AUT (Auckland University of Technology) is delighted to welcome you to the 31st annual SMAANZ Conference, to be held on AUT’s North Campus in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Aotearoa (New Zealand) from 3–5 December 2025.

The theme for SMAANZ 2025 is Whiria te tāngata, a Māori saying meaning ‘weave the people together’. This theme reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful connection, collaboration, and engagement across the sport management field. We look forward to welcoming new and returning delegates to share research, conversations, and experiences.

The Higher Degree Research (HDR) Day will be held on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, with the main conference running from Wednesday to Friday (3–5 December 2025). Conference sessions will take place on AUT’s North Campus, with social events hosted across central Tāmaki Makaurau, offering a vibrant mix of academic and cultural experiences.

Following feedback from SMAANZ 2024, we have made several enhancements for SMAANZ 2025:

  • Facilitated networking sessions to help delegates connect across research interests and career stages
  • Deep-dive workshops focusing on interactive topics proposed by our SMAANZ community 
  • Informal connection spaces available throughout the week to support conversations beyond sessions
  • Opportunities for newer attendees to connect with long-standing members of the SMAANZ whānau (family)
  • A refreshed, more social dinner format, allowing more time for celebration and connection
  • To encourage deeper discussion and engagement, academic presentations will now be 10 minutes long, followed by 10 minutes for audience questions and interaction.

Key Dates

  • Abstracts open: Monday 5 May 2025

  • Abstracts close: Friday 30 June 2025

  • Abstract results released: Thursday 31 July 2025

  • Registration opens: Monday 9 June 2025

  • Early bird registration closes: Tuesday 30 September 2025

  • Conference dates: Wednesday 3 December to Friday 5 December 2025

  • HDR Day: Tuesday 2 December 2025

Registration Costs

All prices listed are in AUD and inclusive of conference functions and 10% GST. Student delegate prices include attendance at the HDR Day. Conference registration includes the annual SMAANZ membership fee for the period 1 October 2025 – 31 September 2026. Membership does not need to be purchased separately.

Early Bird Rates (until 30 September 2025)
Full delegate package: $850.00
Student delegate package: $500.00

Standard Rates (from 1 October 2025)
Full delegate package: $950.00
Student delegate package: $550.00

Additional Tickets (subject to availability)
Conference dinner ticket: $150
Welcome function ticket: $115

SMAANZ 2025 Information

Further details will be released shortly, including information on abstract submissions, the social programme, and accommodation options.

Please find below quick links for easy access to key conference information [Coming Soon]
Abstract Submission Details
Social Programme Information
About Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)
Auckland Accommodation Options

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We look forward to welcoming you to Tāmaki Makaurau for SMAANZ 2025.

Dr Mel Johnston& Dr Sarah Wymer
SMAANZ 2025 Conference Co-Chairs
info@smaanz.org