Call for program submissions

 

Key dates                    Why present?                    Submission process

Apply to present                     Presentation types                    Program streams

 

Call for submissions are now open! 

The Speech Pathology Australia 2026 Conference is your opportunity to contribute to the vibrant conversation in the field of speech pathology within Australia. We invite speech pathologists and allied healthcare professionals from across the nation to share their research and discuss best practices.

Presenters with diverse experiences and perspectives are encouraged to submit, covering a wide spectrum of topics. The conference is dedicated to uniting industry experts and peers from across the speech pathology landscape, and aims to showcase evidence-based practices, ongoing projects, and innovative solutions that significantly impact the speech and language, as well as the wider allied health community.

Key dates

Call for program submissions open

August 2025

Call for program submissions close

9 October 2025

Notifications and pre-release registration

December 2025

Early-bird registration and program launch

19 February 2026

Deadline for presenters to register

30 April 2026

 

Why present?

Gain recognition: Become a recognised leader and presenter within the Australian speech pathology community.

Boost your visibility: Elevate your professional profile and connect directly with an engaged audience.

Advance the field: Share and discuss your findings and contribute to the growth of speech pathology knowledge and expertise.

Demonstrate creativity: Showcase your dynamic presentation skills and innovative approaches to the field.

Expand your network: Network with peers and experts, expanding your circle and fostering collaboration. 

 

Submission process

  1. Prepare your submission

    Review the presentation types, streams and submission guidelines.
  2. Assemble your submission

    Prepare your submission following the submission guidelines, utilising this template as a guide.
  3. Apply to present

    Apply to present today

    Only submissions completed in the submission portal by Thursday 9 October 2025 will be reviewed and considered for inclusion into the program.
  4. Submission review

    All submissions will undergo a blind review process conducted by expert reviewers who will assess their quality and relevance. The final decisions to accept or decline submissions rest with the Conference Organiser based on the reviewers' evaluations.

 

 

Rows of attendees watching a presenter

Two presenters presenting to rows of attendees

Rows of attendees watching a presenter, taken from behind, one attendee holding up their phone to take a picture of slides

A presenter at a lectern presenting to attendees

Rows of attendees watching a presenter

A presenter at a lectern presenting to rows of attendees, with a TV behind displaying their presentation with subtitles below.

Panel of four presenters in discussion 

Attendees applauding during a presentation

Presentation types

Presentation type Description Audience interaction Presentation length (min) Q&A (min) Total length (min) including Q&A
Oral presentation: Research insights Focused on sharing the latest research, this format dives into methodologies, results, and their implications, spotlighting new or emerging trends and what they mean for the field. You'll engage attendees through a clear presentation of your content. A short Q&A at the end provides an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and explore how the topic applies to their work. 15 5 20
Oral presentation:
In-practice/case study		 Highlights real-world applications, showcasing how theories or methods work in practice. This format offers actionable insights that attendees can directly apply in their own professional settings. You'll engage attendees through a clear presentation of your content. A short Q&A at the end provides an opportunity for attendees to ask questions and explore how the topic applies to their work. 15 5 20
Panel discussion A moderated discussion where presenters explore a specific topic from multiple angles, ideal for tackling complex issues and fostering diverse perspectives. You'll encourage attendee engagement by encouraging contributions and integrating Q&A throughout the discussion. 60 Integrated  60
Peer-led dialogue An interactive format where peers discuss shared challenges, encouraging collaborative learning and active participation. You'll facilitate discussion by sharing insights and encouraging attendees to actively contribute, with Q&A integrated throughout to enrich the conversation. 60 Integrated  60
Skill-building session Designed to develop specific skills through practical exercises and demonstrations, providing hands-on learning opportunities. You'll guide attendees through practical exercises, with Q&A integrated throughout to enhance hands-on learning. 60 Integrated  60

 

Program streams

Adult communication

This stream examines various dimensions of communication needs in adults.

Subtopics covered in this stream include:

  • acquired communication needs
  • acute communication needs
  • adult literacy
  • aged care
  • cognition
  • intellectual disability
  • justice system
  • LGBTQIA+ communities
  • mental health
  • progressive communication needs
  • stuttering/fluency
  • trauma
  • voice

Communication in children and young people (0-18 years)

This stream is dedicated to the study of communication development in children and young people from 0 to 18 years.

Subtopics covered in this stream include:

  • acquired communication needs
  • adolescent language
  • adolescent literacy
  • childhood apraxia of speech
  • cleft palate
  • congenital communication needs
  • disability
  • hearing
  • justice system
  • mental health
  • neurodiverse and neurodivergent populations
  • pre-school language
  • school age language
  • school age literacy
  • speech development
  • speech sound disorders
  • stuttering/fluency
  • tongue-tie
  • trauma
  • voice

Communication access

This stream centres on communication access and multi-modal communication across the lifespan.

Subtopics covered in this stream include:

  • Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
  • Complex Communication Needs (CCN)
  • disability

Innovation and emerging technology

This stream delves into the innovative aspects of speech pathology practice.

Subtopics covered in this stream include:

  • artificial intelligence
  • digital tools
  • innovations in speech pathology practice
  • new ways of using technology
  • virtual reality

Professional education and support

This stream centres on professional development, education and support for speech pathologists.

Subtopics covered in this stream include:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural learning
  • change management
  • coaching and mentoring
  • leadership
  • lifelong learning
  • practice (clinical) education
  • self-care and burnout
  • supervision

Professional practice

This stream delves into the practical aspects of speech pathology professional practice.

Subtopics covered in this stream include:

  • building capacity within consumer environments
  • business practices
  • culturally safe and responsive service provision
  • international/global
  • primary health care
  • research, service delivery models, including multidisciplinary
  • service demands
  • speech pathologists working in education
  • speech pathology in emerging settings (e.g. mental health, justice system)
  • speech pathology within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
  • trauma-informed practice
  • workforce

Professional standards and ethics

This stream highlights the ethical and professional standards upheld by speech pathologists.

Subtopics covered in this stream include:

  • accreditation
  • certification
  • consumer advocacy
  • ethical conduct working alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities
  • ethical decision making
  • evidence-based practice (EBP)
  • human rights
  • professional conduct
  • professional standards
  • reflective practice
  • regulation
  • skills assessment
  • social justice

Swallowing, feeding and mealtimes

This stream delves into the assessment and management of swallowing, feeding and mealtime needs across the lifespan.

Subtopics covered in this stream include:

  • adult - acute
  • adult - ageing, community
  • adult - disability
  • adult - post-acute, rehab
  • breast/chest feeding
  • instrumental assessments
  • neonates
  • paediatric

 

2026 Conference home                                     Submission guidelines

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.