Abstracts - Terms and Conditions

1. Eligibility
   1. A single author may be named on up to four abstracts submissions either individually or as part of a group. 
   2. Submissions are open to authors from Australia, New Zealand and internationally, however, VADCON26 will not be reimbursing authors for any costs associated with attending the conference. 
      
   3. Abstracts must be presented at the conference in person, there will be no opportunity for authors to attend via video-link or recording.
      
      
2. Submission Requirements
   1. All abstracts must be submitted electronically via the online submission process. Emailed submissions will not be accepted. 
   2. All required fields must be completed for the abstract to be reviewed, the conference organiser's will aim to contact the author of an incomplete submission.
   3. All abstracts must be submitted by 11.59pm 13 March 2026. Submissions received after this date will not be considered. 
      
      
3. Review Process 
   1. All abstracts will undergo review by the Abstracts Committee.
   2. Abstracts will be assessed for relevance to the conference theme, originality, clarity, and contribution to the field.
   3. The Committee reserves the right to accept or reject abstracts, or to request amendments.
   4. Decisions of the Committee are final.
      
      
4. Presentation Format
   1. We will be accepting abstracts for 10 - 20 minute verbal presentations as well as posters.
   2. Accepted abstracts may not be in the format you select on your submission form.
   3. Authors will be notified of the outcome and presentation format in early May 2026, failing that, the conference hosts will be in contact to give the authors a revised date.
      
      
5. Other
   1. For accepted submissions, any changes from, or additions to, your original submission must be approved by the Abstract Committee in writing. 
   2. The VADCON26 team reserves the right to rescind the offer to present or be featured in the VADCON26 program at any time.
   3. Registration is a condition of accepting the offer to present at VADCON26. All presenters must register and pay by 31 August 2026 to obtain the discounted Presenter rate (applied to full price tickets only). Early bird registrations are at the same price and no further speaker discounts apply.
   4. Presenters are responsible for their own accommodation expenses and travel to and from VADCON26 in Melbourne. 
   5. By submitting an abstract, the author agrees that their name and the details of their presentation may be featured on the Go Gentle Australia, VADANZ and VADCON websites, and in conference communications. If there are any issues with this, you must notify us at the time of your abstract submission by emailing [email protected].
   6. In the event that VADCON26 cannot happen in-person, for example due to a serious weather incident, we will revert to a virtual conference delivery model. The VADCON26 team will continuously monitor, and all attendees will be notified and provided further information if this occurs.