Foresighting Forum 2027: Leading the Charge

This program is for people working in or with community organisations, advocacy bodies, or support services who engage directly with energy consumers, particularly those experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage.

Applications are made through an Expression of Interest (EOI) process. When completing your EOI, you will be asked to describe your work with consumers and indicate whether you are seeking funding assistance. Places are limited and allocated on the basis of the contribution applicants can make to Forum discussions, as well as encouraging a diversity of advocates.

Key dates

• EOI opens: 1 July 2026
• EOI closes: 31 August 2026
• Outcomes communicated: 14 September 2026
• Advocate registration and travel arrangements finalised: 31 October 2026

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

What is the Consumer Advocate Program?

The Consumer Advocate Program supports people who actively represent households and small businesses to attend the Forum. A limited number of funded places are available, which may cover registration, travel and accommodation.

Who is eligible to apply?

The program is open to people working in or with community organisations, advocacy bodies or support services that engage directly with energy consumers, particularly those experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage.

How do I apply?

Applications are made via an Expression of Interest (EOI) form. You will be asked to describe your work with consumers and indicate whether you are seeking funding assistance. A link to the EOI form is available here.

When do applications close?

EOIs will be accepted until 31 August 2026, only via the official submission link (applications received via email will not be accepted). We encourage early applications as places are limited.

How are decisions made on applications?

Acceptance into the Consumer Advocate Program is at the discretion of the organising committee. All decisions are final.

When will I hear if my application has been successful?

Outcomes will be communicated via email mid-September 2026. Travel and accommodation will not be booked until written acceptance of a funded place has been received.

What am I committing to if I am accepted into the program?

Advocates are expected to attend the full two-day program. Acceptance into the program is based on this understanding. If you are unable to commit to full attendance, we encourage you to consider whether this program is the right fit before applying.

Can I transfer my funded place to a colleague if I can no longer attend?

Transfers to another member of your organisation may be possible with the prior approval of Energy Consumers Australia. Please contact the forum team as early as possible if your circumstances change.

What if I need to withdraw after being confirmed in the program?

If you need to withdraw after your place has been confirmed, please notify the forum team in writing as soon as possible. Funded places that cannot be transferred will be forfeited and may be reallocated.

What happens if I need to change my travel or accommodation after booking?

Any changes to travel or accommodation arrangements after booking are at the advocate’s own expense. A flat change fee of $109 applies, in addition to any difference in flight fare resulting from the change. To avoid unnecessary costs, please ensure your travel dates and details are confirmed before arrangements are finalised.

Preferential room rates have been secured at two hotels for Foresighting Forum delegates. We recommend booking early as availability at delegate rates is limited. All bookings must be made online via the forum registration page. All prices are inclusive of GST.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth

61–101 Phillip Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Rates are per room, per night (single occupancy). Subject to availability at time of booking.

Rydges Australia Square

97 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000

Rydges Australia Square is located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, a short walk from the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. Breakfast is available at an additional cost of $28 per person per day.

For full package details, inclusions and availability, download the Sponsorship Prospectus or contact us to discuss how we can tailor a partnership to suit your objectives:

Download prospectus (PDF, 4.92MB)

Enquire now

What is the Foresighting Forum?

The Foresighting Forum is Energy Consumers Australia’s annual national conference — the only forum in Australia focused on the perspectives of households and small businesses in the energy transition. It brings together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, researchers and consumer advocates for two days of focused discussion and debate.

When and where is the 2027 Forum?

The Forum takes place on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 February 2027 at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, 61–101 Phillip Street, Sydney NSW 2000.

What is included in my registration?

Registration includes access to all plenary and breakout sessions across both days, all conference materials, catering breaks, lunch on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 February, and the networking function on the evening of Wednesday 24 February. Recorded presentations will be made available post-event via the ECA website.

Will there be a program available before the event?

The program will be published on this website closer to the event. Registered delegates will be notified when it is available.

