Centre tours
Wed 30 Sep, 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Run on Day Zero and don’t clash with any presentations.
30 Sep – 3 Oct 2026 · Melbourne
Conference brief
Early Childhood Australia's national conference, open to anyone studying or working in early childhood education and care. Sessions span learning environments, sustainability, educator wellbeing, leadership, reconciliation and culturally responsive pedagogy.
- Dates
- 30 September – 3 October 2026Wednesday to Saturday. Wed 30 Sep is Day Zero — centre tours run 8:30 am – 4:30 pm.
- Venue
- Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre1 Convention Centre Place, South Wharf VIC 3006
- Program
- 3 program days · 54 sessionsThu 1 – Sat 3 Oct, across 15 streams, plus keynotes and panels.
- Who it's for
- Educators, teachers and service leadersAlso researchers, policy makers and sector partners working with children from birth to eight. ECA membership isn't required.
- Registration
- Open nowECA members receive a discount. Full delegate registration includes one Welcome Reception ticket.
Practical information
Social events, accommodation and venue policies, from the official conference FAQs.
Welcome Reception
1 ticket included
Included with full delegate and concession registration. Extra tickets are $103.00 each.
HESTA Awards dinner
$150.00 per ticket
The HESTA Early Childhood Education and Care Awards, booked separately from registration.
Accommodation
Booked with your registration
Managed by InHouse Event Solutions at hotels near the venue. Amend or cancel by Fri 31 July 2026 to avoid hotel fees.
Cancellations
Refund less a $175 fee
Applies 30 or more days out. Inside 30 days there’s no refund, but you can send a replacement delegate at no charge.
Children and strollers
Not permitted
For safety reasons children and strollers can’t enter the conference, the exhibition hall or any session.
Full answers on the official FAQs — ecaconference.com.au/2026/faqs
Keep exploring
The rest of the info pack — every session and every booth.