With members from 41 countries, the International Association of Wildland Fire chose Tasmania as the host for the 2026 conference, recognising the state’s strong history in bushfire management, land management and world-class fire research.

A wide range of topics were covered, including climate change and land management, Indigenous fire practices, smoke management and community preparedness, and reinforced the importance of collaboration across agencies, industries and communities.

The association’s president, Trevor Howard, said the conference was about bringing people together to share knowledge and practical solutions.

“We’ve got people here from all around the world, all around Australia and it’s a really good opportunity to showcase Tasmania and some of the landscapes and the research that’s done down here,” he said.

Mr Howard said Hobart was a natural choice to host the global gathering.

“We chose Hobart because of its close and historical association with all the major issues that we are dealing with in bushfire management,” he said

“Hobart, and Tasmania more broadly, has long been a leader in innovative land and parks management, forestry and water catchment management, as well as having a strong history in local bushfire brigades and community fire groups.

“There is also a well-established research sector, at the University of Tasmania and elsewhere, that provides a better understanding of how we can live, work and play in a land of regular fire.”

Tasmania Fire Service Director of Community Fire Safety Chris Collins said the conference created a platform for the sharing of diverse ideas to tackle global fire challenges.

“Hobart hosting this conference is quite unique in a bushfire risk context, however the issues we’re dealing with here in Tasmania are global issues,” he said.

“It provides a great opportunity to get the minds together, to share knowledge and innovation and tackle what is an emerging issue.”

Business Events Tasmania CEO Marnie Craig said the conference highlighted Tasmania’s strength in hosting strategically aligned business events with global relevance.

“Hosting an international conference of this scale places Tasmania’s expertise on the world stage and reinforces our role in conversations that are shaping how communities respond to fire,” she said.

“Strategic business events like this deliver benefits far beyond tourism.

“They create opportunities for knowledge exchange, strengthen research and industry connections, and showcase the incredible work happening here in Tasmania.”

Ms Craig said strategic business events like this showcased Tasmania’s expertise on a global stage, while creating valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange, innovation and long-term impact.