Social Program
Welcome Reception & Exhibition Opening
Saturday 1 August 2026, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre (Exhibition area), 1700-1900
Network with our exhibitors and catch up with colleagues during the Networking Reception. Includes canapes and drinks.
This is included with full registrations. Additional tickets are $120pp.
SIG Mixers
Saturday 1 August 2026, 1930-2300
These are open to SIG Meeting registrants only.
AACG SIG Dinner: Spritz and Negroni Bar (Level 1), BAR FRANCO, 166 Cashel Street, Christchurch - $85.00pp additional cost.
ASGC SIG Mixer: Venue to be confirmed Included with the ASGC SIG meeting.
ASDG SIG Mixer: DUX CENTRAL - 144 Lichfield Street, Christchurch Central City. Included with the ASDG SIG meeting.
ASIEM SIG Mixer: Venue to be confirmed Included with the ASIEM SIG meeting.
Early Career Breakfast
Sunday 2 August 2026, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre (Room TBC), 07:15 - 08:30am
Join us bright and early on the first morning of the conference for a light breakfast & breakfast beverage. Meet and network with other early career people from across Australasia, and learn what the HGSA and its SIG groups are all about with our short presentations from key leaders of each SIG.
Do you consider yourself ‘early career’ in genetics and genomics (in any area and/or SIG group)? We welcome you and especially those who are attending the Annual Scientific Meeting for the first time or may not yet know others in the field. Also welcome are students, scientific trainees, and any other early career individuals of any age or experience level in non-genetics disciplines.
Attendance is free for those who indicate they are ‘early career’ on full or day registrations, on the registration form (AND have indicated they are attending). Contact conference@aacb.asn.au if you need further information.
Poster Session
Sunday 2 August 2026, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre (Exhibition area), 1730-1830
The Poster Session provides poster authors the opportunity to network and discuss their poster with delegates. Authors will be at their poster at designated times. Canapes and drinks are included. This is included in Full Registration.
Conference Gala Dinner
Monday 3 August 2026, Christchurch Art Gallery, 312 Montreal Street, Christchurch 1900-2400
The Conference Gala Function at the Christchurch Art Gallery will be a highlight of the HGSA 49th ASM, offering delegates an elegant evening of connection, culture, and celebration. Guests will enjoy live music throughout the night, a diverse selection of substantial food stations and roaming canapés, and a curated range of beverages. In a special after‑hours experience, attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the gallery’s exhibitions with guided access, adding a uniquely Christchurch flavour to the event. It’s the perfect setting to unwind, network, and celebrate the in one of the city’s most iconic cultural spaces.
The dinner is included with full conference registration. Additional tickets are $150pp.
The venue is a short 15min walk from Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre and most hotels. A walking group will leave the Convention Centre at 6:40pm, to the Art Gallery for those who would like to join them.
Conference Secretariat
AACB Services Pty Ltd
PO Box 7336, Alexandria NSW 2015
P: (61) 2 9669 6600 E: conference@aacb.asn.au
PO Box 7336, Alexandria NSW 2015
P: (61) 2 9669 6600 E: conference@aacb.asn.au