19 - 22 May 2026
Melbourne, VIC

The 2026 Leadership Summit will run across 3 days and is centred around an interactive program delivered by Harvard Business School’s Professor Mitchell Weiss.

Beyond the classroom, enjoy unforgettable dining experiences at some of Melbourne’s most celebrated restaurants, including Coda, Hochi Mama and Maison Batard, alongside meaningful conversations with industry leaders and peers

Facilitator

Mitchell Weiss

Mitchell Weiss is the Richard L. Menschel Professor of Management Practice at Harvard Business School and creator of the School’s renowned course on Public Entrepreneurship. He serves as Faculty Chair of the MBA Program’s first year and is a two-time recipient of the Apgar Award for Innovation in Teaching.Mitch is the author of We the Possibility (Harvard Business Review Press) and has been named one of the 100 most influential academics in government. His work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, CNBC and Politico.

Before joining HBS, Mitch served as Chief of Staff to Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, where he helped shape the city’s innovation agenda, launched transformative civic initiatives, and played a key leadership role in the response to the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings.Mitch brings deep expertise in leadership, innovation and public entrepreneurship—sharing practical insights on how leaders can invent change and create meaningful impact.

Agenda

Morning
Flight to Melbourne. Victorian-based delegates are asked to make their own way to The Westin Melbourne (car parking can be pre-booked)
Morning
Transfers from Tullamarine Airport to The Westin Melbourne (interstate delegates)
From 3:00 pm
Hotel check-in
6:30 – 9:30 pm
Welcome dinner – Coda
Morning
Harvard Business School Program - Alto Events Space
Lunch
Networking Lunch
Afternoon
Harvard Business School Program - Alto Events Space
Evening
Dinner – Hochi Mama
Morning
Harvard Business School Program – Alto Events Space
Lunch
Networking Lunch
Afternoon
Harvard Business School Program – Alto Events Space
Evening
Celebration Dinner – Maison Batard
Morning
Industry Professional Development Session – Alto Events Space
Lunch
Networking Lunch
Afternoon
Transfers from The Westin Melbourne to Tullamarine Airport. Victorian-based delegates to make their own way home

Venues

Summit location

Alto Event Space

The day conference of the summit will be at Alto Event Space in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. Based on the top floor of Melbourne’s GPO building, floor-to-ceiling windows fill the space with light and provide stunning views of the Melbourne skyline.

Accommodation

The Westin Melbourne

In the evening, you will be staying at The Westin Melbourne hotel. Experience a rejuvenating escape at The Westin Melbourne, a 5-star sanctuary in the heart of the CBD, walking distance to Federation Square and top shopping. Enjoy luxurious,, quiet rooms in addition to an indoor pool, 24-hour gym and bar on the lobby floor.

Dinner – Night 1

Coda

Coda Melbourne is an award-winning, stylish basement restaurant on Flinders Lane, offering a vibrant fusion of French-Vietnamese cuisine with Asian-European influences.

Dinner – Night 2

Hochi Mama

Hochi Mama is a vibrant Vietnamese fusion eatery and bar inspired by 1980s Saigon street food culture. It offers a high-energy, "Viet-curious" dining experience with bold, shareable dishes, playful cocktails, and a bustling, art-filled atmosphere.

Celebration Dinner – Night 3

Maison Bâtard

Opened in 2025 Maison Bâtard is a premier four-level French dining destination bringing sophisticated modern French cuisine to Melbourne's 23 Bourke Street. It features a ground-floor restaurant with an oyster bar, a charcoal-driven Josper grill, a chic rooftop (La Terrasse), and a basement club, blending Parisian elegance with local flair.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost?

The event is free-of-charge for all invited guests.

There is no charge for attendance, accommodation, flights, meals, transfers and pre-organised activities. If you would like to extend your stay or change your flights, you will need to cover these costs.

What meals are included?

Tuesday – dinner
Wednesday – all meals
Thursday – all meals
Friday – breakfast and lunch

What’s not included?

Spending money, in-room charges, shopping, or any extra costs associated with bringing your partner or spouse attending.

What nights are included in the accommodation?

Tuesday 19 May, Wednesday 20 May and Thursday 21 May

Can I extend my stay?

Yes. If you would like to extend your stay at The Westin Melbourne, please mark this option during the registration process and our event partner Urban Event Management, will be in touch with you to provide a quote.

If you wish to stay at an alternative hotel or resort, you will need to arrange this yourself and let Urban Event Management know, during the registration process.

Can I bring a partner or spouse?

Yes, you may bring your partner or spouse. They may share a room with you at no additional charge, however we will only cover their daily breakfast at the hotel.

If you wish to have your partner attend all meals, please check this option at registration and note this will be subject to capacity. Please note while partners are welcome to attend dinner functions, they are not able to attend the day time sessions. Please note you will need to arrange flights for your partner yourself.  

There is an additional charge for this as per below-  
Coda  $230
Hochi Mama  $165
Maison Batard  $350

Can I bring my family?

Yes, however children are not able to attend any events. Please note this with your registration and Urban Event Management will be in touch with you to provide a quote. We will not be covering any food or meals for family members. These can be charged to your room which you will pay at check out.

Will I be sharing a room with someone else?

No. Every delegate will have their own room unless you choose to bring a partner or spouse, or specify otherwise during the registration process.

Will transfers be organised?

Yes, transfers to and from Melbourne Airport to The Westin are included, unless you alter your arrival or departure time from the group schedule. All transfers to any events, dinners or activities outlined within the itinerary are also included.

You will need to organise transfers to and from your home airport.

Is parking available onsite?

Parking is available for Victorian delegates. Please let us know during the online registration process if you will require parking.

Is there any vegetarian or other food selections?

Of course! Please let us know of any dietary requirements when you complete your registration, and we will ensure these are catered for.

Will temperance beverages be provided?

Yes, we will be providing temperance beverages at the dinners.

What is the dress code?

The dress code is smart casual throughout days at the Leadership Summit. The dinners will be business casual.

How do I connect with others attending this event?

You will be able to network with those attending the event through the Connective Events App. You will receive email communications about downloading this App closer to the date.

How to I access the case studies?

A digital copy of the case studies will be accessible on this site at least 6 weeks prior to the event. A physical copy will be sent to your business address prior to the event.

Contact us

If you have any questions, please contact our Events Team:
Belinda Devlin
Strategic Partnerships Manager
0408 688 115
belinda@connective.com.au
For any flight/accommodation related queries, please contact
Urban Event Management
enquiries@urbaneventmanagement.com.au

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