Convention Information

APGA Convention & Exhibition 2026
5-8 September | Darwin Convention Centre

FAQ & Other important information

We should have everything you need to know about the convention and its components listed below. If you can't find what you are looking for, please feel free to reach out to apga@apga.org.au

VENUE INFORMATION

For the 2026 Convention we will be visiting Darwin, a vibrant tropical city known for its relaxed lifestyle, rich cultural diversity, and stunning waterfront setting.

The Convention will be held at the Darwin Convention Centre, a premier venue for conferences and events located in the heart of the Darwin Waterfront Precinct. Overlooking Darwin Harbour, the centre offers a spectacular backdrop along with easy access to a wide range of accommodation, dining, and entertainment options.

If you have time to explore, there are many attractions close to the city, including Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, showcasing local history and art, the famous Mindil Beach Sunset Market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse food stalls, and George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens, a lush tropical oasis featuring unique plant species and peaceful walking paths.

CLIMATE

Darwin has a typically tropical climate and experiences two main seasons – a hot dry season and a wet humid season. Early September is just nearing the end of the dry season and we are lucky enough to expect a daily average of 28°C during our visit.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Cancellation and Alteration Policy

All cancellations or alterations must be made in writing and will be acknowledged by email. Notification should be sent to: Conference Co-ordinators apga@confco.com.au

Cancellation and Substitution
An administration fee of $220.00 will be charged to any participant cancelling before Friday 17 July 2026. All cancellations received after Friday 17 July 2026 will be required to pay full registration fees.

You may substitute delegates at any time by providing reasonable advance notice to Conference Co-ordinators

Delegate Convention Cancellation
If the Convention cannot proceed due to conditions beyond the control of APGA the event will proceed in a virtual format. Your registration will be transferred. You will have the option to proceed with a virtual registration or roll over your fee to 2027.

If a virtual format is not offered, you will be entitled to a full refund of any fees paid less any costs incurred that were not refunded to APGA. There will be no additional liability to APGA for travel costs, hotel costs, or any other associated costs.

Exhibition Cancellation
Information on the Exhibition cancellation policy can be found in the Exhibition Manual.

Accommodation
All cancellations and amendments must be made in writing to Conference Co-ordinators and will be acknowledged by email.

Cancellation fees will occur from 30 days prior to the Convention. If a booking is cancelled or reduced within 30 days prior to arrival, the credit card provided will be charged unless the room(s) can be resold.

It is important to note that if you are unable to attend due to increased costs, COVID-19 or any other illness, the hotel cancellation terms will STILL apply, we recommend all attendees to look at travel insurance.

Full payment of your account will be required at the time of your arrival. NOTE: Some hotels may charge a deposit or process pre-authorisation to ensure the validity of the card supplied. Check the hotel’s individual terms when booking.

FAQ

Where is the Convention venue?
The 2026 Convention is being held at the Darwin Convention Centre at 10 Stokes Hill Road, Darwin City

Is there parking at the venue?
Parking at the Darwin Convention Centre is relatively straightforward and well-suited to events.

The Convention Centre has an on-site basement car park with around 230+ spaces, open 24 hours, making it convenient for both day and evening functions. It operates on a ticketless system using number plate recognition, allowing guests to enter and exit easily and pay by card at the boom gate or via a pay station if using cash.

Parking is generally very affordable, at $5 per day (flat rate) or $10 for overnight.

What will the weather be like?
Darwin has a typically tropical climate and experiences two main seasons – a hot dry season and a wet humid season. Early September is just nearing the end of the dry season and we are lucky enough to expect a daily average of 28°C during our visit.

How do I pay for my accommodation?
If you booked your accommodation when registering, your credit card details have already been sent to your selected hotel. Please confirm this with the hotel upon check-in.

If the cardholder will not be present at check-in, ensure the credit card authorisation form is completed and returned to Conference Co-ordinators before your arrival. Click here to request for the credit card authorisation template.

Please note that some hotels may charge a deposit or the full amount of your stay to the card provided at booking. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of your chosen hotel at the time of booking.

For any questions regarding your accommodation, please contact Conference Co-ordinators on 02 6292 9000.

What time does the registration desk open?
The registration desk will be open at 8am – 5pm daily.

Where do I register?
At the registration desk via the main doors.

Will there be Wi-Fi available?
Wi-Fi will be available at the Perth convention center.

