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2026 Annual Scientific Meeting & Awards Dinner
Health and Justice
17 & 18 October 2026 - Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns, Queensland
Virtual tickets now available (Live-stream & Recorded)
Preceded by an in-person Expert Report Writing course on 16 October
Program
- Friday 16 October - Expert Report Writing course - BOOK HERE! - In person only
- Saturday 17 October - Annual Scientific Meeting (Full day) - Hybrid conference (Live & Virtual)
- Saturday 17 October - Awards Dinner - In person only
- Sunday 18 October - Annual Scientific Meeting Day 2 (Half day) -Hybrid conference (Live & Virtual)
ACLM reserves the right to change the exact program content, speakers and timings if necessary.
Speakers & Abstracts
Click below to view all Speakers, Abstract summaries, and Biographies:
Awards Dinner
This special annual event is a chance to welcome and celebrate the achievements of our newest Fellows and Members. It includes an awards ceremony, and a special guest speaker.
Where: Shangri-La The Marina Cairns - Trinity Room
When: Saturday 17 October at 7pm
Menu: 3-course meal with local and ethically sourced ingredients and a 2-hour beverage package
Attendance at the Awards Dinner is included with all ASM Live tickets; however, we need to receive your RSVP in advance for seating and catering arrangements.
See some photos below of our 2025 Awards Dinner in Singapore.
Dinner guest speaker: David Gillespie - "Taming Toxic People"
Taming Toxic People explores how to recognise and manage everyday psychopaths in our personal and professional lives. While society often associates psychopathy with criminality, many people with these traits are successful, charming individuals who leave a hidden trail of emotional destruction. They lack empathy, manipulate others for personal gain, and frequently thrive in corporate organisations. This presentation breaks down the underlying psychological and behavioural traits of workplace psychopaths. It offers practical, evidence-based strategies to protect yourself, establish firm boundaries, neutralise toxic influence, and ultimately safeguard your mental wellbeing and team culture.
David Gillespie is a bestselling non-fiction author and researcher known for his deep dives into psychology, health, and nutritional science. With a background in corporate law, David applies rigorous analytical skills to complex subjects, translating them into accessible, practical knowledge. He has authored several critically acclaimed books, empowering readers and audiences to make informed decisions about their physical wellbeing, relationships, and workplace dynamics. He is also the founder of the educational charity freeschool.org.au.
2026 ASM & Awards Dinner exclusively sponsored by:
Courtworthy | Trusted | Respectful
Index Medicolegal is a trusted provider of Independent Medical Opinions in Pain Medicine, Anaesthesia, Rehabilitation, and Psychiatry. Founded in 2002, our panel has grown to over 100 active clinicians across more than 37 medical and surgical specialties who deliver balanced, court worthy reports across Australia and internationally. We specialise in complex matters including personal injury, professional negligence, and class actions, with all reports undergoing internal review to ensure clarity, authority, and impartiality. With a strong local presence and expanding international reach, Index Medicolegal is built on values of trust and respect and remains committed to providing court worthy Expert medical opinions.
Venue
Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns
Pier Point Rd, Cairns City, QLD, Australia
ASM & Expert Report Writing Course - Marlin Rooms
Annual Awards Dinner - Trinity Room
Accommodation: The venue has offered a special discounted accommodation rate for ACLM event attendees. Details will be sent to you once you book your attendance, or you may contact us for the pricing beforehand. These rates are subject to availability at the time of booking and will be available to book until either the 15 September 2026, or until the block of rooms is sold out, whichever occurs first.
Virtual ASM attendance
The 2026 ASM will be live-streamed from Cairns via Zoom, and recorded for later viewing.
Access to the recording will be available approximately 2 weeks after the event, and available for 6 months. Virtual tickets will give access to both the live-stream and recording.
Persons attending via live-stream will be able to see and hear the presenter and see their slides simultaneously. No provision will be made to participate in Q&A.
All persons who purchase Live tickets can also access the virtual attendance method in case of sickness or other unforeseen circumstances.
Persons who purchase virtual tickets may request to change to in-person, subject to availability. Persons who purchase live tickets may change to virtual at any time, but there will be no refund in price difference within 45 days of the event.