Will sessions be recorded?

Yes. Recorded presentations will be available via our YouTube channel following the event.

How do I register?

Registration is available online via this link. Registration is not confirmed until payment in full has been received.

What registration categories are available?

There are three categories:

1. NFP and community organisations
2. Government, market bodies and academia
3. For-profit industries, including networks and retailers

Select the category that best describes your organisation. If you select a category that doesn’t accurately reflect your organisation, you will be requested to change and pay any difference required.

How do I pay?

Payment can be made online by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express — please note credit card surcharges apply) or by invoice and electronic funds transfer.

Can I transfer my registration to a colleague?

Yes. A substitute delegate can be nominated at any time up to 48 hours prior to the event start. Please notify the forum team in writing via email.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

If you are unable to attend and cannot find a substitute delegate, the following applies:

• 60 or more days before the event: $50 administration fee applies
• 15–60 days before the event: 50% refund of fees
• Less than 14 days before the event: No refund

Refunds are processed to the original payment method within 10 business days, minus any associated booking fees. All cancellations must be made in writing.

What happens if the event is cancelled or postponed?

In the event of cancellation, registered delegates will receive a full refund of their registration fee less any merchant or booking fees. If the event is postponed, registrations will automatically transfer to the new date, with the option to transfer to another delegate up to 48 hours before the new event starts. Travel and accommodation costs remain the responsibility of the attendee.

What is the nearest train station?

Martin Place and Wynyard stations are both within a short walk of the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. The venue is well served by trains, buses and light rail across the Sydney CBD.

Is there parking at the venue?

Limited car parking is available at Wilson Parking, located beneath the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth, at $70 per 24 hours or $67 per day for day delegates. Parking cannot be guaranteed and is subject to availability.

Is there parking near Rydges Australia Square?

Wilson Parking Angel Place at 123 Pitt Street is located 50 metres from Rydges Australia Square. Parking is available at $35 for 24 hours (single entry and exit per day). Parking tickets must be validated at hotel reception prior to payment at the parking station.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes. The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is accessible by lift and meets accessibility requirements. Please contact us if you have specific access requirements so we can assist with your attendance (you can also note your requirements during the online registration process).

Where do I check in on arrival?

Registration will be located on Level 3 of the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth. Specific check-in times will be communicated to registered delegates ahead of the event.

Is there luggage storage available at the venue?

Luggage storage is available at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth concierge. We recommend contacting the hotel directly to arrange this, particularly if you are checking out on a conference day.

Is there a dress code?

Business casual attire is appropriate for both days of the Forum and the networking function.

Will there be Wi-Fi available?

Yes. Wi-Fi will be available to delegates at the venue. Connection details will be provided on arrival.

Has accommodation been arranged for delegates?

Preferential rates have been secured at two hotels for Forum delegates: the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth (the conference venue) and Rydges Australia Square, located a short walk away. Both must be booked online via the links on the Accommodation page. Rooms are limited at delegate rates, so early booking is recommended.

What are the accommodation cancellation terms?

Where accommodation is booked through the registration site, cancellations can be made up to 30 days before the event at no charge. Cancellations within 30 days will incur a fee equivalent to 100% of the booking value. Where possible the organisers will attempt to resell the room, but no guarantee can be made. All cancellations must be made in writing.

Will the Forum be photographed or filmed?

Yes. By attending the Forum you consent to being photographed, filmed or otherwise recorded. Images and recordings may be used by Energy Consumers Australia for promotional purposes including marketing materials, websites, social media and future event promotions. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please notify us in advance via email or inform staff on the day.

How is my personal information used?

Personal information collected during registration is used to manage your attendance, communicate event information and, where applicable, arrange accommodation and travel. Name, organisation and state may be shared with event sponsors and partners in line with privacy legislation.

You will always be asked to opt in before contact details are passed to a third party. View our full Privacy Policy or contact us.

If you have a question not addressed in the above, please contact the forum team via email.