Expression of Interest: Half-Day Workshop

The ASSBI 50th Conference workshop program will provide delegates with opportunities for applied learning, skills development, reflection and multidisciplinary exchange. For the first time, ASSBI is inviting expressions of interest to deliver a half-day workshop as part of the ASSBI 50th Conference program. Workshops will be held in person on Thursday 6 May 2027 at Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.

The workshop program will include six half-day workshops: two-three delivered by invited keynote speakers and three-four selected through this EOI process.

This refreshed approach recognises the popularity of ASSBI's practice-focused How-To sessions and the increasing number of high-quality submissions received in this format. While shorter How-To sessions remain valuable and will continue, there will be a restricted number available in the 2027 program. Some topics require more time for in-depth exploration, clinical skills training, interactive learning, case-based discussion and multidisciplinary application.

What Are We Looking For?

We welcome workshop proposals relevant to brain conditions across research, clinical practice, rehabilitation, education, service delivery, community practice, policy and lived experience. Proposals should offer depth, active participation and clear value for delegates.

• A clearly defined topic relevant to the ASSBI community
• An interactive format that enables participants to apply, practise, discuss or critically examine ideas
• Clear learning outcomes and a coherent half-day plan
• Content informed by appropriate evidence, practice knowledge, expertise and/or lived experience
• An inclusive and accessible approach for a diverse conference audience
• Facilitators with relevant expertise and experience

Workshops should not be extended lectures. Strong proposals will include participant engagement through methods such as skills practice, case-based learning, facilitated discussion, demonstrations, small-group work, reflection, problem-solving or co-design activities.

Areas of Interest

Workshop proposals may address any area of relevance to brain conditions. The committee welcomes breadth across the lifespan, disciplines, populations and practice settings. We encourage proposals that are practical, interactive, inclusive and relevant to the future of brain impairment care, research, rehabilitation and lived-experience partnership.

Selection Criteria

Each proposal will be assessed on its own merits and in the context of the full conference program. Selection will consider:

• Alignment with the conference theme
• Relevance, quality and likely benefit for delegates
• Clarity and feasibility of the workshop plan
• Suitability for a half-day workshop format
• Practical and applied value for participants
• Extent and quality of participant interaction
• Facilitator expertise and experience
• Contribution of lived experience, where relevant
• Multidisciplinary relevance and breadth of appeal
• Balance and diversity across the overall program

Submission of an EOI does not guarantee inclusion. The organising committee may invite applicants to refine the title, scope, format, learning objectives or facilitator team to strengthen fit with the program.

Benefits to Presenters

If selected, the facilitator and team will receive an honorarium of AU $500. The team will also have free registration to the alternate timed workshops on 6 May 2027.

EOI Submission Requirements

Please provide the following information in a word / PDF document. Word limits may be adjusted when the online form is configured.

1. Workshop title: A clear, engaging title suitable for publication in the conference program. Maximum 20 words.
2. Workshop summary: Focus, rationale, intended approach and value for participants. Maximum 300 words.
3. Lead facilitator: Name, position/title, organisation, discipline or area of expertise, location, email and phone number.
4. Co-facilitators: Names, positions/titles, organisations, disciplines or areas of expertise, and locations. Please identify lived-experience contributors or community partners where they wish this to be noted.
5. Alignment with theme: How the workshop connects with practice, progress, possibility and/or meaningful impact. Maximum 150 words.
6. Learning outcomes: Three to five observable outcomes, such as “By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to…”
7. Intended audience: Relevant disciplines, sectors, career stages and/or lived-experience groups, including assumed knowledge or prerequisites.
8. Participant engagement: Interactive methods to be used, such as skills practice, case-based learning, discussion, demonstrations, simulations, small-group work or co-design activities. Maximum 250 words.
9. Evidence and expertise: Evidence, practice knowledge and/or lived experience underpinning the workshop. Up to five references may be included if relevant. Maximum 250 words, excluding references.
10. Facilitator capability: Brief biography for each facilitator, including facilitation, teaching, clinical, research and/or lived-experience expertise. Maximum 100 words per person.
11. Conflicts of interest and commercial content: Relevant financial, professional or commercial interests, including any products, services or proprietary programs and how promotional content will be avoided.
12. Workshop requirements: Room layout, audiovisual requirements, participant limits, or other logistical requirements.
13. Availability: Confirm that all proposed facilitators are available to present in person on Thursday 6 May 2027.
14. Publication and contact consent: Confirm permission for ASSBI to publish accepted workshop details and contact the lead facilitator about program development.
15. Applicant declaration: I confirm that the information in this EOI is accurate; all named facilitators have agreed to be included; relevant conflicts have been disclosed; and, if selected, the facilitator team will work with ASSBI to finalise the workshop for inclusion in the conference program.
    Lead facilitator name: _____________________________ Date: _____________

Key Dates and Submission

EOI closes: 24 October 2026 @ 11:59pm AEST.. Submit via email to: admin@mersevents.com

Thank you for submitting your EOI,
Drs Jessica Trevena-Peters and Travis Wearne
Co-Convenors
on behalf of the ASSBI 50th Conference Organising Committee