South Australia will host the Asia Pacific Autism Conference in 2027, bringing one of the region’s largest autism-focused gatherings back to Adelaide for the first time in more than a decade. The event is expected to attract over 1,500 delegates from across the Asia Pacific and beyond, including autistic people, families, researchers, educators, clinicians and policymakers.
The conference is widely regarded as the leading forum of its kind in the region, known for its international speakers and focus on practical policy and inclusion outcomes. Its return to South Australia follows a joint bid led by the State Government, Autism SA, the Adelaide Convention Centre and Business Events Adelaide, operating collectively as Team Adelaide. The state last hosted the conference in 2013.
Organisers say the selection reflects South Australia’s growing profile in autism awareness and inclusion. Over the current term of government, several initiatives have been rolled out, including the state’s first Autism Strategy covering 2024 to 2029, the establishment of the Office for Autism and the introduction of an Autism Inclusion Charter. Additional measures include an Autism Action Plan, expanded access to inclusion teachers in public primary schools, increased assessment pathways through industry partnerships, and community-based programs aimed at improving participation at schools, workplaces and public events.
Assistant Minister Emily Bourke said hosting the conference would provide an opportunity to bring global perspectives to South Australia while sharing local approaches to inclusion. She said the event would place a spotlight on work already underway across the state and create space for dialogue that includes lived experience alongside research and policy development.
From a community perspective, the conference is also seen as a chance to improve access to international conversations around autism. Autism SA chief executive Helen Graham said holding APAC 2027 in Adelaide would make the event more accessible for South Australians and deliver longer-term benefits for the sector. She noted that the organisation plans to work closely with autistic people and key stakeholders to ensure the conference is inclusive, practical and grounded in real-world experience.
Beyond its social impact, the conference is expected to deliver economic benefits through delegate spending and extended stays, with visitors travelling from more than 30 countries. Business Events Adelaide has previously highlighted the role of large conferences in supporting the local visitor economy while building long-term professional networks.
While large international conferences can raise questions around accessibility and meaningful participation, organisers say those considerations will be central to planning for 2027. The stated aim is to deliver a conference that balances global expertise with local relevance, and sets a high standard for inclusion and accessibility across all aspects of the event.
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