What to expect at the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference 2026

Returning to Melbourne from 19-20 August at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), ADRC26 is set to build on the success of last year’s conference. The program brings together knowledge sharing, networking opportunities with peers across the sector, and an exhibition showcasing the latest technology, innovation, and services supporting disaster resilience.

ADRC26 is held alongside AFAC26 powered by INTERSCHUTZ, the Institution of Fire Engineers National Conference, and the Women and Firefighting Australasia Conference, creating a unique opportunity for cross-sector learning and networking.

There are also opportunities to get involved beyond the conference itself. Non-ticket holders can register for the Professional Development Program on 21 August, while the shared exhibition is free and open to all attendees.

ADRC26 brings together leaders, practitioners, researchers and communities from across Australia to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships and advance disaster resilience.

The conference – 2 streams of knowledge

Across 2 concurrent streams, the ADRC26 program will examine how we can shift mindsets and systems for resilience. Topics include local leadership, nature-based solutions, adaptive resilience, justice and equity, Indigenous leadership, long-term recovery, social cohesion, relocation, and the role of arts and storytelling in building resilience. There is also a strong focus on community-led approaches, with lived experience woven throughout the program.

The conference will begin with an opening ceremony and keynote addresses in the Plenary Theatre before delegates move into the concurrent streams.

The PDP, held after the conference on Friday 21 August 2026 at MCEC, offers 2 practical, full-day workshops designed to extend learning beyond the conference. Participants can choose between ‘Unpacking Disaster Risk Reduction: Building Practical Approaches to Identify and Reduce Risks’, featuring guest contributor Professor JC Gaillard, and ‘Disaster Recovery for All’ led by Dr Kate Brady, with both workshops providing opportunities to build practical skills, deepen knowledge, and connect with peers through facilitated learning and networking.

Importantly, registration for the PDP is separate from ADRC26, meaning participants do not need a conference ticket to attend. This makes it a cost-effective professional development opportunity.

Resilience Lane brings together community-focused organisations and initiatives, creating opportunities to connect, collaborate and share approaches to disaster resilience.

Resilience Lane

Resilience Lane will be returning to the exhibition hall in 2026 and provides attendees with a unique opportunity to connect with community-focused groups and organisations in the disaster reduction and resilience space.

In the past, Resilience Lane has connected people and community organisations to form collaborative partnerships.

Find a full list of Resilience Lane exhibitors here. 

AIDR Knowledge Centre

The AIDR Knowledge Centre, located across Bays 15 and 16, will showcase the popular Poster Display featuring the latest research, innovative projects and emerging ideas from across the emergency management sector. Delegates will have the opportunity to engage directly with researchers and presenters, vote for their favourite poster, and continue conversations with conference speakers in the adjacent Continuing Conversations Lounge.

AFAC26 powered by INTERSCHUTZ Exhibition

As delegates move between conference sessions, they can explore the AFAC26 Exhibition, which brings together leading suppliers, service providers, and innovators from across the emergency management sector, located in the Exhibition Hall.

The exhibition will feature both Australian and international exhibitors and will highlight advancements in fleet and personal protective equipment (PPE), workforce capability and safety, community risk reduction, communications, operational response technologies, fire safety, building standards and emerging innovations.

Delegates can connect directly with exhibitors, discover new solutions and gain valuable insight into the latest trends and challenges shaping the sector.

Running alongside the exhibition, the popular Live Demonstration Program at the MCEC loading dock will showcase practical demonstrations including crash scene extrication, electric vehicle fire suppression, decontamination systems, robotics, and other emerging response capabilities.

Find more information on the exhibition here.