Key dates
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Early bird
February 2026 -
Standard
10 June to 28 September 2026 -
Late
27 September to 1 November 2026
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Submissions open
3 September 2025 to 24 April 2026
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Abstract acceptance notification
June 2026
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Late abstract submissions open
TBC -
Late abstract submissions notification
TBC
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APLAR 2026 Congress
28 October - 1 November 2026
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Example
Old date strike outEXTENDEDOld date strike outCLOSED
General Information
Q: Where can I find the APLAR 2026 Program?
A: Please find the APLAR 2026 program here APLAR 2026 Program.
Q: How can I register for APLAR 2026?
A: Registrations for APLAR 2026 will open in February 2026. You can view more information about registrations pricing and inclusions here.
Q: How can I submit my abstract for APLAR 2026?
A: Abstract submissions are now open. To view more information on the submission guidelines and how to submit, visit the call for abstract page on our website.
Q: Is there preferred accommodation I can book?
A: We have arranged discounted Congress rates with local hotels. Please visit the accommodation section of our website for more information on room rates and booking process.
Q: How do I get to the Congress Center?
A: There are number of ways to get to the Congress Center. Please view our getting there page to see what route works best for you.
Q: Is there a dress code for the congress?
A: The Congress dress code is business/business casual. Please refer to individual social functions for the recommended dress code.
Q: How can I apply for an AYR Membership?
A: Please note that we as the Congress Organisers are unable to advise on any membership enquires you may have on AYR membership. Please contact the APLAR Secretariats (secretariat@aplar.org) for further information.
Q: Where can I find the APLAR 2026 Program?
A: Please find the APLAR 2026 program here APLAR 2026 Program.
Q: How can I register for APLAR 2026?
A: Registrations for APLAR 2026 will open in February 2026. You can view more information about registrations pricing and inclusions here.
Q: How can I submit my abstract for APLAR 2026?
A: Abstract submissions are now open. To view more information on the submission guidelines and how to submit, visit the call for abstract page on our website.
Q: Is there preferred accommodation I can book?
A: We have arranged discounted Congress rates with local hotels. Please visit the accommodation section of our website for more information on room rates and booking process.
Q: Does APLAR offer travel grants for the Congress?
A: APLAR offers travel grants for AYR members only. To view more information on how to apply for a travel grant, and to check your eligibility please visit the Congress Travel Grant page or contact the APLAR secretariat. secretariat@aplar.org.
Q: How do I get to the Congress Center?
A: There are number of ways to get to the Congress Center. Please view our getting there page to see what route works best for you.
Q: Is there a dress code for the congress?
A: The Congress dress code is business/business casual. Please refer to individual social functions for the recommended dress code.
Q: How can I apply for an AYR Membership?
A: Please note that we as the Congress Organisers are unable to advise on any membership enquires you may have on AYR membership. Please contact the APLAR Secretariats (secretariat@aplar.org) for further information.
Abstract Submissions
Q: How do I submit?
A: All abstract submissions are required to be completed online. To submit your abstract click the submit abstract tab above. Please read the abstract submission guidelines prior to commencing your submission as this document contains important information. Please note, emailed submissions will not be accepted.
Q: What type of presentations are available?
A: Oral presentations and poster presentations.
Q: Do you accept encore presentations?
A: Yes we do accept encore presentations with the below conditions:
- Encore presentations are permitted as long as work has been presented after APLAR 2025 (3-7 September 2025)
- Encore presentations are permitted as long as work has not previously been published
- Encore submissions are required to disclose the name and date of the event where it has been presented
It is important to note that original abstracts are strongly recommended.
Q: What is an encore presentation?
A: An encore presentation is one where you have already presented the submitted work before. For example if you have presented the work at another rheumatology event.
Q: Can I use QR codes in my abstract submission?
A: No, QR codes are not permitted in submissions. However, they may be used in presentations.
Q: Can funding or disclaimer statements be included?
A: Yes, if applicable. They should be placed at the bottom of the abstract and are not included in the word count.
Q: When will authors be notified of submission acceptance or otherwise?
A: Authors will be notified of the outcome of their submission via email in June 2026.
Q: Are presenters required to register for the congress?
