Diabetes Community Day

Name: Cloud Gray Pty Ltd
Price range: $

A dedicated day for the diabetes community, as part of the IDF-WPR Congress 2026

Tuesday 18 August 2026
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC)
Free event - registration required

Overview

The Diabetes Community Day, hosted by Diabetes Australia, is a dedicated part of the IDF Western Pacific Region Congress 2026 – designed specifically for people living with diabetes, their families, supporters and the broader community.

Taking place on the opening day of the Congress, this free event brings together education, lived experience, advocacy and innovation in an accessible, welcoming environment.

Whether you're looking to learn something new, explore the latest diabetes technologies, connect with others, hear inspiring stories or simply spend time within the diabetes community, there is something for everyone.

You can attend for the entire day or simply drop in for the sessions and activities that interest you most.

Why attend?

As part of one of the most significant diabetes congresses ever held in our region, the Diabetes Community Day offers a unique opportunity to:

Learn from people living with diabetes, clinicians, researchers and advocates
Explore the latest technologies, services and resources
Connect with others who understand the challenges and opportunities of living with diabetes
Experience inspiring stories, creativity and innovation
Engage with organisations and programs supporting the diabetes community
Gain insights from Australia, the Western Pacific and around the world

Best of all, attendance is free.

Explore the Community Exhibition

At the heart of the event is the Community Exhibition – a vibrant space where attendees can connect with trusted organisations, support services, community groups and industry leaders.

Discover:

The latest diabetes technologies, devices and innovations
Practical tools, resources and support services
Information about diabetes research, advocacy and community programs
Interactive displays and demonstrations
Free health checks and community health initiatives

Participating organisations include Diabetes Australia, the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS), Diabetes Victoria, ADEA, Breakthrough T1D, Action4Diabetes and a range of leading technology and healthcare organisations including Abbott, MiniMed, Ascensia, Ypsomed/myLife, Insulet and many more.

Spotlight Stage

Located within the Community Exhibition, the Spotlight Stage will feature short talks, interviews and Q&A sessions throughout the day.

Hear from:

International street artist Taylor Lawrence
Hong Kong children's author Vincent Chan
Diabetes advocates and changemakers from Australia and across the region
Community ambassadors sharing their stories and experiences

The relaxed format allows you to drop in and enjoy sessions throughout the day.

Content Program

The Plenary Theatre will host a dedicated program of presentations, discussions and showcases throughout the day.

Highlights include:

NDSS Education Session
(9:30am – 11:00am)

Practical, evidence-based sessions focused on eating well with diabetes and looking after your heart health.

Stigma in Focus
(11:30am – 12:30pm)

A dedicated session exploring diabetes stigma, featuring leading researchers, advocates and people living with diabetes who are driving change through local and global initiatives.

Congress Highlights
(Part 1: 12:45pm – 1:30pm | Part 2: 2:00pm – 2:45pm)

A series of short, engaging presentations providing a community-friendly introduction to some of the most interesting research, lived experience insights and innovations being presented at the broader Congress.

Topics include:

Living with diabetes and stigma
Mental health and wellbeing
Families, carers and support networks
Diabetes across communities and cultures
Innovation, advocacy and improving care

Sessions are designed to be accessible and flexible - you can attend the sessions that matter most to you.

Explore the full Interactive Program with all sessions details and topics

Diabetes Australia Grand Innovation Challenge Final Showcase

(3:00pm - 5:00pm)

The Diabetes Australia Grand Innovation Challenge (the Challenge), proudly supported by the Charles Campbell Coghlan OAM Estate, is a national initiative designed to accelerate the development and adoption of breakthrough innovations that address the most pressing needs in diabetes prevention, management, and care.

As a feature event of the Congress, and with FREE ENTRY, the Final Showcase Pitching Event will be held as part of the Diabetes Community Day program.

Come watch Australia’s top innovators pitch their breakthrough technology solutions to improve the lives of people living with and at risk. Up to $500,000 in targeted funding and national recognition is available to fast-track these big ideas into the hands of people who need it most.

Logo

Breakout Zone

The Breakout Zone provides a space for creativity, participation and community connection.

Activities include:

Interactive Community Art Collaboration

Contribute to a collaborative artwork led by internationally recognised mixed-media artist Robert Lee Davis.

Guru Dudu Silent Disco

A fun and energetic experience guaranteed to get people moving and connecting.

Diabetes in Art and Literature

Explore creative works that showcase how people experience, understand and communicate diabetes through art, storytelling and literature.

Youth Art Awards Exhibition

View the finalists of the Youth Art Awards 2026, showcasing artwork created by young people from across the region living with or affected by diabetes.

Meet Ambassadors and Community Advocates

Throughout the day you'll have opportunities to meet and hear from a range of ambassadors, advocates and community leaders.

Expected guests include:

Shane Watson – former Australian international cricketer
Paddy McCartin – former AFL player and diabetes advocate
Drew Harrisberg – exercise physiologist and diabetes advocate
Taylor Lawrence
Vincent Chan
Robert Lee Davis

Additional speakers and special guests will continue to be announced.

Complimentary Barista Coffee

Enjoy complimentary barista-made coffee while you explore the exhibition, attend sessions and connect with others throughout the day.

Stay for the Opening Ceremony

The Diabetes Community Day concludes just prior to the official IDF-WPR Congress Opening Ceremony.

Community Day attendees are invited to stay and experience this special event as delegates from across Australia, the Western Pacific and beyond come together to mark the commencement of the Congress.

Interested in more?

The Diabetes Community Day is one component of the wider IDF Western Pacific Region Congress 2026.

If you'd like to experience additional Congress sessions covering research, clinical care, education and advocacy, discounted delegate registration is available for people living with diabetes.

Learn more about Congress registration

Register your place

The Diabetes Community Day is free to attend, however registration is required.

Event Details

Date: Tuesday 18 August 2026
Time: 9:00am - 5:30pm (Followed by the Congress Opening Ceremony, 5:30pm - 7:00pm)
Location: Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre (MCEC), South Wharf

Venue information: For details on how to get to and access the venue, please click here.

FAQs

Do I need to register to attend?

Yes, registration is required to attend the Diabetes Community Day. Registering in advance helps us plan the day and ensure you have a smooth experience on arrival.

Is the event free?

Yes, the Diabetes Community Day is a free event.

Who can attend?

The event is open to everyone, including people living with diabetes, carers, families, health professionals and anyone interested in learning more about diabetes. The event is also open to delegates attending the broader Congress and pre-Congress workshops being held on the same day.

Can I bring someone?

Yes, you’re welcome to bring a guest. Each attendee will need to register individually.

Can I attend all sessions?

You’re welcome to attend as many sessions as you like. Please select the sessions you’re interested in when you register.

Do I have to be an NDSS registrant to attend the NDSS session?

No, you do not need to be registered with the NDSS to attend this session – all attendees are welcome.

Do I need a Letter of Invitation to attend the Diabetes Community Day?

Letters of Invitation will not be issued for attendance at the Diabetes Community Day. As this is a free, community-focused event rather than a formal conference registration, attendees are responsible for making their own arrangements regarding travel and visa requirements (if applicable).

What happens after I register?

Once you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email with event details and what to expect on the day. Closer to the event, we’ll share any additional updates to help you plan your visit.

Can I bring my own food/drink?

Food and drinks can be purhased from a range of onsite options at the venue. The Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre has restrictions on bringing external food and beverages into the venue. However, individual circumstances may vary, particularly for medical or dietary needs.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

If you have any questions about the Diabetes Community Day, please contact adc@theconferencecompany.com. We’re happy to help and will respond as soon as possible.