AWEMS Conference 2026

AWEMS 2026 Conference - Many Paths, One Horizon
24-27th November | Fairmont Resort, Blue Mountains, NSW

This year's AWEMS Conference, “Many Paths, One Horizon”, will be held from 24–27 November 2026, with optional pre- and post-conference workshops on 24 and 27 November. We are delighted to be returning to the Blue Mountains for this landmark event and can’t wait to welcome you.

We have an inspiring line-up of speakers covering a diverse range of topics in wilderness and expedition medicine. More information will be provided soon.

The AWEMS Conference is open to all backgrounds – paramedics, nurses, doctors, army medics, wilderness guides, students, and anyone with an interest in wilderness medicine.
Join us this November in New South Wales for an unforgettable combination of education, adventure, and community.

Lots more information below.

Previous Conferences

2025
Off the Beaten Track

2025 Conference Poster

2024
Diving Deeper

2024 Conference Poster

2023
Discover New Heights

2023 Conference Poster

2022
Stoke the Fire

2022 Conference Poster

2021
Looking for Adventure

2021 Conference Poster

 

About Conference 2026

Many Paths, One Horizon

This year’s conference theme Many Paths, One Horizon celebrates ethnicity and diversity shaping wilderness and expedition medicine.

The organising committee is very busy behind the scenes working to bring you the very best content and diverse range of speakers, and invite you to save the date and peruse the current information at hand to help you plan your attendance.

Across several days in the spectacular Blue Mountains, delegates will connect with experts, exchange ideas, develop practical skills, and explore the latest research advancing the field of wilderness and expedition medicine.

To help you with your planning, please read the below important conference information.

We look forward to seeing you at the conference. More details will be released soon. Keep an eye out in your emais and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

Download Poster (JPG)

Why Attend?

  • Experience the beautiful Blue Mountains - one of Australia’s most iconic wilderness destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Sharpen your wilderness and expedition medicine skills through practical education sessions.
  • Up to a year’s worth of CPD points from one conference
  • Learn real-world techniques from clinicians delivering care in resource-limited environment
  • Connect with leaders and peers shaping remote medicine across Australasia
  • Build meaningful professional networks
  • Celebrate the achievements of colleagues advancing the field
  • The Blue Mountains provides the perfect backdrop for this gathering of wilderness clinicians — and with so much to explore, many delegates choose to extend their stay and make a week of it.

    • Location

    The Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia. A world heritage-listed region near Sydney, famous for dramatic sandstone cliffs, deep valleys, and lush rainforests. Iconic landmarks include the Three Sisters rock formation at Echo Point, Scenic World’s cableway/railway, Govetts Leap, Wentworth Falls, and the extensive Jenolan Caves.

    Dates: Tuesday 24 November - Friday 27 November 2026
    Venue: Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains
    1 Sublime Point Road, Leura NSW

    Registration

    Early bird registrations will be open soon

      Full conference registration includes:
    • Two conference days of sessions
    • Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea
    • Networking opportunities with leading wilderness clinicians

    (Social events and workshops ticketed separately)

    Conference Registration rates will be arranged based on AWEMS memberships (active member or non-member)

    To get the membership rate (which will be a substantial discount) make sure your AWEMS membership is up to date or sign up to be a member.

    Conference Registration Fees

    Registrations & further details opening soon

    FULL 2 DAY REGISTRATION

    Wednesday 25th & Thursday 26th November 2026

     

    Early Bird
    (until 31st July 2026)

    Standard
    (from 1st Aug 2026)

    AWEMS Member

    $790

    $950

    Non-Member

    $950

    $1230

    AWEMS Student Member

    $305

    $350

    Non-member (student)

    $335

    $395

    Pre-conference workshop

    NA

    TBC

    Night 1 – social event

    NA

    $115/pp

    Night 2 – social event (blue mountains location)

    NA

    TBC

    Post conference event

    NA

    TBC

    Save on conference registration fees and become an AWEMS member

    Standard member from $100/year; Student member $25/year

    SINGLE DAY REGISTRATION

    Wednesday 25th OR Thursday 26th November 2026

     

    Early Bird
    (until 31st Jul 2026)

    Standard
    (after 1st Aug 2026)

    AWEMS Member

    $450

    $510

    Non-Member

    $510

    $610

    AWEMS Student Member

    $250

    $300

    Non-member (student)

    $300

    $350

    Pre-conference workshop

    NA

    TBC

    Night 1 – social event

    NA

    $115/pp

    Night 2 – social event (blue mountains location)

    NA

    TBC

    Post conference event

    NA

    TBC

    Save on conference registration fees and become an AWEMS member

    Standard member from $100/year; Student member $25/year

    Programme Overview

    Proposed Programme

    Tuesday 24 November
    Pre-conference workshop (ticketed separately)

    Wednesday 25 November – Day 1
    0800–0830 Registration
    0900–1715 Conference Sessions
    1900–2100 Welcome Social Event (ticketed separately)

    Thursday 26 November – Day 2
    0700–0745 President’s Breakfast (early career practitioners only) on site
    0830–1700 Conference Sessions
    1900–2100 Social Event (ticketed separately)

    Friday 27 November
    Post-conference challenge (ticketed separately)

    Full program details will be released soon.

