AFAC26 Conference & Exhibition powered by INTERSCHUTZ
AFAC26 | 18–21 August 2026 | Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
We look forward to welcoming you to AFAC26, taking place from 18–21 August 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
Let’s continue shaping the future of emergency management, together.
Recognised as the Best Trade Show and Best Event of 2024 at the Australian Business Event Awards, AFAC continues to set the standard for industry excellence. It has also been awarded Best Association Event at the EEAA Awards for Excellence in both 2019 and 2022.
Host Agencies
Brought to you by
The Conference
AFAC26 Conference & Exhibition runs from 18 - 21 August 2026, bringing you insights from over 100 expert speakers.
You'll hear from international and local thought leaders across our multi-streamed AFAC conference.
This includes the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference and the Institution of Fire Engineers (Australia) National Conference as concurrent streams.
The event concludes with the Professional Development Program on 21 August 2026.
The Exhibition
Australasia’s leading emergency management and first responder exhibition returns from Tuesday 18 – Thursday 21 August 2026 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
Explore the latest equipment, technologies, and services from hundreds of national and international brands, manufacturers, and suppliers.
The AFAC26 powered by INTERSCHUTZ exhibition will feature products, services, and solutions across key industry collaboration areas, including capability, workforce, community risk reduction, response operations, and fire safety.
Who Should Attend?
- First responders, including police, ambulance, and frontline services, will benefit from the latest innovations in crisis management and public safety.
- Those in defence, corrections, and security can explore new strategies for strengthening national and community safety.
- Experts in hazardous materials, industrial safety, and fire prevention will find essential tools and best practices to enhance risk management.
- With a focus on critical infrastructure, resilience, and disaster recovery, AFAC26 supports professionals dedicated to safeguarding essential services and rebuilding communities.
- For those in mining, gas, and petroleum, the event offers industry-specific solutions to mitigate risk and improve emergency preparedness.
- Join AFAC26 to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of emergency management.
AFAC25 Continuing the Conversation
AFAC25 in numbers - TBC
A Sustainable Partnership
To deliver our greenest conference yet, AFAC26 powered by INTERSCHUTZ is once again partnering with Trace – a sustainability consulting company that removes the barriers to climate action and empowers businesses to take immediate steps forward.
Sustainable Initiatives
The AFAC26 team is thrilled to continue and grow our existing efforts and introduce further sustainable practices at the event, such as:
- Making multiple water stations available throughout the event to mitigate the amount of single-use plastic bottles purchased
- Producing biodegradable and recyclable event materials, such as the event lanyards, badge pouches, delegate satchels, pocket guides and tote bags
- Carbon offsetting all speaker and staff flights booked
- Co-locating the Institution of Fire Engineers (Australia) National Conference and the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference to reduce the carbon footprint involved with travelling to multiple events.
- Hosting the event at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre helps us to increase our sustainable practices. By partnering with a sustainably conscious venue we are supported by the comprehensive practices that underpin all the centre's daily operations. To find out more visit: https://www.mcec.com.au/
AFAC25 powered by INTERSCHUTZ - Sustainability Wrap Up
At the conclusion of AFAC25 powered by INTERSCHUTZ, the team examined the event data to calculate our carbon footprint using the Trace program.
The credits purchased by the AFAC Team, offset the impact of our 2025 event and contributed towards a variety of sustainability initiatives. The funded initiatives invest in the future of our planet locally and abroad. To find out more about our offsetting efforts see the the summary available here.
Attend AFAC26 in Melbourne
Hosting AFAC26 in Melbourne presents a powerful opportunity to connect within one of the world’s most liveable cities and a true hub for emergency management, innovation, and global collaboration.
As Australia’s cultural and economic powerhouse, Melbourne offers unparalleled access to national and international networks. Its strategic location on the southeast coast makes it a central meeting point for professionals across Australasia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.
Recognised for its excellence in hosting world-class conferences and major international events, Melbourne is home to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), a state-of-the-art venue that supports innovation, sustainability, and meaningful engagement.
