The environment in which accreditation, standards and conformity assessment operate is changing at unprecedented speed. Artificial intelligence is transforming how decisions are made. Global risks are intensifying. Regulatory expectations are shifting. And trust, once assume, is now something that must be actively designed, demonstrated and defended.
In this context, understanding how the foundations of assurance are evolving is no longer optional. It is critical for organisations, regulators and practitioners who rely on accredited systems to navigate uncertainty with confidence.
The Accreditation Matters 2026 keynote program has been deliberately shaped around this reality. The speakers selected are not commentators on change they are leaders actively shaping how trust, standards, measurement and accreditation are evolving in response to it. Together, they provide practical insight into what lies ahead, helping delegates anticipate disruption, strengthen confidence and identify opportunity across technology, trade, regulation and global assurance.
At the frontier of this transformation sits artificial intelligence. Ian Oppermann, Australian Competition & Consumer Commission Commissioner and NSW Chief Data Scientist, brings a unique lens on how trust must evolve in an AI‑powered world. As AI systems move rapidly into decision‑making roles, standards and accreditation must move faster ensuring transparency, safety and global interoperability. His keynote explores how assurance frameworks can adapt at pace to enable innovation without compromising confidence.
Global trust, however, does not stop at borders. As digital assurance expands and new conformity sectors emerge, the need for international alignment has never been greater. Brahim Houla, Chair of the Global Accreditation Cooperation Incorporated (Global ACI), addresses this challenge head‑on. His keynote examines how international cooperation is redefining accreditation’s role in protecting integrity, enabling trade and strengthening confidence across an increasingly complex global economy.
Development, trade and assurance are deeply connected, and no organisation understands this better than the World Bank. Phil Grinsted, Private Sector Specialist with the World Bank Group, draws on insights from the World Development Report 2025 to reveal how standards, metrology and conformity assessment function as the hidden infrastructure of growth. His perspective highlights why robust accreditation systems are not merely technical tools, but powerful enablers of economic development and global competitiveness.
Measurement the foundation on which all assurance rests is also at a turning point. Dr Victoria Coleman, Australia’s Chief Metrologist at the National Measurement Institute, brings a global perspective on how measurement systems are evolving in response to digital transformation, international developments under the Metre Convention, and emerging scientific frontiers. Her keynote explores why trusted measurement remains essential, even as the technologies that underpin it rapidly change.
Standards themselves are now shaping economic power, influence and resilience. Rod Balding, Chief Executive Officer of Standards Australia, examines how standards have moved to the epicentre of change from global trade to geopolitics and supply‑chain resilience. His address highlights the strategic role standards now play in national capability and competitiveness.
Completing the keynote program is a sharp focus on regulation and real‑world application. Brian Young, Chief Executive Officer of International Accreditation New Zealand, brings practical insight into how accreditation operates as a force multiplier for regulatory effectiveness. Drawing on real regulatory challenges, his keynote demonstrates how accreditation strengthens compliance assurance, credibility and outcomes not just supporting regulation, but transforming it.
Taken together, these keynote speakers reflect the breadth and complexity of the issues facing the conformity assessment community today. They address the intersection of technology, globalization, measurement, standards and regulation—providing clarity in a time of rapid change.
The full Accreditation Matters 2026 program is now available, featuring sessions across industry practice, technical development and emerging trends in accreditation, testing and conformity assessment.
Early Bird registration is open until 30 May, offering the best available rate. With strong interest already and places filling quickly, delegates are encouraged to secure their place early to ensure access to the full program and two days of high‑value networking.
We look forward to welcoming you to Melbourne this July for what promises to be a timely, insightful and future‑focused conference.
Register today and secure $300 off with Earlybird Pricing – www.accreditationmatters.com.au