PCB CONNECT FORUM & EXPO
Enabling Sovereign Capability
Join us on the 26th February 2025 at the Queensland Air Museum, Caloundra QLD
This exclusive event is dedicated to advancing Australia’s Printed Circuit Board (PCB) supply chain and showcasing the region's critical role in the national manufacturing strategy.
Hosted by Regional Development Australia Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast, and proudly supported by the Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN) and the Manufacturing Excellence Forum Sunshine Coast (MEFS).
The event aims to engage key industry and government stakeholders to develop a proposal that draws a national conversation to the region. Focusing on the PCB supply chain, this discussion will explore the region’s strengths, identify missing elements, and outline transformative opportunities.
THE EVENT VISION: To spotlight advanced manufacturing capability and opportunities within the Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast region, demonstrating the area’s critical role in Australia’s sovereign manufacturing strategy.
THE EVENT GOALS:
• Attract national attention to the region’s advanced manufacturing capabilities.
• Centre discussions around the PCB supply chain to address gaps, opportunities, and game-changing strategies.
• Foster meaningful collaborations between industry, government, and education sectors.
Discover the forefront of Australia’s sovereign manufacturing capabilities at the PCB Connect Forum & Expo.
EVENT DETAILS
8:00 AM – Arrival
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8:15 AM: Welcome and Official Opening
Welcome to Country and an overview of the day. -
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Concurrent Industry Sessions
- AIDN QLD DICE Micro-Credentialing Program - Module 1: Aligning to Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities (SDIPs)
Delivered by AIDN, this course focuses on aligning business strategies with defence spending and sovereign industrial priorities. View map for location REGISTER HERE FOR THE AIDN COURSE
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Industry Workshops. MC: John Koot, Founder, Ascension Performance, Adam Pearce, State Director, QLD, Business Financing, EFA, Ethan Aung, Facility Manager ANFF-QLD, Australian National Fabrication Facility, Madhu Jambunathan, Supply chain facilitator, S3B, John McCaffery, MBA, BA, GDipRMgt, MAICD, Defence Industry Adviser, ODIS, and Industry Panel - “Our story of growth”. Main Stage
- Industry Leaders Roundtable – Unlocking Our Advanced Industry Future
This forum will bring together experts from industry, government, and education to discuss strategies for strengthening Australia’s manufacturing capabilities, enhancing the resilience of the PCB supply chain, and exploring opportunities to reduce reliance on external sources for essential electronic components. By invitation only
INDUSTRY SHOWCASE, SPEAKER SESSIONS AND BUSINESS LOUNGE
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1:00PM – 4:00 PM Business lounge - A dedicated Business Lounge will be available for you to use to engage with representatives from organisations including ODIS, AusIndustry, QLD Manufacturing Hub, Export Finance, Surface Mount and Circuit Board Association and Defence Jobs QLD. View map for location
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1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Main Stage
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12:45 PM – 1:30 PM: Hosted Showcase Tour
Exhibitors present their contributions to the PCB supply chain, with on-camera features for promotional content -
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Main Event – Industry Panel
PCB Value Chain: “How PCBs underpin future industry opportunities in Australia"
MC: Tim Kelly - Director Manufacturing Excellence Forum Sunshine Coast (MEFSC)
- Frank Faller - CEO, Elexon Electronics
- Andrew Garth - Managing Director, DIAS
- Renato Morosin - Managing Director, Lintek
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2:30 PM – 3:15 PM: Skill-led Learning and the changing nature of higher education Panel Discussion
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3:15 PM – 4:00 PM: In Conversation with Dave Biggar – “New Ways to Engage with Defence"
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4:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Transition to Evening Program. Main Stage
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4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Closing address by Rosanna Natoli - Mayor of Sunshine Coast, Garry Hills - President of QLD Air Museum and followed by Industry Leaders presenting the key outcomes of the Roundtable
COMBINED MONTHLY NETWORKING EVENT FOR AIDN AND MEFSC MEMBERS
Open to all AIDN and MEFSC Members and to all delegates of PCB Connect 2025. View map for location
- 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Arrival and Welcome to all attendees
Industry leaders present outcomes from the day and future vision - 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Networking Event
Informal networking session with refreshments for attendees - 7:00 PM: Event Close
EVENT MAP LOCATIONS
AIDN MICRO-CREDENTIALING PROGRAM
AIDN QLD DICE
Micro-Credentialing Program
Module 1: Aligning to Sovereign
Defence Industrial Priorities
(SDIPs)
26th February 2025 from 9.00am - 12.00pm
Queensland Air Museum, 7 Pathfinder Drive, Caloundra, QLD, 4551
The AIDN Queensland Defence Industry Capability Edge (DICE) Program is
powered by the Queensland Government’s Queensland Workforce Strategy 2022-2023.
WHY ATTEND?
Build Strategic Connections
Engage with industry leaders, defence primes, educators, and government representatives.
Amplify Your Influence
Participate in discussions on supply chain resilience, innovation, and sovereign manufacturing strategies.
Inspire the Next Generation
Showcase opportunities in advanced manufacturing
and encourage the future workforce.
Drive National Outcomes
Help shape Australia’s manufacturing future by addressing key challenges and opportunities.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES
Explore a comprehensive PCB supply chain exhibition, from raw materials to advanced applications.
