Accessibility
The Conference venue is access compliant. Please note however that car park does not have an elevator.
The non-sport optional ticketed events are also access compliant except for LARK. Whiskey tasting will take place on level 1 of updated venue. Currently we are not aware if there will be an elevator.
Accommodation
The Conference venue is conveniently located near a range of accommodations to suit different interests and budgets. Please see Discovery Tasmania
website and the Tasmanian Travel and Information Centre
website for
accommodation options.
Please also check the ‘Deals’ tab for accommodation deals.
Admission
Admission to the Conference sessions is via your Conference lanyard.
For optional ticketed events, the event host will have a list of registrants. Please provide your name upon entry. If you have registered by the commencement of the ticketed event, we encourage you to wear your Conference lanyard for ease of identification and networking.
Airport Transfers
There are several options available to travel between the Hobart International Airport and Hobart City: SkyBus airport shuttle, taxi, rideshare (Uber), or private car. SkyBus is the most cost-effective, followed by taxis and rideshares.
Sky Bus meets most flights coming to and from Hobart. It drops off at various Hotels around Hobart and cost is $22 one way. One of the normal stops is at the Grand Chancellor Hotel.
They need 48 hrs in advance to ensure care for Disabled customers can be facilitated.
Upon arrival at the airport, if you have any questions, feel free to approach one of our Conference volunteers who will be present during select arrival times on the Thursday and Friday.
Attire
For conference attire we recommend smart casual with comfortable shoes (no thongs). The Gala Dinner has a nautical theme and therefore it is recommended you dress in theme otherwise cocktail style(semi-formal). We also recommend smart casual for the optional non-sport ticketed events except for the welcome drinks where we recommend you wear cocktail style. For the sporting events please see the event details on the website or booking site for further details. Please wear closed over shoes for both the Golf and Bowls.You are not required to wear your Rotary pins, name badges or Rotary branded attire for any events however you are most welcome do so and will assist with brand awareness. We note some Rotarians like to wear their Rotary pins at the welcome drinks, you are most welcome to do so but it is not a requirement. Note your Conference Lanyard will mention both your name and Rotary/Rotaract Club (if applicable). We do though encourage you to wear your Conference Polo during the Conference and in particular on the first day.
Booking Closure Date
The last day to register for the Conference and optional ticketed events is Friday 27th February 2026, that is two weeks prior to the Conference. Due to venues needing final numbers for staffing and ordering requirements we will generally not be able to cater for last minutes registration requests.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
If you are no longer able to attend an event you have registered for, you may cancel your registration and apply for a refund as per the policy time frames below. To apply for a refund or arrange a registration transfer, please contact David Button via
david.button@rotary9815.org.au.
Refunds - General Events
Up to 28 days before - Refund available 100%.
Between 27 and 15 days before - 50% refund available.
Within 14 days before - No refund available from this date, or for non-attendance, however registrations can be transferred to a new person (see below).
While we understand that circumstances can change after registering for an event, these fees help to cover the administration required for cancellations, venue payment requirements and event costs already incurred.
Cancellations due to illness or death
Any delegates who are unable to attend an Event due to illness or death within 27 days before the 13
th of March 2026, a refund will be at the discretion of the District Conference Chair and in consideration of any venue or event related costs already incurred. Please contact Conference Chair, Monique Smith via
monique.Smith@rotary9815.org.au.
Transferring Registrations.
Unless stated otherwise, all 2026 District Conference events allow registrations to be transferred to a new attendee. To transfer a registration, please contact David Button via
david.button@rotary9815.org.au.
Car Parking
The Conference venue is conveniently located near a range of accommodations to suit different interests and budgets. Accordingly, we encourage delegates to use public transport, taxis or walk to the Conference venue.
If you do require parking, the City of Hobart offers a range of short-term parking options, all-day street parking on Saturdays and multi-story car parks. The multi-story car parks are generally cheaper than on street parking. Please see the City of Hobart
website (< click the blue text) for a list of car parks.
Parking at the Grand Chancellor is for hotel guests for a fee. Access located at the back of the hotel from Macquarie Street. Please note there is no elevator access to the lobby.
Children
Children are welcome to attend the Conference. Those aged 16 and under are free. Please ensure you register them when making your Conference bookings. Children will receive their own delegate bag and lanyard but not a Conference Shirt. Please note children will not be able to participate in any of the alcohol tasting options (they can attend the Friday lunch without participating in the tasting).
Conference Committee
The Conference Committee details are on the website. If you have a specific question, you are welcome to contact the assigned person/s. During the Conference, whilst they too will be wearing a Conference Shirt they will also wear an additional item such as a vest or slash which will identify them as a Committee member.
Conference Program
A copy of the Conference Program is available on the Conference website and a condensed version on the back of your registration lanyard name tag.
We understand some registrations may wish to pick the sessions/speakers of interest and only attend those events. Noting that the majority of our speakers volunteer their time to present or at a heavily discounted price, in respect for their efforts we encourage you to attend all sessions where possible. Speaking to a near empty theatre may put them off speaking at another Rotary event.
We also request that when moving in and out of the plenary sessions you do so with minimal disruptions as possible.
Conference Shirt
All delegates will receive one (1) Green Conference Polo Shirt as part of their registration fee as per the size they selected when they registered. Delegates are encouraged to wear their Conference Shirt on Day 1 (Saturday) of the Conference.
Conference Photos
Official Conference photos will be taken by our Conference photographers throughout the Conference and optional sessions. A link to these photos will be placed on the Conference website. The Conference Committee and District may use these photos for marketing and promotional purposes.
Delegates are also welcome to take their own photos and share their conference experience. We do ask that as a courtesy to our presenters, entertainers and fellow delegates you are cautious as to the use of your flash and the timing of taking photos.
Conference Program
A copy of the Conference Program is available on the Conference website and a condensed version on the back of your registration lanyard name tag.
Dietary Requirements
All venues can cater for dietary requirements. If you have a dietary requirement please ensure you note this when booking your tickets and if you have dietary changes susbequent to your booking your tickets please contact
David Button via david.button@rotary9815.org.au to update your booking.
Feedback
Delegates will have the opportunity to provide feedback via an online anonymous optional survey following the Conference. A link will be provided to delegates during and post the Conference. Feedback will be provided to future Conference Committees for their consideration.
First Timers & Prospective Members
First timers and prospective members are encouraged to attend not only the Conference but also optional ticketed events of interest. The Conference provides a valuable educational experience to learn more about the projects, reach and impacts of Rotary whilst also providing opportunities to make connections and new friends. To help facilitate your first Conference experience we encourage you to consider booking into the First Timers and 0-3 Years Membership Breakfast on the Saturday morning and if wanting to meet Rotarians from outside your Club to also consider booking in the for the ‘Making Connections Dinner’ on the Friday afternoon.
Late Registration for Optional Ticketed Events
Due to venue catering and staffing arrangements we will generally not be able to accommodate requests for registering for optional ticketed events once bookings for those events have closed. Noting also that limited tickets are available for each of those events we encourage registrants to book ahead for events of interest so as not to miss out.
Loss of Lanyard
Please see the registration desk on Friday/Saturday otherwise contact the Conference Secretary on the Sunday.
Meals
Clubs are encouraged to organise a Club dinner on the Friday evening. Alternatively, registrants may register for the ‘Making Connections Dinner’ or make other arrangements.
Non-Conference Material
No literature is to be distributed, no goods offered for sale, or fund raising by any means may occur at the Conference without prior approval from the Conference Chair.
Paul Harris Fellows & Presidents Event
This year there is no exclusive event for Paul Harris Fellow recipients nor Presidents. To help foster networking, making connections and inspiration the pre-Conference Welcome drinks are open to all those who wish to register for that specific event.
Public Access
Only registrants can join for the Conference. Therefore, if any non-Rotarians or non-Rotaractors wish to join they are welcome to do so via registering their attendance.
The Rotary Expo however is open to the public on Saturday between 2pm and 5pm. No registration for the Conference nor any other form of booking is required.
Registration, Help Desk, Lost & Found
The registration and held desk along with lost and found will be located in the lobby level.
If the registration desk is closed please then contact the Conference Secretary, Annette Griffin on 0418 373 676.
Rotary Expo
The Rotary Expo is an opportunity to find out more about Rotary Programs and Club Projects and talk with sponsors about their products and offers.
Access is available to all conference delegates as noted below and open to the public on Saturday between 2pm and 5pm.
Venue: Grand ballroom, Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart
Open Hours:
- Saturday 14th March 2026:
- Delegate Access: 8:30pm - 5pm
- Public Access: 2pm – 5pm
- Sunday 15th March 2026:
- Delegate Access: 8:30am – 11am
Session Times
For sessions times, please refer to the Conference program on the website and/or back of our name tag.
As a matter of courtesy to all speakers, we welcome prompt attendance for each session so that it starts on time and without disruption. If entering or existing the Federation Concert Hall please do so quietly to avoid disruptions.
Messages/Announcements
All announcements will generally be made by the MCs.
If you have any messages or announcements, please contact Conference Chair Monique Smith or Conference 2IC Kehela (Keels) Vandenberg for consideration. Messages should relate to matters concerning the Conference and not general Rotary matters or other events.
Mobile Phones
We welcome and encourage the sharing of your Conference experience on social media. We do though ask that as a courtesy to our presenters your camera flash be turned off during presentations and phones are on silent during sessions.
