The Australian Health Economics Society (AHES) looks forward to welcoming you to the 47th Annual AHES Conference on the 22-23 September 2026 to be held at the Grand Chancellor Hotel, Hobart.
Location
The venue is centrally located in Hobart's waterfront, providing easy access to various attractions and accommodations.
Venue
Hotel Grand Chancellor Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Davey Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000 (Venue Map)
Travel to the venue from the airport
From the airport there are several options for travel to the city.
- Skybus (Hobart Express)- Skybus offers a direct transfer to the city with the Grand Chancellor at Stop number 1. For more information visit Skybus
- Rideshare
- Taxi
Keynote speakers
AHES is excited to be hosting Professor Michael Pervan and Associate Professor Lesong Conteh as our keynote speakers for this year's conference.
Professor Michael Pervan
Professor Michael Pervan C.F. was appointed as CEO of the Australian Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) on 1 February 2023. Prior to this, Michael has been Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Communities Tasmania where for nearly a decade he was responsible for the delivery and reform of health, housing and care services. Michael is a Churchill Fellow and in addition to his roles in Tasmania has held senior health roles in Western Australia and at the national level including as Chair of the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council. In addition to his IHACPA role, Michael is currently the Co-Chair of the Commonwealth Leadership Institute Board and leads the Australian chapter of the Institute.
Associate Professor Lesong Conteh
Associate Professr Lesong Conteh is a health economist working on infectious disease and diagnostics markets across Africa. Over 25 years, her research has helped inform global policy, including the WHO Global Technical Strategy for Malaria and the economic case for investing in two malaria interventions later endorsed by WHO.
She is Associate Research Professor at the London School of Economics and Political Science and Visiting Professor at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. Her work spans economic evaluation, health financing, infectious diseases, and diagnostics markets, asking a consistent set of questions: how do we deliver interventions in a sustainable and equitable way, and where do the costs and benefits actually fall?
She leads a Wellcome Trust-funded programme on the economics of diagnostic markets across Africa and co-chairs the Independent Scientific Advisory Group for the NIHR Global Health Research Programme, a principal funder of global health research for the UK government. She has worked closely with leading scholars and policymakers across Africa and beyond to translate evidence into real-world change.
In this keynote, she argues that robust economic and health systems evidence is the bridge between local realities, national policy change, and global guidance, and will explore what it actually takes to generate evidence that makes an impact.
Important dates
2 March 2026: Abstract submissions and AHES biennial prize and award nominations open
30 April 2026: Abstract submissions close
7 June 2026: Notification of abstract outcomes
12 June 2026: Registrations open
1 July 2026 : AHES biennial prize and award nominations close
12 July 2026: Speakers and early bird registration deadline
11 September 2025: Registration deadline
Abstract Submissions
Abstract submissions are now closed.
Conference Program
The conference program and abstracts can be accessed here:
AHES Conference Program 2026 (draft)-updated September 8, 2026
AHES Conference 2026 Abstract Booklet
Presentation Guidelines
Oral presentations
Oral presentations may consist of 17-minute presentations followed by a 3-minute question time. Please review the AHES conference program when available to check the details of your presentation, especially the amount of time allocated.
QR codes will be created for each session for voting for people’s choice best presenter. The winner will be announced at the closing ceremony.
Rapid fire presentations
Each presenter is allocated 5 minutes to deliver their presentation and must ensure their content is focused on the key messages and main outcomes of their work. As the schedule is tightly timed, presentations must conclude within the allocated timeframe, and session chairs will strictly enforce timing to ensure fairness to all presenters.
To maximise impact, we recommend limiting presentations to maximum of five slides (including title and thank you slide if included), focusing on the problem or context, key objectives, methods or approach, main findings, and the primary take-home message. Slides should be visually clear, with minimal text and easily readable figures or graphics. Presenters are encouraged to avoid complex animations, embedded videos, or other features that may cause technical difficulties or delay the session.
Presenters will receive a warning when one minute remains and a final signal at the end of the five-minute period. To help maintain the flow of the session, presenters should rehearse in advance and ensure they can comfortably deliver their content within the allocated time. Depending on the time remaining at the end of the session, questions may be taken collectively rather than following individual presentations.
The rapid-fire session will be judged, and the winner will be announced at the closing ceremony.
