AFAC26
The AFAC powered by INTERSCHUTZ conference brings a broad spectrum of emergency management practitioners together to learn and share experiences. Showcasing the latest research and practice across the sector, AFAC26 will feature the multi-streamed AFAC Conference, incorporating the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference, the Institution of Fire Engineers (Australia) National Conference and the Women and Firefighting Australasia Conference.
Celebrating the Success of AFAC25
On behalf of AFAC, Deutsche Messe, the Institution of Fire Engineers (Australia), Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA), and the Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience (AIDR), thank you to all our exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, partners, and attendees for making AFAC25 such an outstanding success.
Returning to Melbourne, AFAC26 will bring together thousands of emergency management professionals, industry leaders, and innovators to share knowledge, showcase technology, and strengthen connections across the sector.
Your ongoing support and collaboration continue to elevate this event as Australasia’s leading emergency management conference and exhibition.
We look forward to welcoming you to AFAC26, taking place from 18–21 August 2026 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
Let’s continue shaping the future of emergency management, together.
AFAC Conference and Exhibition Industry Recognition
Recognised as the Best Trade Show and Best Event of 2024 at the Australian Business Event Awards, AFAC continues to set the standard for industry excellence. It has also been awarded Best Association Event at the EEAA Awards for Excellence in both 2019 and 2022.
AFAC26 Conference & Exhibition runs from 18-21 August 2026, bringing you insights from over 100 expert speakers.
You`ll hear from international and local thought leaders across our multi-streamed AFAC conference.
This includes the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference, Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) and the Institution of Fire Engineers (Australia) National Conference as concurrent streams.
The event concludes with the Professional Development Program on 21 August 2026.
The AFAC powered by INTERSCHUTZ conference brings a broad spectrum of emergency management practitioners together to learn and share experiences.
Showcasing the latest research and practice across the sector, AFAC26 will feature the multi-streamed AFAC Conference, incorporating the Australian Disaster Resilience Conference, the Institution of Fire Engineers (Australia) National Conference and the Women and Firefighting Australasia Conference.
AFAC26 Theme - Leading Together: Integrity, Inclusion and Impact
AFAC26 will examine how transformational leadership grounded in integrity, equity, and inclusion can shape the future of our industry. We will explore and celebrate how diverse voices and inclusive cultures foster innovation, strengthen social licence and build community trust.
The program will encourage thinking and highlight successes across environments where people feel empowered to contribute, collaborate, and innovate. It will demonstrate how we can further enhance and embed ethical leadership into every layer of our organisations to meet the evolving
expectations of the communities we serve.
AFAC26 will consider the impact of constant change and transformation across communities, organisations and cultures. It will challenge our thinking and will seek to understand how we can all navigate complex environments, overcome challenges and lead in the face of adversity.
Tuesday 18 – Thursday 20 August 2026 | Melbourne, Victoria
Join Australasia’s largest gathering of emergency management professionals at the AFAC Conference in vibrant Melbourne. Featuring inspirational keynote speakers and thought leaders, this main conference is designed for leaders, policy influencers, and operational experts seeking to elevate their approach in fire and emergency services. Located in the heart of Victoria, Melbourne offers a dynamic backdrop to connect with change-makers across Australasia, share knowledge, and engage in multi-stream sessions that explore the challenges and innovations shaping our region.
Who Should Attend:
- Fire and Emergency Service Leaders: Chiefs, commanders, and regional leaders looking to elevate their approach.
- Policy Makers and Government Officials: Decision-makers shaping public safety and community protection policies.
- First Responders and Operational Managers: Those on the front lines of crisis response, eager for actionable insights.
- Community Resilience Coordinators: Leaders focused on building resilient, prepared communities.
- Interagency Collaboration Leads: Professionals in roles that connect multiple agencies for emergency response.
- Emergency Communications Officers: Specialists overseeing public information and crisis communication during emergencies.
Tuesday 18 August 2026 | Melbourne, Victoria
Start AFAC26 with a deep dive into cutting-edge ideas and groundbreaking science, all set against the innovative energy of Melbourne. Research and Innovation Day is designed for those leading change and advancing technology in emergency management, making it ideal for researchers, technology specialists, and professionals interested in exploring how the latest developments are transforming emergency response across the region.
Who Should Attend:
- Researchers and Academics: Scholars advancing the science behind emergency management and resilience.
- Innovation and Technology Leaders: CTOs, product developers, and tech specialists focusing on new solutions.
- Emergency Service Managers: Leaders aiming to incorporate evidence-based strategies and technologies into their operations.
