Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your trip to the Lions MD 201 Convention in Adelaide? We’ve got you covered!
Below you’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about the event – from registration and travel, to accommodation, program details and more.
Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned Lion, this section will help you prepare for an inspiring and enjoyable convention experience.
This section will be regularly update, but if you still have questions, feel free to reach out to our Convention Committee – we’re here to help!
General Information
When and where is the 2026 Lions MD 201 Convention being held?
The convention is being held 22nd – 25th May 2026, in the Goyder Pavillion at the Adelaide Showgrounds in Adelaide, South Australia.
Who can attend the convention? Is it open to non-members or guests?
All Lions, family and friends can attend, even members, all that is required is that all are formally registered. Members of the public will be welcome to attend on certain days which will be publicised.
What is the theme of the 2026 convention?
The convention theme is “Inspire Service, 2026 and beyond”. Be inspired and proud of what we have achieved and ensuring we are reflecting our changing world, so this great organisation continues to be relevant in our community in the future.
Who is organising the convention?
The convention is being organised by Lions in Lions District 201C1 in South Australia.
How can I contact the Convention Committee?
The convention committee can be contacted either by email at convention@lions.org.au or phoning the convention chair, PDG Rob Royal on 0418 803 938.
Is the convention accessible to individuals with mobility issues?
Yes, unlike recent conventions the main convention venue, the Goyder Pavillion is a single level, no stairs venue, even people in wheelchairs can be accommodated. The Gala Dinner at the Adelaide Oval, while it is on an upper level in the southern stand, it is accessible by escalators or lifts.
Registration
How do I register for the convention?
The final registration form which contains all no-cost or priced options will not be available until early in 2026.
Until then, Lions can complete the Early Bird Registration form. You will then be added to the convention database and receive regular updates, at least monthly, regarding the program, including speakers, project details and social options/tours, that will be available to help you plan your convention experience.
What are the registration costs and what does it include?
There is no fee for attending the convention. There are some events however that carry a charge, e.g. Gala Dinner, Welcome reception, pre-ordered lunches, special onsite carpark package. External tours are generally at no cost, however there will be some charge to cover bus hire to take people to these special events (e.g. visit the Lions Assistance Dogs at Verdun in the Adelaide Hills). Of course, those with their own transport will be able to travel to these events by their own means.
When does early bird registration open and close?
Early bird registration is available now and will continue up to the time the program is finalised (early 2026) when the final registration form and full details of the program and options becomes available.
Can I register on the day of the convention?
Registrations need to be lodged, and any associated fees paid by at least two weeks before the convention starts. This is required so that the printing of the program booklet can be ordered in a timely manner. There will also be some adjustments to the convention facility (e.g. seating) that will need to be made based on the final numbers attending. Late registrations may be considered in special circumstances only.
Can Leos and Cubs register and attend the convention?
Yes. Leos, Cubs and young Lions are encouraged to register for the convention. There will be a range of inspiring speakers, skills development activities, projects and youth activities. A great opportunities to meet other Leos and Cubs from across Australia.
Will dietary requirements be catered for?
Yes, at special events providing special dietary requirements are identified when registering for catered events, such as the Gala Dinner. Please ensure these details are included on your registration form. If you have any queries, please contact the Convention Committee.
Accommodation & Venues
Where is the main convention venue?
The convention will be primarily held at the Adelaide Showground in Wayville, in the Goyder Pavilion.
The Gala Dinner will be held in the William Magarey Room at Adelaide Oval.
You can find out more about the venues here.
Where will the convention gala dinner be held?
The Gala Dinner will be held in the William Magarey room at the Adelaide Oval.
Please note: It is important to note that at this stage the Gala Dinner is scheduled for the Sunday night of the convention. As May is in the AFL season, the AFL program for 2026 is only finalised in October 2025. As the AFL effectively controls the Adelaide Oval during the footy season, it is possible they could schedule a game on Sunday. If that does occur, the Gala Dinner will be transferred to Friday night. The planned informal welcome on Friday evening would then become a relaxed social evening in the breakout area of the convention venue, the Goyder Pavilion on Sunday evening. All this will be finalised in October 2025, and announcements will be made if any changes need to be made.
Are there official convention hotels or accommodation partners?
The official Convention Headquarters hotel is the Rydges South Park on South Terrace, Adelaide.
Other preferred hotels covered by a shuttle bus service will also be available and announced soon. For information about accommodation, please visit the Accommodation page for details about places to stay including hotels, motels and caravan parks.
Is transport provided between hotels and the venue?
Shuttle bus services will be provided for hotels on South Terrace, Adelaide to and from the convention venue. More information to be released about this soon.
The Adelaide showgrounds would be a 10–20-minute walk from most hotels on South Terrace and the showgrounds are also well served by public transport (bus, Train and tram) direct to the convention venue.
Are accessible rooms available for people with mobility needs?
The Convention venues, including the Goyder Pavillion at Adelaide Showground and Adelaide Oval, are accessible for all, including wheelchairs.
Most hotels and motels have accessible rooms, but these need to be checked at the time of booking.
How do I book a site at the Adelaide Showgrounds onsite Caravan Park?
The convention committee has arranged with the Adelaide Showgrounds Caravan Park to hold sites just for Lions attending the convention in the caravan park until 31st October 2025, after which they will be open to the public. They have supplied detailed instructions on how Lions can make a booking in these “secured” sites, as well as how to claim a Lions “discount” on the standard fee. To receive a copy of these instructions, email convention@lions.org.au and the instructions will be sent to you. This process is required to ensure that only Lions can book these sites before bookings are open to the public.
