FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is public transport free in Melbourne during the Congress?
Getting around Melbourne during your stay is easy, with the city’s extensive tram network connecting many hotels, restaurants, attractions and Congress social venues throughout the CBD and surrounding precincts. In addition, as part of the Victorian Government’s temporary cost-of-living relief measures in response to the current fuel supply situation, public transport across metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria is currently free of charge, including trains, trams and buses. We encourage delegates and accompanying guests to take the opportunity to explore and enjoy everything Melbourne has to offer during their visit.
Tram Tracker App: Check real-time tram arrivals. Apple / Android
Accessible Transport: Melbourne trains, trams, and buses have accessible options. More info: PTV Accessibility
WHERE IS THE PROGRAM?
The program is updated regularly, so please check out the latest program - HERE.
WherE is The Congress being held?
The Congress will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre with the Registration Desk located in the Goldfields Foyer.
The main plenary room will be held in Plenary 1 and the Auxiliary Session will be held in the Sovereign Room.
WHERE IS THE REGISTRATION DESK?
Registration will be located in the Goldfields Foyer at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and will be open as follows:
Wednesday 20 May: 14:00 – 17:00
Thursday 21 May: 07:00 – 18:00
Friday 22 May: 08:00 – 15:45
Saturday 23 May: 0830 - 16:00
** For delegates attending the Pre-Congress Post Graduate course, name badges will be available at registration from 8:00AM on Wednesday 20 May.
Will I GET A NAME BADGE?
Each congress delegate will receive a name badge on registration. The badge will be your official pass and must be worn to gain entry to all sessions, lunch and morning and afternoon teas and happy hours.
The week commencing Monday you will receive a welcome email with a QR code to check in to the Name Badge Kiosk. If you forget your QR, you may enter your name to print your badge. Your name badge will outline the social events that you have registered to attend.
Is there a congress app?
The Congress App will be your main resource for referencing the congress 2026 program. The app allows you to search for speakers and sessions and create your own personalised program by ‘starring’ your favourites. You can read overviews, along with connecting with sponsors and exhibitors. Instructions on how to download the conference app will be provided to delegates via Welcome email next week so you have time in advance to plan your attendance.
What IS THe dress code for the CONGRESS?
We recommend smart casual attire for the conference sessions. While lifts are available, some session rooms are accessed by a few stairs, so comfortable footwear is advised. The venue is air-conditioned, a light jacket may help keep you comfortable throughout the day. You can check the latest weather forecast here.
For dress codes at social events, please refer to the congress app, or reference the social events page on the website here.
WILL THERE be WIFI?
Yes, all delegates have access to complimentary WIFI for the duration of the conference. Details of this will be on the back of your badge.
WILL I GET A Program HANDBook?
The Congress Handbook will not be printed this year. But you will be able to be download it from the website in due course. And of course our app has all of the information you need to know.
WHERE IS the catering?
As a rule all lunches and tea breaks will be in the Exhibition Hall with the Industry Displays.
What IF I Have a special dietary requirement?
All venues have been advised of any special diet preferences you have indicated on your registration form. Please identify yourself to the catering to locate the special dietary station.
PARTY NIGHT DETAILS - What to wear, how to get there etc
Party Night - Sponsored by Denticare
Date: Thursday 21st May 2026,
Time: 1900-2300
Venue: The Timberyard, Port Melbourne
Includes: Finger food, drinks and entertainment in a surprising venue filled with fun.
Dress Code:Double Denim with a touch of sparkle!
Bring your team, your moves, and your best jeans-on-jeans combo - bedazzled, shimmering, and diamond-detailed!
Coach Shuttle: Coaches will run from one pick up point: 2 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006 (adjacent Novotel Melbourne / MCEC / Pan Pacific )
Running every 15 minutes from 1830. Last Coach leaves at 1920 - limited seats available.
Coaches will also be available for the return leg back to nominated hotels.
STANLEY WILKINSON ORATION + ASO GALA DINNER DETAILS - What to wear
Friday 22nd May 2026, 1830 – 2300
Venue:The Edge and Zinc, Federation Square
Limited Numbers - Nearly fully booked!
Cost:This exclusive function is for orthodontists and their partners and is included in the registration for HLMs, ASO Members, Retired Members, and Overseas/Non-Member Orthodontists.
Additional tickets for partners, recent graduates, or orthodontic students are available for AU$250. Please indicate your attendance when registering online.
Includes: Stanley Wilkinson Oration, dinner, drinks, and entertainment in Melbourne’s iconic Federation Square overlooking the Yarra.
Make your own way to this event by making use of Melbourne’s free public transport or perhaps take a taxi or uber.
Dress code: Black Tie
WilL THE Sessions be recorded for later viewing?
No, we will not be recording the sessions this year.
EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY
Please note that photographs and video footage may be taken throughout the event for promotional, marketing and archival purposes, including use in future publications, websites, social media, newsletters and other conference materials. By attending the event, delegates acknowledge and agree that their image may be used by the organisers for these purposes.
If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please advise the Registration Desk on arrival.
DisCLAIMER
The 30th AOC reserves the right to amend or alter any advertised details relating to dates, program and speakers if necessary, without notice, as a result of circumstances beyond their control. All attempts have been made to keep any changes to an absolute minimum.