Share your insights, stories and strategies at DNAC26
Present at the Developing Northern Australia Conference 2026
The Developing Northern Australia Conference (DNAC) is where leaders, innovators and changemakers gather to share ideas, research and real-world solutions for a stronger, more connected north.
In 2026, the conversation continues in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), a place that embodies connection between people, place and development.
If you are passionate about building a sustainable, inclusive and prosperous future for the region, we invite you to present at DNAC26.
Presenters come from all areas of government, industry, research, business and community. Together, we will explore the conference theme:
Northern Horizons: Linking People, Place and Development
Apply to Present
What to Present at DNAC26
We are seeking presentations that bring new ideas, research and experience to the forefront of northern Australia’s sustainable development.
The Conference Committee is particularly interested in:
- First Nations Economic Leadership – Indigenous-led development, decision-making and opportunities for inclusive growth.
- Growing Northern Talent – Building workforce capability and future-ready skills for innovation and industry.
- Infrastructure, Connectivity and Strategic Capability – Strengthening resilience and building smart systems for the north.
- Economic Development – Pathways for investment, partnerships and regenerative business models.
- Innovation, Technology and Sector Transformation – Place-based, tech-driven and collaborative solutions.
- Environment, Climate and Natural Resource Transition – Balancing progress with stewardship and sustainability.
- Health, Community and Cultural Resilience – Building thriving, connected and culturally strong communities.
Why Present
Presenting at DNAC26 offers the opportunity to:
- Share your research, case study or success story with a national audience
- Build connections with government, business and community leaders
- Influence policy and decision-making across key sectors
- Contribute to practical solutions that support a sustainable northern Australia
Whether you are leading a major initiative or pioneering local change, your perspective adds value to the conversation.
What we’ll cover at DNAC26
Northern horizons: linking people, place and development
-
First Nations Economic Leadership
- Indigenous-led development and decision-making
- Using Traditional Ecological Knowledge in land, water and agriculture
- Designing infrastructure, policy and innovation that respect culture
- Building strong native title corporations for economic opportunities
- Unlocking finance pathways for Indigenous entrepreneurs (low-collateral, seasonal-adaptive capital)
- The next generation of northern leaders – youth, entrepreneurship, and civic participation.
-
Growing Northern Talent: Next Gen Education, Training and Careers
- Attracting and keeping a strong workforce
- Future-ready skills for industry and innovation
- Knowledge economy and skills: universities, research and innovation
- Supporting cultural continuity through employment and training
- Vibrant, liveable communities
- Pathways for youth, emerging leaders and entrepreneurs
- Sovereign workforce and population strategy
-
Infrastructure, Connectivity & Strategic Capability
- Northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific: building resilience, security, connected system and opportunity.
- Connecting the north: air, rail, sea, data and telecommunications
- Positioning the north as a strategic and logistics hub
- Smart systems: infrastructure, microgrids, cyber and disaster readiness
- Infrastructure powering manufacturing, supply chains and export readiness
- Regional housing supply and solutions
-
Economic Development
- Economic precincts and investment attraction
- Indigenous, community-owned, and public-private partnerships
- Circular economy and regenerative business models
- Success stories in agribusiness, resources, tourism and manufacturing
- Financing the north: capital models, risk-sharing, and enabling investment pipelines
- Social impact
- Planning for seasonal economies: dry–wet business cycles, adaptive workforce models
- Energy development as an economic driver: local ownership, exports, and infrastructure
- Strategic resource development: Institutional architecture and financing for the north
-
Innovation, Technology & Sector Transformation
- AI, automation and digital platforms transforming industry
- Next gen tech case studies: environmental, cultural, knowledges, resources, agriculture, health
- Place-based locally led solutions
- Building for the north: remote manufacturing and modular construction
- Data connectivity and innovation in remote services
- Innovation partnerships between research, industry, and defence
-
Environment, Climate & Natural Resource Transition
- Indigenous land care and fire management on Country
- Cultural continuity (language, stories, land stewardship) as economic and social capital
- Biodiversity, carbon and natural capital (including coastal/marine ecosystems)
- Sustainable energy-water transitions: integrated infrastructure for resilience and growth.
- Climate adaptation and regenerative agriculture and aquaculture for food and fibre production
- Balancing development with environmental sustainability
- Post-mining transition and place-based economic renewal
-
Health, Community & Cultural Resilience
- Health systems for the north: workforce, technology, and culturally safe models.
- Cultural continuity as a social determinant and community strength indicator
- Community-led wellbeing strategies
- Addressing social determinants of health (housing, food security)
- Culture, arts, and sport as economic pathways
- Strengthening volunteerism and grassroots initiatives
- Public safety, youth justice, and social cohesion
Presentation Styles
Click to expand.
Oral Presentation
Take to the stage and present to the audience in a 20-minute speaking session with 5 minutes for questions.
Workshop Presentation
Keep the attention of attendees via engaging, hands-on learning experience in a 60-minute workshop.
Panel Presentation
Panel presentations bring together views from a group of presenters into a discussion of innovative ideas, current topics, and relevant issues. Each panel session will run for 60 minutes and will consist of at least 3 panel members.
Poster Presentation
Visually showcase your research or services via a printed poster, displayed in the conference exhibition area for the duration of the conference. A dedicated 15-minute poster session is included in the conference program.
3 Minute Insights
Whether it’s a breakthrough project, a provocative idea, or a homegrown success story, this is your moment! Presenters get 3 minutes, using only 3 slides, to pitch their vision, share a case study, or highlight a critical insight.
Important Dates
| Presentation applications open | ? |
| Presentation applications close | ? |
| Notifications to presenters | ? |
| Acceptances and registrations due | ? |
| Program launch | ? |
| Early bird ends | ? |
| Conference dates | ? |
Ready to Share Your Story?
Be part of a program that sparks progress across the north.
Submit your presentation proposal for DNAC26 today.