National Forum 2026 - Scarlet Alliance

National Forum is a sex worker-only, peer-led space. We verify all registrations to help protect the privacy, safety and integrity of the event and ensure that everyone attending is part of the sex worker community.

The registration form is an expression of interest while this verification process takes place. If you are already known to us, such as through Scarlet Alliance membership or previous involvement with our work, verification may be straightforward. If we don’t already have a connection with you, we may ask for additional information to confirm that you are a current or former sex worker.

Once your registration has been verified, we’ll send you the full event details, including the venue name and address. Because National Forum is a sex worker-only event, we ask attendees to keep this information private and not share it with others.

An attendee information kit will be released closer to the event with everything you need to know, including the program, session times, accessibility information and other practical details.

To protect the privacy of this sex worker-only event, the full venue name, address and floor plan will only be provided to confirmed registrants. Attendees will receive detailed venue information before the event, including information about the layout and facilities.

The venue for National Forum 2026 is a conference centre with a main plenary room, two breakout rooms, an outdoor area, kitchen facilities and a dedicated quiet room. The venue is wheelchair accessible. If you need additional venue information to understand accessibility, travel or other requirements before registering, please contact us at info@scarletalliance.org.au.

No. While we encourage people to attend as much of the program as they can, you don’t need to be present for every session to take part in National Forum.

Many attendees take breaks throughout the day in addition to the scheduled morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea breaks. You are welcome to spend time in the quiet room, visit the Umbrella Room, catch up with other attendees, take a break at a nearby café or green space, or simply step away whenever you need to.

National Forum is a community event, and we want people to participate in a way that works for them. Whether you attend every session, join us for selected workshops, or take time to rest and reconnect, you are welcome.

Yes. This year, selected National Forum sessions will be livestreamed for sex workers who are unable to attend in person.

Livestream access will include the main sessions, such as panels, member organisation reports and presentations held in the plenary room. Workshop sessions may not be available via livestream, as many are interactive and designed around in-person participation. Further information about livestream access, including how to join online, will be provided closer to the event.

A couple of weeks before National Forum, all confirmed attendees will receive an ‘info kit’. This digital guide contains everything you need to know before and during the event, helping you feel prepared and comfortable. Printed copies of the information kit will also be available at the registration desk when you arrive at the event.

The info kit includes practical details such as the program and event schedule, rally and Whore of the Year Party information, catering, accessibility information, getting to and navigating the venue, and what to expect throughout the three days. It also includes important wellbeing and community information, including mental health and local support services, sexual health testing information, harm reduction resources, Safer Spaces information, what to do if something goes wrong, information about the memorial space, our language guide, and a glossary of terms used throughout National Forum.

Yes. You do not need to provide your full legal name when registering for National Forum. You can register using your sex worker name or the name you are known by in the community. In fact, this can be helpful during the verification process, as it helps us confirm your connection to the sex worker community.

Photography may take place during National Forum, but we take privacy seriously. When you register on the first day, you will be asked whether you consent to being photographed. You will receive a clear identifier, such as a wristband or other marker, to indicate whether or not you are comfortable appearing in photos.

National Forum is a sex worker-only event, and the majority of people attending, presenting, volunteering and supporting the event will be sex workers. However, there may be some non-sex workers present in limited roles, such as venue staff, technical support staff, caterers, disability support workers or Auslan interpreters assisting participants. These people are there to support the event and participant access, and will not have a role in the content or community spaces of National Forum.

If you have specific privacy concerns or questions before attending, please contact us at info@scarletalliance.org.au.

COVID-19 continues to circulate in the community and can have significant impacts, particularly for people with pre-existing and/or chronic health conditions. As a community, we have a responsibility to consider the health and safety of attendees and create an environment where as many sex workers as possible can participate safely.

• We encourage attendees to wear N95 masks or equivalent high-quality masks while attending National Forum. Masks will also be available on-site for anyone who needs one.
• All attendees are required to complete a COVID-19 test each day before entering the venue. We ask attendees to bring their own RAT for use on day one, and COVID-19 tests will be available on-site for attendees to use on days two and three.
• If you are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms before or during National Forum, please follow the guidance provided in the attendee information kit or contact the organising team for support.

No. This year, the Scarlet Alliance AGM will be held separately online later in the year and will not take place during National Forum. Scarlet Alliance members will receive information about the AGM, including how to attend, closer to the event. If you would like to receive updates and participate in Scarlet Alliance member activities, you can become a member.