The Professionals International Conference and Awards runs from Saturday 24 to Monday 26 October 2026. All conference sessions and events are at The Star Brisbane, apart from the 50th Birthday Celebration on the river.
This page is your simple reference: where each event is, what time it starts, how to get there and what to wear. There's also a guide to things to do in Brisbane for partners and, finally, some frequently asked questions.
International Awards Gala
Saturday 24 October
A formal dinner, the International Awards and the Hall of Fame presentations. The night we recognise the best of the membership group.
What to wearBlack tie formal. A tuxedo or dark formal suit with a tie or bow tie, or an evening gown or elegant formal cocktail dress.
WhenArrival drinks at 6:30pm, doors open at 6:50pm, dinner and awards start sharp at 7:00pm. Finish at 11:30pm.
WhereEvent Centre, Level 6, The Star Brisbane, 33 William Street, Brisbane City. Set your map to The Star Brisbane in the Queen's Wharf precinct, not the former Treasury Casino.
- Finding the Gala
By taxi or rideshare, ask to be dropped at the passenger pick-up and drop-off zone on William Street, then take the escalators or lifts up to Level 6. Driving? Park at The Star and use the George Street Foyer Lifts (closest parking is Level B2 Zone C, Level B3 Zone C or Level B4 Zone B). Parking is at your own expense. Staying at The Star Grand Hotel? Cross William Street at the traffic lights towards the car park entry and drop-off zone, then take the escalators or lifts to Level 6. Full arrival guide: Guest Arrival to The Star Brisbane Event Centre (PDF, 1.6 MB).
- Seating
Seats are allocated. To sit with particular colleagues, email events@professionals.com.au by Tuesday 20 October. Requests can't be taken after that.
International Conference
Sunday 25 and Monday 26 October
Two days of keynotes, breakout sessions and the sponsor exhibition. Lunch and afternoon tea are provided.
What to wearSmart business casual. Comfortable shoes are a good idea, and bring a light jacket because the rooms are air-conditioned.
WhenSunday, registration and exhibition open at 9:30am, welcome at 10:00am, finish at 4:15pm. Monday, principals' AGM at 9:00am, welcome back at 9:45am, finish at 4:30pm.
WhereEvent Centre, Level 6, The Star Brisbane. Breakout rooms are confirmed on the day.
- Finding the Conference
Same way in as the Gala. Drop off on William Street (or use the George Street Foyer Lifts from the car park) and head up to Level 6. Look for the Professionals registration desk.
Game On Party
Sunday 25 October
A night of friendly rivalry on the open-air Leisure Deck, with a mechanical bull, axe throwing and basketball shootouts. No sporting ability required. The games are free, substantial canapés and food stations are on the menu, and the Australia v Fiji match is on the big screen from 7:05pm.
What to wearSporting-inspired fancy dress. Think team jersey, tennis whites, retro aerobics or your favourite sports person. Make sure you can move in it, and wear comfortable shoes if you're playing.
WhereLeisure Deck, Level 7, The Star Brisbane
- Finding Game On
Take the escalators or lifts from the William Street drop-off zone (or the George Street Foyer Lifts from the car park) up to Level 7. Follow the Professionals signage, or ask the venue staff.
Official 50th Birthday Celebration
Monday 26 October
A cocktail-style evening beneath the Story Bridge with current and past members, special guests and live music. Food and drinks are served throughout, and there's some seating but no allocated tables.
What to wearCocktail attire with a touch of gold. Gold is encouraged, not compulsory. Jewellery, a tie, a pocket square, a clutch or shoes will do.
WhereRivershed, Howard Smith Wharves, 5 Boundary Street, Brisbane City. This one is not at The Star. Rivershed is one of several venues in the precinct, so follow the signs.
- Getting there
Complimentary coaches leave from the William Street entrance of The Star at 6:30pm. There are no return coaches.
If you're coming by taxi or rideshare, ask to be dropped at Bowen Terrace near Kent Street and take the East Lift down, or at the main entrance, 5 Boundary Street. You can use the same spots to get a rideshare home.