    Sponsorship Opportunities

    Demonstrate your commitment to advancing wilderness, expedition and remote medicine by becoming a sponsor at the AWEMS Conference 2026. Sponsorship opportunities are now available to promote your brand to a highly aligned audience of clinicians, researchers, educators and field practitioners from across Australia, New Zealand and beyond who work in remote and austere environments.

    Our partnership packages provide unique opportunities to connect with this engaged professional community while supporting education, research and collaboration in this important field.

    Join us at AWEMS 2026 as we come together to advance wilderness and expedition medicine and support those delivering care in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

    EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST email: sponsorship@awems.org.au or call Michael Janssens 0491 789 221

    Presenter Opportunities

    Do you have research, insights or practical experience to share?

    AWEMS welcomes expressions of interest from clinicians, researchers and practitioners who would like to present at the 2026 conference. The programme is being put together now.

    EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST by emailing conference@awems.org.au, or call Michael Janssens 0491 789 221

    Accommodation

    Accommodation is to be booked directly with the provider via this link Book Accommodation. Note, although we have held a number of rooms, these are limited, so we suggest that you book early to avoid disappointment.

    Fairmont Resort (Conference Venue)
    1 Sublime Point Road
    Leura NSW

    Special conference rates include Wi-Fi and buffet breakfast.

    • Superior King – $215 per night (limited rooms)
    • Standard Room – $235 per night
    • Complimentary parking
    These accommodation rates are valid until 30 days prior to the event date (25/10/2026). Any delegates who book accommodation within 29 days will be given best available rate at the time of booking subject to availability

    Alternative Accommodation

    Leisure Inn Spires (Leura)
    Use discount code AWEMS15
    BAR (Best Available Rate) less 15% valid
    Self contained studio/one-bedroom/double/twin rooms
    6 min drive to venue
    3-4 star self contained

    Terms and conditions Deposit and Payment A valid credit card guarantee is required for all bookings. A 20% deposit of the estimated total value of the initial room block is required to secure the allocation. Full payment will be processed before check-in for that specific rotation cycle. Cancellation, Amendments & No-Shows All cancellations or changes must be submitted in writing and acknowledged by the Hotel. Cancellations within 15 days from arrival date will incur 100% charge for the cancelled stay. No-shows will be charged the full duration of the missed booking. Name changes are permitted without penalty up to 7 days prior to each rotation's arrival date. Rates Agreed accommodation rate: 15% off BAR per night room-only basis. Rates are subject to review if the overall room-night volume or stay pattern materially changes. General Conditions Check-in: from 2:00 pm | Check-out: 10:00 am. Late check-out requests are subject to availability and may incur additional fees. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in all rooms (maximum 5 devices per room).
    Use this discount code AWEMSNOV26 for 10% off below accommodation



    Hydro Majestic (Medlow Bath)
    Queen rooms
    16 min drive to venue
    5 star
    Day spa
    Parklands Country Gardens & Lodges (Blackheath)
    Queen rooms
    22 min drive
    5 star
    Wellness spa
    Lilianfels Resort & Spa (Katoomba)
    Rooms & Suites
    12 min drive
    5 star
    Day spa
    Echoes Boutique Hotel & Restaurant (Katoomba)
    Rooms & Suites
    12 min drive
    5 star
    Day spa

    Valid for bookings from now until 17th November 2026 | applicable for stays from 24th November to 27th November 2026.

    Please note Minimum stay restriction may apply subject to hotel's availability. Promo code cannot be used in conjunction with our Early Bird Offers, Seasonal Deal & or any other offers/packages. A 2 day free cancellation applies. Payment will be processed 2 days prior to the arrival date.

