Pre-Arrival Information

We look forward to welcoming you to International Diabetes Federation (Western Pacific) & Australasian Diabetes Congress (ADC) & Metabolic Diseases Congress 2026 on the 18 - 21 August in Melbourne, Australia.
 

So that you can make the most of your Congress experience, please find below for some pre-arrival information.

Entry into Australia

Unless you are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, you will need a visa to enter Australia. All other passport holders must apply for a visa before leaving the origin of their country. Visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au for more information.

Booking your travel to Melbourne

Melbourne Airport is serviced by several international airlines. Find out more.

On your arrival at Melbourne Airport

Please note that all food, plant and animal related material (such as feathers, skins or bone) must be declared on arrival and will be checked by officials. If in doubt, declare it. The process is usually very efficient, but failure to declare prohibited goods leads to severe penalties.

Transport from Melbourne Airport

Melbourne’s main airport is located approximately 30-minutes’ drive (24 km) from Melbourne CBD. Airport transfers are readily available from the airport and there is a regular bus service straight to the city. If you have any problems, you can visit the Information Desk located in both the International and Domestic terminals for help with transfers.

Skybus
SkyBus runs a Melbourne City Express service, between Melbourne Airport and Melbourne CBD, every 10 minutes (9am – 5pm) and every 15 minutes outside these times. They operate between the hours of 4am – 1am, 7 days a week. Tickets can be pre-purchased online or purchased at the SkyBus ticket booth at each Bus Terminal at the Airport. Tickets are from AUD $24.60 One Way and from AUD $41.20 Return. To purchase tickets online, please visit the SkyBus website for more information.

Rideshare
Rideshare drivers pick up travellers from two locations: Qantas, International and Virgin Australia passengers from lane 3 of the forecourt; Jetstar, Rex or other passengers from level 2 inside the T4 Ground Transport Hub. A rideshare access fee of $4.82 inc GST applies per trip. Passengers can be dropped off anywhere along Departure Drive and the T4 Transport Hub drop off zone on level 1. This is the same for all the public drop off zones.

Taxi
Taxi ranks are located across from the terminals. Melbourne CBD is approximately a 30-minute fare. Estimate your fare here. The current Melbourne Airport access fee of $4.78 applies to all pick-ups from an airport taxi rank. The access fee is paid by the passenger to the taxi driver and is included in the taxi fare. There is no airport charge for drop off.

Rental Cars
Melbourne Airport offers six car rentals companies and are conveniently located directly opposite Terminal 2, International departures and arrivals. Each car rental company is accessible via the walkways from the terminals, and returns through the Terminal Car Park at Terminal 1, 2 & 3. Avis Rent a Car is offering its corporate rates to Conference delegates. Just call your local Avis office and request a quote giving reference number AWD Z994400.

Accommodation

If you need to change your reservation, please advise The Conference Company rather than the hotel direct: email adc@theconferencecompany.com.

Climate

Melbourne’s average temperature during the day in August is around 15 °C (59 °F), with nighttime minimums around 7 °C (44 °F). The city receives approximately 59 mm of rain spread over about 10 days in the month.

Currency/Banking

The currency used is the Australian dollar. Banking hours are usually 0930 -1600hrs, Monday to Friday. Automatic Teller Machines are well spread throughout Melbourne’s business district. International credit cards are accepted throughout the country banks, most hotels and city stores.

Disclosure of Registration Information

If you do not wish your details to be provided to sponsors or other delegates, please tick the appropriate box on the registration form.

Dress

Dress for all scientific sessions is smart casual.

Electricity

Australia uses a 240 volt 50 cycle system with 3 pin flat plugs.

Goods and Services Tax

Goods and Services in Australia are subject to a 10% tax (GST). This tax is usually included in the price and if not, it is clearly stated. The Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) enables travellers to claim a refund of the goods and services tax (GST) and wine equalisation tax (WET) paid on some goods bought in Australia. Visit the Australian Border Force website for details about what you can claim and how.

