Call for Abstracts
We are delighted to invite aged care professionals, providers, researchers, consumers, thought leaders, innovators and industry partners to submit abstracts for the Ageing Australia National Conference 2026.
The conference brings together leaders, practitioners and changemakers from across the sector to share ideas, challenge thinking and explore new opportunities for the future of aged care. We are seeking submissions that inspire, inform and demonstrate how we can continue to improve the experiences and outcomes of older Australians.
We welcome presentations that share new ideas, practical solutions, evidence-based approaches, successful initiatives, research findings and stories of impact. Whether you are leading transformation, improving everyday practice, testing a new approach, building capability or delivering better outcomes for older people and communities, we want to hear your story.
Our aim is to curate a program that is strategic, future-focused, solutions-oriented and inspiring, showcasing the people, ideas and organisations that are shaping the next chapter of aged care.
Abstract submissions close 4 September 2026
abstract categories
Presenters are invited to submit abstracts aligned with one or more of our conference categories. These categories have been designed to reflect the opportunities, challenges and priorities shaping the future of aged care, including:
Workforce and Capability
We are seeking presentations that showcase practical ideas, inspiring initiatives and proven approaches to attracting, developing, supporting and retaining a skilled and engaged workforce. Submissions should focus on solutions that strengthen capability, build positive workplace cultures, foster leadership, improve wellbeing and create rewarding career pathways. We are particularly interested in stories of innovation, measurable outcomes and lessons that can be applied across the sector.
Primary Audience
Human resource leaders, people and culture teams, learning and development professionals, operational leaders, service managers and executives
Themes may include:
- Attracting, retaining and engaging the aged care workforce
- Building capability through training and professional development
- Creating positive workplace cultures and employee experiences
- New approaches to workforce solutions, models and service delivery
- Supporting workforce wellbeing and retention
- Workforce innovation, diversity and inclusion
Financial Sustainability and Performance
This category explores how organisations can build sustainable, resilient and high-performing businesses in a rapidly changing environment. We welcome presentations that highlight new funding approaches, creative business models, strategic investment decisions, operational improvements and practical examples of balancing financial sustainability with high-quality care and support. We are particularly interested in real-world examples that demonstrate innovation, adaptability and long-term thinking.
Primary Audience:
Chief executives, chief financial officers, finance leaders, board directors and operational leaders
Themes may include:
- Financial sustainability and long-term viability
- Funding models and financial reform
- Improving operational performance and efficiency
- Strategic investment and growth opportunities
- Managing costs, margins and financial pressures
- Business models for future aged care services
- Financial decision-making in complex environments
- Balancing quality outcomes with sustainability
Technology and Digital Transformation
Technology is reshaping the future of aged care, creating new opportunities to improve outcomes for older people, strengthen decision-making and support the workforce. We invite submissions that demonstrate how organisations are using technology, data, artificial intelligence and digital tools to create meaningful change. Successful presentations will focus on practical implementation, lessons learned and the opportunities technology presents for a more connected, efficient and person-centred future.
Primary Audience:
Technology leaders, digital transformation specialists, executives, operational leaders, clinicians and innovators
Themes may include:
- Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
- Digital tools that support better care
- Technology-enabled models of care and service delivery
- Data, analytics and insights to improve outcomes
- Digital health, interoperability and connected care systems
- Assistive technologies, robotics and smart environments
- Improving workforce efficiency through technology
- Cybersecurity, privacy and building digital confidence
Leadership and Strategy
Strong leadership has never been more important. This category is designed for executives and senior leaders who are driving change, shaping organisational strategy and building cultures that thrive in times of uncertainty. We are looking for presentations that share practical insights, bold ideas, leadership lessons and examples of organisations that are successfully navigating transformation, identifying new opportunities and creating lasting impact.
Primary Audience:
Executives, chief executives, senior leaders and organisational decision-makers
Themes may include:
- Developing strategy in a changing sector
- Leading transformation and organisational change
- Building strong, engaged workplace cultures
- Executive leadership through uncertainty and reform
- Building resilience and adaptability
- Growth, innovation and new opportunities
- Partnerships and sector collaboration
Governance and Directorship
This category is aimed at board directors and senior leaders who are shaping the strategic direction of their organisations. We are seeking presentations that explore effective governance practices, strong board leadership, productive board and executive relationships, and approaches to managing risk, oversight and accountability. Rather than focusing solely on regulatory requirements, we encourage submissions that demonstrate how governance can enable innovation, resilience and sustainable success.
Primary Audience:
Board directors, chairs, chief executives, company secretaries and governance professionals
Themes may include:
- Role and responsibilities
- Risk, assurance and accountability
- Capability, diversity and succession planning
- Navigating reform, funding and regulatory environment
- The relationship between boards, CEOs and executive teams
- Leading through complexity, disruption and organisational change
- Board oversight of clinical governance
Innovation and Transformation
Innovation comes in many forms, from small improvements that deliver significant impact to entirely new ways of thinking and working. We welcome presentations that challenge assumptions, reimagine existing practices and showcase creative solutions that are improving outcomes for older Australians. We are particularly interested in practical examples of ideas that have been successfully implemented, adapted or scaled, as well as insights drawn from experiences in Australia and around the world.