    How to get to the venue

    By Car
    • Distance: ~100–110 km from Sydney CBD
    • Travel time: Around 1.5 hours in light traffic
    • Route: M4 Motorway → Great Western Highway into Leura
    • Approximate cost: ~$20–$30 in fuel depending on vehicle
    By Train
    • Route: Sydney Central Station → Leura or Katoomba on the Blue Mountains Line
    • Travel time: About 1 hr 45 min – 2 hours
    • Cost: Approximately $8–$11 with Opal
    • Final transfer: Taxi/Uber or short bus ride (~5–10 minutes) to the resort

    Contact Us

    Membership enquiries: info@awems.org.au
    Sponsorship enquiries: sponsorship@awems.org.au or call Michael Janssens 0491 789 221
    Speaker enquiries: secretary@awems.org.au or call Michael Janssens 0491 789 221
    Conference enquiries aweadmin@awems.org.au or call Kylie Barringer 0431 244 290

    AWEMS Conference 2026

    AWEMS 2025 Conference - 'OFF THE BEATEN TRACK'
    Save The Date!
    26-29th November | nipaluna/Hobart, lutruwita/Tasmania

    We are thrilled to announce that the 2025 AWEMS Conference ‘Off The Beaten Track’ will take place from the 26-29th November in nipaluna/Hobart, lutruwita/Tasmania. The two core days of the conference will be the 27-28th November, with a day either side of optional pre and post conference workshops!

    More information will be released soon, but in the meantime make sure you follow us on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date. And as always, AWEMS members have access to a special discounted ticket price. Become a member today! See you in November!

    Keen to present at this year’s AWEMS Conference?

    Applications are now open for anyone interested in presenting or running a workshop at this year’s conference, which will be held from 26-29th November in Hobart, Tasmania.

    We are looking for people from a diverse range of backgrounds, including nurses, paramedics, doctors, psychologists, allied health, army medics, remote adventurers and more! While we do have limited spaces, all presenters and topics will be considered. So if you think you have something interesting to present on, or skills to teach others in a workshop environment, then please fill out this form. We are looking for people from a diverse range of backgrounds, including nurses, paramedics, doctors, psychologists, allied health, army medics, remote adventurers and more! While we do have limited spaces, all presenters and topics will be considered. So if you think you have something interesting to present on, or skills to teach others in a workshop environment, then please fill out this form.

    CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
    Submissions can be in the categories of: original research covering the spectrum of wilderness and expedition medicine, case reports, audits and quality improvement, adventure submissions (stories from working in austere environments including lessons learnt along the way).

    Please send submissions to conference@awems.org.au before Sept 13th 11:59pm
    Please include:
    • Presentation title and topic
    • Presenters full name and affiliations as well as a short biography
    • 3 key learning points
    Abstracts will be reviewed by the AWEMS Conference Organising Committee. The selection criteria will include : relevance to the conference theme, contribution to current knowledge and practice of wilderness medicine, accuracy and availability of presenter to deliver topic on site.

    Sponsors

    Aspen Medical Logo
    Knog Logo
    Fractel Logo
    GoLocum Logo

    When you join us for the conference, why not stay a few extra days and enjoy the multitude of outdoor activities the Blue Mountains offer. There’s mountain biking, canyoning, climbing, bushwalking, and more!

    Last year was our first in-person conference and it was a hit with overwhelmingly positive feedback from those who attended. We’re planning to make it bigger and better this year and we hope to see you all there!

    Sincerely, The AWEMS Conference Crew
    Download Full Size Poster Here

    Photo Credit: Destination NSW
    Description: Sunrise over the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters in the scenic Blue Mountains National Park
    Copyright status: Destination NSW Copyright
    Licence expiry: unlimited

    2023 Conference Crew Applications

    Apply to join our Conference Crew! We are looking for passionate, committed healthcare enthusiasts to join us on this great adventure!
    Applications open Monday 6th March and will close the 20th of March.
    Download Information Here

    ‘STOKE THE FIRE’
    AWEMS CONFERENCE 2022

    14-16th October 2022
    UTAS Medical Science Precinct,
    nipaluna/Hobart, Tasmania

    After the great success of our inaugural conference last year, we will be back again this year with another thrilling AWEMS conference. With the goal to push you out of your comfort zones and explore medicine at its most extreme, our 2022 conference will be taking place in beautiful Hobart, Tasmania from the 14th-16th October. Get ready to hear from researchers, expeditioners and other medical professionals who are renowned in their respective fields, and learn practical skills to keep you thriving in the outdoors.
    Accreditation for ACRRM and FAWM credits pending.


    Conference Draft Schedule


    Conference Poster

    Download Poster (JPG)

    Got Questions?

    If you have any queries about the conference please
    email the conference team for more information.

    Previous Conferences

    2024
    Diving Deeper

    2024 Conference Poster

    2023
    Discover New Heights

    2023 Conference Poster

    2022
    Stoke the Fire

    2022 Conference Poster

    2021
    Looking for Adventure

    2021 Conference Poster

     

    Key Sponsors

    Knog Logo

    2023 Conference Sponsors

    Want to partner with AWEMS for our 2023 conference - Discover New Heights? We still have both major and minor sponsorship packages remaining! Advertising ranges from small logos on our website right through to being an official AWEMS partner.

    Download our official 2023 Sponsorship Guide or contact sponsorship@awems.org.au for more information.