Imagine a future where every older Australian can engage in the daily activities that bring meaning, independence and joy, even as the population ages at an unprecedented pace.
Occupational therapists are central to making that vision a reality. Yet the pressures facing the profession continue to intensify, with rising rates of frailty, dementia, falls, avoidable hospitalisations, workforce shortages and increasing demands for measurable, high-quality outcomes across diverse practice settings.
As Australia’s peak membership body for occupational therapists, Occupational Therapy Australia (OTA) represents more than 34,000 OTs nationwide, supporting their professional growth through expert advice, peer connection, evidence-based training and powerful advocacy.
OTA’s vision to empower, educate and elevate OTs, who in turn work in partnership with clients and communities, underpins initiatives such as OT Exchange 2026, one of OTA’s premier national events, that ensures the profession continues to lead with innovation, inclusion and impact.
Held on 23 to 24 June 2026 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, OT Exchange is Australia’s largest clinical occupational therapy conference. A Private Practice Day will also be held for the first time on 22 June – this powerful one-day event is designed for OTs running their own private practice or aspiring to launch their own business.
Under the conference theme “From Ideas to Impact”, OT Exchange 2026 brings together practical insights, emerging research and real-world solutions that strengthen everyday practice. Uniting the whole occupational therapy profession and designed for occupational therapists at every career stage, the conference provides a platform to connect, learn and shape the future direction of occupational therapy.
For OTs working with older adults, the dedicated Older Persons stream is highly relevant.
Covering aged care across residential settings, community and home care, subacute and geriatric hospital services, falls prevention, dementia programs and preventive community health, the stream focuses on applied knowledge and contemporary practice. Sessions emphasise:
What distinguishes OT Exchange is its clinician- and researcher-led format, which prioritises rigour and relevance over theory alone.
The program showcases work from emerging leaders and established experts across the full continuum of aged care practice, from emergency departments and geriatric evaluation and management units to residential facilities, community programs and even public libraries that function as vital community hubs.
Attendees leave with more than CPD points. They gain concrete resources, including assessment templates, program frameworks, intervention strategies and adaptable models drawn from successful real-world implementation.
These tools support organisations and clinicians to respond to current pressures while preparing for future challenges, ultimately improving client outcomes and service efficiency.
The event also fosters lasting professional connections, bringing together peers facing similar challenges, national experts and thought leaders. In doing so, it strengthens a future-ready OT community aligned with OTA’s guiding principles of progress, pride, empowerment and connection.
At a pivotal time for aged care reform and workforce development, OT Exchange 2026 offers an opportunity to step back from day-to-day demands, deepen clinical expertise, explore innovative solutions and reaffirm the value occupational therapy brings to the lives of older Australians.
The full program is now live, featuring keynotes, panels, workshops and practice-focused sessions across streams. Early bird registration closes on 31 March 2026, with significant savings for OTA members. Consider joining if you are not already a member to access these benefits and more.
Explore the detailed program, view session highlights and register today:
https://www.otausevents.com.au/otexchange2026
