That’s a wrap on #PodConf25!
18 Jul 2025
The Australian Podiatry Conference 2025 was held from 26–28 June at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event was attended by 1,070 delegates from across Australia and beyond, making it the most attended conference we’ve hosted yet!
Under the theme “Unleashing Potential,” this world-class, three‑day event delivered a dynamic blend of cutting‑edge podiatric research, interactive clinical workshops, and meaningful networking.
The conference commenced with a keynote from former Executive General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy at the Australian Football League and 2021 South Australian – Australian of the Year, Tanya Hosch. Tanya shared her personal story with delegates, providing insights into her experiences as an Indigenous woman with type 2 diabetes and the many health interventions she undertook - from choosing a foot reconstruction, to ultimately having a lower right leg amputation and the subsequent rehab process, to physical recovery, to life with a prosthesis. Tanya told us how it is and was and reflected on the moments when she felt anything but supported and culturally safe. It was a truly powerful way to open the conference and left us all feeling challenged and inspired.
Delegates also heard from leaders of our profession including A/Prof Luke Kelly, A/Prof Claire Hiller, A/Prof Ryan Crews, and Anita Hobson‑Powell who each shared global and national insights that challenged and inspired attendees.
Sessions spanned vital topics such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander foot health, paediatric care, sports and musculoskeletal issues, high‑risk foot and rheumatology and workforce, as well as emerging innovations and technologies relating to business addressing cyber security, AI and the medico-legal implications surrounding these.
The exhibition hall buzzed with activity throughout, featuring trade booths, live demonstrations, and product showcases from leading industry suppliers. Workshops were embedded within the exhibition space itself, ensuring delegates were continually engaged with both educational and commercial streams.
Beyond the sessions, attendees also enthusiastically got involved in the social and collaborative aspects of the conference, with networking events designed to foster both informal and structured connections with colleagues and new contacts.
From the upbeat welcome drinks to the casual Sole Café catch‑ups in the exhibition hall, every moment offered a great mix of professional networking and relaxed conversation. Whether it was the early career social, Plena Healthcare's Student & Early Professional networking session, the SEPA-sponsored poster showcase, morning runs sponsored by ASICS and Mizuno (attended by over 120 keen runners/walkers), Pilates with Bared Footwear (so popular, the Bared team had to open a second session!), yoga sessions, or the vibrant cocktail night, each social event helped build community, spark conversations, and left everyone feeling both inspired and energised.
Overall, the feedback we’ve received so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with many delegates highlighting the value of face‑to‑face engagement with suppliers, the vibrancy of the trade exhibition, and the broad range of clinically applicable content.
As the sun sets on the 2025 conference, we can confidently say the conference delivered on its promise to empower the podiatry profession through knowledge, collaboration and inspiration.
From passionate delegates and inspiring presenters to dedicated exhibitors, sponsors and volunteers, your energy, insights and commitment to advancing our profession made this event truly unforgettable.
Thank you all for helping make this conference one of our most successful events to date!
We hope everyone has walked away with fresh ideas, new knowledge, valuable connections and a renewed sense of purpose for the future of podiatry.