Bookings of these sites must include Thursday 21st May through to Tuesday 26th May 2026, i.e. 5 days. You can extend your booking either side of this core 5-day period if you wish. Visit their website adelaideshowgroundcaravanpark.com.au for more information on the park.
What car parking options are there at the convention venue, the Adelaide Showgrounds?
Conventioneers who wish to drive to the Convention venue, can use the onsite car park, which is within 100 metres of the convention venue, the Goyder Pavillion. Entry in and out of the car park is via a boom gate. Casual parking cost is $14/day; however, the convention committee has arranged a 50% discount for conventioneers for the 4 days of the convention. Conventioneers will have the option of purchasing this 4-day pass ($28) when completing the final convention registration form. When you register at the convention, those who have paid for the 4 day pass will receive their car park token in their convention bag. When entering the car park for the first time, a “normal” ticket will be issued, which can be discarded once you are registered and have your 4-day pass which you can issue to exit the car park. The most convenient entrance to the car park is off Rose Terrace at the city end of the showgrounds (access by either Greenhill Rd or Goodwood Rd).
Travel & Transport
What's the best way to travel from the airport to my accommodation?
For those arriving by plane, the best way to get to your hotel or motel is via the airport shuttle bus, which will take you to the centre of Adelaide where it will be easy to find a connecting bus, train or tram to your hotel. Of course there is always the taxi option.
Will there be parking available at the venue?
Conventioneers who wish to drive to the Convention venue, can use the onsite car park, which is within 100 metres of the convention venue, the Goyder Pavillion. Entry in and out of the car park is via a boom gate. Casual parking cost is $14/day; however, the convention committee has arranged a 50% discount for conventioneers for the 4 days of the convention. Conventioneers will have the option of purchasing this 4-day pass ($28) when completing the final convention registration form. When you register at the convention, those who have paid for the 4 day pass will receive their car park token in their convention bag. When entering the car park for the first time, a “normal” ticket will be issued, which can be discarded once you are registered and have your 4-day pass which you can issue to exit the car park. The most convenient entrance to the car park is off Rose Terrace at the city end of the showgrounds (access by either Greenhill Rd or Goodwood Rd).
Is public transport available nearby?
The Adelaide Showground is also well served by public transport (bus, Train and tram) direct to the convention venue. All relevant public transport routes will be published at a later date.
Will there be a shuttle service for attendees?
The official Convention Headquarters hotel and other South Terrace “preferred” hotels will be covered by a shuttle bus service. A map of this shuttle bus service will be published once all accommodation and program events are finalised.
Program & Events
Where can I find the convention program?
When will the full convention program be available?
The full convention program will be finalised in early 2026.
Will I need to register for hands-on service projects?
Yes, as this will assist the organising committee in planning and setup. More information about this will be announced in due course.
Will there be a separate program for Leos and Cubs?
A dual stream program for Leos, Cubs and ‘young’ Lions is planned. Details will be announced soon.
Will there be offsite tours and experiences?
Yes. Offsite tours and experiences are currently being planned and organised. Once finalised, the details will be publicised on the convention website and emailed to everyone registered to attend and/or to receive updates.
Volunteering, Participation & Sponsorship
Will there be opportunities to volunteer at the convention?
During the convention period, there will be opportunities for Lions to undertake a variety of volunteer duties. If you wish to assist, please register your interest by contacting the committee using the following email convention@lions.org.au There will also be a number of hands-on projects where we will welcome conventioneers to participate in throughout the 4-day convention.
How can my company/organisation get involved and sponsor the convention?
The Convention Committee would welcome contact from any organisation considering supporting this Lions National Convention. Please download and review the Sponsorship Prospectus and contact the committee with any queries and application.
Tech & Communication
Will there be a digital convention program available?
Yes. Once the program is finalised, it will be available to download from this website. The link to download the program will be emailed to all registered email addresses.
Can I watch convention sessions if I can't attend in person?
Unfortunately, no. Live streaming of the convention, and related events, is not planned at this stage. If live streaming does become available for some, or all, events, details will be publicised on the convention website.
I have difficulty hearing. Will there be an Auslan interpreter or captioning available?
Captioning will be provided for all presentations held in the Goyder Pavilion at the Adelaide Showground.
Will there be WIFI available during the Convention?
Yes, there will be free WIFI available in the Goyder Pavilion at the Adelaide Showground.
A password will be provided to all registered attendees to use during the four (4) day convention.
Lions Specific Information
How do Lions Foundations and Projects register for a booth at the convention?
Lions foundations and projects need to submit their request to present and/or book a booth by contacting the Lions Australia Executive Officer, Rob Oerlemans, via the Head Office in Newcastle.
How do I make sure my club's voting delegates are registered properly?
This needs to be organised through your Club Secretary and your District’s Cabinet Secretary.
Will there be Lions merchandise and club supplies available for purchase at the Convention?
Yes. There will be a selection of merchandise and club supplies available.
I am not a Lion, but I'm interested in joining. How do I become a Lion?
Ask any Lion as they would love to help start you on your journey of community service. Alternatively, visit Lions Australia to find your local Lions Club.
Where will the Lions MD 201 National Convention be held in 2027?
The 2027 Convention will be held in Perth, Western Australia. For further information, please contact the Lions MD 201 National Convention 2027 Committee Chair, Peter Kenneday via kenneday@iinet.com.au.
