Join us for the SCA (SA/NT) 2026 Active Utilities Conference on Friday 23 October 2026.
The strata sector is entering a period of change, shaped by economic conditions, housing pressures, evolving governance expectations and increasingly complex strata communities.
This Conference explores the broader environment in which the profession is operating and the practical challenges strata professionals face every day. From South Australia’s economic and housing outlook to governance, Annual General Meetings and dispute resolution, the program examines the issues influencing strata communities and the professionals who manage them.
Across the program, delegates will explore the economic forces shaping South Australia, see good governance in action through a realistic mock Annual General Meeting, and gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of how strata disputes progress through the courts.
The focus is on practical knowledge, stronger governance and better decision-making. Delegates will gain insights into managing meetings, motions, voting, conflicts, evidence, documentation and procedural requirements, while also considering the wider economic pressures affecting owners, businesses and communities.
Delegates will leave with a clearer understanding of the environment in which the sector is operating and practical knowledge to support effective governance, manage disputes and respond to the challenges facing strata communities.
Date: Friday 23 October 2026
Venue: Adelaide Marriott Hotel - 141 King William St, Adelaide SA 5000
CPD Points: 4 CPD Points
Program
Session
8:30am - 9:30am
Registration & Exhibition Opens
9:30am - 9:40am
SCA (SA/NT) 2026 Active Utilities Conference Opening
9:40am - 10:10am
When the Hot Water Stops: Managing a Major Building Defect
Presenter: Ian Willis
What starts as a small water leak can quickly become a major building-wide issue. In this first-hand case study, Ian will share how a large Adelaide apartment complex was left without hot water for around five weeks after problems with unsecured hot water risers caused widespread leaks.
The session will explore the technical issue alongside the practical response, including communicating with residents and owners, managing media interest, raising urgent funds, coordinating engineers and contractors, and obtaining legal advice around potential building defects and the committee’s options.
10:10am - 11:10am
The Economy, Housing and the Future of Strata
Presenter: Dr Susan Stone, Adelaide University
South Australia is changing. Population growth, housing affordability, construction pressures, workforce shortages and changing economic conditions are reshaping how and where South Australians live. Dr Susan Stone will explore the economic forces shaping South Australia over the next five years and what they could mean for housing and apartment living. From interest rates and household pressures to population trends, development and investment, this session will provide a bigger-picture view of the environment in which strata communities and strata businesses will operate.
11:10am - 11:30am
Morning Tea
11:30am - 12:10pm
Session Details Coming Soon
12:10pm - 1:10pm
Mock Annual General Meeting: Governance in Action
Presenters: Alice Carter, Amanda Humble, and Brenton James
What really happens at an Annual General Meeting when difficult issues arise? This interactive session brings the AGM process to life through a realistic mock meeting that demonstrates both best practice and common pitfalls in strata governance.
Participants will observe the AGM from start to finish, including the setting of the agenda, presentation of reports, handling of motions, voting procedures, quorum requirements and management of conflict or challenging behaviour. The session will deliberately introduce common scenarios such as incorrectly drafted motions, voting disputes, conflicts of interest and procedural errors, allowing participants to see how these issues should be managed and the consequences when they are not.
1:10pm - 1:50pm
Lunch
1:50pm - 2:50pm
Mock Tribunal: Inside a Strata Dispute
Presenters: Alice Carter, Amanda Humble, and Brenton James
Ever wondered what really happens when a strata dispute ends up before the courts? This interactive session recreates a realistic court hearing, giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at how disputes are presented, argued and ultimately determined.
By design, this mock hearing will demystify the court process, demonstrate how evidence is assessed, how legislation is interpreted and applied, and where parties often make mistakes that can weaken their case. Speakers will also explore the importance of preparation, record keeping and understanding the legal framework before commencing proceedings.
2:50pm - 3:00pm
SCA (SA/NT) 2026 Active Utilities Conference Close
Registration
Member Standard Full Delegate Registration | $170 incl. GST
This registration includes entry to the SCA (SA/NT) 2026 Active Utilities Conference (includes program, morning tea, and lunch).
Available to SCA Strata Management and Strata Services members only.
Non-Member Standard Full Delegate Registration | $340 incl. GST
This registration includes entry to the SCA (SA/NT) 2026 Active Utilities Conference (includes program, morning tea, and lunch).
Available to Non SCA members.
If you have any questions, please email events@strata.community.
REGISTRATIONS CLOSE COB TUESDAY 13 OCTOBER 2026.
Meet the Keynote
KEYNOTE
Dr Susan Stone
Susan Stone is the Credit Union SA Chair of Economics at UniSA, where she provides expert analysis and new thinking about South Australia’s economic position and how global economic factors impact the local economy. Prior to joining UniSA, Ms Stone was a division head at the OECD, a Director for the UNESCAP, a Senior Research Fellow at the Asian Development Bank Institute in Tokyo, and a Research Manager at the Productivity Commission in Melbourne. Ms Stone is a frequent guest on radio and television and her opinion pieces have been published in InDaily, The Australian Financial Review and The Australian.
A dual United-States/Australian citizen, Ms. Stone received a PhD in International Economics and a Master’s Degree in Business and Finance, from Drexel University in Philadelphia.
Sponsorship & Exhibition
Elevate your Brand at the SCA (SA/NT) 2026 Active Utilities Conference
Opportunities Open Now
This event is a key opportunity to showcase your brand, network with sector professionals, and gain valuable exposure within the strata community.
By securing a sponsorship or exhibition package, you will have the chance to:
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Increase brand visibility and awareness
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Showcase your products and services to the strata sector
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Develop valuable connections and partnerships with sector colleagues
Book now and secure your opportunity to elevate your brand and make a lasting impression at the Conference.
All opportunities are subject to availability.
For sponsorship opportunities, download the prospectus now or contact events@strata.community.
We thank our Sponsors for their ongoing support
Naming Rights Sponsor
Accommodation
Adelaide Marriott Hotel
If you are interested in booking accommodation, please contact the Adelaide Marriott Hotel directly to make arrangements. Please note that no rooms are being held and all reservations are subject to availability.
Before confirming your booking, please review the hotel's terms, conditions, and any applicable loyalty programs you may have which are affiliated with the hotel.
Please note that SCA (SA/NT) accepts no responsibility for any direct bookings made by delegates, or for any accommodation cancellations and refunds. Any matters must be managed directly with the hotel under the terms agreed upon at the time of your booking.
