Message from the Chair

The city itself, Brisbane, is a compact, safe, walkable city, with world class infrastructure and a sub-tropical climate. South Bank is one of my favourite places to walk, run or cycle, it boasts 17 hectares of lush parklands, world-class eateries, stunning river views and hundreds of free events all year round make it the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Located in the heart of South Bank is the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, where the WCNA will be held. Its close proximity means you can take in the early morning offerings by attending a free yoga or aqua jogging session or simply stroll through the pockets of rainforest while calling loved ones back home, post conference, take a dip at the swimming beach, meet other conference attendees for dinner and drinks or take a short walk into the city and absorb the nightlife, the options are endless!

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, affectionally known as BCEC, is Australia’s most awarded convention centre and one of the best in the world, located in the heart of South Bank, it has a strong focus on providing exceptional congress experiences with a commitment to a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Brisbane is a clean green city that takes sustainability seriously. Located on the BCEC roof there are 764 solar panels which supply 40% of the centres power, food waste is converted into compost and used across the South Bank parklands precinct.
There is a hotel with 305 rooms physically attached to the convention centre with a further 8,500 rooms within walking distance. Hotel rooms in Brisbane are very affordable by international standards and there is an abundance of options from budget right the way to 5 star, to suit every budget.

Accommodation ranges from $30 in Student accommodation, from $150 in apartment style to luxurious Hotels. Accommodation brands in Brisbane include: W, Marriott, Hyatt, Sofitel, Hilton and Sheraton. No matter which hotel you choose it’s very walkable both into the city centre and to the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
As mentioned, South Bank Parklands precinct is home to over 100, bars, cafes and restaurants, all offering discounts for you and your family to enjoy. We will have ‘Watering Holes’ where you are free to network and receive discounts as a WCNA participant.

Our Art precinct offers complimentary access to permanent programs at Gallery of Modern Art, Queensland Art Gallery and Queensland Museum and to find your way around Brisbane Greeters offer free tours of in more than 20 languages.
Brisbane is the ideal location to tick off your Australia bucket list. Get up close and personal with the Great Barrier Reef, considered one of the seven wonders of the natural world or take a trip into the heart of the Australian outback and visit Uluru one of the most famous landmarks on earth. Sydney, Australia is only a one-hour flight from Brisbane, visit the opera house, take in a show and stroll the famous Darling Harbour. Take a boat down the Brisbane river to cuddle a koala at the world’s oldest, largest koala sanctuary, Lone Pine.

Brisbane is one hour from some of the best beaches in the world, head north to the Sunshine Coast or head south and experience the iconic Surfers Paradise in the heart of the Gold Coast. Or stop in and visit a World Heritage listed rainforest, on your way to a tropical island. There is an island suited to every paradise seeker. you can soak up the sun, go snorkelling, scuba diving, whale watching and even swim with turtles and dolphins.

Join us in Brisbane for WCNA 2026 and experience a congress that will inspire, educate, and connect you with peers from around the globe. We look forward to welcoming you and ensuring your visit is both professionally rewarding and personally enjoyable.

Warm regards,