Page banner with SPA 2026 Conference logo.

 

Frequently asked questions

 

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Registration

What is the difference in registration pricing categories?

  • Pre-release: discounted rate available before the 2026 program is released (3-day registrations only). Available until 11:59pm AEDT, Wednesday 18 February 2026.
  • Early bird: discounted rate once the 2026 program is released (not available for single-day registrations). Available until 11:59pm AEST, Wednesday 13 May 2026.
  • Standard: applies from Thursday 14 May 2026 until 11:59pm AEST, Monday 22 June 2026 (unless sold out)./li>
  • Late registration: applies from Tuesday 23 June 2026 onwards (unless sold out). Not applicable for on-demand registrations.

See the registration page for full details.

When does early bird close?

Early bird rates are available until 11:59pm AEST, Wednesday 13 May 2026.

Can I attend for one day only?

Yes. Single-day in-person registrations are available – perfect if you can’t join us for the full program.

Can I register to attend the conference onsite?

Onsite registration will be available unless sold out earlier. We recommend registering online by 23 June 2026 so we can plan for numbers and dietary needs.

Can individuals who are not speech pathologists attend the conference?

Yes. While the program is designed for speech pathologists, others with an interest are very welcome. Please note that some sessions may be technical.

How do I register to attend the conference?

Simply complete the online form on the registration page.

I am interested in being a student volunteer

Find out how to get involved on the student volunteer page.

Can presenters also volunteer at the conference?

No. To ensure both roles are managed well, presenters are not eligible for student volunteer positions.

What do I do if my membership has lapsed?

Renew your membership to access member rates. If not, the non-member rate applies. 

What if I've indicated that I have a dietary requirement?

At the conference, please speak to venue staff who will guide you to the dietary table. We’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

What is the cancellation policy?

All registrations are subject to SPA’s Terms and Conditions.

What is the price to attend the conference?

See pricing and inclusions on the registration page.

What is the rate if I am a member of an international speech pathology association (e.g., RCSLT) OR another allied health professional association (e.g., APA, APS, OTA)?

Non-member rates apply. Under our MoU with NZSTA, NZSTA members are eligible for the member rate.

What payment methods are accepted for registration?

Visa and Mastercard. If you have any concerns, please contact the SPA Conference & Events team.

What should I do if I encounter technical issues during the registration process?

Our team is here to help – email or call the SPA Conference & Events team and we’ll sort it out quickly.

What social activities are included in my registration fee?

  • 3-day registration: includes a ticket to the Thursday Welcome Reception, the Friday Networking Reception, and access to the Friday and Saturday morning wellness sessions.
  • Single-day registration: social activity tickets aren’t included but can be purchased when you register.

Will there be a virtual or hybrid option?

The SPA 2026 Conference is an in-person event. There will not be livestreaming. Plenaries will be filmed in full, and all In-Practice and Research Insights presentations will be recorded. Concurrent sessions in the plenary room will also be filmed, while others will include audio with slides. On-demand recordings will be available post-conference for in-person attendees, and for purchase if you can’t join us onsite.

Program

When is the SPA 2026 Conference?

Thursday 25 June – Saturday 27 June 2026.

Are presentations recorded?

Yes. Plenaries and two (2) concurrent streams each day will be recorded. Details are listed in the program, set to be released in February 2026.

How can I access the conference program?

The most up-to-date program will be available in the in-person conference mobile app.

How do I access presentation slides?

Where provided, slides and resources will be available in the app or via the URL emailed to attendees.

NB. Not all presenters will provide materials.

Will I receive printed resources?

No. To reduce our environmental impact, we provide digital resources only.

What's the Knowledge Hub?

A dedicated space in the exhibition area featuring Rapid Impact presentations and sponsor updates.

Which concurrent sessions can I attend?

You’re free to attend any session. Please note that room capacities apply – arrive early to secure your place.

Will there be a conference dinner?

We’re hosting a Networking Reception on Friday evening – a relaxed opportunity to connect with peers and communities.

Will there be Q&A sessions during presentations?

Yes. You can submit and upvote questions in the conference mobile app for presenters to address if time allows.

How many CPD hours will I obtain?

SPA members self-assign CPD hours for events. See SPA’s CPD requirements for guidance.

What is the Conference Challenge?

An interactive app-based activity to help you explore the program, connect with colleagues, and have some fun along the way.

In-person attendance technology

Can I access presentation materials in the app

Yes. Slides and resources will be available in the app where presenters choose to provide them.

Can I personalise my schedule?

Yes. Use the star icon in the app to build your personal program.

How do I access the app?

Download The Events App by EventsAir from your app store. Your login details are printed on your name badge.

How do I connect with other attendees?

The app includes networking features so you can connect, message, and arrange meetings.

How do I log in?

Your login details will be emailed in June 2026 and printed on your name badge.

How long will the app be available?

For six (6) months post-conference, so you can revisit session materials.

Is there a map of the venue in the app?

Yes. You’ll find a full map to help you navigate sessions, catering, and exhibition areas.

What else can I do with the app?

Access the program, receive updates, make notes, view presenter bios, and manage your schedule.

What if I encounter issues with the app?

Our friendly student volunteers will be available onsite to help.

Will the app provide real-time updates?

Yes. You’ll receive alerts about schedule changes, announcements, and exclusive content.

On Demand access 

Which sessions will be recorded? 

Plenary/keynote presentations, In-Practice and Research Insights sessions and concurrents presented in the plenary room will be filmed. You will be able to watch the presenter and view their slides and access any additional resources. 

Other concurrent sessions will also be audio recorded, you will be able to hear the presenter and view their slides.  

