Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
For more than 25 years the ATSA Independent Living Expo has been Australia’s foremost exhibition for assistive technology, rehabilitation and aged care equipment as exhibitors display products and services in mobility solutions, pressure care, employment support, accessible recreation, holiday ideas, modified motor vehicles and more.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: ATSA Independent Living - Melbourne 2027 takes place on May 1, 2027, at Melbourne Showgrounds.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is Australia's leading exhibition for assistive technology and rehabilitation equipment.
- 3Organiser: The expo is organised by Assistive Technology Suppliers Australia Ltd.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include seniors, people with disabilities, carers, and allied health professionals.
- 5Entry: Free admission for all visitors with a seminar program available.
Why visit
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore innovative assistive technologies and rehabilitation solutions. The expo offers free seminars, networking opportunities, and access to industry experts. Attendees can discover mobility solutions, pressure care products, and more, all aimed at improving the lives of individuals with disabilities.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors will gain visibility among key decision-makers in the disability and aged care sectors. The expo provides a platform to showcase products and services, engage with potential clients, and network with industry professionals. Participating in this event can lead to valuable partnerships and increased brand recognition.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Occupational therapists assessing seating, pressure care and daily living equipment for clients
Physiotherapists and rehabilitation specialists sourcing mobility, transfer and therapy equipment
Speech pathologists and AAC prescribers comparing communication devices and switch access
NDIS support coordinators and plan managers matching participants with funded equipment
Aged care and community health providers equipping homes, clinics and residential sites
People living with disability and their families comparing scooters, wheelchairs and home modifications
Seniors and family carers exploring technology for staying independent at home
Disability employment services and employers looking at workplace adjustments
Equipment dealers, suppliers and repairers scouting new product lines and service contracts
Local council and community health procurement teams
Allied health practice owners and clinic managers specifying equipment for their sites
Students and new graduates in occupational therapy, physiotherapy and rehabilitation engineering building product knowledge
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Manufacturers of assistive technology
Suppliers of rehabilitation equipment
Providers of mobility solutions
Disability service organizations
Healthcare professionals
Consultants in aged care
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Mobility aids: manual and power wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and standing frames
Seating and positioning: cushions, postural supports and custom-moulded seating
Pressure care, skin integrity and continence products
Daily living aids for dressing, bathing, eating, drinking and meal preparation
Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices, switch access and mounting systems
Assistive technology for vision and hearing support
Home modifications: ramps, hoists, lifts and accessible bathrooms
Vehicle modifications and accessible transport solutions
Paediatric and early-intervention equipment
Smart-home controls, remote monitoring and safety technology for independent living
Recreation, sport and leisure equipment for people with disability
Workplace adjustments, ergonomic aids and employment support tools
Therapy, assessment and rehabilitation equipment used by allied health teams
Services around the equipment: NDIS supports, therapy, repairs, maintenance and hire
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halls & areas
3Victoria PavilionGrand PavilionGate 5 Melbourne Showgrounds
Melbourne Showgrounds
Melbourne Showgrounds, Epsom Rd, Ascot Vale VIC 3032, Australia
Facilities
Parking
Melbourne Showgrounds in Melbourne typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Melbourne Showgrounds in Melbourne typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Melbourne Showgrounds for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Free registration
Who runs the show
Organisers
Assistive Technology Suppliers Australia Ltd
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Melbourne, Australia
Why it matters
Attending ATSA INDEPENDENT LIVING - MELBOURNE 2027 on 2027-05-01 to 2027-05-01 in Melbourne lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · AUD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine)
Primary international gateway for Melbourne.
about 25 km (15.5 mi) by road
to venue
about 20-25 minutes by car or taxi
by car
Avalon Airport
Secondary airport for some domestic and low-cost services.
about 54 km (34 mi) by road
to venue
about 38-50 minutes by car
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Budget
Flemington / Ascot ValeUSD 75–110 / night
Limited inventory near venue; book early. Confirm rates before travel.
Mid-range
Melbourne CBDUSD 120–180 / night
Good transport links to Showgrounds. Confirm availability and rates before travel.