You can also walk (about 2km, 30 minutes).
- Map
Plenty to Do in Brisbane for Partners
Bringing a partner, or staying on a few extra days? Our Brisbane guide covers where to eat, what to see and how to get around.
Things to do in Brisbane
Everything Else You Might Want to Know
Registration & Tickets
Do I need to register separately for each event?
Your conference registration may include multiple events, depending on the package purchased.
Please check your registration confirmation to ensure you've booked for all the events you wish to attend, including the International Awards Gala, Game On Party and 50th Birthday Celebration.
If you're unsure what's included in your registration, please contact events@professionals.com.au.
Can I attend the social events without attending the conference?
Attendance at individual social events may be possible, subject to ticket availability.
Please contact the Professionals events team to discuss your requirements.
Can I purchase a ticket for my partner?
Additional guest tickets may be available for selected social events.
Please contact events@professionals.com.au to enquire about availability.
Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
If you're unable to attend and would like someone else to take your place, please contact the events team as soon as possible.
Registration transfers are subject to approval and may depend on the ticket type and timing of your request.
Do I need to bring a printed ticket?
No you do not. All guest names will be recorded by our fabulous Events team and they will be able to assist you with check in on the day..
Will I receive a name badge?
Yes. Name badges are issued at registration and are expected to be worn throughout the conference. They are also required for social event entry.
What happens if I lose my name badge?
If name badges are being used, guests should be directed to the Professionals registration desk for assistance.
Arriving at The Star Brisbane
Where exactly is the conference being held?
The conference is being held at The Star Brisbane, 33 William Street, Brisbane City.
The main conference sessions and International Awards Gala will take place in the Event Centre on Level 6.
The Game On Party will take place on the Leisure Deck on Level 7.
Please follow the Professionals event signage or ask a member of The Star team for assistance.
Is The Star Brisbane the same as Treasury Casino?
No. The Star Brisbane is located in the Queen's Wharf precinct at 33 William Street.
Please ensure you navigate to The Star Brisbane rather than the former Treasury Casino location.
Where do I go when I arrive?
Head to the Event Centre on Level 6 and look for the Professionals registration area.
Our team will be available to assist with registration and directions.
What if I arrive late?
Don't worry! If you arrive after a conference session has commenced, please make your way to the registration desk or speak to a member of the events team.
We'll help you enter the session with minimal disruption.
Can I leave the conference and come back?
Yes. Delegates are welcome to step out during breaks and return for subsequent sessions.
We encourage you to be mindful of session commencement times to minimise disruption to speakers and other attendees.
Is there somewhere to store my luggage?
Yes. There is plenty of space to store your luggage at the Events Centre. Please see the Events Team at the registration desk who will provide access to this space.
Is parking included?
No. Parking is at guests' own expense.
We recommend checking The Star Brisbane's parking arrangements and rates before arrival.
Conference Sessions
Do I need to attend every conference session?
We encourage delegates to attend the full program to get the most out of the conference.
However, we understand that you may need to step away occasionally for calls or other commitments.
Do I need to pre-register for breakout sessions?
No you do not. You can decide on the day..
Will presentations be available after the conference?
Some speakers may make their presentation materials available following the conference, subject to their approval.
We'll advise delegates if any presentation resources are made available.
Will there be Wi-Fi?
Yes. Details will be provided upon check in.
Will there be somewhere to charge my phone or laptop?
We recommend arriving with your devices fully charged.
Power outlets may be limited within the conference rooms, so bringing a portable charger is a good idea.
Will the conference be recorded or livestreamed?
No they will not. We encourage you to show up and take as much in on the day!
International Awards Gala
Do I need to wear a tuxedo?
Not necessarily. The dress code is Formal / Black Tie.
A tuxedo is certainly welcome, but a dark formal suit with a tie or bow tie is also appropriate.
Can I wear a cocktail dress?
Yes. An elegant formal cocktail dress is appropriate, as is a full-length evening gown.
The International Awards Gala is our most prestigious evening, so we encourage guests to dress for the occasion.
Can I choose who I sit with?
