AIDC 2027 will take place in Sydney on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation from 8-11 March 2027, across the Art Gallery of New South Wales, State Library of NSW and Botanic Gardens of Sydney, followed by an online international marketplace 23-24 March.

This 40th Anniversary edition will include a four-day program of relevant and agenda-setting sessions for documentary and factual creators, decision makers, industry representatives and knowledge seekers. We are currently inviting input from the sector for sessions, topics, speakers, buyers and projects for consideration.

Each year, AIDC programs spotlight sessions and keynotes, panel discussions and workshops focused on key trends in the industry. The program includes a diversity of perspectives, storytelling practices, forms and formats. Sessions are framed around the conference theme as well as ensuring relevant sessions across craft, business, First Nations storytelling, upskilling, innovation and impact. 

The program covers everything from documentary, factual or unscripted, digital and online content, features, shorts, series, immersive and interactive content, podcasting and audio, theatrical, broadcast, streaming, social platforms and more. As well as exploring current trends and future forecasting, challenges, opportunities and solutions to make a more sustainable screen sector. 

To ensure that the AIDC program is meeting the needs and demands of the sector, AIDC seeks input and feedback from a number of different channels including: the annual Advisory Committee, the post conference delegate survey, and the Expressions of Interest from the sector.

This is a unique opportunity to put your ideas forward to shape the 2027 conference program. 

Don’t worry if your idea isn’t fully formed just yet – we’re still interested in hearing from you and will work with you to shape your proposal if successful.

We accept submissions for session topics and ideas, getting involved as a speaker, moderator or session producer, or screening proposals.

AIDC 2027 is encouraging submissions that address:

• Creative expression and new ground in storytelling form
• The changing role of journalism in documentary
• Future funding and financing models 
• Discoverability, audience viewing patterns and projections
• Archives: access, preservation, and digitisation
• New content strategies for social media and online platforms
• AI and its implications for documentary ethics and production
• The evolving legal landscape – ie ownership, copyright, and litigation
• Technological innovations across all stages of production and distribution 
• The next chapter for streaming and broadcast
• Censorship, interference and disinformation
• Wellbeing, duty of care and field-building
• Sustainability, climate and impact

For more information AIDC encourages applicants to review past conference programs. Otherwise, get in touch with AIDC via info@aidc.com.au.

Please note that all expressions of interest are to be submitted using the form below. This is the official channel for submission and ensures your interest can be properly recorded and considered. 

All submissions are carefully reviewed by the AIDC team, successful applicants will be contacted once the deadline has passed. 

Submissions close: 11.59pm AEDT, Sunday October 4 2026.