Premium
Docklands / SouthbankUSD 220–350 / night
Riverside hotels with dining. Confirm shuttle or taxi options before travel.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
taxi
Estimated costAUD 75–120
Best forMelbourne Airport (MEL) to Melbourne Showgrounds
rideshare
Estimated costAUD 65–100
Best forMelbourne Airport (Tullamarine) (MEL) to Melbourne Showgrounds
about 20-25 minutes by car or taxi; Primary international gateway for Melbourne.
taxi
Estimated costAUD 110–160
Best forAvalon Airport (AVV) to Melbourne Showgrounds
about 38-50 minutes by car; Secondary airport for some domestic and low-cost services.
train
Estimated costAUD 5–10 (Myki card)
Best forMelbourne CBD to Flemington (Showgrounds)
tram
Estimated costAUD 5–10 (Myki card)
Best forMelbourne CBD to Flemington / Ascot Vale
car
Estimated costAUD 10–20 (fuel and parking)
Best forInner Melbourne to Melbourne Showgrounds via State Route 83
Weather
Melbourne in early May is late autumn: cool, changeable and often showery. Expect typical daytime highs around 15-18 C and overnight lows near 8-10 C, with roughly 50-60 mm of rain spread over the month, usually as short fast-moving showers rather than all-day rain. Cold fronts and gusty winds can arrive quickly, and the Showgrounds site includes outdoor and undercover areas, so a warm layer plus a rain layer works better than a single heavy coat. Check the Bureau of Meteorology forecast in the week before travelling.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Confirm mobile roaming or local SIM options for business visitors to Australia.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Expo etiquette with a mixed audience
This expo brings clinical and industry buyers together with people with disability, seniors and carers, so conversations move between technical specification and lived experience. Ask before photographing people, mobility equipment or therapy settings, and give people space when they are testing a scooter, wheelchair or transfer aid.
Coffee and meeting culture
Melbourne takes coffee seriously, and a short cafe meeting is a normal way to follow up a stand conversation. Morning queues are long in the CBD, so book or arrive early if you are hosting a client.
Tipping and payments
Tipping is not expected in Australia. Card and contactless payment is standard, and displayed prices already include GST, so the price on the sign is what you pay.
Accessibility and inclusion
Step-free access, accessible toilets and support for visitors with disability are part of standard venue practice in Melbourne. Ask venue or organiser staff about accessible routes between halls, quiet spaces, seating and companion access when you arrive.
Weather and dress
Late-autumn Melbourne changes quickly, and the Showgrounds site includes outdoor and undercover areas. Layers, a compact rain jacket and closed comfortable shoes handle both a mild afternoon and a cold, wet morning.
Getting around the city
Trains and trams are the default city transport. Check the Public Transport Victoria planner for services towards Flemington and Ascot Vale, allow extra time on show mornings, and keep your ticket or card ready before boarding.
Business hours and pace
Melbourne business days run roughly 9 am to 5 pm, and Fridays wind down earlier in some offices. If you want supplier meetings outside the expo, aim for mid-week slots and confirm times by email the day before.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: MEL
Book flights to MEL for the shortest transfer to Melbourne Showgrounds (about 20-25 minutes by car). Compare AVV only if fares are materially lower. Captured Google Flights samples for a 2027-05-01 departure show direct and 1-2 stop itineraries from Dubai, New York, London and Tokyo; Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) is the primary international gateway.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) (MEL): about 20-25 minutes by car or taxi; Avalon Airport (AVV): about 38-50 minutes by car. Allow road or rail time to Melbourne Showgrounds; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Melbourne Showgrounds: Flemington / Ascot Vale: Flemington / Ascot Vale; Melbourne CBD: Melbourne CBD; Docklands / Southbank: Docklands / Southbank.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Melbourne; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Melbourne Showgrounds is served by the inner-Melbourne road network (State Route 83 and State Route 34 corridors) and by city-bound train and tram services; check the Public Transport Victoria journey planner for live routes and timetables from your hotel to the showgrounds, and allow extra time on show days.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Melbourne Showgrounds; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: May 2027
Temperature: Typical early-May daytime highs around 15-18 C, overnight lows near 8-10 C. Late autumn in Melbourne, so a mild afternoon can still end cold and wet.
