THEME: Elevating the influence and impact of government communicators
18-19 March 2026
The Round, Nunawading (Melb VIC)
Tickets on sale now!
Why the event is happening
Government communicators are the unseen powerhouse behind trust, transparency and connection. You’re the bridge between policy and people. The translator who makes the complex simple. The storyteller who engages hearts and minds. The advisor leaders rely on in high-stakes situations. The strategist who builds brand and protects reputation.
Yet in a fast-moving, low-trust world, your role is often misunderstood or underestimated. Decisions are made without comms at the table. Reputation management is seen as a function, not a core capability. And too often, PR and communication are dismissed as ‘fluffy’.
It’s time to change that.
RESONATE26 is the platform for government communicators to step fully into their purpose, power and presence.
Who the event is for
The event is open to employees and representatives of local, state and Australian government organisations, government industry bodies and other public sector organisations within Australia as well as sponsors and other event partners.
What you’ll experience
This one-of-a-kind event and immersive experience will expand your professional toolkit, and equip you to amplify your strategic voice and position yourself as a trusted, influential leader inside your organisation.
Across two transformative days, you’ll learn from some of Australia’s top experts in public relations, strategic communication, service excellence, stakeholder relationships, artificial intelligence, persuasive communication, data storytelling, communication impact measurement, campaigns, advocacy and community engagement, alongside senior government leaders with powerful case studies and insights to share.
This isn’t just another conference. It’s where government communicators amplify their voice, elevate their impact and shape the future of public sector communication.
What you’ll walk away with
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NEW PERSPECTIVES
This specially-curated program of thought-provoking content from experts in their fields will challenge, empower and inspire you.
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CAMPAIGN SKILLS
Build your toolkit for delivering successful campaigns with top insights on problem identification, data analysis and storytelling.
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REFRESHING INSIGHTS
Learn new tips and techniques as experts and government leaders share their lessons learnt and insights from fascinating case studies.
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INFLUENCE SKILLS
Enhance your voice and strategic influence with new skills in persuasive communication and planning for strategic conversations.
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AI BEST PRACTICE
Learn best practice artificial intelligence strategy and execution to build trust and confidence with stakeholders.
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STRATEGIC SKILLS
Learn new strategies to deliver impact in change programs, community engagement and transformational communication.
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STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS SKILLS
Elevate your organisation’s strategic partnerships by learning how to strengthen trust and connection with all stakeholders.
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ADVOCACY SKILLS
Learn powerful tools and strategies to take your advocacy campaigns and conversations to the next level.
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IMPACT MEASUREMENT SKILLS
Learn how to measure your communication efforts and impact so you can convey your strategic value.
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NEW CONNECTIONS
Forge new connections and expand your network across government and public sector spheres.
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AND MUCH MORE!
A message from our two incredible experiential keynote speakers
We are thrilled to have Peter Merrett, Australia’s 2024 keynote speaker of the year and Michelle Bowden, Australia’s number one speaker on persuasion at work, kicking off each day with an extended keynote experience. You are in for unforgettable experiences!
Meet your host…
We are delighted to have Peter Merrett, Australia’s keynote speaker of the year, as our host for the two-day event. A multi-award-winning luxury hotelier and the visionary founder of The House of Wonderful, Peter will bring a special kind of wonderful to RESONATE26.
With over thirty-five years of transforming luxury hotels, commercial properties and their teams from status quo to best-in-class, Peter has revitalised the hearts of some of the world’s most recognized brands. His approach goes beyond KPIs and mission statements, bringing wonder back to life, leadership and service in a way that creates extraordinary results.
Day 1: Wed 18 March 2026
Registration: 8.30am-9am Session time: 9am-4.30pm
Extended keynote experience:
The uniquely wonderful Peter Merrett, Australia’s Keynote Speaker of the Year, will deliver a not-to-be missed keynote experience sharing his world-class lessons and powerful messages of service excellence for government communicators.
Peter guided his teams to historical heights, twice claiming the United Kingdom’s Hotel of the Year, the International Office Building of the Year for Tower 42 in London and the Best Customer Experience in the World for JLL Australia. He brings his custom-made “recipes” to audiences everywhere, to show how wonder isn’t just for children, nor is heart-led hospitality only for esteemed hotels, but a way to inspire and transform workplaces, service and lives. Full details will be revealed soon.
Other presenters:
Stay tuned for the full program of speakers in coming weeks.
Day 2: Thurs 19 March 2026
Registration: 8.30am-9am Session time: 9am-4pm
Extended keynote experience:
The effervescent Michelle Bowden, will deliver a fun and highly interactive masterclass and workshop on how to persuade.
Michelle is Australia’s number one expert on persuasion at work, the creator of the Persuasion Smart Profile® (a world-first psychological assessment tool that reports on your persuasive strengths and weaknesses at work), the best-selling author of How to Persuade: the skills you need to get what you want (Wiley). She’s also a multi-million-dollar pitch coach to her client list that reads like a who’s who of international business: banking and finance, IT, pharmaceutical, retail, telecommunications plus many more.
Other presenters:
Stay tuned for the full program of speakers in coming weeks.
Here’s what ELEVATE25 delegates said…
Some photos from the ELEVATE25 event
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