CEO's Desk - October 2026
For the past 7 years, LGP has participated in Steptember to help raise awareness and important funds for Cerebral Palsy Alliance. In 2026, we were pleased to be back again, where we successfully took more than 6.5 million steps and raised over $2,500. Thank you to everyone who participated and donated to our fundraising activities.
In October, we all come together again at the 2026 LGP Annual Conference, at Doltone House, Darling Island, Pyrmont, on Tuesday 20th and Wednesday 21st of October.
This year, we are driving a theme closely linked to LGP’s Purpose: how to create and drive value for local communities through procurement.
Once again, we will have a diverse mix of keynote presentations, a series of council case studies and panel discussions, with plenty of opportunities to connect with peers and industry through dedicated networking sessions, an exhibition hall, networking drinks and the 2026 Conference Dinner and Procurement Awards.
The program features an impressive line-up of speakers, including Daniel Brown, 5x Microsoft MVP; Sally McGrath, Founder of Health that Heals; our own Bronwyn Challis, Mihaela Stancu and Eleni Skouloudis; representatives from the Office of the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner and ICAC; and experts and council representatives from across the sector.
At this event, we will cover topics like:
- Artificial Intelligence and its impact on community outcomes
- Supply chain costs and outcomes
- Modern slavery and responsible procurement
- Supplier relationship management
- Emerging trends and innovation
- Governance in procurement
- Circular economy and social impact
- First Nations procurement
We are currently judging the 2026 Procurement Awards. I am excited to see who will be the winner of the Procurement Project Award, who we get to crown as the 2026 Approved Contractor of the Year, and our New Procurement Professional of the Year.
The major award is Outstanding Procurement Professional of the Year – this is the person we judge as the best-performing procurement professional in NSW local government over the past 12 months.
I would like to thank our event partners for supporting this year’s event:
- Platinum Sponsor: Telstra
- Gold Sponsor: Blackwoods
- Dinner Sponsor: Atturra
- Welcome Reception Sponsor: Origin
- Wi-Fi Sponsor: Toshiba
- Coffee Cart Sponsor: Collection House Group
- Round Robin Sponsors: SuperSealing and Complete Staff Solutions
We already have over 120 conference attendees locked in to attend, and we do have some space left for more. If you want to know more or get your ticket, please click here or speak with your LGP Business Development Manager.
We cannot wait to see everyone at our major event for the year. It promises to be a great two days of learning, connecting and celebrating the work being done across local government.
Thank you.
Written by: Luke Kenny, Chief Executive Officer, LGP