WORKPLACES RECHARGED: AI, PRODUCTIVITY & LITIGATION REEFORM
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025
Inaugural John Stone Memorial Oration Dinner
Time | 6:00pm reception start
Location | Le Splash Rooftop Bar, Vaudeville Ballroom
Le Meridien, Melbourne
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2025
2025 National Conference
Time | 8.00am for 8.15am start
Location | Vaudeville Ballroom
Le Meridien, Melbourne
The H.R. Nicholls Society’s 2025 National Conference will confront Australia’s spiralling productivity crisis with fearless clarity, tackling the elephant in the room everyone avoids: productivity gains hinge on bold industrial relations reform.
While unions deliberately dodge this truth and others sidestep the challenge, as seen in the failed Chalmers Roundtable, Australia’s economic decline demands urgent action to restore its global edge.
Join thought leaders in government, employment law, industrial relations, and business as we draw critical connections between AI, industrial relations, and productivity—the ultimate triad shaping the future of work.
We will explore how AI can boost efficiency, how IR reform can unlock workplace flexibility, and how these forces must align to reverse Australia’s fall from global leader to economic luddite.
None of this can succeed, however, until we slay the big bad bogeyman: the overly litigious environment we’ve created. This out-of-control, money-making fest cripples businesses, stifles innovation, and blocks productivity gains. Our conference will forge practical solutions to dismantle this barrier, paving the way for Australia to thrive as a premier destination for living, working, and investing.
INAUGURAL JOHN STONE MEMORIAL ORATION DINNER
Join us for the Inaugural John Stone Memorial Oration Dinner on Thursday night, November 20, as we honor the legacy of our Society's founding father, John Stone, who sadly passed away this year. This special event kicks off our annual conference, Workplaces Recharged: AI, Productivity & Litigation Reform, on Friday, November 21. It's a profound honoUr for the H.R. Nicholls Society to host the first in what will become an annual tradition shared among the organisations he fostered. Don't miss this meaningful evening of remembrance and inspiration.
The prestigious Copeman Medal will be awarded at the conclusion of the Oration.
2025 NATIONAL CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
Speakers at this year’s conference will be announced periodically in the lead up to the conference. For reference, last year’s conference speaker program can be found here.
Conference proceedings will be published, reflecting the spirit of the Society’s seminal work, Arbitration in Contempt.
REGISTRATION
ACCOMMODATION
The Society has arranged discounted accommodation at Le Meridien in Melbourne. Please email admin@hrnicholls.com.au to access these rates.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
We invite you to support the 2025 H.R. Nicholls Society National Conference and inaugural John Stone Memorial Oration Dinner as a valued sponsor.
We offer three sponsorship packages that will be tailored to suit your objectives, providing unique opportunities to showcase your organisation, engage with attendees, and demonstrate your commitment to advancing our shared goals:
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Sponsor the Pre-Dinner Reception Drinks at the 2025 H.R. Nicholls Society National Conference.
This exclusive opportunity allows your organisation to be prominently featured as we welcome guests and set the tone for an evening of meaningful conversation and networking at the inaugural John Stone Memorial Oration Dinner
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We invite you to sponsor the inaugural John Stone Memorial Oration Dinner.
This distinguished event will celebrate the life of the Society's co-founder John Stone, bringing together influential leaders and professionals for an evening of insightful discussion, networking, and celebration.
The awarding of the Copeman Medal will also take place.
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Join us as a sponsor for the 2025 H.R. Nicholls Society National Conference.
You will have the opportunity to showcase your commitment to advancing dialogue and collaboration within the industry while reinforcing your brand's leadership position, through tailored visibility and exposure.
Conference sponsorship includes options to support the production of the conference proceedings, including video and print materials.
For more information on how to become a sponsor and the benefits available, please contact us.
Join us in making this year's conference an exceptional experience.