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Call for program submissions

 

Call for submissions has now closed.

The Speech Pathology Australia 2025 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

29 August 2024

Call for program submissions close

10 October 2024

Notifications

December 2024

Deadline for presenters to register

23 January 2025

Registration and program launch

06 February 2025

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

    Only submissions completed in the submission portal by 10 October 2024 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

Two presenters at a lectern presenting to audience

Rows of attendees watching a presenter

A presenter at a lectern presenting to rows of attendees

Panel of four presenters in discussion 

Attendees applauding during a presentation

Presentation types

 

Presentation type Description Audience interaction  Recommended presentation length (min)* Recommended Q&A duration (min)# Total presentation length (min)^
Rapid impact

These concise presentations are designed to deliver key messages quickly and effectively. A reimagined approach to poster presentations, offering a dynamic platform for sharing research findings or practical experiences.

 You'll engage with attendees during your presentation, and they can follow up with you during breaks or networking sessions. 10 0 10
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 by presenting your findings clearly. The Q&A provides opportunities for attendees to ask questions and discuss how your research can inform their own work. 15 5 20
In-practice 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 by showcasing practical applications and case studies. The Q&A provides opportunities for attendees to ask questions and explore how they can apply these insights in their practice. 15 5 20
Fireside chat An informal, conversational style where personal insights and experiences are explored, engaging the audience in a relaxed, interactive discussion. You'll encourage audience participation through questions and open discussion, creating an engaging and intimate atmosphere. 60 Varies 60
Panel discussion A moderated discussion where experts explore a specific topic from multiple angles, ideal for tackling complex issues and fostering diverse perspectives. You'll encourage audience engagement by encouraging contributions and integrating Q&A throughout the discussion. 60 Varies 60
Peer-led dialogue An interactive format where peers discuss shared challenges, encouraging collaborative learning and active participation. You'll facilitate discussions with attendees, encouraging active participation by sharing their insights and integrating Q&A throughout to enrich the dialogue. 60 Varies 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 Varies 60
Skill-building session (extended) A more in-depth session designed to develop specific skills over an extended period. Includes comprehensive exercises, demonstrations, and deeper exploration of topics. You'll guide attendees through practical exercises, allowing for engagement and skill refinement with Q&A integrated throughout to enhance hands-on learning. 120 Varies 120

*Recommended presentation length (min): This is the suggested time allocation for the presentation. Please adhere to this to allow time for audience engagement.

#Recommended Q&A duration: Audience questions will be facilitated by the session chair, if time permits. If the presentation exceeds the recommended length, Q&A may need to be shortened or omitted.

^Total presentation length (min): This is the full allocated time for the presentation, including Q&A. Staying within the allotted presentation time ensures a smooth experience for all.

 

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

 

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Contact us 

For any enquiries or further information regarding the Speech Pathology Australia 2025 Conference, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Our dedicated SPA Conference and Events Team will be delighted to assist you.