2026 Chief Executives and Emerging Leaders Breakfast
30th April 2026, Brisbane City Hall
IPAA Queensland’s annual and hugely popular signature event, the Chief Executives and Emerging Leaders Breakfast, will be hosted at Brisbane’s iconic City Hall on Thursday 30th April 2026.
About this Event
This renowned event provides a perfect opportunity for chief and senior executives from across the Queensland public purpose sector to invest in the talent of the future and recognise young professionals in their organisation.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Chief Executives are invited to host a table (10 places) of emerging leaders and young professionals from their organisation.
We think of emerging leaders as high-performing professionals in the early stages of their career in public purpose work – individuals with the potential to make a significant contribution to the sector over the years ahead. They are leading and influencing within their field, sector or organisation, regardless of the formal position they hold.
The event is a fantastic opportunity for emerging leaders and young professionals to engage with senior leaders, share ideas and build their professional networks.
HISTORY
The breakfast has taken place annually since 2018 and featured an outstanding range of presenters. In 2023 we reimagined the event (from the previously named “Chief Executives and Young Professional Breakfast”) to contemporise its focus and to be more inclusive of current and future leaders in the sector.
Last year’s event brought more than 500 senior and emerging leaders together at Brisbane City Hall. Keynote speaker Michael McQueen challenged the sector to stay relevant and build momentum in a rapidly evolving landscape, with practical reflections on the trends shaping the next era of public administration, including generative AI and changing workforce expectations. Learn more about the key takeaways from this event in our write-up: Shifting mindsets for a future-ready public sector.
REGISTER TO ATTEND
Join IPAA Queensland now to receive the latest updates, free and discounted registrations to our flagship events. Find out more on the Membership page and sign-up to our monthly IPAA INSIGHTS now.
Here’s what attendees said about last year’s Breakfast
Big thanks to IPAA Queensland for hosting such a sharp, energising event. Left the room with ideas still buzzing and had some great follow-up conversations back at the office.
Andy Anastasi, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
This morning, I had the pleasure of attending the IPAA Queensland Chief Executive and Emerging Leaders Breakfast — connecting with like-minded leaders from local government, state and federal agencies, and industry partners. Delivering people-centric outcomes is challenging as it is. But with rapid technological advancement and increasing societal disengagement, the role of leadership in public administration has never been more critical.
Sai Wai Yan, Queensland Department of Education
It was an energising event filled with thought-provoking ideas, especially from keynote speaker Michael McQueen, who delivered an exceptional presentation.
Angela Masson, Department of Housing, Local Government, Planning and Public Works
A standout message from keynote speaker Michael McQueen was the importance of proactively anticipating, embracing, and adapting to change to stay relevant and successful… The panel discussions were equally insightful, following this theme and with thoughtful perspectives on embracing the perspectives of our Gen Z colleagues.
Kirsty Smith, Holding Redlich
What really stood out was the optimism and ambition in the room. Emerging leaders who are curious, connected, and ready to shape the future.
Slaven Drinovac, Coaching Centre
Click here to view the full 2025 Breakfast photo gallery