Poster presentation
Poster boards will be available at the conference venue and are 89cm wide x 1.65m high. Portrait size AO would fit best (841cm x 1189cm). The option to have A4 printed flyers of posters is also available to you for placing underneath your poster if you choose to do so. Please review the AHES conference program when available to check times designated for poster viewing.
The poster session will be judged, and the winner will be announced at the closing ceremony.
PowerPoint Guidelines.
All PowerPoint presentations must be submitted by Wednesday, 17th September 2026. Files should be saved in the following naming format:
FirstnameLastname_Day_Sessionroom_SessionTitle
First name: Presenting author first name
Last name: Presenting author last name
Day: Tuesday or Wednesday
Session room: Location of session
Session title: first two words in title
Example: JaneDoe_Tuesday_Grandballroom2_CostEffectiveness
An email address or link will be provided to upload or send through the PowerPoint presentations.
Accommodation
There is a special discounted conference rate if delegates book directly with the Grand Chancellor Hotel. This rate is $270/night for a cityside room and $320/night for a Harbourview room. Rates are room only.
Anyone looking to stay can book using this link - Grand Chancellor Hotel Hobart (AHES Conference)
Delegates are welcome to call or email the hotel directly on 03 6235 4535 and reservations@hgchobart.com.au to book. You will need to quote either AHES26 or 724416 to access the discounted rate and availability.
Conference Cocktail Reception
Experience an unforgettable evening of art, atmosphere, and connection at the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG). Set against the striking backdrop of one of Hobart’s most iconic cultural spaces, this elegant cocktail reception invites you to mingle among world-class exhibitions while enjoying a curated selection of fine Tasmanian wines, Tasmanian themed cocktails, generous spread of substantial locally inspired canapés, and live ambient music.
Date and time: 22nd September 2026, 7pm-10pm
Venue: Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery
Price: $100
Registration
Registration opens on June 12, 2026 and the early bird registration deadline is 12th July 2026. We accept payment via PayPal only. Conference registration fee includes access to both conference days. Please note that group registration is not possible. All registration fees are in current Australian Dollars and include GST. Fees are non-refundable.
Conference registration fees only (no accommodation):
Members: $750 (Early Bird) or $850 (Standard)
Non-members: $950 (Early Bird) or $1050 (Standard)
Students: $325 (Early Bird) or $425 (Standard)
Student non-members: $425(Early Bird) or $525 (Standard)
Conference registration fees with conference cocktail reception (no accommodation):
Members: $850 (Early Bird) or $950 (Standard)
Non-members: $1050 (Early Bird) or $1150 (Standard)
Students: $425 (Early Bird) or $525 (Standard)
Student non-members: $525 (Early Bird) or $625 (Standard)
Conference one day registration fees:
One day registration: $500 (Early Bird) or $600 (Standard)
Current members should access registration through the "AHES 2026 registration page" in the Members Section of the AHES website. Please use your AHES email address during the registration process. Please note that you can opt to extend your AHES membership during the registration process.
Non-members can register here or sign up for membership on the AHES website to be eligible for member rates and then can access registration through the Members Section.
All registration fees are non refundable.
AHES Prizes and Awards
This year we will be awarding our biennial prizes/awards and continue our conference prizes which were piloted in 2025.
Nominations for the biennial prizes close on July 1, 2026. Nomination forms and guidelines can be found via the links below:
Conference Prizes
Best poster (1 prize valued at $500)
Best Rapid fire oral prize (2 prizes valued at $500)
People's choice oral presentation (1 prize valued at $500)
The AHES Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Date: Tuesday, 22nd September 2026
Time: 5:00 pm
Venue: Grand Ballroom, Hotel Grand Chancellor Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hobart Tasmania
This event is for AHES members only.
Draft minutes 2025 AGM (ratification at 2026)
Other AGM documents- Executive committee role descriptions (draft for ratification)
AHED Workshop
In conjunction with the Conference, the 15th Annual Australian Health Economics Doctoral Workshop will be held on Monday, 21st September 2026 at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania. Six graduate students will present their research and there will be a discussant for each paper. There will also be a professional development session. We welcome your attendance to support this important workshop, which can be confirmed when you register for the conference.
