Looking ahead with confidence

For many Australians, investing is about building confidence, security, and opportunity for the years ahead.

Whether you manage your own portfolio, keep an eye on your super, or simply want to better understand the market, investing can be a meaningful way to stay informed, make thoughtful decisions, and feel more in control of your financial future.  

Interest rates, inflation, global unrest, artificial intelligence, changing consumer habits, and market volatility all seem to be part of the picture now. For investors, that can make it harder to know what matters most and where to focus. 

At times like this, practical education and trustworthy insights become especially valuable. 

That is one reason the Australian Shareholders’ Association’s 2026 Investor Conference may be of interest to National Seniors members. 

Taking place in Melbourne from 3 to 5 May 2026 at Rydges Melbourne, the conference will bring together company leaders, regulators, and market experts to discuss the major issues shaping investment decisions today. 

This year’s theme, Unlocking Opportunities for Growth, is timely. While many investors remain cautious, they are also looking for ways to identify opportunities, understand risk, and make sound long-term decisions. 

The conference is designed to help with exactly that. 

Across the program, speakers will explore topics such as geopolitical trends, growth opportunities, risk in uncertain markets, and the impact of AI on companies, industries and investing strategies. These are not just abstract themes. They are real issues that influence share prices, company performance, and investor confidence. 

For people who like to understand the bigger picture before making decisions, hearing directly from experienced leaders can be extremely useful. It gives investors a chance to step away from headlines and market noise and instead focus on the broader trends and business decisions that shape long-term value. 

The speaker line-up includes senior leaders from major organisations and listed companies. Among them are Leah Weckert, CEO and Managing Director of Coles Group; Craig Scroggie, CEO and Managing Director of NEXTDC; Dr Andreas Fouras, CEO and Managing Director of 4DMedical; and Helen Kurincic, Chair of McMillan Shakespeare and Non-Executive Director of Ramsay Health Care. 

Attendees will also hear from key regulatory and market voices including David Clarke, Chair of ASX; Simone Constant, Commissioner at ASIC; Lucinda McCann, Chief Compliance Officer at ASX; and Jeremy Hirschhorn, Second Commissioner at the ATO.

Economic and market context will also be provided by speakers including David Robertson, Chief Economist and Head of Economic and Markets Research at Bendigo Bank. These perspectives can help investors better understand how policy, governance, and economic conditions influence the market environment. 

For many people, one of the most useful aspects of an event like this is the opportunity to hear a variety of informed views in one place. Investing can sometimes feel isolating, especially when markets are uncertain. Access to thoughtful discussion and practical ideas can help investors feel more grounded and better equipped to make decisions with confidence. 

Importantly, the conference is not only about growth. It is also about discipline, judgement, and understanding risk. For many long-term investors, these qualities matter just as much as spotting opportunities. 

As part of National Seniors Australia’s partnership with the Australian Shareholders’ Association, readers can also access a special conference offer. 

NSA members can attend the conference for $599 for a two-day pass, representing a saving of $296 off the standard price of $895. The offer also includes a 12-month ASA membership, valued at $172. Discounted accommodation is available at Rydges Melbourne for $270 per night. 

To take up the offer, readers can use the code NSENIORS2026 at checkout. The offer is available until 26 April 2026. 

For anyone interested in becoming a more informed investor or simply gaining a clearer understanding of the trends shaping today’s market, the conference offers an opportunity to listen, learn, and reflect. In a fast-changing world, that knowledge can be an asset in itself. 

Use code NSENIORS2026 to secure the special NSA offer before 26 April 2026.