Is there a Convention app available?
A Convention app will be made available - once this is ready for download a notification will be sent out to all delegates.

What is the dress code for the Convention?
Gardens Park Golf Links
Appropriate golf attire, including collared shirt and soft spiked shoes (running shoes will suffice). Denim or elastic waist sport shorts are not permitted.

Welcome Reception, Darwin Harbour Cruise
Smart casual, flat shoes are highly recommended.

Sunday Get-Together, Berry Springs
Casual clothing and a swimsuit if you want to jump in the river. Delegates are encouraged to dress for a warm day with sunscreen and a hat.

Opening Dinner, Darwin Convention Centre
Cocktail attire

Fancy Dress Night, Mindil Beach Casino Resort
Fancy dress costumes recommended. This year’s theme is: Dress the Territory

APGA Annual Dinner, Darwin Convention Centre
Formal evening/Black tie attire.

Business Sessions, Darwin Convention Centre
Business attire

I have special dietary requirements - what do I do?
During the registration process you will be asked to list your special dietary requirements, which will be passed onto the venues close to the event date.

Every effort will be made to accommodate all special dietary requirements where advance notification was given. You will need to make yourself known to a staff member at catering times to obtain your special meal.

I have accessibility requirements - what do I do?
During registration, you will be asked to indicate any accessibility requirements. This information will be shared with the venues in advance of the event to ensure appropriate arrangements.

The centre is fully accessible, with facilities and access provided for people with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible buildings and car parks. For further details or specific enquiries, please contact Conference Co-ordinators on 02 6292 9000.

Where can I get a delegate list?
A participants list will be made available here in the coming weeks.

How will I know if there have been any changes to the program?
Every effort will be made to ensure the online program and app are updated as any changes come in.

How do I know if I am registered for a social function?
After registering for the APGA Convention you would have been emailed a registration confirmation which included the social functions you have been registered for. Tickets to all the social functions are included in full registrations; however you must select the functions that you are attending.

When and where are the social events?

Event	Date	Time	Location	Sponsor(s)
Vermeer Golf Classic (9 Holes)	Saturday 5 September 2026	8:30am – 1:00pm	Garden Park Golf Links, 1 Chin Quan Road, The Gardens NT	Vermeer Australia
Young Pipeliners Forum Social Function	Saturday 5 September 2026	5:00pm – 6:30pm	Dock One, Dock 1 Stokes Hill Road, Darwin NT	Pipe Tek
Welcome Reception	Saturday 5 September 2026	6:30pm – 9:30pm	Darwin Harbour Cruise, Charles Darwin	Pipe Tek
Sunday Get-Together at Berry Springs	Sunday 6 September 2026	10:00am – 3:00pm	Berry Springs Nature Reserve, Berry Springs NT	CNC Project Management
Women in Pipelines Function	Sunday 6 September 2026	4:00pm – 5:50pm	Darwin Convention Centre, Waterfront Room	APA Group, Jemena
Exhibition Opening	Sunday 6 September 2026	6:00pm – 7:30pm	Darwin Convention Centre, Hall 1 & 2	Solar Turbines, Tremco Pipeline Equipment
Opening Dinner	Sunday 6 September 2026	7:30pm – 11:00pm	Darwin Convention Centre, Hall 3 & 4	Baker Hughes, Bao Steel, Jemena, MNG Land Partners, Vacuworx
Happy Hour	Sunday 6 September 2026	11:00pm – Midnight	The Precinct, 7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin NT	—
Monday Fancy Dress Party Night	Monday 7 September 2026	7:00pm – 11:00pm	Mindil Beach Casino Resort, 3 Gilruth Avenue, The Gardens NT	Solar Turbines, Tremco Pipeline Equipment
Happy Hour	Monday 7 September 2026	11:00pm – Midnight	The Precinct, 7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin NT	—
APGA Annual Dinner	Tuesday 8 September 2026	7:00pm – 11:00pm	Darwin Convention Centre, Hall 3 & 4	Austrack Equipment, Bao Steel, Denso Australia, Inductabend Pty Ltd, McConnell Dowell Constructors, Tremco Pipeline Equipment
Happy Hour	Tuesday 8 September 2026	11:00pm – Midnight	The Precinct, 7 Kitchener Drive, Darwin NT	CNC Project Management