About
About the 2026 World Trails Conference
The World Trails Conference is a bi-annual global forum where representatives from trails around the world can come together to learn from trail experts, forge meaningful networks and shape the future of trail experiences around the world.
The 2026 World Trails Conference will be hosted by Outdoors WA and will take place from 19 October to 22 October 2026 in Perth, Western Australia.
The World Trails Conference 2026 includes:
- Separately bookable Monday field trips providing an opportunity to explore Perth’s trails and Indigenous cultural experiences
- A 3-day conference on Tuesday – Thursday featuring keynotes, concurrent sessions and roundtable discussions
- Networking opportunities with 400+ local and international attendees from the public, private, and non-profit sectors
- Over 15 hours of networking time across 3 days at morning and afternoon teas, lunches, the welcome reception and the “last hurrah” party
- Trail Industry sponsors and exhibitors showcasing state-of-the-art products, services and technical solutions
- Urban trails – suggested daily walks to iconic Perth places
- World Trails Film Festival Screening
- 2026 – 2028 World Trails Ambassadors
Who should attend?
The 2026 World Trails Conference is designed for anyone who works in the trails industry, including:
- Local, national and international trail professionals, including trail managers, planners, designers, builders and advocates
- Australian Federal and Local Government representatives
- Private-sector tourism, sustainability and climate experts
- Non-profits and researchers
Conference attendance is not limited to WTN and OWA members, however members of these organisations will be offered reduced registration rates.
WTC2026 Steering Committee
The World Trails Conference 2026 Steering Committee
The purpose of the Steering Committee is to provide strategic oversight, governance, and accountability for the planning, coordination, and successful delivery of the World Trails Conference 2026 in Western Australia. The Steering Committee will ensure the event meets the expectations of international and local stakeholders.
Steering Committee Members:
- Katie Brown, CEO, Awards WA
- Rod Annear, Assistant Director of Parks and Visitor Services, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DCBA)
- Matt Hayes, Director Strategy and Partnerships – Sport and Recreation, Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries (DLGSC)
- Sarah Court, Manager Built Environment, Active Transport, Department of Transport (DoT), Western Australia
- Lori Modde, CEO, Outdoors NSW & ACT
- Jackie Crooks, Director Tourism Experience Development, Tourism Western Australia
- Agata Sleeman, Executive Officer, Trails WA
- Robert Taylor, CEO, Western Australian Indigenous Tourism Operators Council (WAITOC)
- Jackie Randle, International Co-Chair, World Trails Network
About the World Trails Network
The World Trails Network (WTN) strives to connect the diverse trails of the world to promote the creation, enhancement, and protection of outstanding trail experiences. The World Trails Network brings trail associations, trail advocates, walkers, hikers and people passionate about the outdoors together from around the world to foster global collaboration and networking for the betterment of the world’s trails.
About the conference host: Outdoors WA
Outdoors WA is the peak industry body for the outdoor sector in Western Australia, including recreation and education and adventure tourism. Outdoors WA provides advocacy, leadership and support to the outdoor sector in WA. Our vision is to see every Western Australian spending 2 hours a week active outdoors, the globally recognised time for optimal health benefits.
About World Trails Conferences
The World Trails Conference is a global gathering of trail experts, trail managers and builders, trail destinations, enthusiasts and academics, who meet every two years to share knowledge, network and ensure the benefits trails offer society continue to be sustainable and supported around the world.
Principles of the conference
How we convene and what we focus on.
Conference Mission
To create a global forum where trails from every region can come together and engage in relevant dialogue, networking and cross-learning for the benefit of trails everywhere.
Globally Relevant and Engaged
Connecting meaningfully with the global community of trails
Interactive and Dynamic
Making space for the trail ideas and expertise of all participants
Collaborative and Focused
Scaling networking and action via clear thematic streams linked to trails
Creative and Generative
Exploring new ideas and innovations for best practice for trails
Inclusive and Cross-reaching
Embracing diversity and equitable solutions across trails