Insurance

It is strongly recommended that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover the duration of your visit to Australia.

Name Badges

Name badges will be given to all delegates on registration. We ask that you wear your badge at all times, including social functions. Entry tickets will be given for all social and optional events.

Special Requirements

Every effort will be made to ensure delegates with special needs are catered for. Should you require any specific assistance or catering, please give details required on your registration form.

Time

The time zone for Melbourne is 10 hours ahead of GMT in August.

Visitor Information Centres

Visitor information centres are staffed by friendly and professional people with extensive local knowledge, find out more.

Venue

Entering the venue and Parking

Upon arriving at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the main entrance is located at Convention Centre Wharf near DFO. 

There is 24-hour undercover parking, including designated accessible parking bays conveniently located near the lifts. Visit www.wilsonparking.com.au/parking-locations/victoria/southbank/melbourne-exhibition-centre-car-park/ for more information.

Once you have entered the Convention and Exhibition Centre, please pick up your name badge at the registration desk. The congress begins with the Opening Ceremony plenary in the  on the ground floor near the main entrance and foyer. The Congress sessions will take place on the ground floor and Level 1.

Getting to the venue

Please check the https://transport.vic.gov.au/journey website for details of any changes to transport services to MCEC.

Registration and information desk

The Registration desk will be located on the Ground level at the main entrance of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and will be open during the following times:

Tuesday 18 August: 7:00am – 6:00pm

Wednesday 21 August: 6:30am – 7:00pm

Thursday 22 August: 6:30am – 6;00pm

Friday 23 August: 6:00am – 5:00pm

You will receive a personalised QR Code a few days before the Congress starts. You can either print the email and bring it with you or have it ready on your phone and scan it on arrival.

Friendly staff will be on hand during the opening hours advised above, to answer your questions and provide information about the Congress, venue and surrounds.

Social events

Welcome Reception - Wednesday 19 August 2026
The Welcome Reception will be held in the trade exhibition area at the conclusion of the second day. This will be a fabulous opportunity for all delegates to meet colleagues face to face again, preview posters and meet the exhibitors.

Time: 6;00pm to 7:30pm
Venue: Exhibition Hall, MCEC
Cost: Included with Full Registration or AU$85 for Day Registrants and/or Guests. Please register via the main registration form.

The Congress Dinner - Thursday 20 August 2026
The Congress Dinner includes entertainment, drinks and dinner. Official presentations will be kept to a minimum, with the focus being to provide an entertaining evening, and an opportunity for socialising and networking. Please note you must purchase a discounted ticket to confirm your attendance.

Time: 7.00pm to Midnight
Theme: TBC
Venue: Melbourne Room MCEC
Cost: AU$75 for ADS/ADEA Members / AU$125 for Non-members / AU$150 for Guests. Please register via the main registration form.

Novo Nordisk Fun Run/Walk - Friday 21 August 2026
The Novo Nordisk 5km Fun Run/Walk will occur again this year on 21 August, as part of the long standing “Changing Diabetes” program and in conjunction with the wrap up of the ADC Congress. Whether you run, walk, or stroll and chat, join the Novo Nordisk team on Friday morning, by registering as an individual/team for this picturesque short 5km trail around Melbourne. 

Registration: As part of the online registration form or on the Novo Nordisk stand.
Time: Warm up starts 6:30am. Starting at 6:45am to expected end time 7:30am.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi for delegates will be available over the three days. 

Sponsors and Exhibitors

The Congress would not be possible without the support and investment of the sponsors and exhibitors. Please take the time to visit the exhibitors who will showcase their goods and services in the Exhibition hall.

Further Information

If you require any further information, please contact The Conference Company on the below phone or email.

Phone:    1800 193 405 (within Aus)
               +64 9 360 1240 (international)
Email:     adc@theconferececompany.com
Website: www.diabetescongress2026.com