Seasonality: May is one of Melbourne's wetter months, with roughly 50-60 mm of rain over about 10-13 rain days. Showers are usually short and fast-moving rather than all-day, but cold fronts, wind and sudden temperature drops are common in late autumn.
Packing: - Layers: base layer, mid-layer and a warm jacket for early mornings, evening travel and air-conditioned halls. - Waterproof outer layer or compact umbrella, since Melbourne showers arrive with little warning in May. - Comfortable closed shoes for walking exhibition halls and the Showgrounds, which include outdoor and undercover areas. - Tote or small rolling bag for brochures, spec sheets and product catalogues. - Portable charger and business cards for follow-ups; power points in halls are limited. - Reusable water bottle and any prescription medication in original packaging, with a copy of your prescription. - Sunscreen and sunglasses for the occasional clear autumn day, and a scarf or beanie for cold winds.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day for qualified buyer meetings: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at ATSA INDEPENDENT LIVING - MELBOURNE 2027 usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Networking spots
2ATSA INDEPENDENT LIVING - MELBOURNE 2027 registration concourse
Melbourne Showgrounds
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Melbourne Showgrounds
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$150.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$300.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether ATSA INDEPENDENT LIVING - MELBOURNE 2027 fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus aligns with the official product themes.
Best for
Buyers, researchers, and delegates evaluating the programme and networking value.
Min. budget
$400.00
Timeline
4–8 weeks before opening day for registration and travel.
Risks
Limited session times published — confirm agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a clear lead-generation or launch goal for this market.
Best for
Suppliers and brands seeking qualified meetings with the event audience.
Min. budget
$2,500.00
Timeline
3–6 months for stand booking, freight, and marketing prep.
Risks
Booth pricing not published in captured sources — confirm with organiser.
skip
Programme, audience, or commercial goals do not match your plan.
Best for
Teams whose category or region fit is weak this edition.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the ATSA Independent Living Expo and who is it for?
It is the assistive technology and independent living expo organised by ATSA (Assistive Technology Suppliers Australia). The Melbourne edition brings together equipment suppliers, mobility and seating specialists, home and vehicle modification providers, allied health professionals, NDIS support coordinators, aged care providers, and people with disability, seniors and carers who are choosing equipment for themselves or a family member.
When and where is the Melbourne edition held?
This listing shows 1 May 2027 in Melbourne, with venue transport notes pointing to Melbourne Showgrounds in Ascot Vale. Confirm the final show days, opening hours and halls on the official organiser site atsaindependentlivingexpo.com.au before booking flights or non-refundable accommodation.
Is the expo trade only, or can the public attend?
The Independent Living Expo serves both a professional audience (occupational therapists, physiotherapists, NDIS providers, aged care and suppliers) and a community audience of people with disability, seniors and carers. Visitor categories, registration requirements and any trade-only sessions are set by the organiser, so check the registration page for the current entry conditions.
How do I register and what does entry cost?
Registration is handled through the official organiser site. Pricing and pass types were not captured for this edition, so check the registration page for current visitor categories, trade registration and any fees rather than relying on a third-party listing.
How do I get to Melbourne Showgrounds from Melbourne Airport?
Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine, MEL) is roughly 25 km from the Showgrounds, about 20-25 minutes by car, taxi or rideshare depending on traffic. Avalon Airport (AVV) is around 54 km away, roughly 38-50 minutes by road. Allow extra time on show mornings and check live traffic before leaving.
Is parking available at the venue?
On-site parking is typical at Melbourne Showgrounds, which also hosts large events such as agricultural shows, so it can fill early. Confirm daily rates, entry gates and accessible parking bays on the venue or organiser site, and consider train or tram as a backup.
Which NDIS or funding-related help can I get at the expo?
You can talk to equipment suppliers, allied health teams, support coordinators and plan managers about how a product is funded and what evidence, quotes or reports are needed. Funding rules and plan budgets are set by the NDIS and by aged care programs, not by the expo, so treat stand advice as guidance and confirm with your planner or coordinator.
Can I try equipment such as wheelchairs and scooters at the show?
