DNAC is an annual conference dedicated to advancing a healthy, diverse, and prosperous northern Australia economy. It brings together leaders across government, industry, community, academia, and First Nations to identify challenges, share solutions, and influence policy for the north’s future.

The purpose of DNAC 2026 is to:

• Support growth and futureproofing of northern Australia
• Connect key stakeholders to improve alignment, communication, and collaboration
• Identify and address the key challenges and opportunities in the North
• Provide a platform for sharing case studies, best practice, innovations and learning
• Influence policy by developing an annual communique with priorities and takeaways

Hosting DNAC in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) provides a unique inland location to spotlight Central Australia and encourage broader regional representation and participation. It brings the conference to a unique setting in the north that underscores the inclusivity and geographic reach of the DNAC mission. Each year the location for DNAC changes across the Northern Territory, northern Western Australia and north Queensland.

DNAC attracts a cross-section of stakeholders, including (but not limited to):

• Government (federal, state/territory, local) decision makers and policy leads
• Industry and business leaders across sectors (resources, agriculture, energy, tourism, infrastructure, health, etc.)
• First Nations organisations, leaders, and Indigenous business representatives
• Researchers, academics, and think tanks working in nNorthern Australia
• Community, nongovernment and civic organisations
• Investors and innovators interested in the north

 

3-Day Delegate – Early Bird - $1,583.90
3-Day Delegate – Standard - $1,803.90

All prices are in Australian dollars and exclude GST.

Yes, please submit a request via the team enquiry form.

• All keynote presentations
• All concurrent presentations
• Discounted accommodation rates
• Access to conference app
• 5-star conference catering package
• Access to exclusive networking functions
• Printed conference materials
• Over 15 hours towards CPD points
• Your personalised certificate of attendance
• Exposure for your organisation
• Plus, chances to win great prizes!

Note: optional tours, dinners, and social events may incur extra charges.

For DNAC 2026, there is no virtual streaming planned. All sessions will be in-person.

The preliminary program outline is:

Sunday 16 August 2026

• Nocturnal Outback Dinner Tour 6pm

Monday 17 August

• Morning educational tours 7am-9am
• Registration opens at 9am
• Conference opening at 10am
• Keynotes, lunch, panels/workshops
• Networking function

Tuesday 18 August

• Full conference day with concurrent sessions
• Keynote sessions
• Conference Dinner

Wednesday 19 August

• Morning sessions and keynote
• Conference close at ~1:00 pm

Note: We have adjusted timing to better align with flight schedules

Yes — proposed tours include: 

• Desert Knowledge Precinct Tour  
• Department of Agriculture & Fisheries Arid Zone Research Institute Tour
• Hot Air Ballooning 
• Cultural Tour at Desert Park 
• Nocturnal Outback Dinner Tour 

To deepen connections and cultural experience, we plan:

• Nocturnal Outback Dinner Tour
• Conference Networking Function
• Conference dinner in a unique Outback location Shape

Current invited and confirmed speakers can be viewed on the home page. Other keynotes will be determined based on the theme, topics, and relevance to the North.

Current invited and confirmed speakers can be viewed on the home page. Other keynotes will be determined based on the theme, topics, and relevance to the North.

Presenters gain:

• A high-profile, engaged and diverse audience
• Networking and business opportunities before, during, and after the conference
• Visibility, media exposure, and influence within northern Australia development agendas

Delegates will need to fly to Mparntwe (Alice Springs) Airport. Discounted flights are available through Qantas. More information can be found here.

The conference begins on a Monday to align with flight schedules into Alice Springs and to allow delegates to arrive over the weekend. This timing provides a smoother travel experience and gives attendees time to settle in before the program begins. It also allows flexibility for pre- and post-conference touring, so delegates can make the most of their visit to Central Australia, including iconic destinations such as Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon, and the West MacDonnell Ranges.

Yes — in response to feedback from previous years, we have adjusted the initial and final days of the program to better align with flights.

We will negotiate conference rates with the Crowne Plaza and DoubleTree by Hilton in Mparntwe (Alice Springs). More information can be found here.

For off-site dinners or tours, coach transport will be provided. Delegates should review the transport schedule and meeting points in advance. Airport and hotels transfers will not be organised through the conference and have to be covered by the delegate.

Starting the conference on Monday allows for:

• Smoother travel logistics — we’ve aligned the schedule with flight arrivals into Mparntwe (Alice Springs) over the weekend (especially from Brisbane and Darwin).
• Pre-conference touring options on Sunday and Monday morning, offering delegates a richer cultural and educational experience before the program begins.
• Three full days of high-quality content, with the conference concluding early Wednesday afternoon to allow for same-day departures.

This structure was designed in direct response to delegate feedback from previous years.

The Conference Dinner is a highlight of DNAC, set in a unique Outback location and featuring:

• Full dinner with drinks
• Return transport
• Live entertainment
• An unmatched networking opportunity under the stars

The cost is $282 per person and reflects:

• Growth in event size from 100 guests to 300+
• Enhanced entertainment and production to suit a larger audience
• Additional logistics and equipment

This is an optional add-on, which you can book at the time of registration.

Yes — DNAC is committed to culturally safe participation for First Nations delegates. In response to feedback:

• Indigenous voices will be integrated throughout the program
• Cultural tours and workshops will be offered
• Delegates can indicate cultural needs or requests during registration
• Indigenous scholarships will be available to support attendance

We continue to consult with First Nations stakeholders and encourage participation and guidance at every stage of planning.

Yes — DNAC is committed to culturally safe participation for First Nations delegates. In response to feedback:

• Indigenous voices will be integrated throughout the program
• Cultural tours and workshops will be offered
• Delegates can indicate cultural needs or requests during registration
• Indigenous scholarships will be available to support attendance

We continue to consult with First Nations stakeholders and encourage participation and guidance at every stage of planning.

All exhibitions and catering will be held in the MacDonnell Rooms. This includes:

• Morning tea
• Lunch
• Afternoon tea
• Opportunities to engage with sponsors and exhibitors
• Poster presentations and networking areas

Yes. Your name badge is your official pass to all conference sessions, catering areas, the exhibition, and the Welcome Networking Function.

Please wear it at all times — the event has a strict no badge, no entry policy.

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi will be available throughout the conference venue. Network details will be provided at registration and displayed in common areas.

The dress code is smart casual for all conference sessions and social events, including the Welcome Networking Function and Conference Dinner.

Early Bird registration ends on Friday 15 May 2026. Make sure to register early to access discounted rates!

Yes, visa support letters are available. Once you’ve registered and paid, please send a message via the contact form.

Presentation submissions can be made on the conference website. You’ll need to prepare:

• A 300-word abstract
• Presentation title
• A 100-word bio
• Your contact and organisation details
• 3 key takeaways from your presentation

Submissions open Tuesday 11 November 2025 and close Friday 27 February 2026.

Yes! The registration form includes an option to generate an invoice at the end of the process. For group bookings or further assistance, please send a message via the contact form.

Accommodation can be booked during the registration process or by contacting us directly at via the contact form. Room blocks may be limited, so early booking is encouraged.

Yes, name substitutions are allowed free of charge. Please send your request via the contact form.

Registrations are non-refundable, but you may transfer your ticket to another person at no cost. Please contact form to process the change.

Absolutely! The conference welcomes sponsorship from aligned organisations. To express interest, please fill out the request a prospectus form on the partner web page.

You will receive an email notification on 24 March 2026 with the outcome of your submission. Be sure to check your junk/spam folder as well. For any questions, please send message via the contact form on our website.