Attendance at the AHED workshop is free, but registration is essential. Please register for the AHED workshop during the AHES conference registration process. If you want to attend the AHED workshop only but not the AHES conference, please email the AHED organisers here.
Program: AHED Program 2026 (Draft)
Location: Menzies Institute for Medical Research, 17 Liverpool Street, Hobart, TAS 7000
AHES Mentoring Committee Breakfast Event
We are pleased to invite you to the AHES Mentoring Networking Event at this year’s AHES Conference.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, 23rd September 2026 (Day 2 of the conference)
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Location: A Mezzanine Level, Hotel Grand Chancellor Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Davey Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000
This informal session is open to all conference attendees and provides a great opportunity to connect with peers, mentors, and colleagues before the day’s sessions begin. The session aims to encourage meaningful conversations and professional connections within the AHES community. Attendees will be encouraged to actively participate by introducing themselves to new people, moving between conversations, and engaging in a series of short, informal networking discussions.
To help us plan and secure an appropriate space, please register your interest during the registration process by selecting "yes" for the mentoring breakfast.
Discover Hobart & Surrounds
Framed by mountain, river and wilderness, Hobart offers a memorable blend of culture, nature, food and drink, all within easy reach of the city and conference venues.
In and Around Hobart
- MONA (Museum of Old and New Art) – Hobart’s iconic cultural destination, with ferry access and adjoining vineyard
- Salamanca Place & Market – Historic warehouses, galleries, cafés and the famous Saturday market
- Battery Point – Charming heritage streets and harbour views
- Hobart Waterfront – Fresh seafood, waterfront dining and scenic strolls
- Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens – One of Australia’s oldest botanic gardens
Nature Walks & Scenic Trails
- kunanyi / Mount Wellington – Panoramic city views with walking trails for all abilities
- Organ Pipes & Zig Zag Tracks – Classic forest and alpine walks
- Hobart Rivulet Track – Easy riverside walk linking the CBD to Cascade Gardens
- Knocklofty Reserve – Bushland tracks with city and river vistas
- Mount Field National Park – Iconic Russell Falls and towering eucalypt forests
Wine Regions Close to Hobart
Tasmania is renowned for cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Riesling and sparkling wines.
Coal River Valley (20–30 mins)
Frogmore Creek · Pooley Wines · Puddleduck Vineyard · Derwent Estate · Moorilla Estate
More vineyards in Coal River Valley
Huon Valley (30–45 mins)
Home Hill Winery · Kate Hill Wines · Elsewhere Vineyard · St Imre. Mewstone Wines
Derwent Valley (20-30 mins)
Derwent Estate. Moorilla. Stefano Lubiana. Glaetzer-Dixon
More vineyards in the Derwent Valley
Distilleries, Whisky & Craft Spirits
Tasmania is internationally recognised for premium spirits:
- Lark Distillery – Single malt whisky
- Sullivans Cove Distillery – Award-winning Tasmanian whisky
- Nant Distillery – Historic estate whisky
- Forty Spotted Gin – Botanical gin cellar door
- Old Kempton Distillery – Whisky and gin in a heritage setting
Local Food & Beer
- Cascade Brewery – Australia’s oldest operating brewery, nestled beneath Mount Wellington
- Farm-to-table dining – Celebrate Tasmania’s seafood and seasonal produce
-
Waterfront Seafood – Enjoy fresh Tasmanian oysters, salmon, abalone and fish at Hobart’s harbour-side restaurants
-
Van Diemen’s Ice Creamery – Award-winning ice cream made with Tasmanian milk and local ingredients, with a popular waterfront shop
Easy Day Trips from Hobart
- Richmond – Historic village and Australia’s oldest bridge
- Bruny Island – Gourmet produce, wildlife and coastal scenery
- Port Arthur & Tasman Peninsula – World-heritage convict site and dramatic coastline
- Mount Field National Park – Waterfalls and rainforest walks
- Tahune AirWalk – Elevated canopy walk and forest scenery in the Huon Valley
- Hastings Caves & Thermal Springs – Guided cave tours and warm-water pools surrounded by forest
Whether you have a spare hour or a free day, Hobart and its surrounds offer exceptional experiences to complement your conference visit.
*Please note this conference page will be updated periodically with new information as it is available.