Call For Abstracts

This year’s conference theme is:

From Legacy to Action - Delivering Tomorrow's Places Today 

For 100 years we have created places and spaces which shape lives, honouring our legacy not with reflection alone but with action, delivering tomorrow’s vibrant communities today.

For this centenary year event we intend to raise the bar in terms of topics, variety and standard. 

 

Recognising the conference theme, we are seeking abstracts that variously demonstrate leadership, innovation, inventive thinking and approaches, foresight and vision across the many aspects of our sector. Review and selection will be dependent on how well the submission meets these criteria.

Presentation Streams

In submitting your abstract, please nominate the most appropriate theme from the list below:


  1. Sport and Active Recreation 
  2. Facilities
  3. Health and Wellbeing
  4. Cultural and Heritage
  5. Sustainability
  6. Parks and Open Spaces
  7. Play
  8. Horticulture
  9. Urban Greening
  10. Community Engagement 

Presentation Duration

Abstracts will be accepted for:

  • rapid fire presentations (10 minutes) - a fast-paced presentation where a speaker delivered a concise message in a short time frame with 2-3 PPT slides
  • oral presentations (25 minute presentation plus 5 minute Q&A) - a formal presentation where the speaker presents research, ideas or findings to an audience of peers followed by a short questions and answers session
  • workshops (45 minutes) - an interactive session where participants actively engage in activities or discussion to develop skills or explore a topic in depth 
  • panel discussions (45 minutes) - a presentation where multiple experts share perspectives and engage in moderated discussion on a topic 
  • flexible - please select this presentation type if you are open to presenting in any of the above formats, please list all presentation types you are comfortable with at the beginning of your abstract if you select this option 

Please note: the timeframes listed above are subject to change with the developments of the full program. 

How To Submit An Abstract

  • Create a contact via the "create contact" tab
  • Submit your abstract of between 150 and 200 words via the "Submit Abstracts" tab
  • Your abstract must include a brief synopsis of your presentation and 3-5 short bullet points on what attendees will learn along with any other relevant information regarding to your presentation the committee should be aware of

Abstract Submission Portal Close

The abstract submission portal will close at 5.00pm AEST time on Monday 11 May 2026. Please ensure you have submitted your abstract before this time as extensions cannot not be granted. 

Presenter Terms And Conditions

  • Accepted presenters must register and pay for the conference. Please note, confirmed presenters will be offered a discounted full registration rate. 
  • Presentation slides are requested in advance, but not enforced – speakers can provide them on the day to the Iceberg Events staff at the registration desk.
  • Presentation slides (in pdf form) may be shared with conference attendees online after the event subject to author consent.


If you have any issues with submitting your abstract, please contact the Conference Organisers, amy@icebergevents.com.au 

The PLA National Conference 2026 Call For Abstracts is yet to be announced.

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Submit an enquiry

Use the form below to get in touch with the Conference Organisers. We’ll review your enquiry and respond as quickly as we can.

Alternatively, you can contact the Conference Organisers via phone on +61 7 3876 4988.