A: Yes, as a presenter you are required to register and pay for the congress. Any presenters not registered for the congress will not have their abstract included in the program or the International Journal of Rheumatic Disease (IJRD).
Q: Are accepted abstract presenters eligible for early bird registration rates?
A: If successful, your notification email will contain a special code which will allow you to register at the early bird rate. Please note that accepted late abstract submissions are not eligible for the early bird registration rate.
Q: Will submissions be published?
A: Only successful abstract submissions where the presenter has registered, paid and attended the congress will be published in the International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases (IJRD).
Please note that late abstract submissions are not eligible for publication.
Q: What are the key dates that I need to be aware of?
A: Please note the key dates as follows:
- Submission deadline 24 April 2026
- Author notifications June 2026
Further questions
If you have any questions regarding abstract submissions, the program or the congress as a whole, please contact the APLAR Program Manager.
Registration
Q: Can I cancel my registration?
A: All delegate cancellations must be received in writing sent to MCI Australia at info@aplarcongress.com. For cancellations received on or before Friday 2 May 2025 will be refunded in full, less a 25% cancellation fee to cover administration costs. Refunds will not be processed until after the conclusion of the congress. No registration refunds will be made after this date.
Q: What registration category do I register for?
A: Please note the there will be a price difference for APLAR MNO (Member National Organisations) and Non-MNO members.
For MNO members, you will be asked to select one of the categories on the registration form: delegates, allied health professionals/nurses, AYR members, or students and trainees.
Please select the category that applies to you. To be considered as “trainees”, you would need to be either mentored under a training program, or in residency. Kindly note that we will request a proof of student ID or identification of your trainee program should you select “students and trainees” rate.
For all non-MNO members, please select the non-MNO member registration.
Q: I am a JCR member, do I get discounted rates, and how do I access them?
A: As a JCR member, please select Japan College of Rheumatology (JCR) under the MNO dropdown list. Then select the JCR Local Delegate Rate as your registration category. Please note that no further discount can be applied on this category.
Q: I believe I was given the wrong registration category as my country is considered as a developing country instead of developed country.
A: We rely on the World Bank List as our primary source of reference. Countries listed under this list are considered as developing countries. If you have registered for the wrong category, please contact info@aplarcongress.com.
Q: I have a discount code, how can I apply it?
A: Under your registration category, you may find the option to enter the discount code. Please note that discount codes are not applicable to existing or paid registrations. Refunds will not be provided for discount not applied at the time of registration.
Visa & Travel Information
Q: Do I need a visa to enter the Republic of Korea?
A: Most international delegates will require a visa or K‑ETA approval to enter Korea. Entry requirements vary by nationality, and delegates are responsible for checking with your country’s embassy to determine if a visa is required for entry.
Q: How do I request a visa invitation letter?
A: You can request a visa invitation letter during the APLAR 2026 registration process.
A letter will be issued once:
- Your registration is complete, and
- Full payment has been received.
If you need a different document other than the visa invitation letter, please contact info@aplarcongress.com. A separate charge may apply for additional documentation.
Q: Who needs to apply to K-ETA?
Q: My question isn't answered here
A: Contact the Registration support team based in Australia via email, info@aplarcongress.com (note responses will be sent during Australian business hours, Monday – Friday)
During APLAR Congress
Q: Is there free Wi-Fi?
Wireless public LAN services are available in the lobby on each floor.
Q: Will there be onsite storage facilities?
A: There is coin locker’s location on the 1st Floor. Please see the Facility Guide page for more details. Please take good care of your personal belongings and do not leave them unattended. The organisers and the congress secretariat will not be responsible for any loss or damage of your personal property.
Q: What is the official language of the congress?
A: The official language of the congress is English.
Q: Will there be a Certificate of Attendance?
A: An electronic Certificate of Attendance will automatically be issued to all confirmed attendees at the conclusion of the congress. If you chaired a session or delivered an oral or poster presentation, you will also receive a certificate acknowledging your involvement.
Q: Can I smoke at the Congress Center?
A: Smoking areas are available on the 2nd Floor and 4th Floor deck. Please note that smoking is prohibited in the building.
Q: Who do I contact in a medical emergency?
A: For any medical emergencies please visit the congress registration desk or call 112.