Primary Audience:
Innovators, executives, entrepreneurs, operational leaders, researchers and change-makers
Themes may include:
- New models and solutions improving aged care outcomes
- Redesigning services around older Australians’ needs
- Innovation across care, workforce and operations
- Co-design and collaborative approaches
- Scaling ideas into sustainable practice
- Insights from innovative approaches locally and globally
- Challenging traditional thinking and creating new possibilities
- Building cultures of innovation and continuous improvement
Specialist Care and Diverse Communities
Every older person has unique experiences, needs and aspirations. This category explores approaches that deliver inclusive, responsive and person-centred care for diverse communities and people with specialised needs. We encourage presentations that highlight innovative models of care, successful partnerships, lived experience, culturally responsive approaches and strategies that improve quality of life, connection, dignity and choice.
Primary Audience:
Clinicians, care managers, allied health professionals, community leaders, researchers and service providers
Themes may include:
- Dementia
- Palliative and end-of-life care
- LGBTIQ+ ageing
- CALD communities
- First Nations older people
- Veterans
- Rural and remote communities
- Trauma-informed care
- Mental health
- Other specialist models of care
Clinical Practice
This category recognises excellence in clinical care and the professionals who deliver it every day. We invite submissions that share evidence-based practice, innovative clinical approaches, interdisciplinary collaboration and practical strategies that improve outcomes for older people. Presentations should focus on solutions, continuous improvement and lessons that can be translated into practice across a range of care settings.
Primary Audience:
Nurses, allied health professionals, clinical leaders, care managers and practitioners
Themes may include:
- Medication management
- Falls prevention, mobility and rehabilitation
- Food and nutrition
- Wound care
- Managing complex health conditions
- Continence
- Allied health
Quality, Readiness and Improvement
While reform continues to reshape the sector, this category focuses on how organisations are responding with confidence, creativity and purpose. We are seeking presentations that move beyond discussing change itself and instead highlight practical implementation strategies, success stories, lessons learned and approaches that are strengthening quality, capability and preparedness. We encourage submissions that focus on opportunities, solutions and continuous improvement.
Primary Audience:
Quality and compliance leaders, executives, operational leaders, governance professionals and project teams
Themes may include:
- Implementing the Aged Care Act
- Quality Standards
- Compliance
- Operational readiness
- Regulatory change
- Provider obligations
- Audits and accreditation
Models of Care and Service Delivery
Aged care is evolving rapidly, creating opportunities to design services that are more responsive, connected and centred on the needs of older Australians. We welcome presentations that showcase innovative models of care, integrated service approaches, partnerships and examples of excellence across home care, residential care, retirement living and community-based services. We are particularly interested in practical ideas that are delivering better experiences and outcomes for older people and the people who support them.
Primary Audience:
Executives, operational leaders, service managers, clinicians and care teams
Themes may include:
- Home care
- Residential care
- Retirement Living and Seniors Housing
- Integrated health and aged care
- Wellness and reablement
- Community partnerships and co-design
Spotlight Sessions (10-Minute Presentations)
These short, engaging 10-minute presentations are designed to provide a platform for organisations and individuals to share ideas, projects and achievements that have made a meaningful difference. We welcome submissions on research projects, pilot programs, service improvements, new approaches, quality initiatives, partnerships and lessons learned. Whether the change was large or small, we are looking for practical examples that others can learn from, adapt and apply within their own organisations. Presentations should focus on the challenge, the approach taken, the outcomes achieved and the key lessons gained along the way.
Primary Audience:
Practitioners, researchers, frontline teams, managers, clinicians, executives and change-makers.
Themes may include:
- Research projects and pilot programs
- Quality improvement initiatives
- Service redesign projects
- Technology trials
- Workforce initiatives
- Consumer-led innovations
- Partnership and collaboration projects
- Clinical improvements
- Lessons learned from implementation
- Practical ideas that others could adopt
Additional resources
Presenters accepted into the Spotlight Sessions will be asked to provide one or more resources that can be made available to delegates after the conference. This might include:
- A copy of the presentation slides (PDF format)
- A one-page project summary or case study
- A research poster or infographic
- A practical implementation guide, checklist or template
- Links to published research, reports or other resources
These materials will help delegates explore ideas in greater depth and provide a lasting resource for the sector.
Showcase innovative ideas, practical solutions and research that will inform and inspire the sector.
Submission guidelines
- Abstracts must be no more than 400 words and should provide enough detail for reviewers and delegates to understand the value and key takeaways of the presentation.
- Submissions must include a 100-character synopsis suitable for promotional purposes.
- Submissions must include a 150-word biography of the presenting author and a high-resolution headshot image.
- Abstracts should provide a clear outline of the presentation content, rather than a general description or promotional overview.
- All abstracts will be assessed against the following criteria:
- Alignment with conference themes and categories
- Relevance and value for conference delegates
- Evidence, insights or practical application
- Originality, fresh thinking or demonstrated impact
- Ability to inspire learning and action across the sector
We are looking for submissions that inform, inspire and spark meaningful conversations about the future of aged care.
Abstract terms and conditions
- Presentations must be informative in nature and must not promote specific products or services unless they are integral to the topic being presented.
- Abstracts selected for inclusion in the program may be published on the conference website and conference app.
- Presenters must register for the conference as a condition of accepting their presentation offer. All presenters must register and pay by 16 October 2026 to obtain the discounted Abstract Speaker Full Registration rate of $1125 or Day Registration rate of $675 including GST. Presenters are responsible for their own accommodation expenses and travel to and from the Ageing Australia National Conference in Sydney.
- All abstracts must be submitted electronically through the online submission portal. Emailed submissions will not be accepted.
- Ageing Australia reserves the right to accept, decline or modify presentation formats and session allocations.
