ABSTRACTS

Volunteering Queensland is now inviting abstract submissions for the 2026 Queensland Volunteering Conference.

We are seeking real world, case study style presentations that showcase what you are trialing, piloting, refining, or learning from, including challenges and what has not worked. Submissions should offer practical insights, be relevant across organisations, and be grounded in real experience.

Whether submitting a speaker presentation or a poster presentation, this is an opportunity to share your work, contribute to sector learning, and connect with others working toward more sustainable volunteer programs.

Submit Abstract

Presentation types

Speaker Presentation

Share your work through a live session as a workshop, panel, or case study. These sessions are interactive and designed to share insights, spark discussion, and provide practical takeaways for delegates.

Poster Presentation

Present your work as a visual display. Posters highlight key ideas, learnings, or initiatives in a concise and engaging format, allowing delegates to explore and connect with your work throughout the conference.

conference streams

The conference theme, Volunteering for Sustainable Futures, is explored across three key streams.

Connecting
Communities

Sustainable volunteering starts with connection, focusing on belonging, relationships, and volunteer voice to create environments where people feel valued, connected, and motivated to stay.

Designing
Solutions

As volunteering evolves, so must our approach, exploring flexible, future ready models that redesign roles, adapt to changing lifestyles, and use technology in practical, human centred ways.

Strengthening
Impact

Sustainability relies on clear, credible impact, embedding good practice, governance, wellbeing, and advocacy to build resilient programs and demonstrate the value of volunteering.

session formats and expectations

(for speaker presentations)

Sessions may include panels, workshops, or case study presentations.

Breakout sessions: 60–75 minutes
Delivered to an in-person audience, with potential online participants

Please note: while you may indicate your preferred format, the Conference Planning Committee will determine final session formats following the review of submissions to support a balanced and engaging program.

what makes a strong submission

Focuses on a clear, specific example or initiative

Shares practical insights others can apply

Highlight lessons learned (including challenges)

Is relevant to a broad range of organisations or communities

KEY DATES

3 July 2026

Expression of Interest Deadline

28 July 2026

Notification of outcome

selection criteria

Alignment with the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement

Relevance across different organisations and communities

Alignment with the theme and conference streams

Clarity and practicality of insights shared

celebrating your insights

We know preparing and presenting a case study, panel, workshop, or poster takes time, energy, and expertise. At Volunteering Queensland, we want to acknowledge your contribution in meaningful ways. Recognition will vary depending on your presentation format:

Keynote

(Plenary session speaker)

Letter of appreciation from CEO or Board Chair
Certificate of contribution
Public acknowledgement (conference program, social media)
Letter of support for travel or funding applications relating to the conference
Social media acknowledgement
High-res images of speaker in action, taken by professional photographer

Panelist / Case Study Contributor

(One of multiple presenters within a session)

Certificate of contribution
Public acknowledgement (conference program)
Letter of support for travel or funding applications relating to the conference
High-res images of speaker in action, taken by professional photographer

Workshop Presenter

(Leads interactive session)

Certificate of contribution
Public acknowledgement (conference program)
Letter of support for travel or funding applications relating to the conference
High-res images of speaker in action, taken by professional photographer

Poster presentation

(Visual presentation only)

Certificate of contribution
Feature in online gallery or newsletter wrap-up

Please note: the final format of your presentation will be confirmed by the Conference Planning Committee after the submission period and included with your outcome if your submission is successful.

submit your expression of interest

You’ll be asked to provide:

Contact details
Case study title and 200-word summary
Key takeaways
Topic/stream selection
Approval from your organisation

Inclusive Participation

We strongly encourage submissions from diverse perspectives, including First Nations voices, culturally diverse communities, and regional and remote Queensland.