Effect Executive Retreat 2026
Join 60 senior leaders for an exclusive evening of strategic dialogue, peer connection and fresh perspectives on the opportunities shaping business today.
20-21 October 2026 | 1 Hotel Melbourne
Where Leaders Shape What’s Next.
Effect 2026 brings together an intimate group of 60 C-level executives to explore one of the most important leadership questions of our time: how the enterprise must evolve in the age of AI.
Centred on the shift to the Autonomous Enterprise, over 24 hours the event will explore how organisations can become more connected, intelligent, and responsive—turning insight into action in real time.
Through candid discussions, peer exchange, and strategic dialogue, leaders will come together to share perspectives, challenge thinking, and define what's next for business.
Experiences Beyond the Boardroom at Melbourne’s Most Iconic Venues.
Hosted at Melbourne's luxury waterfront 1 Hotel, Effect 2026 combines executive dialogue with exceptional experiences. Continue the conversation over an exclusive evening at the National Gallery of Victoria, featuring a private dining experience and curated Penfolds wine pairing.
Agenda
- Day 1: 20 October 2026
- Day 2: 21 October 2026
Settle in and connect with fellow attendees over a light lunch ahead of the program kick-off.
Angela Colantuono, President & Managing Director, SAP ANZ
Angela will open Effect 2026 by setting the scene for the discussions ahead, sharing her perspective on the forces reshaping business, leadership, and technology. Drawing on conversations with customers across ANZ, she will explore the opportunities and challenges leaders face as they navigate transformation in the age of AI and prepare for the next era of enterprise growth.
Featuring Gordon Cairns, Past-Chairman of Woolworths
Designed to feel more like a boardroom than a stage, this interactive leadership session explores the strategic decisions facing organisations today. Through real-world scenarios and candid discussion, leaders will examine the challenges of business transformation, AI adoption, organisational change, and leading through uncertainty.
Joining us as our lead "Shark", Gordon Cairns will draw on decades of board and executive experience to unpack the tensions, trade-offs, and judgement calls that define leadership at the highest level. Together, the panel will tackle complex scenarios involving innovation, risk, culture, stakeholder expectations, and organisational change—offering practical insights into how leaders make decisions when there is no obvious answer.
Expect candid perspectives, lively debate, and fresh thinking on what it takes to lead successful transformation in today's rapidly evolving business environment.
Facilitated by WalkMe, this executive panel brings together senior leaders to discuss how they are driving business transformation in the age of AI. From modernising operating models to accelerating workforce adoption and managing change, speakers will share practical lessons learned from the front lines of transformation.
Hosted by The Config Team, this evening networking reception combines drinks, peer engagement, and optional speed networking to help executives build valuable connections with fellow leaders. Through a series of structured, small-group discussions and informal networking opportunities, attendees can exchange perspectives, share experiences, and continue the conversation in a relaxed setting alongside industry peers and partners.
Join fellow attendees for an exclusive dining experience at the iconic National Gallery of Victoria. Hosted in the historic Grand Hall and complemented by a special Penfolds wine experience celebrating 75 years of Grange, the evening offers a unique opportunity to continue conversations in an exceptional setting.
Begin the day with an optional wellness experience designed to recharge, reset, and prepare for a day of strategic discussion and executive engagement.
Explore SAP's latest innovation roadmap and hear how leading organisations are scaling AI to drive business transformation, improve operational performance, and deliver measurable outcomes. This session will examine the technologies, use cases, and opportunities shaping the future of the Autonomous Enterprise.
Mark Bouris AM, Entrepreneur, Innovator, Author and Academic
Drawing on decades of experience building businesses, challenging convention, and navigating disruption, Mark Bouris will share his perspective on what it takes to lead in an increasingly complex and fast-moving world. Through candid stories and practical insights, he'll explore the role of leadership, resilience, decision-making, and adaptability in driving lasting business success.
This closing conversation will leave attendees with fresh perspectives on leading through uncertainty, embracing change, and creating organisations built for the future.
Guest Speakers
Mark Bouris
Entrepreneur, Innovator, Author and Academic
Mark Bouris AM is one of Australia’s most respected entrepreneurs, finance commentators and business mentors. Best known as the founder of Wizard Home Loans, he challenged the traditional banking sector and built Australia’s second-largest non-bank mortgage lender before its sale to General Electric in 2004. Today, as Executive Chairman of Yellow Brick Road, he continues to champion financial accessibility, entrepreneurship and home ownership for Australians.
Gordon Cairns
Past-Chairman of Woolworths
Gordon is a highly experienced business leader, director and advisor with a distinguished career across consumer goods, beverages, banking, energy and retail. Born in Bridge of Allan, Scotland, and educated at the University of Edinburgh, he began his career in brand management before holding senior international roles with Frito-Lay across the USA, Australasia and Europe. He later joined Lion, where he led the Australian beer business before serving as CEO for seven years, transforming the company into a purpose and values-led organisation. Gordon has since held board and advisory roles with Westpac, Macquarie Group, Origin Energy, Woolworths and leading private equity and advisory firms.
Our Sponsors
- Sponsors 1
- Sponsors 2