Celebrating 30 years of SMAANZ

Deakin University is excited to welcome you to the 30th annual SMAANZ conference, to be held at Deakin University’s Geelong Waterfront Campus from December 4-6, 2024.

The theme of SMAANZ 2024 will be “Celebrating 30 Years of SMAANZ”. The conference aims to celebrate the growth and development of the SMAANZ community over the past three decades and use this as a base to look forward to the next 30 years. Indicative of this theme we would look to invite you to Deakin University’s Geelong Waterfront campus in December 2024 to present your research and join our community in celebrating the past and shaping the future sport management.

Recognising the growth of the SMAANZ community we have also aligned the conference format with our sister organisations to provide a 3-day conference running from (Wednesday – Friday). The higher degree research (HDR) day will be held on Tuesday 3rd December. 

Listening to our community members' feedback, the 3-day conference format allows us to do more of what makes SMAANZ great: more time to network and build connections, more people in presentations; and more professional development (see for example the workshop sessions and poster presentations in the call for papers!).

Collectively, we believe these changes enhance our ability to deliver on the purpose of SMAANZ to encourage scholarly enquiry in sport management and provide a forum to present and communicate the results of sport management research.

Deakin University’s sport management group looks forward to welcoming you to Geelong for SMAANZ 2024!

Key Dates

  • Abstracts open: Monday 29 April 2024
  • Abstracts close: Saturday 15 June 2024
  • Abstract results: Wednesday 31 July 2024
  • Registration opens: Monday 3 June 2024
  • Early bird registration closes: Monday 30 September 2024
  • Conference Dates: Wednesday 4 December to Friday 6 December 2024
  • HDR Day: Tuesday 3 December 2024

For all enquiries regarding the SMAANZ 2024 Conference, please contact the Conference Committee (smaanz2024@deakin.edu.au).

Registration Costs

All prices listed are in AUD and inclusive of conference functions and 10% GST. Student delegate prices are inclusive of the HDR day.

Early Bird rates (until Sep 30th)

  • Full delegate package - $850.00
  • Student delegate package - $500.00

Standard rates (from Oct 1st)

  • Full delegate package - $950.00
  • Student delegate package - $550.00

Additional ticket pricing for social events. Subject to availability.

  • Dinner ticket - $150
  • Welcome function ticket - $115

Please note: Registration cost is inclusive of the annual SMAANZ membership fee. You do not need to add a membership product to your cart separately. The membership period will be 1 October 2024 - 31 September 2025.

Conference Highlights

  •  Abstract submissions will open on April 29, 2024 and include a wide range of presentation formats, including oral presentations, poster sessions, workshops and enlightening talks, to cater to scholars at all career stages.  For further details about the Call for Papers please click here.
  • We are excited to offer a social program that aims to showcase the unique culture and attractions of Geelong. Delegates can enjoy a range of unforgettable experiences such as surfing lessons at Torquay or guided tours along the iconic Great Ocean Road. You'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in adventure, relaxation, and local hospitality while exploring the natural beauty, history, and culinary delights of Geelong alongside fellow delegates. This is a great chance to make lasting memories and connect with others. For further details about the social program click here.
  • Our conference will begin with a memorable opening event at Cunningham Pier, an iconic structure located on Geelong's waterfront, which dates back to the mid-185. Our closing dinner will be at GMHBA Stadium, home to the Geelong Cats AFL and AFLW teams, as well as VFL and VFLW teams. This stadium has a rich sporting history and has witnessed the Cats' most triumphant eras. It offers one of the largest event spaces in regional Victoria, encompassing the Cats Shop, Cats Community Centre, and the Gartland Heritage Centre.  For further details click here.
  • SMAANZ 2024 is a special event as we will celebrate 30 years of SMAANZ. The conference aims to acknowledge and celebrate the growth and development of the SMAANZ community over the past three decades, and to use this as a foundation to look forward to the next 30 years. In the lead up to SMAANZ 2024, we will also share content to commemorate this significant milestone.