Defence Connect, in partnership with principal partner KBR, has successfully delivered a combined multi-location and live streamed event, building on the success of the inaugural Australian Defence Industry Awards.
This multi-state event coupled with the interactive live stream helped to break down the barriers posed by COVID-19 and get the industry connected.
Recognising leading professionals and businesses, the Australian Defence Industry Awards universally acknowledges all defence industry stakeholders.
This ranges from defence primes, SMEs, academic institutions and associations, through to high-performing individuals such as defence executives, Indigenous and female leaders, students, scientists, technicians and academics.
Delivered around the nation as a live streamed event, and across three COVID-safe locations in Canberra, Brisbane and Sydney, the awards built on the blockbuster success of the inaugural 2019 awards.
In partnership with principal partner KBR, platinum partners Northrop Grumman Australia and Lockheed Martin, and state event partners Raytheon Australia and Fore Advisory, the event was the highlight of the defence calendar for 2020.
Joe Vince, head of strategy, defence and aerospace, Momentum Media, said, "On behalf of the Defence Connect team, I would like to congratulate all of this year’s winners and finalists on the outstanding work they do transforming the face and nature of Australia's defence industry and national security ecosystem as we navigate the post-COVID world."
These sentiments were echoed by Rob Hawketts, senior vice president, government services APAC, KBR, who added, "KBR is proud to once again be the principal partner for the Australian Defence Industry Awards, recognising and celebrating the hard work, inventiveness and achievements of both people and companies in the defence industry."
This year's multi-location physical events included the QT Hotel in Canberra, Sofitel Central in Brisbane and The Star in Sydney.
All three locations were interconnected, enabling each to leverage live streaming technology to interact with each hub, streamed across the nation into boardrooms and private functions.
Defence Industry Melissa Price provided a formal welcome for the event, while guests in Canberra, Brisbane and Sydney were hosted to a desert prepared by Indigenous chef Clayton Donovan.
According to Vince, it was important for Defence Connect to deliver the awards despite the challenges posed by COVID-19 and build on the success of the 2019.
“COVID helped us to innovate, and in response we have set the benchmark for all defence industry events moving forward.
“We’re exceptionally proud of the event, the interactivity and humbled by the support we have received from the defence industry,” he said.
Michael Ward, Raytheon Australia managing director, and South Australia and Queensland state partner, said the company was pleased to have partnered with Defence Connect
"Our teams in both states make up the wider Raytheon Australia team of 1,500 employees across the country who are committed to developing an Australian Industry Capability and investing in local small-and-medium enterprises.
"As a trusted capability partner for Australia’s defence, we recognise the importance of a robust Australian supply chain and industry in creating sovereign capabilities for the Australia Defence Force. On behalf of the Raytheon Australia team, I congratulate the 2020 winners and nominees."
Andrew Cullens, director of Forge Advisory, state partner for the ACT, added: "Forge Advisory is pleased to be the state partner for the Defence Industry Awards. As an emerging business in capability management and infrastructure, we are proud that one of our project managers was a finalist for Consultant of the Year.”
“Acknowledging the efforts of individuals, teams and businesses across the sector is an important recognition of industry’s contribution to our national security, and the nation as a whole."
The awards were open to all businesses operating in Australia supporting the defence supply chain and has become a coveted accolade for organisations and professionals seeking to forge their role in the defence industry.
Steve Kuper, analyst and editor at Defence Connect, said, "This multi-state event program and the interactive live stream helped to break down the barriers and help the industry begin to get back to normal."
A full list of the winners for the 2020 Australian Defence Industry Awards is available here.
*Neither the Defence Connect Australian Defence Industry Awards nor Defence Connect is sponsored, approved by, affiliated with or endorsed in any way by the Commonwealth of Australia or the Department of Defence.