- Data Analysts and Digital Transformation Leads: Professionals specialising in data-driven emergency response.
- Environmental Scientists and Climate Specialists: Focused on how climate science impacts disaster preparedness.
- Product and Solution Developers: Innovators in fire-resistant materials, safety technology, and emergency response equipment.
Wednesday 19 – Thursday 20 August 2026 | Melbourne, Victoria
Dedicated to the technical and regulatory aspects of fire safety, the IFE (Australia) National Conference takes place in Melbourne, one of Australia’s key hubs for engineering and safety industries. This conference is ideal for technical experts, SEA engineers, and industry leaders, providing a space to explore the latest advancements in fire engineering, regulatory standards, and industry solutions.
Who Should Attend:
- Fire Engineers and Structural Safety Experts: Professionals addressing fire risk in building and infrastructure.
- Safety and Compliance Managers: Focused on upholding fire safety standards and regulations.
- Facility and Plant Engineers: Managing fire safety protocols in industrial and commercial facilities.
- Insurance and Risk Assessment Officers: Experts assessing fire risks in structures and providing mitigation recommendations.
- Fire Suppression and Equipment Specialists: Professionals responsible for fire suppression technology and installations.
- Building Code and Regulatory Authorities: Officials ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations and building codes.
Friday 21 August 2026 | Melbourne, Victoria
Located in one of Australia’s leading hubs for innovation and emergency management, Melbourne provides the ideal setting for a day of hands-on learning. The Professional Development Program features interactive workshops and field trips that draw on Victoria’s diverse landscapes and industry expertise. Attendees will expand their practical knowledge and operational skills in the field, an invaluable opportunity for professionals from across Australasia and Southeast Asia looking to build real-world competencies.
Who Should Attend:
- First Responders: Firefighters, paramedics, and rescue personnel looking for tactical skills.
- Operational Team Leaders and Supervisors: Those who manage field teams and want advanced response training.
- Training Officers and Instructors: Professionals responsible for developing and delivering training programmes.
- Safety and Compliance Officers: Focused on maintaining high safety standards and protocols in emergency settings.
- Facility Managers and Site Safety Leaders: Those overseeing safety in high-risk environments like industrial sites or large facilities.
- Emergency Preparedness Coordinators: Planners involved in drills, field training, and community preparedness programmes.
Wednesday 19 – Thursday 20 August 2026 | Melbourne, Victoria
The Australian Disaster Resilience Conference (ADRC), hosted in Melbourne, welcomes resilience coordinators and community safety leaders from Australia and SEA. This essential event focuses on disaster risk reduction, resilience strategies, and community protection. Melbourne`s dynamic environment provides an inspiring setting to discuss proactive approaches to safeguard communities from natural and human-induced hazards.
Who Should Attend:
- Disaster Resilience and Risk Reduction Specialists: Experts in community-focused disaster preparedness.
- Government Officials: Local, state, and federal representatives focused on building resilient infrastructure and communities.
- Community Leaders and Social Service Coordinators: Individuals working to support vulnerable populations during crises.
- Environmental and Climate Adaptation Officers: Professionals addressing climate impacts on disaster risk.
- Public Health and Humanitarian Coordinators: Focusing on the health and welfare of communities post-disaster.
- Insurance and Risk Management Professionals: Engaged in planning and recovery efforts to minimise loss.
- Nonprofit and NGO Leaders: Those supporting disaster-affected communities with resources and recovery programmes.
Wednesday 19 - Thursday 20 August 2026 | Melbourne, Victoria
The Women and Firefighting Australasia (WAFA) Conference in Melbourne brings together female firefighters, emergency responders, and advocates from across Australasia to share knowledge, foster connections, and advance diversity and inclusion in emergency services. With sessions on technical skills, leadership, and best practices, this empowering event cultivates a supportive community dedicated to strengthening and inspiring women in firefighting.
Who Should Attend:
- Female Firefighters and Emergency Responders: Those on the front lines who are dedicated to protecting lives and property.
- Fire Service Leaders and Trainers: Professionals committed to developing inclusive training programs and leadership pathways.
- Diversity and Inclusion Advocates: Individuals working to create equitable opportunities within emergency services.
- Government and Policy Representatives: Focused on creating policies that encourage diversity in emergency response roles.
- Researchers and Academics: Examining gender-specific challenges and promoting research on diversity in emergency services.
- Community Engagement Officers: Promoting community resilience and strengthening ties between fire services and the communities they serve.
