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
- 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
Abstracts
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.
Technical Paper
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.
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.
You can use this template as a guide for the structure of your paper. The margins and spacing between rows should not be changed.
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
Posters
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Presenter Requirements & Submission Guidelines
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.
- 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.
- PowerPoint Presentation
- Must be submitted no later than the week before the conference.
- WIOA requests permission to publish presentations in the app.
- 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
2026 Paper and Poster Submissions
Victoria
Bendigo Conference Dates:
Wed 25th – Thurs 26th March, 2026
Submissions Closed.
Queensland
Gold Coast Conference Dates:
Wed 24th – Thurs 25th June, 2026
Submissions Closed.
New South Wales
Newcastle Conference Dates:
Wed 9th – Thurs 10th September, 2026
Submissions Close:
Friday 24th July, 2026
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.