Designing systems, workplaces, and technologies that fit people
— not the other way around.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

The HFESA National Conference is the premier annual gathering that brings together Australia’s Human Factors and Ergonomics (HFE) community to share insights on the latest research, best practices, and innovations that improve safety, performance, wellbeing, and user experience across complex systems.

This year will focus on The Perfect Fit, showcasing how HFE can better align people with the environments, technologies, and organisational contexts they operate within, while addressing real-world challenges across industry. The Perfect Fit is not a fixed endpoint, but an invitation to think broadly about how people, systems, and contexts interact. It encourages reflection on fit as something that is designed, negotiated, and continually reshaped.

We’ll ask ourselves, how is HFE The Perfect Fit for my problem or challenge?

The conference attracts academics, industry practitioners, policymakers, and students, creating a rich, collaborative forum for learning, discussion, and professional connection. Attendees gain practical knowledge through a balanced program of rigorous research presentations, applied case studies, interactive workshops, and demonstrations, and leave with actionable ideas to strengthen HFE practice, inform decision-making, and build lasting professional networks.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

The program is designed to balance academic rigor with practical application. Expect an energising program designed to spark ideas, challenge thinking, and inspire action. Hear from leading national and international HFE voices through keynote presentations that set the agenda for the future of the discipline.

  • Keynote presentations by national and international HFE leaders
  • Research papers and panel discussions
  • Practitioner case studies, technical demonstrations, and workshops
  • Applied sessions addressing real-world challenges
  • Student-focused sessions, mentoring, and awards
  • Sponsor exhibition showcasing products, solutions, and innovations
  • Networking events and social functions

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Ergonomists & human factors specialists

UX and human-centred design practitioners

Healthcare professionals and allied health

Researchers, academics, and students

Safety, risk, and workplace wellbeing professionals

Engineers and technologists

Defence, aviation, and transport specialists

Researchers, academics, and students

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THE VENUE

The conference will take place in Sydney’s vibrant education, transport, and cultural precinct. Mercure Sydney Central offers modern conference facilities, breakout rooms for workshops, and catering spaces for networking events.

MERCURE SYDNEY CENTRAL HOTEL, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

Delegates will enjoy convenient access to Central Station, nearby accommodation, dining, and cultural attractions — making participation easy for local, interstate, and international attendees.

Delegates can access 10% off the Best Unrestricted Rate of the Day at the time of booking.

To book your accommodation:

📞 Call the hotel directly on +61 2 9217 6797 and quote 2611BMFONF_001
✉️ Or email H2073@accor.com and include the booking code

The discounted rate is valid for stays between 27 November and 3 December 2026. Bookings must be made by Monday, 9 November 2026 to access the discount.

CONTACT THE HOTEL

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of Australia (HFESA) is pleased to invite you to submit abstracts for our 2026 conference, to be held 30th Nov – 2nd Dec at the Mercure Sydney hotel.

The conference will explore The Perfect Fit, showcasing how Human Factors & Ergonomics (HFE) aligns people with the environments, systems, and technologies that affect safety, performance, and wellbeing, and how HFE may be The Perfect Fit for your problem or challenge.

SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACT

Join us for an inspiring program of keynote and plenary sessions, oral presentations, panels, workshops and high-impact discussions. We invite submissions that align with the theme “The Perfect Fit”. Some questions you might reflect on when considering your submission include…

  • How can human centred design help create systems that fit a changing world?
  • With technology accelerating, how do we ensure The Perfect Fit between people and intelligent systems?
  • What real world lessons reveal what a perfect (or imperfect) fit looks like in practice?
  • As systems evolve, what principles will define a ‘perfect fit’ in the future of work and society?
  • What is the fit between insights from one domain, sector, or methodology for others that seem unrelated or disconnected?
  • How is the discipline of Human Factors and Ergonomics The Perfect Fit for solving some of our most pressing challenges, such as ageing, disability, and social disharmony
  • How do we best promote and share how HFE is The Perfect Fit for a range of problems across a range of domains, with those unfamiliar with HFE?

Submissions that demonstrate any domains of HFE (i.e. physical, cognitive, organisational) in any work sector are welcome.

