• About the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference
• ADRC26 program
• Key dates
• Location
• 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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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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