Roadmap to IRPA 18 in 2032

The following indicative timeline outlines major milestones on the way to IRPA 18. Activities and dates will be refined as planning progresses and in consultation with IRPA.

• 2024–2025
  • IRPA 18 bid confirmed and Darwin selected as host city.
  • Initial ARPS bid team transitions to an Interim Organising Committee structure.
  • Launch of irpa18.com and preliminary communications.
• 2025
  • Formalise Interim Organising Committee membership and terms of reference.
  • Confirm high-level vision, Congress theme and key objectives.
  • Commence negotiations with the Darwin Convention Centre and major accommodation providers.
  • Appoint / confirm a Professional Conference Organiser (PCO) or equivalent support.
  • Set up ARPS communication channels (this web page, mailing list, webinar updates).
• 2026
  • Establish full Local Organising Committee (LOC) – program, finance, sponsorship, logistics, social program, communications, YGN, WiR, etc.
  • Finalise venue and major supplier contracts (AV, social events, catering framework).
  • Develop an indicative Congress budget and present to ARPS Executive / IRPA for endorsement.
  • Draft initial sponsorship and exhibition framework.
• 2027
  • Confirm structure and membership of the International Congress Programme Committee in consultation with IRPA.
  • Define program tracks, thematic areas and potential co-hosted events (ICRP, regional meetings, task group sessions, etc.).
  • Refine sponsorship prospectus and exhibition floorplan.
  • Begin international promotion at ARPS and regional conferences.
• 2028 (IRPA 17, Spain)
  • Strong ARPS presence at IRPA 17 to promote IRPA 18 and consult with Associate Societies.
  • Launch updated IRPA 18 branding, website content and preliminary program overview.
  • Open expressions of interest for sponsors, exhibitors and side events.
• 2029
  • Refine detailed scientific program structure and session formats (plenary, parallel, workshops, posters).
  • Confirm key invited and plenary speakers.
  • Finalise sponsorship and exhibition packages; secure anchor sponsors.
  • Develop social, technical tour and companion program concepts.
• 2030
  • Implement abstract management system and reviewer database.
  • Agree on registration categories and fee structure (including member, non-member, student and single-day rates).
  • Publish the formal “Save the Date” and preliminary call for abstracts.
  • Launch scholarship / travel-grant framework (students, early-career, low- and middle-income countries).
• 2031
  • Open and close call for abstracts and special sessions; complete review process.
  • Finalise technical program, session chairs and invited speakers.
  • Open early-bird registration (typically 9–12 months before the Congress).
  • Lock in exhibition and sponsorship commitments; finalise floorplan.
  • Confirm social program, tours and accompanying person program.
• Early 2032
  • Publish final program and abstract book / proceedings arrangements.
  • Finalise all logistics (room allocations, AV, signage, accessibility, security and risk management).
  • Recruit and brief volunteers and on-site support teams.
  • Run final promotional campaign and registration push.
• Congress & Legacy
  • Deliver IRPA 18 in Darwin.
  • Coordinate daily communications, media and stakeholder engagement.
  • Post-Congress: financial acquittal, reporting to IRPA and ARPS, and publication of proceedings.
  • Capture and implement legacy activities for the Australasian radiation protection community.