Submit an abstract
We are now accepting abstract submissions for Smart Water Connect 2026
Call for abstract proposals open: Monday 1 June 2026
Deadline to submit: Friday 10 July 2026
Notification of acceptance: By Friday 31 July 2026
We invite submissions for presentations, case studies, panels and workshops that demonstrate practical approaches to improving water efficiency across Australia. We are particularly interested in real-world examples, innovations and lessons learned that can be applied across industries.
Submissions are encouraged from a broad range of sectors, including
- Water utilities
- Government (federal, state, local)
- Manufacturers (bathroom, plumbing, irrigation, pool & spa, car wash)
- Smart Drop Certified licensees and service providers
- Irrigation and greenlife industries
- Retailers, corporates and wholesalers
- Universities, consultants and researchers
Key Themes
Submissions should align with one or more of the following themes:
Driving community engagement and behaviour change
Education, outreach, and community-led initiatives that shift water use behaviours and build long-term water literacy.
Increasing uptake of efficient products through information, incentives and innovation
Certification and labelling schemes, product rebates/swaps, and the next wave of water-efficient product and system solution innovations.
Non-residential water efficiency solutions
Programs, partnerships, and performance strategies to reduce water use across commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors.
Strengthening drought resilience and outdoor water management
Best-practice drought preparedness, adaptive response frameworks, and strategies to reduce outdoor water usage.
Enabling impact through standards, policy and regulation
Federal, state, and local policy settings shaping water efficiency outcomes and driving coordinated action.
Harnessing data, smart technologies and insights
The role of smart metering, modelling options analysis, monitoring and data analytics in improving water management, customer engagement, and system performance.
What We’re Looking For
We are seeking high-quality, engaging content that:
- Demonstrates practical, real-world outcomes
- Provides clear insights and lessons learned
- Shows measurable impact or potential impact
- Highlights innovation in products, programs or policy
- Reflects collaboration across sectors
We strongly encourage submissions from industry and practitioners, not just researchers.
Presentation Formats
You can submit abstracts for:
- Oral presentations (case study or technical presentation)
- Panel sessions (3–4 speakers on a shared topic)
- Workshops (interactive sessions)
- Lightning talks (short, high-impact presentations)
Submission Guidelines
- Abstract length: Approx 350 words
- Language: Clear, practical and accessible
- Focus: Outcomes, learnings and relevance
NB: if successful you are required to register for the event, at the reduced speaker rate.
Selection Criteria
Abstracts will be reviewed by the Program Advisory Panel based on:
- Relevance to forum themes
- Practical value and applicability
- Evidence of impact (actual or potential)
- Quality and clarity of submission
- Diversity of sectors and perspectives
Why Submit?
- Share your work with a national, cross-sector audience
- Position your organisation as a leader in water efficiency
- Influence policy, programs and market uptake
- Connect with key stakeholders across industries
- Contribute to shaping Australia’s water-efficient future
Submit Your Abstract
Submit via email by Friday 10 July to info@thewaterconservancy.org