ACLM has engaged professional AV personnel for this event. While every effort is made to ensure a high-quality virtual attendee experience, occasionally some audio or video may not be captured by the live stream and/or recording, such as audience Q&A time, or if there is a temporary glitch. By booking, you acknowledge that you are aware of this.
Ticket Prices & Options
All tickets are AUD and includes GST.
Members of the following organisations can receive 'ACLM members pricing' on all 16-18 October 2026 tickets:
- Australasian College of Legal Medicine
- Index Medicolegal
- American College of Legal Medicine
- Medico-Legal Society of Queensland
ASM & Dinner - LIVE TICKET
ACLM members: $675
Non-members: $825
Includes:
- Saturday Conference (full day session)
- Saturday Awards Dinner (Set menu with beverages)
- Sunday Conference (half day session ending with lunch)
Optional Extras
- Purchase additional dinner ticket/s:
+ AUD 150
- Discount for speakers:
- AUD 100
ASM & Dinner - VIRTUAL TICKET
ACLM members: $525
Non-members: $675
Includes:
- Live stream via Zoom of ASM Conference (1.5 days)
- Access to the recorded program for 6 months post-event
Expert Report Writing Course - LIVE TICKET ONLY
ACLM members: $500
Non-members: $650
1 day course (standard course fees).
Click below to book the course:
Supporting organisations
We are proud to have the official support of the: American College of Legal Medicine and the Medico-Legal Society of Queensland.
Members of these organisations are eligible to receive ACLM members’ ticket pricing on both the ASM & Dinner and the preceding Expert Report Writing course. Please contact ACLM if you wish to be an official Supporting Organisation for this event.
Policies
By registering to attend, you agree that you have read and accept the Cancellation, Privacy and Health & Safety Policies. These policies apply to the 16 October 2026 Expert Report Writing course and the 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting & Awards Dinner on 17 & 18 October 2026. Please note, ACLM reserves the right to change the exact program content, speakers and timings if necessary.
Virtual Disclaimer: ACLM has engaged professional Audio Visual personnel for this event. While every effort is made to ensure a high-quality virtual attendee experience, occasionally some audio or video may not be captured by the live stream and/or recording, such as audience Q&A time, or if there is a temporary glitch. By booking, you acknowledge that you are aware of this.
Cancellation Policy
A refund less $100 cancellation fee will be provided for all cancellations received at least 30 days prior to the event start date. Any cancellations after this point will be non-refundable. The $100 cancellation fee will be applicable individually to the Course and the ASM/Dinner.
Persons who purchase live tickets may change to virtual at any time, but there will be no refund in price difference within 45 days of the event.
Persons who purchase virtual tickets may request to change to in-person, subject to availability.
Sickness: Please do not attend the Live events if you are sick with a contagious illness. Virtual attendance methods will be available instead.
Contingency Planning: If a situation occurs which significantly affects the majority of participants’ ability to attend in person, the event may either be postponed to a later date or held entirely online. Any such decision will be communicated to all as soon as possible if this circumstance arises. By registering, you agree to attend the events virtually on the same dates, should this circumstance arise. We recommend that you consider booking flexible travel and/or purchase appropriate insurance in case your plans change.
Privacy Policy
View the ACLM Privacy Policy here. All persons who book will have their data handled in accordance with ACLM's Privacy Policy.
Health & Safety Policy
As part of our commitment to making this event safe you must comply with the following directions:
- Do not attend this event if you are unwell with a contagious illness. Virtual attendance will be available instead.
- Presenters must agree to present in person unless sickness, travel restrictions, or other circumstances affect their ability to attend in person. In this situation, presenters must be willing to present via virtual method instead.
- You must comply with all government directions regarding health and safety if they exist.
- It is your responsibility to check the latest border, travel and quarantine restrictions to ensure you are safe and able to travel to and from this event. This may include applying for a travel permit or Visa.
CPD Information
(For the Expert Report Writing course - Please refer to the ACLM Expert Report Writing course webpage for CPD information.)
ASM CPD information will be available once the program is released.
About Cairns
Experience the unparalleled natural beauty of Cairns, where spectacular reefs, ancient rainforests, rich culture, and an alfresco dining scene blend into one. Cairns is the gateway to the rest of the Tropical North Queensland region, including the Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda rainforest village, the Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, and much more.
Find out more about this world-class destination and plan your trip here:
