• About the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference
• ADRC26 program
• Key dates
• Location
• ADRC26 ticket inclusions
• Professional Development Program 
• ADRC networking function
• ADRC26 Sponsorship opportunities
• ADRC26 theme
• Resilience Lane
• Accessibility and inclusion
• Sustainability
• Interviews and feedback from ADRC25
• Sponsors and event partners

At ADRC26, we invite you to reimagine resilience through both mindset and action. This year’s theme is about looking ahead, challenging us to move beyond focusing only on hazards, and instead examine the deeper, systemic causes of risk, such as inequity, exclusion, and the far-reaching impacts of our decisions in an increasingly uncertain world.

Read more about this year's conference theme.

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Your ADRC26 pass includes access to:

• two ADRC26 program streams featuring a range of oral presentations and panel presentations
• AFAC26 powered by INTERSCHUTZ Exhibition Hall, featuring:
  • AIDR's Knowledge Centre Poster Display
  • AIDR's stand where you are welcome to have a chat with AIDR staff
  • Resilience Lane
• Tuesday evening networking function in the Exhibition Hall
• Wednesday evening networking function in Resilience Lane (also in the Exhibition Hall)
• Opening ceremony and keynote addresses in the Plenary Theatre
• Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea catering in the Exhibition Hall

Your ADRC26 pass does not include access to:

• Presentations that are part of other conferences (AFAC26 powered by INTERSCHUTZ, IFE, WAFA)
• Gala dinner - delegates are welcome to register separately to attend this event
• Natural Hazards Research Australia (NHRA) Research and Innovation event on Tuesday 18 August - delegates are welcome to register separately to attend this event

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AIDR is offering two workshops as part of the Professional Development Program being held on Friday 21 August. The workshops are opportunities for conference delegates to extend their conference experience, deepen their learning, and engage with colleagues and networks.

More information for both workshops is available at the following links:

• Workshop one| Unpacking disaster risk reduction (DRR): Building practical approaches to identify and reduce risks
• Workshop two | Disaster recovery for all

All PDP sessions include scheduled breaks for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Catering is included and these breaks will provide opportunities for delegates to network and collaborate. Please indicate any dietary and accessibility requirements in the registration process.

Additional facilitators will be announced as they are confirmed.

These two workshops will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Registered participants will receive location details closer to the event.

Cost

$350 (plus GST) per person 

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ADRC26 delegates are warmly invited to join AIDR for a networking function in Resilience Lane, located in the AFAC26 Exhibition Hall powered by INTERSCHUTZ.

This event is a wonderful opportunity to meet Resilience Lane exhibitors, other delegates, ADRC26 speakers and the AIDR team.

Light refreshments and assorted beverages will be served.

The AFAC Gala Dinner follows the ADRC networking event. AFAC Gala Dinner tickets are sold separately.

Resilience Lane is sponsored by NRMA Insurance | A Help Company.

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To support accessibility for delegates, we will provide:

• open captioning during all sessions
• AUSLAN interpreters in keynote sessions and other sessions by prior arrangement 
• a Sunflower Room for delegates who need a quiet space
• reserved seating in session rooms if requested
• space for mobility aids and support to locate accessible seating

What to expect at ADRC26:

• ADRC26 is held at the same time as AFAC26 which is a large conference. Several thousand people will attend the conference venue during the conference week
• The Exhibition Hall and the keynote sessions in the Plenary are shared and are likely to attract large audiences
• Lots of people will be moving around the venue to attend sessions, explore the Exhibition Hall, and queue for refreshments and lunch at the Catering Stations in the Exhibition Hall
• There is not a lot of seating in the Exhibition Hall. If you need to sit down, you are welcome to come to the AIDR Stand or the AFAC Stand

What you can do:

• Expect crowds and plan for this by allowing time to navigate the venue
• Arrive a few minutes early for each session so you can choose where you want to sit
• Use your program booklet or conference app to plan your conference experience
• Bring your mobility aid if you use one
• Bring your loop earplugs and fidget aids and use them when you choose to
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Visit the Sunflower Room if you need a quiet space
• Explore the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre website for accessibility information and maps

Who you can ask for directions and assistance:

• Registration desk and venue staff
• AIDR and AFAC staff (they will be wearing branded shirts)
• Conference volunteers (they will be wearing volunteer shirts)
• Other delegates

If you have accessibility and inclusion support needs:

• Please indicate this on the form when you register to attend ADRC26
• Contact AIDR if you would like a confidential discussion about your specific accessibility needs

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To deliver our greenest conference yet, the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference and AFAC25 powered by INTERSCHUTZ are once again partnering with Trace – a sustainability consulting company that removes the barriers to climate action and empowers businesses to take immediate steps forward.

Active initiatives:

• Making multiple water stations available throughout the event to reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottles purchased
• Producing biodegradable and recyclable event materials, such as the event lanyards, badge pouches, delegate satchels, pocket guides and tote bags
• Carbon offsetting all speaker and staff flights booked
• Co-locating the Institution of Fire Engineers (Australia) National Conference and the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference to reduce the carbon footprint involved with travelling to multiple events
• Hosting the event at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre helps us to increase our sustainable practices. By partnering with a sustainably conscious venue we are supported by the comprehensive practices that underpin all the centre's daily operations

Delegates are encouraged to:

• BYO reusable water bottle and keep-cup
• If possible, travel by public transport, bicycle, or walk
• If you need to drive, consider car-pooling if possible
• Book accommodation within walking distance of the venue 
• Switch off lights, air-conditioning, and power outlets in your room when not in use

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