SMAANZ 2026
We are delighted to announce that the 32nd annual SMAANZ Conference will be hosted by Flinders University on Kaurna Country (Adelaide), Australia, from 2–4 December 2026. The Higher Degree Research (HDR) Day will be held on Tuesday, 1 December 2026.
The conference will take place at Flinders City Campus, Adelaide CBD, with social events and networking functions held within short distances.
Conference Theme
The theme for SMAANZ 2026 is Fearless Transformation in Sport.In a period of unprecedented progress and accelerating change, we invite researchers, educators, and industry leaders to embrace their role as change agents, advancing theory, practice, and governance through collaborative, rigorous, and values-led scholarship and practice.
The 2026 conference experience will feature:
- A three-day academic and industry programme (Wednesday to Friday)
- Day 3 will feature a dedicated sport management education stream, advancing the exchange of educational scholarship, practice, and partnership leadership.
- Facilitated networking sessions to build relationships across research and career stages
- Continuation of the 10/10 presentation format (10-minute presentations + 10-minute discussion) to promote deeper conversations
- Informal connection spaces across the campus to support continuous engagement
- Social events focused on connection and celebration
Whether you are a first-time delegate or a long-standing member of the SMAANZ community, we are committed to creating an environment where you feel connected, energised, and empowered to contribute to the ongoing transformation of sport.
Key Dates
Abstracts open: Monday 4 May 2026
Abstracts close: Friday 3 July 2026
Abstract results announced: Friday 31 July 2026
Registration opens: Monday 8 June 2026
Early bird registration closes: Tuesday 29 September 2026
Awards Submissions – Open same day as abstracts: Monday 4 May 2026
Awards Submissions Close - Wednesday 15th July 2026
Conference dates: Wednesday 2 December to Friday 4 December 2026
Conference welcome function: Tuesday 1 December evening
HDR Day: Tuesday 1 December 2026
NOTE - The Welcome function for SMAANZ 2026 is due to occur on Tuesday rather than as previously held on Wednesday. This may need to be considered within your travel arrangements.
Registration Costs
All prices in AUD
Early Bird Rates (until 30 September 2026)
Full delegate package: $895
Student delegate package (including HDR Day): $495
Standard Rates (from 1 October 2026)
Full delegate package: $995
Student delegate package: $595
One Day Conference Pass (Day 3 Only)
Pass only: $350
Pass package (pass + conference dinner): $450
Additional Tickets (subject to availability)
Conference Dinner Ticket: $160
Welcome Function Ticket: $120
Full delegate package includes attendance at all conference sessions, conference dinner and welcome functions, and annual SMAANZ membership (1 October 2026 – 30 September 2026).
Please note that payments through the SMAANZ website incur a transaction fee of 2.0%+$1.60. This fee is not received by SMAANZ.
We look forward to welcoming you to SMAANZ 2026.
Dr Rubi Cury
SMAANZ 2026 Conference Chair