Cost Benefit Analysis Forum 2026

Cost-benefit analysis is both an art and a science, requiring technical excellence alongside creativity, judgement and the ability to communicate complex evidence with impact.

While robust analysis remains essential, effective CBA requires much more than technical modelling.

This forum will examine how practitioners can:

• Ask the right questions before analysis begins
• Apply CBA across a broader range of sectors, including arts, culture and social outcomes
• Better understand the strengths, limitations and uncertainties inherent in CBA
• Use creative approaches to identify and value costs and benefits
• Build compelling narratives that help decision makers understand and act on evidence

Draft Program

The 2026 CBA Forum explores how practitioners can strengthen these skills to better inform policy and investment decisions. Hear from leading experts across government, academia, consulting and industry, including keynote speaker Professor Lisa Robinson (Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, USA), alongside speakers from NSW Treasury, the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), Infrastructure Australia, Infrastructure NSW, PwC, Deloitte Access Economics, SGS Economics & Planning, NSW Farmers, Endgame Analytics, HoustonKemp and The Centre for International Economics (The CIE).

Meet the Speakers

The programme will be of interest to:

• experienced practitioners;
• those new to developing CBAs; and
• people who rely on CBAs to support decisions

The forum will also highlight emerging voices and fresh perspectives from the next generation of practitioners, reflecting growing international interest in innovative approaches to evaluating costs and benefits and communicating their value.

This event is also a unique opportunity to meet, re-engage with and learn from CBA colleagues, peers and industry experts across a wide range of disciplines and organisations.

Details

Consider becoming a member of ESA to be eligible for the discounted rate.

Breakout Sessions

We will have breakout sessions throughout the day. You will be able to register for these shortly and these are included in the price of the ticket.

Registration

To register please book online below. 

ESA financial members from branches other than NSW please contact us for a Promo Code to register at the member rate.

We look forward to seeing you at the CBA Forum