – Australian keynote speaker of the year Gravitas and body language expert
Ros Weadman – Director, Marcomms Australia Local government strategic communication specialist (pictured)
David Hawkins – Managing Director, Socom Crisis management and communication expert
Jo Breen – Manager, Advocacy Communications & Engagement, Campaspe Shire Council
Jim Stewart – Founder, StewArt Media Digital communication and AI expert
Chloe Casey – Manager Communications and Corporate Governance, City of Casey

Read the speaker topics and abstracts for day 1 here.

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