Kick off ASA2026 with a full day of immersive Pre-Conference Immersive Workshops designed to deepen clinical expertise and elevate everyday practice. Held on Thursday 28 May at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, these small-group sessions offer delegates rare access to expert speakers showcasing important topics for 2026. With a focus on real clinical challenges, from MSK injection techniques to pelvic floor assessment, reflective practice, supervision strategies, communication tips and advanced elbow ultrasound, each workshop delivers practical skills and insights that translate directly to care for both patients and sonographers.
Across the program, delegates can choose from live clinical scanning or professional enhancements designed for immediate application. Whether sharpening your skills or strengthening your capability, these workshops offer a focused environment to learn, question and upskill alongside leading sonographers.
With limited places available to ensure maximum interaction and personalised guidance, the ASA2026 Pre-Conference Immersive Workshops offer an unparalleled opportunity to invest in your professional growth before the main conference begins. Secure your spot early to make the most of this high-value learning experience.
Each Pre-Conference Immersive Workshop earns 3 CPD points.
*If you have already registered for the conference and would like to add a Pre-Conference Immersive Workshop/s to your registration, please head to your confirmation email for your unique link to access the discounted price.
(Discounted rate for ASA2026GC attendees)
Joint effort: An in-depth guide to elbow ultrasound | Live Scanning
Assoc Prof Michelle Fenech FASA
Unlock the complexities of elbow ultrasound in this pre-conference workshop designed for sonographers who want to elevate their confidence and precision. This immersive half-day session goes far beyond the basics, offering a comprehensive, anatomy-driven exploration of the elbow and its many diagnostic challenges.
Through expert-guided instruction, live demonstrations and practical scanning tips you can apply immediately, you’ll refine your ability to dynamically assess the joints, bursa, muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves around the elbow. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills for everyday practice or expand your expertise in imaging sports and overuse injuries, and neural changes, this workshop delivers an opportunity to spend dedicated time mastering one region with an expert.
Expect high-value content and plenty of opportunities to observe techniques, ask questions, and gain practical pearls from an experienced MSK sonographer.
Clear, calm, connected: A communication toolkit for every sonographer
Suean Pascoe and Myra Theisz
Effective communication is one of the most powerful tools in ultrasound practice, yet it often receives far less attention than image optimisation or machine settings. This engaging, hands-on pre-conference workshop gives sonographers practical strategies to communicate with clarity, confidence, and composure (even when the day feels a little too “high frequency”).
Designed for all experience levels, the session brings together key principles of non-violent communication, trauma-informed care, and neuro-inclusive practice to elevate everyday patient interactions. Learn how to reduce anxiety, create emotional safety, and use simple de-escalation techniques that make challenging moments far more manageable.
We also explore communication essentials for supervising students and collaborating with colleagues: giving feedback that is constructive and well-received, setting professional boundaries, and fostering psychologically safe learning environments.
Through real-world scenarios, short simulations, and take-home tools you can apply immediately, you’ll leave with sharper communication habits, smoother patient encounters, and greater confidence across all professional conversations. If you're ready to strengthen both the science and the human side of ultrasound, this workshop is for you.
Mrs Jane Wardle
The emotional and cognitive demands of sonography are high; fast-paced clinical environments, emotionally charged encounters, and high workloads can leave sonographers depleted. Burnout rates remain concerning, and while sonography training remains rigorous, emotional sustainability often receives less attention. This workshop explores how reflective practice and self-compassion strengthen clinical performance, reduce burnout, and enhance the sonographer experience. Drawing on insights from educational neuroscience and health psychology, participants will explore how reflective practice enhances metacognition, consolidates learning, and reduces cognitive overload, while self-compassion buffers against stress and improves interpersonal connection. Through guided reflection, experiential exercises, and small-group discussion, participants will develop strategies to integrate these practices into daily workflows and supervisory relationships. Participants will leave with practical frameworks, reflection templates, and compassion-based micro-practices they can immediately apply to reduce stress, enhance patient communication, and create safer, more supportive work environments.
Propped up: Navigating the pelvic floor | Live scanning
Assoc Prof Vivien Wong
Join our pre-conference workshop dedicated to one of the most challenging areas of sonography: pelvic floor imaging. This hands-on session will guide you through the essential techniques for accurate assessment, interpretation, and reporting.
Learn how to optimise your scanning approach, identify key anatomical landmarks, and apply best-practice protocols for diagnosing pelvic floor dysfunction. With expert-led demonstrations and practical tips, you’ll gain confidence in delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.
Whether you’re looking to refine your skills or expand your clinical expertise, this workshop is your opportunity to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.
Unlock the Secrets to Effective Clinical Supervision
Ms Deanne Chester AFASA, Karen Barton, Angela Farley AFASA
Join us for an interactive pre-conference workshop designed to elevate your supervision skills. This session focuses on two critical aspects of clinical supervision: teaching strategies that truly engage learners and goal setting that drives success.
Discover how to structure lessons for maximum impact, use active learning techniques, and foster reflective practice. Then, master the art of developing SMART objectives, creating learning contracts, and setting meaningful short- and long-term goals.
Whether you’re a seasoned supervisor or new to the role, this workshop will provide practical tools and strategies to enhance your teaching and empower your learners.
Access granted: US guide to IV cannulation and MSK injections | Live demonstration
Ms Claire Arrowsmith, Ms Katherine Eller, Mr Luke Kipping, Mr Chris Gilmore FASA and Assoc Prof Michelle Fenech FASA
This pre-conference workshop offers sonographers an opportunity to review essential clinical skills. The session blends short lectures, live demonstrations, and practical scanning focused on two high-value areas:
Ultrasound-Guided Peripheral Upper Limb Cannulation
Foundations of MSK Injection Techniques
Whether participants are new to guided procedures or looking to expand their scope, the workshop provides a practical introduction that aligns with Australian guidelines and evolving professional responsibilities.
ASA2026 | The largest conference for sonographers in the world