Last Chance to Register! IHEA National Symposium Early Bird Registrations Close Today - Friday 16 October
Early bird registrations for the 2026 IHEA National Symposium close at 5 pm (AEDT) on Friday 16 October. Don't miss this opportunity to secure your place at a discounted rate for one of the healthcare infrastructure sector's key professional development and networking events.
Taking place from 16–18 November 2026 at the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges, Western Australia, the Symposium will bring together healthcare engineering, infrastructure, facilities management and industry professionals from across Australia and internationally.
Under the theme "Health Facilities Management – Bringing Everyone Together", this year's Symposium promises a dynamic program of technical presentations, practical insights, collaborative discussions and valuable networking opportunities.
As the only IHEA national event of the 2026–27 financial year, the Symposium offers a valuable opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, exchange ideas and explore the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of healthcare infrastructure.
A particular highlight of this year's program will be a collaborative workshop contributing Australian expertise to a World Health Organization (WHO) initiative to develop healthcare facility design standards for low- and middle-income countries. Through IHEA's international collaboration with the International Federation of Healthcare Engineering (IFHE) and WHO, this represents a rare opportunity for delegates to share their expertise and contribute to an important global healthcare infrastructure initiative.
A Program Designed for Discussion and Collaboration
What makes the 2026 National Symposium particularly valuable is its focus on genuine knowledge sharing and two-way discussion.
Rather than relying solely on traditional presentations, the program has been deliberately structured to encourage audience participation, with technical presentations complemented by interactive panel discussions and dedicated Q&A opportunities.
Delegates will be encouraged to challenge ideas, share their own experiences and contribute to meaningful conversations about the practical realities of managing healthcare facilities.
This collaborative approach recognises that some of the industry's most valuable insights come not only from the presenters on stage, but also from the collective knowledge and experience of those in the room.
A Unique Opportunity to Help Shape International Healthcare Facility Design Standards
One of the highlights of the 2026 IHEA National Symposium will be a special interactive workshop offering delegates a rare opportunity to contribute their expertise to an important international initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The workshop will gather Australian perspectives to help inform a new WHO project focused on developing design standards for healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries.
Through IHEA's collaboration with the International Federation of Healthcare Engineering (IFHE) and WHO, delegates will have an opportunity to share their practical experience, technical knowledge and insights to help shape the development of international guidance.
The session will encourage discussion around the challenges, priorities and considerations involved in designing healthcare facilities that are safe, resilient, sustainable and appropriate for diverse healthcare environments.
Why Is This Opportunity Significant?
Opportunities for Australian healthcare infrastructure professionals to contribute directly to international standards development are relatively uncommon.
This workshop offers delegates the chance to:
Influence international guidance: Contribute Australian expertise and practical experience to inform WHO's development of healthcare facility design standards.
Share real-world knowledge: Bring forward lessons learned from Australian healthcare infrastructure projects, operational environments and facilities management.
Support global healthcare outcomes: Help inform practical, adaptable design guidance for healthcare facilities in low- and middle-income countries.
Strengthen international collaboration: Engage with an initiative connecting IHEA, IFHE and WHO, reinforcing the importance of professional knowledge sharing across borders.
Elevate the Australian perspective: Ensure the experience and expertise of Australia's healthcare engineering and infrastructure community are represented in international discussions.
For IHEA, this collaboration represents an important opportunity to strengthen our international relationships and demonstrate the value of our members' collective expertise.
It also reinforces IHEA's role in connecting Australian healthcare infrastructure professionals with global initiatives, ensuring our industry has a voice in discussions that extend well beyond our national borders.
This is more than another technical session. It is an opportunity to contribute to work that could influence how healthcare facilities are designed and delivered internationally.
We strongly encourage delegates to participate, share their perspectives and make the most of this unique opportunity. It is not every day that our professional community has the chance to contribute to an initiative of this international significance.
Exploring the Challenges Facing Healthcare Infrastructure
The Symposium's technical program will explore a broad range of issues affecting healthcare facilities management, engineering and infrastructure delivery.
From operational resilience and asset management to emerging technologies, infrastructure planning and the evolving expectations placed on healthcare facilities, the program will provide practical insights relevant to professionals working across the sector.
Presentations and discussions will examine real-world challenges, share lessons from recent projects and consider how greater collaboration between healthcare organisations, consultants, contractors and industry partners can deliver better outcomes.
With contributions from local, national and international speakers, delegates will gain exposure to fresh perspectives, innovative approaches and practical solutions that can be applied within their own organisations.
Bringing the Healthcare Infrastructure Community Together
One of the greatest strengths of IHEA events is the opportunity to connect with professionals who understand the unique challenges of the healthcare built environment.
The National Symposium will bring together hospital engineers, facilities and asset managers, health infrastructure specialists, project managers, designers, consultants, contractors, suppliers and industry partners.
Whether you are looking to strengthen existing relationships, establish new professional connections or simply exchange ideas with colleagues facing similar challenges, the Symposium provides an excellent environment for collaboration.
Dedicated networking opportunities throughout the event will encourage conversations that extend beyond the formal technical program and help strengthen connections across the national healthcare infrastructure community.
Discover Fremantle, Western Australia
Set against the vibrant backdrop of historic Fremantle, the Symposium will be hosted at the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges.
The venue provides an ideal setting for three days of professional development and industry engagement, combining modern conference facilities with easy access to Fremantle's renowned hospitality, waterfront and cultural attractions.
Delegates can also take advantage of conference accommodation options, with rooms available from $275 per night, subject to availability.
Why Attend the 2026 IHEA National Symposium?
Whether you are a long-standing IHEA member, an emerging professional or an industry partner, the Symposium offers an opportunity to:
Learn from industry experts: Hear practical insights, technical case studies and lessons from experienced healthcare infrastructure professionals.
Help shape international standards: Participate in a unique WHO-focused workshop and contribute Australian expertise to an initiative with global significance.
Be part of the conversation: Participate in interactive discussions and contribute your own knowledge and experience.
Explore innovation: Discover new technologies, ideas and approaches to healthcare infrastructure management.
Build your professional network: Connect with colleagues, peers and industry partners from across Australia and beyond.
Gain practical insights: Take away knowledge and ideas that can support improvements within your own facilities, projects and organisations.
Strengthen industry collaboration: Contribute to a national conversation about the future of healthcare facilities management while connecting with broader international initiatives.
Early Bird Registrations Close Friday 16 October
With early bird registrations closing at 5 pm (AEDT) on Friday 16 October, now is the time to secure your place and take advantage of discounted registration rates.
Don't miss the opportunity to join the IHEA community in Fremantle for an engaging event dedicated to sharing knowledge, strengthening connections and advancing healthcare facilities management.
Event: IHEA National Symposium 2026
Theme: Health Facilities Management – Bringing Everyone Together
Dates: 16–18 November 2026
Venue: Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges, Western Australia
Early Bird Deadline: Friday 16 October, 5 pm AEDT
Secure your place today and join us in Fremantle!
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