Arrival Cleansing & Smoking Ceremony
Date: Monday, 25 May 2026
Time: 5.30pm - 6.00pm
Venue: Plaza Terrace (outside)
Dress: Smart casual
Cost: Included in Delegate Registration
Join us before the Welcome Reception with a cleansing and smoking ceremony. This traditional ceremony is used to cleanse places and people of bad spirits, and to promote the wellbeing of our guests visiting Jagera (Yugara) and Turrbal Country.
Welcome Reception
Date: Monday, 25 May 2026
Time: 6.00pm – 8.00pm
Venue: Plaza Terrace Room, BCEC
Dress: Smart casual
Cost: Included in Full Delegate Registration
Before the formal proceedings begin, take this opportunity to network with other delegates at BCEC in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a great way to meet each other before the main event! Enjoy canapés and drinks in a casual evening setting with minimal formalities.
Rainbow Bites & Big Ideas: Pride in Water Afternoon Tea
Date: Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Time: 3.10pm-4.00pm
Venue: AWA stand within Exhibition Halls at BCEC
Drop in to Pride in Water’s Rainbow Bites & Big Ideas at the AWA Stand in the Exhibition Hall. Grab a rainbow cupcake and connect with LGBTIQA+ water professionals and allies in a welcoming space. Meet sector leaders working to build inclusive workplaces, learn how to bring LGBTIQA+ inclusion to your organisation, and hear about Pride in Water subscription memberships and upcoming events.
About Pride in Water:
Pride in Water is the network for LGBTIQA+ people and allies in the water sector. Our goal is to further LGBTIQA+ inclusion across the sector by helping build workplaces where LGBTIQA+ people feel safe, included, and valued. Our new subscription memberships help fund sector-wide inclusion through events, training, and practical resources, saving organisations thousands of dollars as they strengthen LGBTIQA+ inclusion.
Happy Hour
Date: Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Time: 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Venue: Within Exhibition Halls, BCEC
Dress: Business Attire
Cost: Included in Full Delegate Registration and Tuesday Registration
Happy Hour is the perfect opportunity for delegates, exhibitors, and sponsors to ‘wine down’ after day one of conference activities while catching up with colleagues from across the country!
Australian Water Awards & Gala Dinner
(SOLD OUT)
Date: Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Time: 6.30pm – 11.00pm
Venue: Plaza Ballroom, BCEC
Dress: After 5
Cost: $305 per person
Note: Tickets are only available to registered conference delegates (limit of one ticket per registrant)
This is the highlight of the social program and the night where delegates gather to celebrate the industry’s successes and inspiring individuals at the Australian Water Awards. Enjoy a three-course dinner, drinks and entertainment.
Closing Networking Drinks
Date: Thursday, 28 May 2026
Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Venue: Mezzanine Foyer, BCEC
Dress: Business Attire
Cost: Included in Full Delegate Registration
Join us for an informal farewell as we say goodbye to Ozwater’26.
Social Program