About ADC

ADC (Australian Davos Connection Limited) is a wholly Australian, non-political, not-for-profit leadership organisation which brings together leaders from business, government, the public sector, academia and the broader community to improve their understanding of key issues affecting Australia.

While ADC was originally founded in 1996 to: (a) promote the World Economic Forum (WEF) within Australia; (b) promote Australia's interest within the broader WEF community; and (c) share the richness of ideas within the WEF community to a wider Australian audience; the organisation's charter has since expanded to include the broader aims of:

• Promoting business excellence by encouraging policy debate on global issues;
• Improving the quality of leadership;
• Enhancing Australia's position in the region and the world;
• Encouraging Australian leaders to help improve the quality of life of all Australians;
• Encouraging Australia to play a responsible, and leadership role where appropriate, within the global community; and
• Exposing Australian leaders to international experts and key international leaders.

To achieve its mission ADC has developed an integrated model of high-profile events, industry specific initiatives, information exchange and a leadership awards program. ADC's flagship initiative is the Australian Leadership Retreat, convened annually on Hayman Island. This 'invitation only' Retreat brings together Federal Cabinet Ministers from Australia and Asia, State Premiers and Senior Ministers, Chief Executives from the top 100 companies in Australasia, senior government officials, leading international academics and other community leaders to discuss the key issues affecting the nation, the wider region, and the international community.

ADC also conducts the annual Future Summit which provides a collaborative framework for Australia's established and emerging leaders to share ideas, exchange views and create defined outcomes to improve Australia's future. The Future Summit Leadership Awards, held in conjunction with each Future Summit, recognises and supports the next generation of Australian leaders. In addition there is an ongoing leadership program that includes a range of networking opportunities, issues workshopping retreats and other activities generated by the participants. The most recent Future Summit was held in Sydney on 11, 12 & 13 May 2008. The next Future Summit will be held in May 2009 in Melbourne.

ADC also offers a range of other initiatives ranging from Boardroom briefings and Corporate/Government consultations such as Canberra Connection, to high-profile one day summits focusing on critical issues such as: the 2005 National Infrastructure Summit, the 2006 Energy & Minerals Business Council and the 2007 Business Leaders Forum on Climate Change. ADC initiatives are renowned for their quality, the calibre of participants, and the frank and constructive sharing of views they engender.