Seating requests can be submitted to events@professionals.com.au by Tuesday 20 October.
We'll do our best to accommodate requests, although specific arrangements cannot be guaranteed.
Please note that no seating requests can be accepted after this date.
Can I bring my own award trophy or display materials?
If you're planning to bring any special presentation items, please contact the events team in advance.
What happens if I win an award but can't attend?
Awards will be sent to your office by a member of the Professionals Head office team post event.
Game On Party
Do I really have to dress up?
We'd love you to!
The theme is Sporting-Inspired Fancy Dress, so think sporting legends, team uniforms, tennis whites, retro aerobics or your favourite sporting team.
You can go all out or keep it simple with a sporting accessory.
The most important thing is to come ready for a fun evening.
Can I wear my team's jersey?
Absolutely! AFL, NRL, rugby, cricket, soccer, tennis, whatever sport you love, we'd love to see it represented.
Do I have to participate in the games?
Not at all.
Whether you're participating, supporting your colleagues or simply enjoying the atmosphere, there's plenty of fun to be had.
Do I have to pay to play the games?
No! All games are free for registered Game On guests.
Can I play more than once?
Guests are welcome to participate in activities, subject to demand, availability and operator instructions.
We ask everyone to be considerate of other guests waiting for their turn.
Can I participate if I've been drinking?
Participation is subject to the instructions and safety requirements of individual activity operators.
Guests who are intoxicated may be refused participation for safety reasons.
Do I have to buy raffle tickets?
No. Fundraising activities supporting the National Breast Cancer Foundation are completely optional.
You can enjoy all the games without purchasing raffle tickets.
Will there be enough food, or should I eat dinner first?
A selection of substantial canapés, food stations and refreshments will be served throughout the evening.
The event is designed as a relaxed, stand-up social function rather than a formal seated dinner.
Will the rugby be shown?
Yes. The current event plan includes a broadcast of the Australia v Fiji rugby match on the big screen, scheduled to commence at 7:00pm.
50th Birthday Celebration
What's the difference between After Five and Black Tie?
After Five is another way of describing cocktail attire.
It's dressy and sophisticated, but less formal than black tie.
Think cocktail dresses, elegant jumpsuits, smart suits or tailored evening wear.
And for our 50th Birthday Celebration, we'd love guests to incorporate a touch of gold.
Do I have to wear gold?
No, but we'd love you to embrace the theme!
A little gold goes a long way. Jewellery, a tie, pocket square, clutch, shoes or metallic accessories are all great options.
Is the 50th Birthday Celebration a seated dinner?
No. This is a cocktail-style celebration, with food and beverages served throughout the evening.
There will be some seating available, but guests will not be allocated individual tables or seats.
Is the 50th Birthday Celebration at The Star?
No.
The celebration will be held at Rivershed, Howard Smith Wharves, beneath the Story Bridge.
Complimentary coach transfers are planned to depart The Star Brisbane at approximately 6:30pm.
Will there be transport back to The Star?
No. Return transport is not provided.
Guests will need to arrange their own transport following the celebration.
Taxis, rideshare services and public transport are available in the surrounding area.
Where do I catch an Uber after the 50th Birthday Celebration?
For rideshare pickups, we recommend using Bowen Terrace near the corner of Kent Street, accessible via the East Lift.
Alternatively, you can arrange pickup from the designated drop-off area near the main entrance at 5 Boundary Street.
Please confirm your exact collection point with your driver.
Can I walk back to The Star?
Yes, walking is an option for guests comfortable with the distance.
Howard Smith Wharves is approximately 2km from The Star Brisbane, which will take approximately 30 minutes to walk.
We recommend checking your route before leaving, particularly late in the evening.
Can I catch a ferry back?
Ferries service the Howard Smith Wharves precinct, although services and operating times vary.
Please check Translink before travelling, particularly if you're planning to return after the event finishes at 11:00pm.
Ferry Route:
- Board the City Cat ferry towards UQ St Lucia at the Howard Smith Wharves Terminal
- Exit Ferry at North Quay
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