WA Aquatic & Recreation Conference 2026  

Places to Play: From Planning to Participation

Call for Abstracts: Submissions Close: 5:00pm (AWST), Friday 29 May 2026

Conference Date: Wednesday 26th & Thursday 27th August 

Location: Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre

About the Theme

Places to Play: From Planning to Participation reflects the priorities of Western Australian state and local governments to deliver well-planned, sustainable, safe, and inclusive aquatic, recreation & sport infrastructure.

The theme focuses on the full lifecycle of facilities—from planning and design through to management, activation and community use—ensuring spaces are safe, accessible and actively used. It highlights the role of aquatic and recreation environments in supporting participation, improving health and wellbeing and strengthening community connection.

Call for Abstracts

We invite submissions for presentations, workshops, case studies and research that share practical insights and real-world experiences.

If you work in or with aquatic, recreation, health and fitness, or sport facilities, we encourage you to share your knowledge, learnings, challenges and successes with the industry.  

Presentation Streams

Please nominate the most relevant stream:

• Aquatic Technical Operations
• Facility Planning
• Sport and Recreation
• Facility & Recreation Management
• Health & Fitness
• Swim School

Presentation Formats

• Oral Presentation
  25 mins + 5 mins Q&A
• Workshop
  60 mins (interactive session) + 5 min Q&A
• Panel Discussion
  50 mins (facilitated discussion) + 15 mins Q&A
• Open Format Option
  Open to any of the above formats (please specify in your abstract)

Note: Timeframes may be adjusted as the program is finalised.

Submission Requirements

• 150 word abstract
• Bio, experience and photo
• 3–5 key learning outcomes (bullet points)
• Any additional relevant information for the selection committee

Presenter Information

• Discounted registration available for confirmed presenters
• Slides must be submitted in advance
• Slides (PDF) may be shared post-event (with consent)

Click here to find out more or to submit a call for abstract to the 2026 Aquatic & Recreation Conference.

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