What does my registration include?
All registration types include access to online runway sessions to prepare participants for SMP2026.

There are two registration types in 2026: one-day or two-day registration. The one-day registration is for Day 1 of SMP only. The two-day registration is for both days. If you wish to participate in the Meetings between delegates and Parliamentarians, you must register for the two-day registration.

One-day registration for SMP 2026 includes bespoke professional development, and one ticket to the gala dinner. You can also purchase a ticket to attend the National Press Club address during the day on the first day.

Two-day registration for SMP 2026 includes bespoke professional development and one ticket to the gala dinner on day one. You can also purchase a ticket to attend the National Press Club address during the day on the first day. On the second day of SMP, join us at Australian Parliament House for a full-day program and the option to meet with a Parliamentarian.

Delegates from an STA member organisation are eligible to meet with a Parliamentarian.

Flights and accommodation are not included in any registrations. For tips on accommodation and transport, please see the Event Information section below.

What is the difference between an STA member and non-STA member registration?
STA member organisations may access unlimited registrations at a discounted rate. Additionally, SMP 2026 delegates, attending from STA member organisations, have the option to be considered for a meeting with a Parliamentarian. See a full list of STA member organisations here.

Where can I find the conference’s refund policy?
The entire event Terms and Conditions can be found here. Section 5 details the refund policy.

What happens if I can no longer attend? 

If you can no longer attend SMP2026, the National Press Club address and/or the National Gala Dinner, you may transfer your registration to someone else up to 14 days before the event.

You must notify Science & Technology Australia by emailing us at events@sta.org.au and providing the name and contact details of the delegate receiving the transferrable.

For STA member delegates, we encourage you to transfer your registration to someone within your member organisation.

If you are unable to transfer your registration, you will be subject to our refund policy found in the event Terms & Conditions.

Who is eligible for ECR registration?
Any STEM Professional within nine years post-PhD, excluding career breaks, is eligible.

What financing options are available?
Thanks to generous sponsors, Science & Technology Australia offers a range of scholarships. Please keep an eye on the event page for further information coming soon. Please check the eligibility requirements. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact us at events@sta.org.au

How can I pay for my SMP2026 registration?
All delegates, regardless of their registration type (group or individual), will be offered two options for payment: credit card or transfer via EFT as per invoice details. Payment is due within 30 days of invoice issue.

I am part of an STA member organisation. Who do I get in contact with to organise my registration?
We strongly encourage STA member delegates to contact their STA member organisation before registering for SMP2026.

If you are unable to contact your STA member organisation, please email members@sta.org.au.

Why isn’t the National Press Club address included in my registration?
The National Press Club is a small venue with a limited seating capacity; as such, we cannot include a ticket with any registration type. You may purchase National Press Club tickets separately during the registration process. A waitlist will be implemented.

What time do I arrive at the venues for SMP2026?

We ask delegates to make time for transport, getting through security and checking in with the event staff.

What is the dress code for SMP2026 and the National Gala Dinner?
The dress code for SMP2026 is business attire, including meetings with Parliamentarians.

The dress code for the gala dinner is black tie or formal. We encourage everyone to wear whatever makes you feel comfortable.

What are the transport options in Canberra?
You can take a taxi, hire a car, or use the Uber app to get to Australian Parliament House from your accommodation.

Where can I stay in Canberra?
We recommend booking accommodation ASAP as the event coincides with a Parliamentary sitting week.

Hotels in the vicinity of Australian Parliament House: Hotel Realm, Little National Hotel Canberra, Brassey Hotel, Hotel Kurrajong, Rydges Canberra and Burbury Hotel.

STA member delegates can access discount codes for TFE Hotels through the Member Benefit Scheme. Please contact members@sta.org.au for more information.

Will there be childcare available?
No, there will not be care offered on site.

However, thanks to the generous support of SMP Care Support Partner, we're offering a limited number of bursaries to give delegates with care responsibilities (not limited to the care of young children) more freedom to participate in the conference program and functions.

If you require additional care to participate in SMP, please get in touch. Grants of up to $400 are available.

To be eligible you must:

• Be attending SMP2026 as a registered delegate.
• Have childcare needs for children aged 10 or under, OR, are a primary carer,
• Require additional care outside of your family's usual needs.

Only one grant is available per family and funding is limited. Please email events@sta.org.au outlining the age of your dependant, describe what support you need and the estimated cost.

Can I have a meeting with a Parliamentarian?
Delegates who are representing an STA member organisation are eligible to be considered for a meeting.

I am a member of an STA member organisation. Am I guaranteed a meeting?
No. Due to the limited availability of MPs and Senators, we cannot guarantee enough Parliamentarians for the number of event delegates.

We will try to match at least one person per STA member organisation with a Parliamentarian for a meeting.

We encourage delegates to make their biographies clear and interesting to maximize the success of the meeting-matching process.

Can I choose which Parliamentarian I meet with?
No. The Science & Technology Australia team will match SMP delegates with MPs and Senators based on the nominated topics they can speak to and participant availability.

When will I find out who I am meeting with and what time I am meeting with them?

Once the meeting matching process is complete, information regarding your meeting will be available in your delegate app. Make sure to check your app for updates.

Can I choose what time my meeting is?
No. Meetings will occur on day two of SMP 2026, a Parliamentary sitting day. MPs/Senators have limited time to attend meetings, so their availability determines the meeting times.

Can I have my meeting online?

No. All meetings will take place in person on Thursday. The only exception is if an MP/Senator has to cancel and reschedule the meeting online at a later date.

What happens if my meeting gets cancelled by the Parliamentarian?
If your meeting is cancelled by your MP/Senator, we will try our best to reschedule it on the same day or online at a later date. However, this is not guaranteed and is subject to the MP/Senator's availability.

What happens if I can no longer attend my meeting?
You must inform the STA team immediately by emailing us at events@sta.org.au

Can I bring a presentation for my meeting?
No. We ask that delegates refrain from bringing a presentation to their meeting with an MP or Senator.

However, if a small and interesting item showcases your research, you may be permitted to bring that item.

Please contact events@sta.org.au to confirm if this item would be appropriate for the meeting and whether it will be permitted through Australian Parliament House security.

Will my meeting be one-on-one with a Member of Parliament?
No. A small group of event delegates, 2–4 people, will meet with a Parliamentarian. You will get to meet and coordinate with the other delegates before the meeting.