INDUSTRY WORKSHOPS
Welcome and introduction – MC: John Koot
Madhu Jambunathan
Supply Chain Facilitator, Semiconductor Sector Service Bureau (S3B)
Adam Pearce
State Director QLD, Business Financing, Export Finance Australia (EFA)
Industry Panel
“Our Story of Growth”
Ethan Aung
Facility Manager, ANFF-QLD, Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF)
John McCaffery
Defence Industry Adviser (Contractor to Defence), QLD Industry Engagement Team, Office of
Defence Industry Support (ODIS)
INDUSTRY PANEL
The INDUSTRY PANEL is the highlight of the PCB Connect Forum & Expo, bringing together great industry minds to discuss the PCB supply chain. Join us in listening to industry experts and leaders gathered for a critical discussion on Australia’s manufacturing future. Our joined industry expertise is key as we explore ambitious goals, challenge assumptions, and shape opportunities for industry growth.
PCB VALUE CHAIN: “How PCBs underpin future industry opportunities in Australia”
Frank Faller – Elexon Electronics
Renato Morosin – Lintek
Andrew Garth – DIAS
PANEL DISCUSSION
Professor Hamish Coates will lead a discussion on skill-led learning and the evolving nature of higher education, drawing on insights from students, employers, and academic institutions. This session will explore how education is adapting to meet industry demands and prepare future graduates for a rapidly changing workforce.
IN CORVENSATION
Join Dave for a dynamic discussion on “New Ways to Engage with Defence”. This fireside chat will explore his journey as a pioneer and entrepreneur, the impact of his work in forging new pathways for defence engagement, and insights into innovation, leadership, and emerging opportunities within the sector.
INDUSTRY LEADERS ROUNDTABLE
UNLOCKING OUR ADVANCED INDUSTRY FUTURE
As part of the PCB Connect Forum & Expo, we are hosting an exclusive Industry Leaders Roundtable to discuss strategies for building Australia’s sovereign industrial capabilities. This session will bring together influential voices from industry, government, and education to explore critical topics such as enhancing the PCB supply chain, reducing reliance on overseas suppliers, and unlocking game-changing opportunities for Australia's advanced manufacturing sector. The roundtable aims to shape strategies for a resilient, innovative future. Details will be announced soon.
At this roundtable, we will explore critical questions, including:
What does sovereign capability mean for the PCB supply chain?
How can we protect and enhance it?
What are the game-changing opportunities for Australia?
Do we need to re-establish Australia’s position as a manufacturer of printed circuit boards and create a viable and safe alternative to overseas suppliers?
ROUND TABLE COMMUNIQUE
The Leader’s Roundtable at PCB Connect 2025 brought together industry, research, and government leaders in a closed-door discussion on the challenges and opportunities in establishing sovereign PCB manufacturing. Insights from, have been compiled into a Communique, outlining key priorities, industry needs, and actionable steps for strengthening Australia’s PCB supply chain, which will be presented at 4:00 PM. This document will serve as a foundation for further discussions and industry collaboration.
Jacqueline Steel – RDA Moreton Bay and Sunshine Coast
Frank Faller – Elexon Electronics
Carl Quarterman – Australian Industry and Defence Network
Terry Hill – Rheinmetall Defence Australia
Adrian Bishop – CEA Technologies
Douglas Drake – Australian Missile Corporation
Renato Morosin – Lintek
Richard Brady – Alfatron
Don Roach – QLD Government (DSDILGP)
ALSO HEAR FROM:
Mayor Rosanna Natoli
Sunshine Coast Mayor
Garry Hills
President of QLD Air Museum
SIGNED COMMUNIQUÉ
We are pleased to share the Communiqué from the recent PCB Connect – Enabling Sovereign Capability Leader’s Roundtable. This document captures the key messages and outcomes from the discussions and has been endorsed by RDAMBSC, AIDN, MEFSC, and Elexon Electronics. We invite you to read, share, and use this Communiqué to support the national conversation on advancing electronics manufacturing as a vital part of Australia’s future security, jobs, and prosperity.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS
Disruptive innovations in defence and aerospace.
PANEL
DISCUSSIONS
Strategies for strengthening Australia’s PCB supply chain.
YOUTH
ENGAGEMENTS
Inspiring career pathways in advanced manufacturing.
EXHIBITOR
SHOWCASE
Spotlighting regional and national capabilities.
BE PART OF THE FUTURE
OF MANUFACTURING!
Whether you’re an industry leader, policymaker, educator, or innovator, your participation is vital to the success of this initiative. Share insights, build collaborations, and help position Australia as a global leader in advanced manufacturing.
EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FOR ATTENDEES
- DATE:
Wednesday, 26th February 2025 - LOCATION:
Queensland Air Museum, Caloundra, QLD - TIME:
10:00 am - 4:00 pm - FREE REGISTRATION
GET INVOLVED!
Sponsor the Event and enhance your brand’s visibility.
Gain recognition across event promotions and materials.
Support key initiatives like youth engagement and panel discussions.
Strengthen partnerships within the advanced manufacturing sector.
Explore additional opportunities as an exhibitor, panelist, or workshop host.
