Speech Pathology Australia 2024 conference

Attendee support

We are delighted to announce that the Speech Pathology Australia 2024 Conference will take place at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC) in Perth, Western Australia. Join us from Sunday 26 - Wednesday 29 May 2024 for an enriching and engaging conference experience.

We understand that all the information for the conference can be overwhelming and confusing.  That’s why we’ve put together a handy list of FAQs where you can find answers to common questions regarding registration, accommodation, transportation, program details, and more. If you cannot find the information you're looking for, our SPA Conference & Events team will be happy to assist you.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Speech Pathology Australia 2024 Conference in Perth!

 

Addressing accessibility

  • Presenters have been asked and encouraged to consider elements such as visual clarity and navigational ease in their presentations. 
  • We will utilise different spaces within the Convention and Exhibition Centre to minimise attendee travel, aiming for a smooth and easy to navigate environment. 
  • There will be 5-minute transition times between 15-minute presentations to allow attendees time to move between rooms. 
  • A dedicated quiet room will be available for attendees who require a space to recharge or take a break from the conference activities. 
  • Social function formats have been updated to minimise sensory overload, ensuring a more comfortable experience for attendees with specific accessibility needs. 

Addressing inclusivity

  • Attendees will be invited to provide their preferred pronouns, which will be included on conference name badges. 
  • Social function formats have been updated to encourage more informal networking, fostering inclusive interactions, and reducing siloed groups. 

Can I register to attend onsite?

For 2024, we are able to facilitate on-site registration, however this will incur an additional cost. We strongly recommend completing your registration online to ensure that we can appropriately prepare for numbers and dietary requirements. We cannot guarantee that sessions and social functions with a limited capacity will still be available when the conference commences.

Visit the Registrations page for more information about registering for the conference.

 

Conference location and getting there

Visit the Conference location page for more information about getting to the conference, accommodation, dining and things to do in Perth.

How do I get to the venue?

Once you arrive at your accommodation in Perth, you can easily reach PCEC using various transportation options:

  • Public Transport: Perth has an efficient public transport system, including buses and trains. You can check Transperth's website for route information and schedules to plan your journey from your accommodation to PCEC.
  • Taxis and Rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are readily available in Perth. Simply hail a taxi or request a ride through the app, and provide the driver with the address of PCEC.
  • Walking or Cycling: If your accommodation is within a reasonable distance, you may choose to walk or cycle to PCEC. Perth offers pedestrian-friendly paths and dedicated cycling lanes throughout the city, making it a pleasant and convenient option for some attendees.

Is there a conference hotel? 

The Citadines hotel on St Georges Terrace has been selected as our main conference hotel in Perth. Negotiated rates for the conference have been arranged with the Citadines for the Speech Pathology Australia 2024 Conference. Citadines is located in the heart of Perth and just a short eight-minute walk away from PCEC for your convenience during the conference. 

To secure your accommodation, simply follow these three easy steps:

  1. Visit Ascott’s website: www.discoverasr.com
  2. Click on ‘Please select a code’, select ‘Corporate’ and enter your code: P5SPE536
  3. You will receive an instant confirmation letter and can manage changes within the website.

Is there parking? 

For attendees driving to the conference, convenient parking options are available near PCEC. The City of Perth Convention Centre Car Park, located directly beneath PCEC, offers secure parking with three lifts providing direct access to the building. Additionally, there are approximately 5,000 car parking bays within a 10-minute walk of the venue.

For more information on parking options, rates, and availability, please visit the City of Perth Parking website at www.cityofperthparking.com.au. It's recommended to check the website or contact the City of Perth Parking at 1300 889 613 for the most up-to-date information.

Where is the conference being held?

The Speech Pathology Australia 2024 Conference is being held at Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre

21 Mounts Bay Rd

Perth WA 6000

(08) 9338 0362

https://www.pcec.com.au/

How many CPD hours will I obtain from attending the conference?

