Call for Expressions of Interest for the 2027 BCA National Convention
Theme: Shaping Our Future Together
Tagline: Access, Inclusion, Participation
Friday 11 June to Sunday 13 June 2027
Brisbane
Blind Citizens Australia (BCA) is inviting expressions of interest from people who would like to contribute a session to our 2027 National Convention program.
The theme, Shaping Our Future Together, reflects BCA’s commitment to placing people who are blind or vision impaired at the centre of the conversations and decisions that affect their lives. Through its focus on access, inclusion and participation, the Convention will provide opportunities to share knowledge, learn from lived experience and explore how we can work together to create a more equitable future.
Who can submit an expression of interest
We welcome proposals from BCA members, people who are blind or vision impaired, advocates, community leaders, professionals, researchers, government representatives and others with relevant knowledge or experience. We particularly welcome sessions that are led by, or meaningfully include, people who are blind or vision impaired.
Possible session topics
Session ideas may address:
- orientation and mobility, independent travel and wayfinding
- digital inclusion, accessible technology and artificial intelligence
- the NDIS, My Aged Care and access to appropriate supports
- accessible travel, tourism and recreation
- social inclusion, community participation and connection
- employment, education, leadership and self-advocacy
- human rights, policy and systemic advocacy
- health, wellbeing, peer support and adjustment to vision loss
- other topics that connect clearly with the convention theme.
Session formats
You may propose a format such as:
- an individual presentation
- a panel or facilitated discussion
- an interactive workshop or another format that is likely to be engaging for participants.
You may suggest a session length, but BCA may work with successful applicants to adjust the length or format, or combine related proposals, when developing the final program.
What to include
Please include the following information in your expression of interest:
- Your full name, email address and phone number.
- Your position and organisation, if relevant.
- The names and roles of any co-presenters or proposed panellists, if known. These can be confirmed or finalised later.
- A proposed session title of no more than 20 words.
- A description of your proposed session of between 150 and 250 words. Please explain what the session will cover, why the topic matters and how it relates to the convention theme.
- Two or three key things participants will learn, consider or be able to do after the session.
- Your proposed session format.
- Your preferred session length, if you have one.
- A short biography of no more than 100 words for each presenter, outlining relevant lived experience, professional experience or expertise.
- Details of any commercial interest connected with the proposed content.
How proposals will be considered
BCA will consider:
- how clearly the idea relates to the convention theme
- its relevance and likely value to people who are blind or vision impaired
- how lived experience is included and respected
- whether the format is likely to engage convention participants
- the need for a varied and balanced program
- whether the proposal can be delivered within the available time and resources.
Submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee a place in the program. BCA will contact all applicants after proposals have been reviewed.
Travel and accommodation
Presenters will be responsible for arranging and paying for their own flights, accommodation and registration. Please take this into account before submitting an expression of interest.
How to submit
Email your expression of interest to bca@bca.org.au with the subject line 2027 Convention Expression of Interest. You may include your proposal in the body of the email or attach it as a Word document.
Expressions of interest close at 11:59 pm AEDT on Sunday 8 November 2026.