Call for Papers and Posters

Share your experiences by submitting an abstract for a paper or poster to be part of the WIOA program

Abstracts are open to all industry professionals involved in the operation, maintenance, and management of water-related infrastructure across urban, rural, and industrial sectors. 

Interested in presenting? 

Presenting at WIOA’s conference is an excellent opportunity to: 

Contribute to Industry Knowledge

Help advance the water sector by sharing insights and best practices.

Expand Your Network

Connect with industry peers, potential collaborators, and decision-makers.

Increase Your Profile

Share your expertise and raise your visibility in the industry.

Gain Public Speaking Experience

Presenting in a professional yet supportive environment helps build confidence. 

What We’re Looking For

We invite abstracts on any topic relevant to the water industry, including: 
  • New or Innovative Technologies 
  • Water Resource Management 
  • Wastewater and Trade Waste Treatment 
  • Biosolids & Reclaimed Water Reuse 
  • Automation and Process Control 
  • Algae Control in Water/Wastewater 
  • Asset Management & Operations 
  • Workplace Safety & OHS Issues 
  • Improving Efficiency 

Important information

How to Submit Your Abstract 

Prepare a 200-word abstract (Microsoft Word format). We will need the following details: 

  • Abstract title 
  • Your name, position & employer 
  • Contact details (email, phone, postal address) 
  • Permission for WIOA to publish your abstract online 

These details can be submitted with your abstract through the presenter portal linked below by creating a new account.

If your abstract is successful you will be required to prepare a technical paper that will be printed and distributed to attendees in the conference manuscript.

WIOA can assist in the writing of the technical paper, please contact the office for assistance.

Please ensure the timelines are met as the printing of the manuscript has a allocated time frame that needs to be met.

Structure

Your paper should be no longer than 6 pages in total, including all graphs, charts, photos and tables. The font to be used is Times New Roman at 12 point in size. The margins and spacing between rows should not be changed from the template provided.

The technical paper should include:

  • Title (10 word maximum)
  • Author name, position and employer (include co-authors if more than 1 author)
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • Acknowledgements
  • References
 
  1. Speaker Profile & Photo
    • Submit a speaker bio (name, position, employer, qualifications, experience, and presentation title). 
    • Provide a recent photo for use in the conference app. 
  2. Poster Abstract Submission 
    • Submit a 300-word abstract outlining the key points, processes, or outcomes of the poster. 
    • WIOA will request permission to publish the abstract and poster in the conference app and on the website. 
  3. Poster Paper Submission 
    • Submit an electronic copy of the final poster (PowerPoint or PDF format) via the submission link  
    • Posters should: 
      • Summarise research, trials, or operational activities. 
      • Include objectives, methods, results, and conclusions. 
      • Be A0 size (841mmH x 1189mmW, Portrait Orientation) and easily readable from 2 metres. 
      • Contain photos, charts, and minimal text to clearly convey the message. 
      • Feature a title block with the author’s name, organisation (including logo, if required), and contact details. 
  4. Poster Delivery & Collection
    • Delivery: Printed, colour-laminated posters must be placed in the poster area at the venue as early as possible on day one of the conference. 
    • Collection: Posters must be picked up between at the end of the conference 
    • Uncollected posters after 5:00pm will be disposed of by WIOA. 
  5. Operator Prizes & Attendance
    • All poster presenters must register as full fee-paying delegates and are encouraged to attend the full conference. 
    • Operators are eligible for the Best Poster by an Operator Award, which includes an all-expenses-paid trip to attend an interstate WIOA conference. 

At WIOA, presentations are the cornerstone of our conferences. They drive innovation, share knowledge, and inspire real change in the water industry. Your contribution as a presenter is invaluable, helping to educate and empower professionals across the sector.

  1. Speaker Profile & Photo
    • Submit a speaker bio (name, position, employer, qualifications, experience, and presentation title). 
    • Provide a recent photo for use in the conference mobile app. 
  2. PowerPoint Presentation
    • Must be submitted no later than the week before the conference. 
    • WIOA requests permission to publish presentations in the app. 
  3. Presentation Guidelines
    • Time limit: 15 minutes + 5 minutes for Q&A. 
    • Strictly enforced time limits by session chairpersons. 
    • Presenters must register as paying delegates and are encouraged to attend the full conference. 
    • Best Paper Award presented to the top-rated speaker working in water operations 

2025 Cut off Dates

Victoria

Our 2025 Conference was held in
early April. Click below to view
the papers presented.

New South Wales

Queensland

Submission of Abstracts due
August 5th, 2025

Papers and posters due 
September 3rd, 2025

Past papers

WIOA conference papers are a great resource for anyone working in operational roles in the water industry. Authorised technical papers presented at recent WIOA conferences can be accessed here.

Stay up to date with our latest events, programs, news and industry insights.