Following the success of Intelligence 2025 in Sydney, AIPIO is proud to bring Australia’s intelligence community together once again for the 35th Annual AIPIO Intelligence Conference in 2026 to be held in Melbourne.
In a world defined by accelerating risk, geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change, intelligence must evolve from informing awareness to driving purposeful action. This year’s conference explores how intelligence professionals transform strategic insight into real-world outcomes that enable decision-making, strengthen resilience and deliver mission success.
The Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers (AIPIO) is committed to advancing intelligence as a recognised profession of national importance. Through collaboration, professional development and thought leadership, AIPIO strengthens the capability and connectedness of intelligence practitioners across Australia and beyond.
Intelligence 2026 is more than a conference — it is a forum for capability development, strategic insight, and shared professional standards that strengthen decision-making across the intelligence community.
Intelligence in Action – Strategy to Delivery
Turning insight into operational impact.
Insight alone is no longer enough. Intelligence must guide strategy, enable action and deliver outcomes. This year’s conference examines how intelligence functions bridge the gap between analysis and execution—turning knowledge into operational effect across security, government and industry missions.
From strategic foresight to operational delivery, Intelligence 2026 focuses on practical capability and performance: how intelligence improves decisions that matter.
These four interconnected themes shape the 2026 program:
Intelligence must move at the speed of decision-making. This theme explores adaptive tradecraft, real-time analysis, and the integration of AI and automation to improve responsiveness and clarity under pressure.
Partnership is now a strategic capability. Intelligence impact depends on trusted collaboration across agencies, sectors and borders. This theme highlights frameworks that break down silos and enable secure shared outcomes.
Intelligence must shape action, not observation. This theme examines how intelligence is embedded into planning, operations and risk management to influence outcomes and enable confident decisions.
Professional mastery is essential. This theme strengthens analytical skills, structured thinking, leadership, and applied intelligence methodologies that adapt to evolving complexity.
Sponsorship & Exhibition
Connect with senior decision-makers and position your organisation within Australia’s intelligence community. Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are available for solution providers, technology companies, innovation partners and organisations that support intelligence capability.
Sponsorship & Exhibition Prospectus to be released 8 December 2025
Key Information
Intelligence 2026
26 - 28 August 2026
Sofitel Melbourne on Collins, Melbourne
Awards
AIPIO Awards submissions open 1 December 2025.
Registration
Registration opens 16 January 2026
Early bird registrations close: 19 June 2026
Call for Papers
Call for Abstracts: 1 December 2025
Abstract Submission Deadline: 10 April 2026
Abstract Notification to Contributors: 8 May 2026
Full Paper Submission Due: 17 July 2026
Audience Key Statistics
Australia, China, New Zealand, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and United States.
high concentration of engaged, invested intelligence professionals.
from attending that they could apply at their work
clear demonstration that AIPIO membership delivers increasing value.
Why Attend?
Intelligence 2026 is where Australia’s intelligence community connects, learns and leads. Across three days, you will:
Strengthen professional capability through applied tradecraft and insights
Engage with cross-sector intelligence leaders and practitioners
Explore new methods for turning intelligence into action
Access innovation in tools, technology and analytical approaches
Be part of conversations shaping the future of the profession
Join us in Melbourne to develop, collaborate and deliver with purpose.
Who Should Attend?
The conference is designed for intelligence, security, risk and decision-support professionals across:
National security & defence
Law enforcement & policing
Government agencies
Regulatory and integrity bodies
Corporate security and risk functions
Cybersecurity and technology
Financial crime and fraud
Critical infrastructure and emergency management
Research, academia and education
Relevant to analysts, team leaders, investigators, planners, executives, and emerging professionals building capability in the intelligence profession.
Highlights from 2025
