With more than 13,000 members participating last year, the popular EDU brings together directors from across the country - both in person and online - to engage on the most pressing issues and opportunities facing boards today.
As Australia’s governance landscape continues to evolve at pace, the Essential Director Update (EDU) returns in 2025 as the AICD’s flagship complimentary yearly nationwide event to help directors stay informed and prepared.
This year, Penny Bingham-Hall FAICD, chair of Vocus Group, co-chair of Supply Nation and a non-executive director at Fortescue is one of the expert speakers, along with seasoned non-executive director Bruce Cowley FAICD who returns for another year. He sits on the boards of Australian Retirement Trust, Sunshine Coast Hospital & Health Service, Klarna Australia, Fijian Drua and serves as Chair of Queensland Trust for Nature.
Here they outline what to expect as they tour Australian cities and regional centres.
Key topics shaping board agendas
Among the top themes for 2025 are artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and mandatory climate reporting. “AI is definitely the topic of the year,” says Bingham-Hall. “What you might have thought was happening a year ago is probably quite different today.”
But while AI promises productivity gains and deeper data insights, it also carries complex risks. She urges boards to “start small, think big, but go fast,” highlighting the importance of understanding the organisation’s risk appetite and fostering informed conversations with management.
Cybersecurity remains front-of-mind, particularly given global instability. And new psychosocial safety laws are also introducing further considerations for director oversight.
Climate reporting: A watershed moment
Mandatory climate disclosure laws came into effect this year, marking a significant milestone.
Bingham-Hall notes that even experienced organisations will need to expand their focus: “There will be gaps in your data... so it’s important to understand what you need to do to comply in the next year or so.”
She encourages entities to conduct a “dry run” now to prepare for the full requirements ahead.
Why EDU matters
Whether you're grappling with emerging technologies or preparing for complex regulatory changes, the EDU is a vital opportunity for directors to gain insights, share experiences and strengthen their governance knowledge.
As Bingham-Hall puts it, “It’s an important part of all directors’ continuing education.”
With developments accelerating across the governance landscape, she emphasises the EDU’s importance as an annual touchpoint for directors navigating rapidly evolving issues.
“Events change so fast for directors. There are always new issues being thrown at us,” she says.
“It’s lovely that [the EDU] travels around the country, giving everyone a chance to hear about these issues in a practical and very understandable way.”
Tackling the top issues for boards
Cowley points out other issues of increasing importance such as rising scrutiny on superannuation funds, the governance of public institutions including universities and the increasing importance of data governance.
“Being a director is challenging and this year there are a lot of things we really need to face. We have a range of issues which I think are confronting for all of us.”
The EDU also helps directors keep pace with fast-moving regulatory and legislative changes.
“Regulators are keeping a very close eye on most companies these days,” Cowley warns.
“We really need to know what our duties and obligations are. Because we can find ourselves in deep water if we don't know.”
The need to increase productivity is another emerging issue for boards. “I think the big issue for most of us will be improving productivity in our own organisations.
I think we all know that the government is focusing on improving productivity across the entire economy and I think that means for all of us that we'll have to start thinking very hard about how we improve productivity across our own organisations.
Interactive, insightful engagement
A highlight for Cowley is the question-answer segment at the EDU, which provides a unique window into the concerns of directors on the ground.
“We get to hear directly from our members... and we learn a lot from them.”
For Cowley overall, the event is a crucial platform: “It’s a real opportunity for us all to get together and share our views on the big issues confronting us over the coming year.”
With insights, expert commentary and peer discussion on cyber, AI, climate and more, the EDU is a must-attend event for directors serious about staying ahead in a rapidly shifting environment.
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