The ACCA Mid-Year Education & Training Seminar and the Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition are the two main events for the year!
The ACCA Conference is the association’s biggest event of the year and is THE industry event you want to make sure you do not miss out on!
In addition to our major events, ACCA has expanded its professional development offering with the introduction of Roadshow Training programs.
Head over to the ACCA Education page to learn more about the Roadshow training as well as our comprehensive online workshop schedule for 2026!
Day One of the ACCA Mid-Year Seminar will commence with a series of half-day educational sessions at the Mantra Hotel in Hervey Bay. Participants will benefit from informative presentations, practical learning opportunities, and the chance to connect with peers across the sector.
Sessions will conclude at lunchtime, followed by a visit to the historic Maryborough Cemetery for a guided tour.
Recognised as one of the region’s most notable cemeteries, Maryborough Cemetery holds significant heritage value and features a wide variety of burial areas that have served the community for many generations. This guided experience will offer attendees insight into the cemetery’s history and day-to-day operations, while highlighting practical considerations relevant to cemetery management and professional practice.
We are delighted to feature a diverse and knowledgeable lineup of speakers for Day 1, each bringing practical insights and real-world experience from across the sector.
• Louise O’Neill, Palliative Care Queensland will share perspectives from the palliative care sector, exploring end-of-life considerations and the important role cemeteries and memorial spaces play in supporting families and communities.
• Managing Shrouded Cremations – A practical session focused on best-practice approaches, operational considerations, and compliance when managing shrouded cremations.
• Lisa Herbert, alongside other presenters, will discuss the planning, development, and ongoing management of historical and community-based tours within cemeteries. This session will explore how cemeteries can engage the public, preserve heritage, and build meaningful connections with their local communities.
• Queensland Legislation Project – A presentation and round-table discussion with LGAQ will provide an update on the current Queensland legislation project, offering attendees the opportunity to ask questions, share experiences, and contribute to sector-wide conversations.
Building on the strong success of previous ACCA Mid-Year events, we are pleased to once again offer a dedicated trade show component. Hosted within the Mantra Hotel conference space, the trade show will provide delegates with the opportunity to engage directly with industry suppliers, explore a range of products and services, and learn about the latest developments and innovations across the cemetery and funeral sectors.
Organisations interested in exhibiting are encouraged to get in touch with the ACCA team to discuss available opportunities and participation details.
That evening, we invite you to unwind and connect with fellow attendees over a casual networking dinner at The Waterfront Restaurant in Hervey Bay. The restaurant is a short 7-minute walk from the Mantra Hotel and is the perfect opportunity to connect with colleagues and industry leaders. Enjoy a welcoming atmosphere while sharing insights, stories, and experiences with fellow delegates.
Address: On the beach, Dayman Park, Urangan, Hervey Bay, Queensland.
How to find Dayman Park: Corner of Pulgul St & Kent St Urangan.
For your convenience, Mantra Hotel, Hervey Bay is offering a special discount code for ACCA members for the duration of the seminar. The Mantra hotel is the closest and preferred accommodation for the event.
The second and final day of the seminar will continue at the Mantra Hotel with a focused program of educational and professional development sessions delivered through to lunchtime. Designed to build on Day 1, these sessions will reinforce key learnings, share practical takeaways, and encourage meaningful discussion between delegates and presenters.
The seminar will conclude by midday, providing a smooth and convenient finish that allows attendees to travel home comfortably, avoid peak traffic, and reflect on the insights gained over the two days.
Thank you to everyone who attended this event. Stay tuned for announcements on next years events.
ACCA is excited to introduce a new initiative of Roadshow Training programs, which are designed to bring practical, relevant training directly to regions and local communities. Taking place all over Australia we are excited to roll these out to ACCA members as well as the entire industry. ACCA continues to strengthen its commitment to professional development by expanding its training portfolio to better support members across the sector.
ACCA is pleased to be rolling out a series of targeted technical training opportunities, including Monumental safety training and upcoming Cemetery safety programs. These courses are being developed to support compliance, risk management, and best-practice operations, while providing practical skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
We are also running Psychological Wellbeing in the workplace & Supporting Grieving Clients delivered in partnership with Relationships Australia Victoria (RAVS), These sessions focus on building professional capability, supporting workforce wellbeing, and addressing real-world challenges faced by cemetery and memorial park professionals.
Head over to the ACCA Education page to learn more about the Roadshow training.
Dates: September 1 – 4 2026
Venue: Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast, AUSTRALIA
On behalf of the Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association (ACCA) Board, we are pleased to invite you to participate in ACCA’s 37th Annual Conference & Trade Exhibition, to be held at the Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast, Australia.
This year’s conference is particularly significant as ACCA celebrates 40 years of supporting, representing, and advancing the cemeteries and crematoria sector across Australasia. The event will reflect on four decades of industry leadership while looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the cemeteries and crematoria industry.
As ACCA’s flagship event, the conference brings together professionals from across the sector for three days of learning, connection, and collaboration. Delegates will hear from industry leaders, engage in practical and strategic discussions, explore emerging technologies and innovations, and connect with peers from across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
The conference and trade exhibition provide a valuable platform to acknowledge the achievements of the past 40 years while continuing to strengthen relationships, share knowledge, and support best practice across the industry.
We look forward to welcoming you to this milestone event and celebrating 40 years of ACCA together on the Gold Coast.
Program
We are excited to announce the speaker line-up for the 2026 Annual Conference.
This year’s theme focuses on creating connections and understanding your customer, with a strong and consistent thread throughout the program centred on community engagement, customer connection, and strengthening your team.
We have brought together an outstanding group of speakers from a diverse range of fields, alongside showcasing the innovative work our members are doing to enhance community connections and elevate the customer experience.
Click to view the speaker line-up.
Trade Exhibition
Showcase Your Brand at the ACCA Annual Trade Exhibition
An Unmissable Opportunity to Connect, Engage, and Grow.
As a key pillar of the ACCA Annual Conference, the ACCA Annual Trade Exhibition provides a premier platform for industry suppliers to engage directly with the people shaping the future of cemeteries and crematoria across Australia and internationally.
This dynamic and professionally curated exhibition offers unrivalled access to senior decision-makers, operational staff, and key influencers, all in one vibrant setting. With international delegates also in attendance, your reach extends well beyond national borders.
Register your expression of interest to showcase your products now!