Speech Pathology Australia's learning programs contain discretionary learning opportunities in addition to prescribed learning. As such, we ask members to self-assign their CPD hours of learning for each event attended. More information about the Certification Program requirements is available on the Speech Pathology Australia website.

I am interested in being a student volunteer

Visit the student volunteer page to find out more about how you can help during conference.

Sustainability at the conference

At the Speech Pathology Australia 2024 Conference we are committed to creating a sustainable and eco-friendly event. As an organisation, we believe in reducing our environmental impact and setting an example for all attendees, partners, and stakeholders. Together, we can make a difference and pave the way for a greener future. 

To achieve our sustainability goals, we have implemented several practices to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability at this conference. However, our journey doesn't end here. We invite you to join us in our efforts by providing feedback and sharing your ideas for other ways we can further enhance our sustainability practices.

Complimentary keep cups

As part of our commitment to sustainability, each attendee will receive a complimentary keep cup in their conference satchel. These reusable cups are made from environmentally friendly materials and are perfect for enjoying your favourite beverage throughout the event. By reducing the use of disposable cups, we are making a positive impact on the environment.

Digital resources

In an effort to minimise paper waste, we have transitioned to providing all conference materials digitally through our conference mobile app. This means that you will have access to the program, resources, and important information right at your fingertips. You can also conveniently take notes on presentations and sessions directly within the app.

All attendees will receive online access to the conference mobile app prior to the conference. 

Eco-friendly name tags

We have eliminated plastic holders and lamination for name tags. Our name tags are now designed to be recyclable, reducing plastic waste and promoting a more sustainable alternative.

Environmentally friendly conference satchels

Our conference satchels are crafted from sustainable and eco-friendly materials. By choosing these materials, we ensure that our event contributes to a greener future.

Reusable lanyards

Instead of single-use lanyards, we have opted for high-quality, reusable lanyards. By using these lanyards, we can minimise waste and contribute to a circular economy.

What do I do if my membership has lapsed?

To access member prices, you will need to renew your membership. 

If you do not wish to renew your membership the non-member registration rate will apply. 

What is the rate if I am a member of an international speech pathology association (e.g., NZSTA) OR another allied health professional association (e.g., OTA, APA, APS).

The non-member rate applies as you are not a member of SPA 

What social functions are included in my registration fee?

  • The 3-day conference registration includes one (1) ticket for the welcome reception on Monday and one (1) ticket for the networking function on Tuesday. 
  • The single day registration doesn’t include any social functions. These tickets can be purchased at registration. 

What's the deal with pre-conference workshops?

Attendees are required to register and pay for the pre-conference workshops as part of their conference registration. Only attendees who have received confirmation of registration for a Sunday workshop are eligible to attend. Pre-conference workshops will be held at PCEC.

Note: Catering will not be supplied for pre-conference workshops.

Will there be a conference dinner?

Building on attendee feedback and aiming for greater inclusivity, this year we've introduced a 'Find Your Community Networking Reception' on the Tuesday evening. This event was crafted for attendees to find the communities they belong with and an opportunity to mingle with other communities. 

Will there be a hybrid option?

At present, realising a true hybrid conference experience, where in-person and virtual attendees seamlessly enjoy an enriched event, poses challenges for us with our current conference format. There are considerable technological and resourcing costs associated with delivering a hybrid event. We continue to explore solutions to offer a true hybrid experience in the future.

In taking steps towards a more digital experience, in 2024, we will leverage the conference mobile app to facilitate essential aspects such as Q&A, networking, and connections with both attendees and our exhibitors and partners.

Additionally, we're committed to providing audio recordings and offering presentation resources for all registered attendees post-conference. These initiatives are designed to enhance accessibility and ensure that valuable content remains available beyond the live event. 

Contact us 

For any enquires or further information regarding the Speech Pathology Australia 2024 Conference, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Our dedicated SPA Conference and Events Team will be delighted to assist you.