Meet the unique blend of senior-level decision makers and frontline operational personnel at Asia Pacific’s largest emergency management conference and exhibition – AFAC26 powered by INTERSCHUTZ
AFAC26 powered by INTERSCHUTZ is Australasia’s largest emergency management conference and exhibition. Since 2016, the exhibition has grown to become the must attend event for emergency management professionals who are sourcing equipment and services for their agencies.
This is your opportunity to meet decision makers and influencers from fire, emergency management, law enforcement, defence, resources, the built environment and hazardous industrial sectors. No other medium offers you the chance to demonstrate your product in person to these hard to reach customers.
As well as the exhibition, AFAC26 will also offer social functions for you to meet and network with the senior-level conference delegates and fellow exhibitors.
- Meet the sector’s decision makers and influencers
- Generate quality leads
- Position your organisation alongside the trusted AFAC & INTERSCHUTZ brands at the event run by the sector for the sector
- Demonstrate your product in person to an audience of thousands
- Benefit from the extensive PR & marketing campaign
- Firefighters and Emergency Responders: Front-line personnel seeking the latest tools and techniques for effective crisis response.
- Incident Commanders & Control Room Managers: Leaders coordinating large-scale, multi-agency responses.
- Emergency Communications Officers: Specialists responsible for public alerts, crisis communication, and information management during emergencies.
- Urban Search and Rescue Teams (USAR): Professionals enhancing skills and equipment for complex rescues.
- Community Resilience & Recovery Coordinators: Leaders focused on community preparedness, resilience, and long-term recovery support.
- Local, State, and Federal Government Officials: Policymakers invested in community safety, disaster resilience, and risk mitigation.
- Defence and Security Personnel: Those responsible for national safety, including fire, rescue, and disaster relief capabilities.
- Public Health Coordinators & Humanitarian Workers: Addressing community health and welfare in post-disaster scenarios.
- Environmental Policymakers & Climate Adaptation Specialists: Professionals tackling the climate impact on emergency readiness and response.
- Business Continuity Planners: Preparing organisations to withstand and recover from major incidents.
- Insurance and Risk Assessment Officers: Providing risk management solutions and recovery strategies to reduce financial loss.
- Financial Services and Business Resilience Coordinators: Working to secure organisational resilience against potential disasters.
- Environmental and Climate Scientists: Researchers addressing climate-related risks and their impact on disaster management.
- Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Coordinators: Ensuring the well-being of workers and civilians in emergency situations.
- Facility & Plant Managers: Overseeing emergency readiness in industrial and commercial settings.
- Industrial Hygienists and Toxicologists: Experts in chemical and biological hazards critical to emergency preparedness.
- Mining Safety Officers and Engineers: Professionals from high-risk industries aiming to minimise hazards and improve emergency protocols.
- Oil & Gas and Resource Industry Safety Managers: Ensuring safety in volatile environments with robust emergency strategies.
- Utilities and Energy Sector Professionals: Leaders addressing safety in essential services and critical infrastructure.
- Transportation and Rail Industry Safety Officers: Developing protocols for large-scale incidents and operational safety.
- Construction and Building Safety Managers: Experts in risk assessment, fire safety, and emergency evacuation planning.
- Data Scientists and Analysts: Using data-driven insights to shape predictive models and response strategies.
- Digital Transformation Specialists: Bringing technological advancements to emergency response and resource management.
- Innovation and Product Developers: Creators of fire-resistant materials, life-saving equipment, and advanced detection systems.
- AI and Machine Learning Experts: Innovators exploring AI applications for crisis forecasting, resource management, and on-ground support.
- Drone and Robotics Engineers: Specialists in drone applications and robotics for surveillance, delivery, and assistance in hard-to-reach areas.
- Researchers and Academics: Advancing the science behind fire safety, emergency preparedness, and resilience.
- Training Officers and Field Instructors: Developing emergency response skills through hands-on training programs.
- Public Safety Educators and Outreach Coordinators: Professionals dedicated to public safety awareness and community education.
- Human Factors and Ergonomics Experts: Analysing human behaviour in emergencies to improve safety measures.
- First responders, including police, ambulance, and frontline services, will benefit from the latest innovations in crisis management and public safety.
- Those in defence, corrections, and security can explore new strategies for strengthening national and community safety.
- Experts in hazardous materials, industrial safety, and fire prevention will find essential tools and best practices to enhance risk management
- With a focus on critical infrastructure, resilience, and disaster recovery, AFAC26 supports professionals dedicated to safeguarding essential services and rebuilding communities.
- For those in mining, gas, and petroleum, the event offers industry-specific solutions to mitigate risk and improve emergency preparedness.
- Join AFAC26 to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of emergency management.