The 2026 Australian Institute of International Affairs National Conference, Whiplash! Disruption as the New Normal in International Affairs, will bring together senior political figures, diplomats, business leaders, academics, journalists and international affairs specialists in Canberra on 16 November 2026.

AIIA is inviting a limited number of organisations to partner with the conference through sponsorship, hosted side events and tailored engagement opportunities.

Whether your objective is to build relationships, showcase expertise, convene a high-level policy discussion or strengthen your profile among Australia’s international affairs community, we can work with you to develop an opportunity that fits.

Host an official side event

For 2026, partners can work with AIIA to host official side events at the Hyatt Hotel Canberra, alongside the main conference program.

Possible formats include:

• high-level policy roundtables
• public panel discussions
• diplomatic or business dialogues
• report or research launches
• media interviews and conversations
• invitation-only briefings
• networking receptions
• bilateral or regional forums

Depending on the format and level of interest, spaces can be configured for larger public sessions, smaller invitation-only discussions, receptions or networking events.

Entry to official side events would generally be available to registered conference delegates and sponsors, helping ensure a relevant and engaged audience. Sponsors would be responsible for AV and other set up costs.

AIIA would also promote approved side events as part of the conference program, including through our communications channels and, where appropriate, to our mailing list of more than 40,000 people.

While AIIA does not provide delegates’ email addresses or personal information to third parties, we can also work with partners to identify relevant conference participants and approach selected delegates directly on the partner’s behalf to encourage their attendance.

Reach an influential audience

The AIIA National Conference is one of Australia’s leading annual forums on international affairs.

Conference participants typically include senior representatives from government and diplomacy, business and industry, think tanks, universities, media and the wider international affairs community.

Approximately 400–500 delegates are expected to attend the 2026 conference.

More than a logo

AIIA partnerships are designed around meaningful engagement.

Depending on the partnership, opportunities can include:

• recognition as an official conference or program partner
• hosting an official side event
• prominent conference and digital branding
• promotion through AIIA conference communications
• access to the conference audience
• complimentary or VIP registrations
• speaking or moderation opportunities where editorially appropriate
• hosted networking or hospitality
• exhibition or meeting space
• tailored engagement with diplomatic, government, business and policy audiences

AIIA maintains editorial independence across its conference program. Partnership provides a platform for engagement, not control over AIIA policy positions or editorial content.

Build something with us

Some organisations simply want visibility. Others want to bring together a particular group of decision-makers, launch an initiative, explore an emerging policy question or create a conversation that would otherwise be difficult to convene.

We are happy to develop bespoke partnership and side-event packages around those objectives.

Because side-event space is limited, organisations interested in hosting an event alongside the conference are encouraged to contact us early.

Enquiries

To discuss sponsorship, side events or other partnership opportunities for the 2026 AIIA National Conference, please contact:

AIIA National Office
communications@internationalaffairs.org.au

16 November 2026 | Hyatt Hotel Canberra
Whiplash! Disruption as the New Normal in International Affairs