Six healthcare events to add to your May 2026 calendar
Australia’s healthcare calendar is shaping up to be a busy one in May 2026, with a cluster of national events bringing together clinicians, executives, innovators and policymakers.
From perioperative nursing to general practice, digital health innovation to the private healthcare sector, these events offer healthcare professionals the opportunity to step outside of the day-to-day clinical operations and dive into what’s next for the delivery of healthcare in Australia.
Here are six upcoming healthcare events worth watching, and who they’re best suited for.
1. ACORN International Conference 2026
When and where: 14-16 May 2026, Brisbane
Who it’s for: Perioperative nurses, educators, researchers, leaders and industry partners.
Why attend: The ACORN 2026 International Conference brings together perioperative nurses, educators, researchers, leaders and industry partners from Australia and around the world to share knowledge, collaborate and shape the future of perioperative care. The comprehensive conference program will include keynote presentations, clinical-practice updates, research and education streams, leadership and professional-development sessions.
The big picture: This is a practical event, with an exhibition of the latest technologies. The event has a strong focus on professional growth and the advancement of perioperative nursing standards, as well as bolstering peer connections.
2. GPCE Sydney 2026
When and where: 15-17 May 2026, Sydney
Who it’s for: Primary healthcare professionals, including GPs, Nurses, Practice Managers, Registrars, and Allied Health Professionals.
Why attend: GPCE Sydney is widely recognised as one of the most important educational events on the general practice calendar. It is an opportunity for healthcare professionals to discover the latest medical innovations, learn novel approaches to care through accredited CPD education, and interact with industry leaders and peers.
The big picture: If you are a primary healthcare professional, this event offers you the opportunity to stay up to date with developments in the industry, as well as gain up to 41 CPD hours.
3. Digital Health Festival 2026
When and where: 20-21 May 2026, Melbourne
Who it’s for: Digital health leaders, HealthTech, hospitals, primary care, government, and startups.
Why attend: Every care provider faces the challenge and opportunity of digital transformation. Digital health solutions are driving improvements in service delivery, clinical outcomes and patient experience. Consumers are demanding greater choice, more personalised care and a larger role in their health management.
There’s a digital revolution taking place in healthcare, a revolution you can be part of.
The big picture: DHF brings together the most influential leaders and innovators in healthcare. Amongst over 8,000+ attendees, you’ll rub shoulders with senior managers, clinicians, tech boffins and researchers from hospitals, primary & allied care, pharma, and aged care, and mix with Australia’s innovation community.
Veri Health is a proud gold sponsor of Digital Health Festival 2026.
4. RACGP Practice Owners Conference
When and where: 23-24 May 2026, Sydney
Who it’s for: General practitioners, practice owners, and practice managers.
Why attend: Practice Owners Conference 2026 is an ideal platform for current and aspiring practice owners, practice managers and business-minded GPs to come together, and to embrace learning and excellence. It offers opportunities to learn from peers and industry experts, explore new ways to help propel business growth, and provides practical, hands-on information tailored specifically to GP practices.
The big picture: This year’s event theme is ‘Stronger in practice,’ and it will explore a diverse range of topics and feature presenters that aim to empower practice owners and managers, and provide a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in running a successful practice.
5. Preventative Health Conference 2026
When and where: 5-7 May 2026, Hobart
Who it’s for: Public health professionals and preventative health experts.
Why attend: The Preventive Health Conference (PHC2026) is a key event in the public health agenda which serves as a platform for public health professionals to engage with one another and hear from experts on important issues in preventive health across Australia.
Participation is available both in person and via live streaming of plenary sessions on the ‘plenary hub’ portal.
The big picture: This event has a strong focus on sustainability and scientific communication. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain insights from the experiences, viewpoints and perspectives of industry leaders and their peers.
6. APHA National Congress 2026
When and where: 26- 28 May 2026, Adelaide
Who it’s for: Private healthcare sector leaders and key personnel.
Why attend: The 2026 Congress will tackle head-on the real issues confronting the healthcare sector in Australia and private hospitals’ irreplaceable part in it.
The big picture: As the private healthcare landscape continues to change, the APHA Congress remains a key platform for connection, insight, and forward-thinking leadership.
The takeaway
Whether you’re leading a hospital, running a private practice, building health technology or shaping policy, these events reflect a healthcare sector in transition.
The common thread is clear: leaders who step back to learn, connect and think strategically will be better placed to navigate reform, workforce pressure and innovation in the year ahead.
Image credit: Digital Health Festival
