Speakers

Michael Akkawi is the Founder and CEO of Conquest, a leading Australian private equity real estate firm with over 21 years of operational excellence and a portfolio exceeding $6 billion in managed assets.

A visionary in the property development sector, Michael is renowned for his vertically integrated approach and an unwavering commitment to architectural distinction. Under his leadership, Conquest has evolved from a local developer into a powerhouse of urban regeneration and luxury lifestyle projects. Most recently, Michael launched ARTE, a dedicated "Multi-Family Living" brand designed to redefine the Australian Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector by focusing on community-centric, hotel-calibre residential experiences.

Conquest’s $6 billion pipeline includes some of the nation’s most ambitious projects, in Sydney.

His career is a testament to resilience and hands-on expertise; having started his journey as a bricklayer’s labourer, Michael built Conquest from the ground up. This unique "site-to-boardroom" perspective allows him to navigate complex construction challenges while driving the strategic investment decisions that address Australia’s critical housing shortage.

At Sydney Build 2026, Michael brings his deep expertise in high-density development, design excellence, and the future of vertical village precincts.