Speakers
Speaker applications have closed.
Speaker FAQs
While speaking at the Symposium is an unpaid role, we deeply value the time and expertise our presenters contribute. All accepted speakers will receive complimentary access to the event, and thanks to the generous support of a grant, we are pleased to offer limited assistance with travel and accommodation costs for interstate presenters.
Thanks to the generous support of a grant, we are able to offer limited assistance with travel and accommodation costs for interstate presenters. If cost is a barrier to you presenting, please contact us as soon as possible to discuss possible support options.
Yes. All speakers receive complimentary access to the Symposium, including the sessions, networking opportunities, and catering provided during the event.
Absolutely. We welcome joint presentations and panel discussions. Please make sure to include the details of all co‑presenters in your application.
We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment. We can offer flexible presentation formats, pre‑event preparation support, and accessibility adjustments (such as quiet spaces, assistance with slides, or alternative formats). Please let us know your needs in your application, and we’ll work with you to make presenting a positive experience.
No. We encourage applications from people with lived experience who may be new to presenting. If you have an important story or idea to share, we want to hear from you.
Who better to answer this question than hearing direct from our presenters of the 2025 Symposium, you can watch their videos below.
Yes, all selected speakers will be required to sign a standard speaker’s agreement. We try to keep this as simple as possible, but we want to make sure we are all clear on our roles and obligations.
We understand that not everyone wants to give a solo presentation and that’s okay!
You can still be part of the Symposium by joining a panel discussion. We offer two options for participating in panel discussions at the Symposium:
1. Submit a Full Panel Proposal
If you already have a panel in mind and have confirmed your fellow panelists, you can submit a speaker form as a group. You’ll lead the coordination of your panel, including preparing content and ensuring your team is ready.
2. Register as an Individual Panelist
If you’re interested in joining a panel but don’t have one organised, you can register as an individual. Just let us know your areas of interest in the speaker form. We’ll work to connect you with others who share similar experiences or topics, and help form a panel. Once matched, you’ll collaborate with your fellow panelists to shape the discussion. We’ll provide support, including a facilitator and pre-event briefing, and check in with your group to help bring it all together.
To express interest to join a Panel simply fill out the speaker form and select “Panel Participation.” Let us know what topics or areas you’d feel comfortable contributing to, and our team will be in touch to explore how you can be involved.
Panel sessions typically run for 45–60 minutes. If you’re submitting a full panel, your group will manage preparation independently. If you’re joining a panel through our matching process, you’ll need to allocate time to meet with your fellow panelists and prepare collaboratively. We’ll provide discussion questions in advance and offer light-touch support to help you feel confident and ready.