I CAN Expo 2026
A full-day celebration and showcase of Autistic young people across Victoria, built around connection, community, strengths and what Autistics CAN do.
A day for Autistic young people to be seen, heard and celebrated.
I CAN Expo brings together Autistic and neurodivergent students, families, carers, educators and community organisations for a day of talks, presentations, pathways and shared pride.
The day is about forming connections and community, celebrating the wonderful strengths of Autistics, and creating an uplifting event where young people can share what lights them up.
Talks, presentations, pathways and practical support.
The program is designed for participants and families first, with a mix of inspiration, information and quieter moments to connect at your own pace.
Listen, learn and be inspired
Hear talks from Autistic people and lived-experience speakers sharing stories, insights and practical ideas.
Cheer on I CAN presenters
Celebrate Autistic young people from I CAN programs as they courageously speak about their passions, interests and strengths.
Explore life after school
Meet organisations that support neurodivergent students with post-school pathways, work opportunities, community connection and next steps.
Find people who get it
Parents and carers can connect with peer-support, information and organisations working with Autistic young people and families.
Professional development session
Teachers and school staff can join a lived-experience-informed PD session and take away ideas for more inclusive classrooms and schoolyards.
Celebrate Autistic strengths
Expo is intentionally strengths-based: a day where Autistic joy, courage, creativity and identity are front and centre.
A look at last year’s Expo.
In 2025, I CAN Expo brought together 500+ people at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, with 30 student presenters sharing what lights them up.
people attended I CAN Expo 2025
student presenters took the stage
were able to connect with people like them
enjoyed the Expo overall
Autistic voices take centre stage.
Student presentations and lived-experience talks are a core part of Expo, giving young people the chance to share interests, courage and pride with a supportive audience.
Planning to bring students as a school group?
I CAN Expo can work as a meaningful school excursion for students already connected with I CAN programs, and for educators supporting Autistic and neurodivergent students.
- Use the excursion template to help prepare internal school approvals and family communication.
- Plan supervision so students under 18 are supported throughout the event.
- Encourage students to choose sessions, exhibitors and spaces that match their interests and energy.
- Consider pairing Expo attendance with classroom reflection about strengths, self-advocacy and post-school pathways.
Come for the celebration. Leave with ideas, connections and next steps.
Expo is for young people, but it is also a valuable day for the adults walking alongside them.
Parents and carers can hear from Autistic lived experience, learn more about supports and pathways, meet organisations, and see young people celebrated for who they are.
The 2025 Expo deliberately connected families with peer-support programs and exposed Autistic and neurodivergent young people to senior secondary and post-school pathways. The 2026 event continues that spirit.
A simple guide to the day.
Use the detailed Expo Day Guide to explore confirmed sessions, speakers, rooms, activities, exhibitors and the venue map. This overview shows the shape of the day.
Arrival, welcome and connection
Settle into the venue, orient yourself to the spaces and begin the day with a shared celebration of Autistic young people.
Talks and I CAN presentations
Hear from lived-experience speakers and support I CAN participants as they share interests, passions and what they have gained from their programs.
Meet exhibitors and support organisations
Explore post-school pathways, work opportunities, family supports, peer connection and services for Autistic and neurodivergent young people.
Professional development for teachers
Join a practical, lived-experience-informed session designed to support more inclusive classrooms and school communities.
Know where to go before Expo day.
Join Kate, I CAN’s Events Coordinator, for a walkthrough of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, then use the Expo social story to prepare for arrival, registration, different spaces and sensory conditions.
Kate will show you:
- How to find MCEC by public transport
- Where to enter the Melbourne Convention Centre
- How to get to Level 1 and the registration desk
- What to expect when you enter the Expo
- Where exhibitors, speakers and activities will be located
I CAN 2026 Major Supporter
Newsboys Foundation
Newsboys Foundation provides grants to community organisations working with young people aged 11–21 in Victoria who are experiencing disadvantage. Their grants support young people living in rural and regional Victoria and greater Melbourne.
Ready to join I CAN Expo 2026?
Tickets are available through TryBooking. Bring your curiosity, your interests and your people. We’ll see you at MCEC on Friday 4 September 2026.
