Social Program

Welcome Reception


Sponsored by

Resilient dams and a resilient theatre!

With thanks to our Welcome Reception sponsor, Macquarie Geotech, we are putting on a welcome show at Australia’s oldest continually operating theatre, the Theatre Royal; Noël Coward once called it “a dream of a theatre” and Laurence Olivier launched a national appeal for its reconstruction in the 1940s.

Cocktail style but enough as a dinner substitute, join us to eat, drink, chat and immerse yourself in some theatrical culture; Friends of the Theatre will conduct backstage tours – keep a look out for the Theatre’s resident ghost!

End of Conference Get Together


Sponsored by

Conference Dinner


Sponsored by


Come down for air… and meet the robots.

It’s time to step away from the technical sessions, enjoy a spectacular Tasmanian dinner and celebrate the people who keep our dams safe, resilient and ready for the future.

Our Conference Dinner Sponsor, Fulcrum Robotics, is proudly bringing a little of that future to the evening. Born in Tasmania and operating across Australia, Fulcrum Robotics is at the forefront of innovative technology for dam inspection — a perfect fit for this year’s theme, Resilient Dams, Smart Futures.

Because while technology continues to transform our industry, one thing never changes: resilient dams start with resilient people.

And then there’s the food…

Your evening begins with a scenic 20-minute coach journey to MyState Bank Arena. Pop in your headphones and discover a little of Hobart’s history as you travel through Tasmania’s beautiful capital.

Once there, prepare for a memorable dining experience as Chef Oli Mellers showcases the very best of Tasmanian produce. Having trained at Heston Blumenthal’s Michelin-starred The Fat Duck in London, Oli brings creativity, experience and a passion for exceptional local ingredients to the table.

Good food
Great company
A little Tasmanian history
A glimpse into the future of dam inspection
This is one conference dinner you won’t want to miss
Dress code: Smart casual/ lounge suit, which ever you feel most comfy in, but whatever you wear, don’t forget your Tassie Tuxedo!
“Tassie tuxedo” is Australian slang for a black puffer jacket, worn every day by locals and visitors across Tasmania. It is light-hearted local humour where Tasmanians poke fun at their own pragmatic, weather-ready approach to dressing for any occasion.
Fun fact: earlier this month there was a record attempt for the most puffer jackets worn (they reached 186). Can we beat that?!
Don your Tassie Tuxedo and beanie, and you’ll be ready for anything!