We invite researchers, practitioners and students to submit their work in one of the following categories.

  1. Oral presentation: Research
  2. Oral presentation: Industry
  3. Lightning talk (1 slide, 3 minutes)
  4. Workshop

The program is designed to balance academic rigor with practical application, ensuring value for all delegates.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS

Research presentation: 300-word structured abstract that outlines Aim, Methods, Results and Discussion/Implications.

Industry presentation: 300-word structured abstract that outlines Context, Aim, Approach, Results and Implications.

Lightning talk: We encourage lightning talk submissions for preliminary work, project plans, and controversial viewpoints. Up to 300-word structured abstract that outlines Aim, Methods/Approach, Results and Discussion/Implications.

Workshop: 300-word abstract that outlines Speakers, Aim, Workshop plan, Outcomes for participants.

KEY DATES

Submissions Open27 February 2026
Submissions Close15 May 2026 (Midnight AEST)
Notifications by1 July 2026
Call for Submission Flyer
Submission Portal

SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBITORS

HFESA 2026 OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES FOR ORGANISATIONS TO:

  • Showcase products and solutions
  • Connect with HFE professionals and decision-makers
  • Support professional development
  • Increase visibility in a national forum
  • A sponsorship prospectus will be available soon.
Contact us for more information
DOWNLOAD THE SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBITOR PROSPECTUS
DOWNLOAD THE SPONSORSHIP AND EXHIBITOR APPLICATION FORM

WHY ATTEND

Delegates will gain:

  • Insights from cutting-edge research and real-world applications
  • Practical tools and techniques for implementing HFE solutions
  • Opportunities to network with peers, industry leaders, and academics
  • Access to workshops, mentorship, and CPD opportunities
  • Inspiration for designing systems that truly fit people
Register Now

REGISTRATIONS

Early Bird Registration is available until 30 September 2026

Register Here

Conference Program

Conference program is subject to change. Check back regularly for updates.

View Draft Conference Program

# Register by contacting the HFESA Secretariat.
Nominated Registration Day – Choose either Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday.
Note: Early Bird registration TBA

As a federated society of the IEA, HFESA supports efforts to enhance the contribution of the HFE discipline to global society. We are therefore offering a discounted membership for delegates from low and low-middle income economies. Also, Members of Federated Societies of the IEA can register at HFESA Member prices with proof of membership. Please contact the HFESA Secretariat to register for the conference.
Email secretariat@ergonomics.org.au
Phone 0451 306 565
Office Hours Monday to Friday

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? Check the frequently asked questions below or email us.

This will depend on when you cancel your booking. Please see our terms and conditions.

Download the template for long papers here.

In order to keep the costs down for students, the Gala dinner is not included in your ticket price. You can opt to attend the dinner by purchasing a separate ticket.

The HFESA Secretariat will keep a list of delegates who are looking to share accommodation. Please email the Secretariat to be placed on the list and notified of delegates to connect with.

Words go here 🙂

Yes, all the Keynotes and paper presentations will be recorded (excluding workshops). An access link will be provided after the conference when uploading is completed to our cloud storage.

STAY INFORMED

Program updates, and travel information will be released in the coming months. Sign up to HFESA updates to stay connected.

Sign Up Here

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT LAST YEAR’S EVENT

The program and networking opportunities were excellent.
Cutting edge topics in a relaxed and remote environment gave the opportunity to focus, and to engage with each other without distractions.
The program was a good pace, not too rushed with time to move between sessions and lots of time for networking / discussions which was good.
(What I liked was) the atmosphere… the sense of small community within HFESA.
I loved the donation to the Tassie Devils instead of taking home landfill.
The networking event was great, they always are one of my favourite events.
The presentation HF on the front line - lessons from aviation and leadership: so inspiring to see someone in a very structured hierarchical organization being able to embed HF and to just be in awe of her achievements.
Positive and friendly vibes and engaging speakers

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT LAST YEAR’S EVENT

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

HFESA would like to thank our sponsors

© 2022 Human Factors & Ergonomics Society of Australia Inc.
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