Many suppliers run supervised demonstrations and, where space and insurance allow, trials in or near their stand. Trial policies vary by exhibitor and product. If you are an OT or support coordinator, bring client measurements, weight and seating notes so a supplier can recommend the right configuration.
What does the expo mean for exhibitors and suppliers?
Exhibitors meet a mixed buying audience: clinical prescribers, NDIS and aged care providers, dealers and resellers, plus end users and families who influence purchases. Practical preparation includes demo units that can be trialled, spec sheets that answer clinical questions, clear pricing and lead-time information, and a follow-up process for both trade and community enquiries.
What is the weather like in Melbourne in early May?
Early May is late autumn in Melbourne: cool and changeable, with typical daytime highs around 15-18 C and overnight lows near 8-10 C. Rain is common, often as short fast-moving showers, and cold winds can arrive quickly. Check the forecast in the week before you travel.
Are carers, companions and assistance animals welcome?
Ask the organiser about companion and carer entry, Companion Card arrangements and assistance animal access, since venue rules and showgrounds conditions apply. Confirm in advance if you need step-free routes, accessible toilets or a quiet space during your visit.
Where should I stay for the Melbourne expo?
The closest accommodation clusters are Flemington and Ascot Vale around the Showgrounds and Flemington Racecourse, with the largest choice of hotels in the Melbourne CBD, Docklands and Southbank, roughly 8-11 km away with train and tram connections. Book early and choose refundable rates, since event weekends in Melbourne move prices quickly.
Glossary
- Assistive technology (AT)
- Any item, device, software or system used to maintain or improve the independence, function and safety of a person with disability or a chronic condition, from a simple jar opener to a power wheelchair or AAC device.
- ATSA (Assistive Technology Suppliers Australia)
- The industry association for assistive technology suppliers in Australia and the organiser of the Independent Living Expo series. Its membership is weighted towards suppliers, dealers and service providers in the AT sector.
- AAC (augmentative and alternative communication)
- Communication systems used when speech is limited or absent, including speech-generating devices, symbol boards, eye-gaze access and switch-controlled apps.
- NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme)
- The Australian scheme that funds reasonable and necessary supports for eligible participants under an individual plan. AT, home modifications and therapy are commonly funded through NDIS plan budgets, within rules set by the agency.
- Support coordinator
- A person who helps NDIS participants understand their plan, connect with providers and coordinate funded supports, including equipment quotes and assessments.
- Plan manager
- A service that manages an NDIS participant's funding, paying providers and keeping records, and that often checks whether an equipment quote matches the plan budget.
- Occupational therapist (OT)
- An allied health professional who assesses daily living, seating, transfer and home-modification needs and typically writes the prescription and supporting reports for AT funding.
- Seating and positioning
- Specialist wheelchairs, cushions and postural supports configured to protect posture, skin integrity and comfort during long periods of sitting.
- Pressure care
- Products and strategies, including alternating-pressure mattresses and cushions, used to prevent and manage pressure injuries for people with reduced mobility.
- Home modification (home mod)
- Structural changes to a home that improve access and safety, such as ramps, step-free showers, widened doorways, ceiling hoists and stair lifts.
- Vehicle modification
- Adaptations to a vehicle so a person can drive or travel as a passenger, including hand controls, wheelchair hoists, ramps and transfer seats.
- Aged care package (Home Care Package / Support at Home)
- Australian government-funded programs that help older people stay at home, and that can contribute to some assistive technology and home modification costs.
- Assistance animal
- A trained animal that supports a person with disability, such as a guide, hearing or mobility assistance dog. Access arrangements at public venues are governed by state and venue rules.
- Companion Card
- A recognised scheme that allows a person with disability to obtain a second ticket at no cost for a companion or carer at participating venues and events in Australia.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- ATSA Independent Living Expo Melbourne 2027
- ATSA Independent Living Expo
- ATSA Melbourne 2027
- ATSA Independent Living Melbourne
- Assistive technology expo Melbourne 2027
- Assistive technology exhibition Australia
- Rehabilitation equipment expo Melbourne
- Independent living expo Australia
- Aged care equipment expo Melbourne
- Mobility aids exhibition Melbourne
10 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.