2026 Gaming & Leadership Conference
The 2026 Gaming & Leadership Conference brought together industry leaders, professionals, partners and stakeholders for two insightful days at the Western Sydney Convention Centre, Penrith.
Jointly presented by Leagues Clubs Australia and the RSL & Services Clubs Association, this year’s conference centred around the theme “More Than Now: Exploring a Resilient Future”, encouraging delegates to think critically about the future of clubs, leadership, technology, regulation and community connection.
Across the two-day program, attendees engaged in a broad range of discussions focused on the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the club industry. Topics included demographic change, gaming innovation, workplace wellbeing, artificial intelligence and the future of club marketing, economic outlooks, regulatory trends, political landscapes and AML/CTF considerations.
The conference also provided valuable insights into the importance of proactive governance and regulatory behaviour, while reinforcing the need for clubs to remain adaptable and forward-thinking in a rapidly evolving environment.
Beyond the formal sessions, the conference created strong opportunities for networking and collaboration, with delegates connecting throughout the event. Leagues Clubs Australia extends its thanks to Panthers Group for their hospitality and support throughout the evening.
The event concluded with a powerful closing address from twice-awarded Distinguished Service Cross recipient Dan Fortune, DSC and Bar, whose presentation challenged attendees to continually strive to become better leaders, colleagues and individuals, while reflecting on resilience, accountability and personal growth.
Leagues Clubs Australia would like to sincerely thank our Principal Conference Partners IGT and Everi for their continued support of the conference and the broader club industry.
We also extend our appreciation to our valued event sponsors Asahi Beverages, Campari Group, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, De Bortoli Wines, Hennessy Coffee, Lion, Paynter Dixon, Treasury Wine Estates and Warren Saunders Insurance Brokers for helping deliver another successful conference.
Most importantly, thank you to all delegates, speakers, presenters and industry partners who contributed to two valuable days of discussion, collaboration and professional development.
Leagues Clubs Australia looks forward to continuing these important conversations as the industry works together to build a resilient and sustainable future for clubs across Australia.
