LGMA Annual Local Government Conference 2026

The Local Government Conference is scheduled for Tuesday 8 - Thursday 10 September 2026!  

Local Government Futures

As the pace of change continues to grow exponentially, so does the need to constantly adapt and change.  At its core, local governments have remained largely the same over many decades.  Some have grown, both organically and through amalgamation, many have shifted priorities and new external pressures have come to the fore. However, structurally, there is a high level of consistency from decade to decade.

Will this need to shift in the coming decade?  What are the possible futures Queensland local governments will be contending with and where are the pressure points going to be for our organisations and our people?  At the same time, what will be the opportunities to work more efficiently, access technology for productivity and do more for our communities.

The 2026 Local Government Conference is an exploration of our possible futures and how we position the sector to meet them.

Venue: Sea World Resort, Seaworld Drive, Main Beach   QLD   4217 

Proposed Schedule:

Tuesday

3.30pm – 4.00pm Registration

4.00pm – 6.00pm President’s Welcome Reception

Evening at Leisure

Wednesday 

08.45am Welcome

09.00am – 3.00pm Conference Sessions

3.00pm LGMA AGM

4.00pm – 5.30pm Beach versus Bush Scavenger Hunt Challenge

Evening at Leisure

Thursday 

07.45am Exclusive Shark Bay Tour

09.00am – 3.30pm Conference Sessions

7.00pm – 11.00pm Dinner

Brochure: available here

Presenters: Meet Our Speakers

This year's lineup features an outstanding mix of visionaries, practitioners and leaders:

• Professor Sohail Inayatullah — one of the world's foremost futurists
• Jordana Borensztajn — creativity and innovation expert
• Tracy Mackey — Chief Executive Officer, Infrastructure Association of Queensland
• Lucy Poole — Deputy CEO, Strategy, Planning and Performance, Australian Government's Digital Transformation Agency
• Adam Pennicott — Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives, Department of Trade, Employment and Training
• Brett de Chastel — Principal Consultant, de Chastel and Associates, presenting The Future of Local Government Report developed in partnership with LGMA
• CEO Panel presenters include Justin Hancock, Nikola Stepanov, Scott Waters 

Why Attend?

✔ Thought-provoking keynotes on the future of local government

✔ Practical sessions you can apply from day one back at work

✔ Unmatched networking with peers from across Queensland

✔ A world-class venue designed to inspire

Registration: 

LGMA is a membership-based organisation for Queensland Local Government.  Our focus is advocacy, collaborative learning and professional development for council officers.  For LGMA events we offer registration for all council officers plus corporate partners with event agreements in place.  All other registration enquiries should be directed to LGMA to check for availability - events@lgmaqld.org.au

Full registration includes the President's Welcome Reception on Tuesday, the Beach Versus Bush Activity on Wednesday and the Conference Sessions on Wednesday and Thursday (morning tea and lunch are provided) and the Conference Dinner on Thursday evening. 

Early Bird Rates (on or before 10 July) Council Officer $1645

Standard Rates (on or after 11 July) Council Officer $1930

Please see the Registration Terms and Conditions (includes discounts and complimentary registrations).

Council Subscribers who have not utilised their complimentary conference registration for the current financial period (Oct - Sept) are eligible to receive one complimentary registration when purchasing an Early Bird (EB) registration (excludes CEOs).  Terms and conditions apply - call 3174 5006 for further information and assistance.  Complimentary EB form here.

Register for the LGMA Annual Conference

Exclusions: Travel and accommodation are not included in the conference registration fees.

Accommodation at the Conference venue: 

Premium and Deluxe Room options at Sea World Resort are no longer available. Please contact the resort directly for further options such as suites: Sea World Resort, Sea World Drive, Main Beach, Q   4217 / T: 13 33 86

Alternative accommodation options:

CLLIX Apartments and Hotels have offered a 12% discount on their advertised rates when booking accommodation on their website.   This discount can be applied 3 days before and 3 days after the event - subject to availability and terms/conditions apply.  Please use the promotion code LGMA26 to access the conference rates for Ruby Gold Coast or Marine Quarter Apartments by CLLIX. 

Meriton Suites Gold Coast have accommodation options in Southport, Broadbeach and Surfers Paradise.  They offer great rates through their Eminence loyalty program - free to join.