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Your DDU Experience

DDU 2026 will feature two full days of plenary sessions, bringing together a dynamic mix of live patient consults, expert presentations, debates, case-based discussions, and panel-led Q&A. The program is centred on Decision. Discipline. Durability. - focusing on the clinical judgement required to select the right intervention, the discipline to execute it well, and the long-term outcomes that define success in spine surgery.

Reflecting the evolving landscape of contemporary spine practice, the agenda spans both orthopaedic and neurosurgical perspectives across a broad range of topics. These include paediatric and adult deformity, spinal oncology, degenerative conditions, enabling technologies, and the management of complex or high-risk patients. Sessions are designed to encourage open discussion, challenge established thinking, and support practical, real-world decision-making.

A key feature of DDU remains its emphasis on interactive learning. Through case-based formats, multidisciplinary input, and audience engagement, the meeting creates space for genuine dialogue between faculty and delegates.

In addition to the formal program, the meeting includes dedicated time for informal connection, allowing attendees to engage with peers, share experiences, and strengthen professional networks within the spine community. 

Event Details

Location 

ILUMINA Event Space
Saturday 25 July 2026  


1 Elizabeth St, Sydney NSW 2000 

Held at Ilumina Event Space, a contemporary venue designed to bring people together in one connected space for both the day session and evening celebration.

With its open, modern setting and room to connect, it sets the tone for a day of shared moments, energy and a memorable 20-year milestone.

Day

8:30am – 3:30pm 

Conference Plenary Session 


Dress Code: LifeHealthcare Polo Causal 

Our plenary session brings us together to hear from leaders on our priorities, how we’ve performed, and what lies ahead, alongside insights from keynote speakers.

It’s a moment to reflect on 20 years of progress, reconnect as a business, and align on the opportunities shaping our next chapter.

Evening

6:30pm – 11:30pm
Emerald Gala Awards 


Cocktail attire – shades of green 

A night to celebrate the people behind 20 years of impact, the Emerald Gala Awards brings our teams together to recognise the moments, milestones and contributions that have shaped LifeHealthcare.

Join us in cocktail attire, with a touch of green, as we celebrate where we’ve come from and the future we’re building together.

Leading Faculty in Spine Surgery


DDU brings together a diverse faculty of leading spine surgeons from across Australia, New Zealand, and the international community. Each faculty member is selected for their clinical expertise, leadership, and ability to contribute to high-quality, practice-focused discussion. 

The faculty reflects a balance of orthopaedic and neurosurgical perspectives, fostering meaningful collaboration and a broader view of contemporary spine practice. This diversity of expertise underpins the strength of the meeting, supporting open dialogue, shared learning, and the continued advancement of spine care.

Meeting Convenors

Meeting Convenor 


Mr Kris Lundine | Melbourne, Australia


Mr Kris Lundine is an Orthopaedic Spinal Surgeon practicing at the Royal Children's Hospital and Epworth Private Hospital in Melbourne. His practice includes both adult and paediatric spinal pathology and his primary research interest is around complex paediatric deformity surgery. Mr Lundine has also completed an MSc in Medical Education and is currently the Education Chair for the Spine Society of Australia.

Meeting Convenor


Mr Paul Smith | Melbourne, Australia 


Mr Paul Smith is an Australian-trained Neurosurgeon providing neurosurgical and spine surgery services across Melbourne. He is Director of Neurosurgery at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne. Mr Smith undertook advanced training in the United Kingdom at Salford Royal and Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital. He holds a PhD in neurogenesis, with widely cited international publications, and is actively involved in medical education and neurosurgical registrar training.

SPEAKERS

Dr Serena Hu | San Francisco, USA
International Faculty
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Dr David Farrington | Sevilla, Spain
International Faculty
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Prof Martin Gehrchen | Copenhagen, Denmark
International Faculty
Internal
Dr Burt Yaszay | Seattle, USA
International Faculty
Dr Andrew Sama | New York, USA
International Faculty
Prof Reuben Soh | Singapore
International Faculty
Dr Dennis Hey | Singapore
International Faculty
Dr OuYang Youheng | Singapore
International Faculty

Delivering World-Class Education

DDU 2026 is delivered by LifeHealthcare, an industry-leading provider of professional education with a proven track record of delivering high-quality, clinician-led programs across Australia and New Zealand.  

Working in close collaboration with expert faculty, the program is designed to be practical, evidence-informed, and grounded in real-world clinical decision-making. Our commitment to diverse perspectives supports balanced discussion and meaningful learning.

View Full Agenda

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Where and when will DDU 2026 be held?

DDU 2026 will be held at W Melbourne, located at 408 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, on Friday, 14 August and Saturday, 15 August 2026.

 

What is included in my registration?

Registration for the two-day program includes:

• Full access to plenary sessions and educational content across both days 
• All meals and hospitality as part of the official DDU program and associated side events 
• DDU Gala Dinner (details to be confirmed) 
• Airport transfers via Uber vouchers

 

How do I get to Melbourne?

To support the long-term sustainability of DDU and maintain the quality of the program, delegates (excluding faculty) are responsible for arranging their own flights to and from Melbourne.

 

When should I arrive and depart?

If travelling interstate or internationally, please plan to arrive in Melbourne with sufficient time to attend registration, which runs between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on Friday, 14th August. Plenary sessions will commence promptly at 10:00 AM.

Plenary sessions will commence mid-morning (exact timing to be confirmed).

DDU will conclude on the afternoon of Saturday, 15th August, at approximately 4:30 pm. We recommend booking return flights that allow adequate time to travel to the airport following the close of the event.

 

How do I get to and from the airport?

Melbourne Airport is located approximately 20–30 minutes from W Melbourne, depending on traffic.

Uber vouchers will be provided for transfers between Melbourne Airport and the hotel.

Further details will be provided closer to the event.

 

Can I extend my stay at W Melbourne?

Yes. When completing your registration, you will be able to nominate your preferred check-in and check-out dates.

Any additional nights outside of the official DDU program will be at your own expense and charged directly to your personal credit card.

  • Single Occupancy: $369 per night for a king room with 1 buffet breakfast
  • Double Occupancy: $408 per night for a king room with buffet breakfast x 2

 

Can I bring a guest?

Yes, additional guests are welcome.

Please note that accommodation inclusions are based on a single occupant. Additional charges may apply for extra guests, including breakfast. Please indicate this during registration so arrangements can be made with the hotel.

 

How do I book my flights?

Unless you are part of the DDU faculty or advised otherwise, all delegates are required to arrange their own flights via their usual booking process.

 

Is DDU CPD-accredited?

DDU 2026 will be accredited for relevant Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.

Further details, including claiming requirements, will be confirmed closer to the event.

 

 

CONTACT / ENQUIRIES

The Conference Room - Event Logistics 
DDU2026@tcr.events 
+61 2 8596 3200

 

LifeHealthcare  
education@lifehealthcare.com.au or contact Maria Peach +61 411 594 235