See the program for full details, set to be released in February 2026. 

I’m attending the conference, can I access the recordings? 

Yes! All conference attendees receive complimentary access to the recordings. Single day attendees will receive access to recordings from their selected day(s). 

I can’t attend the conference, can I purchase access to the recordings? 

Yes! If you’re unable to attend the conference, a virtual registration is available. If you pre-purchase an On Demand registration, you’ll receive access as soon as the recordings are live. Alternatively, you can wait until the recordings become available and purchase after the conference. 

All conference attendees receive complimentary access to the recordings. Single day attendees will receive access to recordings from their selected day(s). 

Do I have to be a SPA member to access the recordings?

No – anyone can access the recordings before or after the conference, as long as you have a SPA account.

If you don’t already have a SPA account, you will need to create a free account via the website.  

Do I have to pre-purchase access to the recordings? 

No – you can wait until the recordings become available and purchase after the conference. However, if you purchase prior to the conference, you’ll receive a discounted rate. 

When will the recordings be available? 

The recordings will need to be edited and packaged, we are aiming for them to be made available from August 2026.  

If you have pre-purchased, you will be notified when they become available. If you choose to wait until after the conference to purchase, announcements will be made on the SPA website. 

How will I access the recordings? 

You will receive information about how to access the recordings when they become available. 

How long will I have access? 

Up to five years, however content may be archived prior at the discretion of the Association. 

Can I record, download or share the presentations? 

No. All presentations are protected by copyright and remain the intellectual property of the presenter. Content cannot be recorded, downloaded, shared or duplicated and must be viewed via the SPA website. 

Will the recordings be edited from the live presentation? 

Yes. Interactive elements such as group activities and discussions may be removed, and some videos shown during live presentations may not appear in the final version. 

Will I receive a certificate of completion? 

Yes. Certificates can be downloaded from your Learning Centre. 

Can I organise a Watch Party and view the recordings in a group at my workplace? 

Yes. Workplaces can purchase access for each participant and organise group viewings. Groups of five or more receive a 20% discount and a list of reflective discussion questions. Contact the Learning Hub to arrange. 

Who do I contact for support? 

Venue and location

Where will the conference be held?

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC)
2684-2690 Gold Coast Hwy
Broadbeach QLD 4218

(07) 5504 4000

https://www.gccec.com.au/

Is there a parent room?

Yes. Parent and baby-change facilities are available – see the map in the app or on the venue website.

Is accommodation nearby?

Yes. Our accommodation partner, InHouse Event Solutions, has secured discounted rates within walking distance.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Not generally, unless for specific dietary needs (please contact us in advance).

How do I get to the venue?

See the Getting there page or the GCCEC website for transport details.

Is public transport close by?

Yes. Light rail, buses, and train links are all accessible. Visit the Translink and G:link websites for details.

What parking facilities are available at the venue?

Underground parking at GCCEC is $15/day (including EV chargers). See the GCCEC website for details.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes. GCCEC provides ramps, lifts, accessible bathrooms, designated parking, and hearing augmentation in all session rooms. See the GCCEC website for details. 

Is there a quiet room?

Yes. A designated quiet room is available for attendees seeking a calm space.

Where do I register and collect my badge?

At the Registration & Information Desk in the Reception Foyer (Ground Floor). Desk hours are listed in the program.

What catering is included?

Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea are provided for your registered days. Dietary needs noted at registration will be accommodated where possible.

Where do I go for catering?

The exhibition area (Hall 1).

What about social activities?

  • Welcome Reception: Thursday evening, exhibition area
  • Networking Reception: Friday evening, GCCEC
  • Wellness sessions: Beach walk (Friday) and yoga (Saturday)

When will the exhibition area be open?

Please refer to the program or app for timings.

Where are the bathrooms located?

See the map in the app or on the venue website.

Where can I go for help?

Our Conference & Events team will be at the Registration Desk, and student volunteers will be around the venue.

Can I store my bag somewhere?

Please bring only essentials in a small bag. Unattended bags will be treated as lost property.

Is there Wi-Fi?

Yes. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue.

What should I wear?

Business-casual attire is suitable for all sessions and events.

Where is the closest pharmacy?

Broadbeach Day & Night Chemist (2-minute walk from the venue).

Where is the closest supermarket?

Friendly Grocer Broadbeach Central (3-minute walk from the venue).

Accessibility, sustainability and inclusion

How has accessibility been prioritised?

We’ve designed the program and venue experience with accessibility front of mind, including:

  • shorter walking distances between rooms,
  • five (5)-minute transitions between sessions,
  • presenter guidance on accessible slides,
  • real-time subtitles in all sessions,
  • varied seating options,
  • a quiet room, and
  • networking formats that reduce sensory overload.

We review these measures every year and welcome feedback.

What initiatives support an inclusive space?

We want to ensure we’re creating a safe and inclusive space for all attendees. Over the past three years, we have introduced the following:

  • Optional pronouns on badges
  • Optional Traditional Place names
  • Preferred names
  • Networking formats that foster informal, inclusive connections

Can I bring my baby into conference sessions?

Yes – we understand family commitments are important. Sleeping or quiet babies are welcome. If unsettled, please step out until they’re calm again.

What sustainability initiatives are in place?

We’ve reduced printing, prioritise digital resources, and work closely with the venue and suppliers to reduce waste. We welcome your suggestions on further improvements.

What is the conference hashtag?

Join the conversation:

Contact us

For any enquiries or further information regarding the SPA 2026 Conference, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Our dedicated SPA Conference and Events Team will be delighted to assist you.