The Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases (ASID) is committed to delivering Annual Scientific Meetings that are environmentally responsible and aligned with the growing intersection between health, sustainability and planetary health.

Our aim is to minimise the environmental footprint of our meetings while maintaining high-quality scientific exchange and collaboration across the infectious diseases' community.

Hosting ASM 2027 in Cairns, Far North Queensland provides an additional environmental advantage, as the state generates the majority of its electricity through hydroelectric power rather than fossil fuels.

Our Approach at ASM 2027

Reducing Waste

ASID prioritises digital solutions and responsible event practices to minimise unnecessary waste.

This includes:

• Digital programs and online conference materials, with delegates encouraged to use the conference app rather than printed handbooks

• Reusable and generic event signage to reduce yearly production waste

• Minimising single-use plastics where possible

• Providing recycling stations throughout the venue where available

Responsible Venue and Catering

ASM 2027 will be held at the Cairns Convention Centre, which has a strong commitment to sustainable event practices and reducing environmental impact.

Situated between two World Heritage listed areas, the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforest it is important the Cairns Convention Centre maintains stringent environmental controls.

Cairns Convention Centre is proud to be EarthCheck certified, recognising our ongoing commitment to global best‑practice in sustainable venue operations. Our sustainability approach is built into every aspect of the Centre — from architecturally designed features that reduce heat and conserve energy, to innovative water‑saving systems, responsible waste management and the use of local, sustainable materials. We also prioritise ethical and locally sourced food, support biodiversity through native landscaping, and contribute to local conservation efforts, including sponsoring Sharon the green sea turtle through Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre.

For more information visit their website.

Sustainable Travel and Participation

Recognising that travel contributes significantly to conference emissions, ASID aims to support more sustainable participation by:

• Selecting venues accessible via public transport

• Encouraging delegates to consider carbon offsetting travel where possible

• Providing access to selected conference content after the meeting via the members’ website

Responsible Exhibitors

ASID encourages exhibitors to adopt sustainable practices during the meeting. Suggested approaches include:

• Using QR codes rather than printed materials

• Employing local staff where possible to reduce travel emissions

• Carbon offsetting travel when interstate travel is required

• Providing reusable or practical giveaways rather than single-use promotional items

Responsible Suppliers

ASID works with suppliers who support environmentally responsible practices.

Examples include:

Coffee Carts

• Use of recycled and biodegradable coffee cups

Exhibition Contractors

• Use recycled inks for custom printing and they recycle the printed materials post event

• Encouraged to reuse booth infrastructure and minimise disposable materials

• Paper furniture available for hire

Delegate Participation

Delegates play an important role in supporting sustainable meetings. We encourage participants to:

• Bring reusable water bottles or coffee cups

• Use digital conference materials wherever possible

• Utilise public transport or shared transport options

• Participate in recycling initiatives available at the venue

Continuous Improvement

ASID is committed to continuously improving the sustainability of the Annual Scientific Meeting by reviewing event practices, engaging partners and suppliers, and identifying new opportunities to reduce environmental impact.

Through collective action across our community, we can support a healthier planet and a more sustainable future for infectious diseases research, education and collaboration.