2026 State Outdoor Conference

Join your outdoor community for the State Outdoor Conference!

The conference is being held at Flinders University and will feature outdoor environmental education and recreation workshops, presentations and networking.

The program is still being finalized, but will include presentations on outdoor leadership practice, teaching outdoor education, practical workshops and outdoor research updates.

Details will be distributed to registered attendees and available via NBONSA and OEASA web pages and social media.

Program:

Friday 27th November:

12:00-1:00 pm: Registration

1:00-4.15 pm: Welcome, Acknowledgement, Presentations

4.15 pm: Keynote Speaker: Will Dobud

5.00 pm: Networking and nibbles

6:00 pm: (Optional) Dinner at local pub

Saturday 28th November:

8:00-8.45 am: Registration

8.45am-12.00 pm: Welcome, Acknowledgement, Presentations and Workshops

12:00 pm: Lunch, networking and sharing

1.00 pm: Keynote Speaker: Mark Foyle and team

2:30 pm: Presentations and Workshops

5:30 pm: Conference closure

5:30 pm: Networking and nibbles

6:30 pm: (Optional) Dinner at local pub

For sponsorship and other details please visit our website: SA Mini Conference 2026

Conference description: 

SA's 2026 Outdoor Mini Conference will bring the outdoor education and recreation community together to share local knowledge, practical skills, and experiences. This year with a particular focus on supporting early-career professionals across the outdoor sector. 

Conference Themes: 

• Sharing local knowledge  

• Practical skills and tools  

• Supporting early-career practitioners 

• Networking & community building 

Program Streams: 

1. Outdoor & Environmental Education 

1. Outdoor Recreation & Adventure 

1. Wellbeing & Community 

1. Keynotes

Who should attend? 

The 2026 SA Outdoor Mini Conference welcomes people from across South Australia’s outdoor sector. Presentations will be relevant to a variety of professions and career paths, including: 

• Outdoor education – Outdoor educators, OE teachers, classroom teachers, pre-service teachers, & school leadership (e.g. Heads of OE departments) 

• Outdoor recreation – Instructors, guides, leaders, program coordinators, & volunteers 

• Outdoor therapy & community programs – Practitioners working in outdoor therapy, youth development, wellbeing, and community-based outdoor programs 

• Environmental learning – Environmental educators, sustainability practitioners, park & conservation staff, and other likeminded individuals 

• Students & Early-Career Practitioners – TAFE & University students, graduates, & those entering or establishing themselves in the industry 

Benefits of attending:  

• Learn practical skills and approaches from experienced practitioners. 

• Gain insights into local places, programs, and opportunities. 

• Build professional networks across South Australia's outdoor sector. 

• Engage with current ideas, challenges, and developments in the profession. 

• Contribute to a growing community of practice.