The program for the 2026 AEMEE National Conference and Awards has officially been unveiled, bringing together Traditional Owners, Indigenous business leaders and senior representatives from across Australia's mining, energy and resources industries for one of the sector's premier national gatherings.

Taking place on 4 and 5 November in Rubibi (Broome), on Yawuru Country, this year's conference will explore the theme The Next Era: Leadership, Ownership, The Future, with a focus on the growing influence of Indigenous leadership in shaping major resource developments, commercial opportunities, investment and the future of Australia's resources and energy sector.

Following AEMEE's 20th anniversary celebrations in Darwin last year, the 2026 conference turns its attention to what comes next, with a program examining the opportunities emerging across critical minerals, energy, Indigenous ownership, investment, commercial partnerships, and the next generation of Indigenous leadership.

AEMEE Chairperson Derek Flucker said the conference was brought to the Kimberley in recognition of the region's cultural significance and the major resource and energy developments taking shape.

"Country, culture and commerce have always been connected here, and the region has a significant pipeline of resource and energy projects taking shape. It is right that we gather here, alongside the Traditional Owners whose decisions will shape what comes next," Mr Flucker said.

An important part of bringing the conference to the Kimberley has been the longstanding relationship between AEMEE and Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation, whose leadership and commitment to Indigenous economic development have contributed to AEMEE's work over many years.

AEMEE noted that in recognition of this relationship and its continued support, Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation has been named the organisation's inaugural Legacy Partner for the 2026 conference, marking an important milestone in the partnership.

Djarindjin's own journey in building Indigenous enterprise, creating commercial opportunities and strengthening economic outcomes on Country reflects much of what this year's conference theme represents, AEMEE said, adding that Djarindjin's involvement has been "instrumental" in bringing the national gathering to the Kimberley, ensuring the region's Traditional Owners, businesses and communities are central to the conversations taking place.

The Kimberley provides a fitting backdrop for this year's discussions, with an estimated $5.4 billion project pipeline and major developments such as Rio Tinto and Sumitomo's Winu copper and gold project highlighting the scale of investment and commercial opportunities emerging across the region.

The conference theme recognises the maturity of Indigenous enterprise across the resources sector, with established businesses increasingly operating at scale, Traditional Owner organisations pursuing more sophisticated commercial arrangements, and growing interest in equity, investment and ownership models that can deliver lasting wealth for communities.

AEMEE chief executive Jyi Lawton said the conference comes at an important time for Indigenous economic development.

"The Next Era is about the move from participation to control and ownership. Over two days we will look at the Kimberley project pipeline, the path from native title compensation to commercial opportunity, Indigenous businesses ready to operate at scale, the real pressures of fuel, freight and workforce, and how our communities build, own and keep wealth for generations," Mr Lawton said.

A program reflecting the opportunities and challenges facing the sector

The two day program brings together a lineup of Indigenous keynote speakers, including Bardi and Jawi leader Albert Wiggan, Yawuru lawyer and entrepreneur Cara Peek, Balanggarra Traditional Owner and mental wellbeing advocate Sam 'Birchy' Birch, and Kimberley Indigenous tourism pioneer Neville Poelina.

Their stories span Indigenous enterprise, cultural leadership, entrepreneurship, resilience and international business, bringing a strong Indigenous perspective to the broader conversations about leadership, ownership and the future.

INPEX Senior Vice President Corporate Bill Townsend will also deliver a keynote, providing an industry perspective on the opportunities ahead across Australia's energy sector.

Across the conference, some of the most significant issues facing Traditional Owners and Indigenous businesses will be explored through a combination of industry discussions, business stories and practical sessions.

The National Native Title Council will lead discussions examining native title rights, compensation and the pathways to commercial opportunity, while a major session supported by Indigenous Business Australia will explore the architecture of Indigenous wealth, including access to capital, equity, investment, governance and ownership.

A key feature of this discussion will be the opportunity for Traditional Owners, Indigenous businesses, industry and investors to consider the standards and expectations that should underpin future commercial arrangements, including benefit sharing, decision making and long term economic returns.

The conference will also showcase the depth of Indigenous business capability already operating across the sector, with business leaders including Marlon Cooke from TIAD, Amanda Healy from Altura and Mika McLennon from MDM Mining and Civil sharing their experiences of building enterprises, navigating commercial challenges and growing businesses capable of delivering at scale.

Alongside these discussions, the program will examine the practical pressures confronting businesses today, including fuel and freight costs, workforce and labour shortages, recruitment and retention, and the challenges of operating in regional and remote Australia.

Innovation, technology and policy will feature alongside dedicated discussions on critical minerals and mine closure, two areas presenting significant opportunities for Traditional Owners and Indigenous businesses as Australia's resources sector continues to evolve.

The role of industry partnerships will also come under the spotlight, with representatives from major resources companies and Indigenous enterprises exploring what effective commercial relationships look like in practice and how they can support stronger, longer term business outcomes.

Indigenous women in leadership and the next generation of Indigenous leaders will feature prominently, recognising the people already shaping the direction of the sector and those preparing to lead it into the future.

For Mr Lawton, the strength of the program reflects the diversity and growing capability of the Indigenous resources business community.

"AEMEE is different because it is built by Indigenous business, for Indigenous business, with industry and government in the room as partners. It is a place for honest conversations, real business and relationships that last long after the conference ends," he said.

Recognising Indigenous excellence across the resources sector

The conference will conclude with the AEMEE National Awards, recognising and celebrating the contributions Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs and individuals make to Australia's mining, energy and resources industries.

Presented across six award categories, the Awards acknowledge excellence in Indigenous enterprise, leadership, innovation and the people and organisations helping create opportunities and stronger economic outcomes across the sector.

The Awards remain an important part of the annual gathering, providing an opportunity to recognise the achievements of Indigenous businesses and individuals whose work continues to strengthen the industry and inspire the next generation.

With the conference now only weeks away, the release of the full program highlights the breadth of expertise, experience and commercial opportunity that will be brought together in Broome.

For Traditional Owners, Indigenous business owners, industry leaders, investors and government representatives working across the resources and energy sectors, the conference offers an opportunity to hear directly from those shaping the industry's future, gain insight into emerging developments and strengthen the relationships that will influence the next chapter of Indigenous economic development.

Mr Flucker reflected in his message to delegates: "Leave Broome with new relationships, new ideas and a clear sense of what we can achieve when we lead on our own terms. The next era is here, and it is ours to shape."

The 2026 AEMEE National Conference and Awards will take place on 4 and 5 November at the Broome Civic Centre in Rubibi (Broome), Western Australia. Tickets are still available, with the full conference program and registration information available through AEMEE.