The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) will bring together the nation’s most influential voices in housing, development, economics and urban innovation at the 2026 UDIA National Congress, beginning tomorrow (March 17) at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Featuring political leaders including Federal Minister for Housing, the Hon. Clare O’Neil MP, South Australian Premier, the Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP, global city builders, senior industry executives, leading economists like Alan Kohler, social researcher Sophie Renton of McCrindle and tennis legend Ash Barty, the two-day Congress will see the launch of the annual UDIA State of the Land report, explore the future of Australia’s residential market, international case studies in large-scale urban development, demographic shifts and the economic outlook shaping housing supply.
The event concludes with the 2026 UDIA National Awards for Excellence Gala, hosted by acclaimed comedian Celia Pacquola.
WHAT:
UDIA National Congress 2026
National Awards for Excellence Gala
Official launch of the UDIA State of the Land
WHEN:
- Opening night dinner for members: 16 March (The Hill, Adelaide Oval) 6.30pm
- National Congress: 17–18 March (Adelaide Convention Centre)
- Day One launch of UDIA’s annual State of the Land (SOTL) report at 10.10am (South Australian time).
- Gala Awards: 18 March 7:00pm–10:30pm
*The State of the Land is a comprehensive review of Australia’s residential market and the unveiling of the demographic trends which are shaping housing demand and future growth.
WHERE:
Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
- Media Briefing – Tuesday 17 March 12.30 pm at the Adelaide Convention Centre with UDIA National President Oscar Stanley
- Interviews by request with other keynote speakers
- Vision and photography opportunities across both Congress days
- Media Briefing – Wednesday 18 March 3.45pm at the Adelaide Convention Centre with UDIA National President Oscar Stanley
The full program is available on the UDIA National website: https://udiacongress.com/program/