Beyond the conference, attendees will enjoy a dynamic city renowned for its vibrant arts scene, diverse culinary landscape, and commitment to research, resilience, and future-focused thinking.
FAQs
General Information
What is AFAC26, and who is it for?
- AFAC26 is Australasia’s largest emergency management conference and exhibition, bringing together professionals from across fire services, public safety, search and rescue, emergency medical teams, disaster resilience, and crisis management. The event is designed for responsible authorities, service providers, researchers, and private sector leaders involved in emergency response and disaster preparedness.
When and where is AFAC26 taking place?
- AFAC26 will be held from Tuesday 18 – Thursday 21 August 2026 at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC). The event includes a multi-stream crisis conference, a dedicated wildfire conference, and a search and rescue convention, as well as hands-on training through the Professional Development Program on Friday 21 August.
Is the exhibition free to attend?
- Yes, the AFAC26 exhibition is free to attend. It showcases cutting-edge equipment, technology, and solutions from leading emergency management service providers, covering everything from forest fire disaster management and critical care solutions to artificial intelligence innovations in disaster response.
Why Travel to Melbourne?
Why should I travel to Melbourne for AFAC26?
- Melbourne is a leading hub for emergency management, innovation, and research in the Asia-Pacific region. Hosting AFAC26 here offers unmatched opportunities to connect with experts tackling real challenges, from bushfires and floods to public health crises. With its strong institutional network and history of resilience, Melbourne provides the ideal setting to share insights, build partnerships, and shape the future of disaster response.
What makes AFAC26 different from other events?
- AFAC26 is not just a wildfire conference or a search and rescue convention, it brings together all aspects of emergency management. From storm activity impacts to infectious diseases and crisis response, this event fosters interdisciplinary learning across the intensity of emergencies faced globally.
Conference & Exhibition
What topics will be covered at AFAC26?
AFAC26 covers a broad spectrum of emergency management functions, including:
- Impacts of emergencies and how they shape response strategies
- Disaster events and how responsible authorities manage them
- Forest fire disaster management, wildfire mitigation, and suppression
- Storm activity preparedness and extreme weather resilience
- Emergency medical response, infectious disease outbreaks, and mass casualty planning
- Artificial intelligence and digital transformation in crisis response
- Private sector collaboration in disaster recovery and resilience
Who will be speaking at AFAC26?
- The conference will feature over 100 international and local thought leaders, including experts in fire safety, search and rescue, emergency medical response, climate change adaptation, and crisis coordination.
What can I expect from the exhibition?
- The AFAC26 exhibition will feature hundreds of service providers, critical care solutions, and emerging technologies designed to support responsible authorities, private sector organisations, and frontline responders. Attendees can explore live demonstrations, meet with climate change agencies, and discover the latest in AI-driven emergency response solutions.
Travel & Accommodation
What travel options are available to get to Melbourne?
- Melbourne is a major international gateway with direct flights from across Australia, New Zealand, the Asia-Pacific region, and beyond. Melbourne Airport is well-connected to the city via SkyBus, taxis, rideshare, and public transport. The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is centrally located in South Wharf, easily accessible from the airport, CBD, and surrounding accommodation.
Where should I stay while attending AFAC26?
- Melbourne offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to serviced apartments and budget-friendly stays, many within walking distance of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. We will soon have discounted rates available on the accommodation page, stay tuned.
Registration & Attendance
How do I register for AFAC26?
- You can register your interest on the AFAC26 website. Full conference registrations, including access to keynote sessions, the multi-stream program, and networking events, will open soon.
Can I attend if I am not part of an emergency management agency?
- Yes, AFAC26 welcomes attendees from government agencies, private sector organisations, climate change agencies, and research institutions. If you are involved in emergency preparedness, risk reduction, or disaster resilience, this event is highly relevant.
Will there be networking opportunities?
- Yes, AFAC26 provides multiple networking opportunities, including dedicated meet-ups, industry networking sessions, and collaboration forums designed to connect professionals across public safety, emergency response, and private sector innovation.
