Frequently Asked Questions
There is also a Registration FAQ
About Signal Not Noise
What's this all about?
Signal Not Noise helps practitioners cut through industry noise to find genuine insights. We do this through in-person conferences and year-round online learning opportunities through the Signal Not Noise Club.
We bring together engineers, product managers, designers, data scientists, researchers, delivery leads, and startup founders—people from small startups and large enterprises across industries. The focus is on cross-functional learning from practitioners actively doing the work.
Our events are participatory and collaborative. Workshops, activities, and discussions are favoured over lectures. We value real-world experience over theory.
Our Principles
- Increase knowledge, understanding and capability
- Provide affordable, accessible, and valuable learning opportunities
- Involve our community as session leaders, content creators and local organizers
- Focus on signal (real insights) over noise (hype and frameworks)
From LAST to Signal Not Noise
Signal Not Noise evolved from LAST Conference (Lean, Agile, Systems Thinking), which began in Melbourne in 2012. Adelaide first hosted the event in 2019, and 2026 will mark the event's return to Adelaide.
As the digital landscape evolved, we realized practitioners needed help finding signal amid constant noise—real insights from people actually doing the work, not just frameworks and theory. The rebrand to Signal Not Noise reflects this evolution.
While our roots are in lean, agile, and systems thinking principles, we've expanded to serve the broader digital practitioner ecosystem. Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and Canberra all host Signal Not Noise events.
Who should come?
Anyone involved in creating digital products and services:
Roles: Engineers, product managers, designers, UX researchers, data scientists, delivery leads, engineering managers, CTOs, product owners, business analysts, project managers, scrum masters, coaches, startup founders
Topics we cover:
- Product management and strategy
- Software engineering and architecture
- AI and emerging technology
- Design and user experience
- Digital transformation
- Leadership and management
- Organizational design and change
- Systems thinking and complexity
- Innovation and experimentation
- Team dynamics and culture
Experience levels: All levels welcome. We want to be inclusive and help people with a wide range of knowledge level up their skills. Don't be afraid to ask and learn from others.
What is the Diversity Charter?
This charter is for event organizers, speakers, individuals, employers, sponsors and venues, founded by Emily Webber. By signing the charter, we publicly committed to doing what we can to increase diversity. This includes engaging with groups in the community to encourage as wide a range of submissions as possible, and providing support for people who may not otherwise have the confidence or experience to facilitate a session.
Do you have a Code of Conduct?
Yes. We want to create a safe and inclusive event for participants. Read our Community Code of Conduct.
Who's organizing it?
Signal Not Noise Adelaide is organized by local practitioners and supported by Tabar. The event grew from the agile and lean community in Adelaide. Tabar provides coaching, training, consulting services, and supports conference organizing across multiple Australian cities.
Submissions
What is the submission process?
Signal Not Noise is a place where the community gathers to exchange ideas and experiences. We actively encourage people who haven't spoken at many (or any) events to contribute. You can receive support on our Slack channel and through other initiatives in the lead-up to the event.
See the Submissions page for current dates and guidelines.
We encourage activities and workshops as well as talks about real-world experiences—both successes and challenges. Be as detailed as possible in your submission to help refine your idea, help the content curation team, and allow attendees to decide if they want to participate in your session.
Session leaders are free to adapt their sessions in the lead-up to the event if needed.
Can I submit if I'm from interstate or overseas?
You're welcome to submit and attend from anywhere. However, as Signal Not Noise focuses on local community building with low registration prices, we generally do not reimburse travel and accommodation or pay speaker fees.
We prioritize local practitioners who can contribute to the ongoing Adelaide digital community.
Registration
When will registration open?
Registration is now open. If the event is full, join the waiting list—any available spots will be released to the waitlist first.
Read the Registration FAQs for information about invoicing and refund policy.
On the Day
Will there be swag/t-shirts/bags?
Not really. Our view is that there's too much waste at typical conferences. We want to focus on communication, interactions, and value rather than schwag.
If you have a lanyard holder from a previous event, bring it. Otherwise, your name badge is self-adhesive. You probably have your own bag already.
We don't include shirts in the registration fee, but Signal Not Noise merch is available via Redbubble.
Will there be food?
Yes. You'll be fed and watered with morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea.
We want to be environmentally conscious, so please bring a reusable coffee cup and water bottle.
We often have a post-event gathering at a nearby venue. Allow time to stick around for stimulating follow-up conversations about the day.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes. Torrens University on Wakefield Street is wheelchair accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us at adelaide@signal-not-noise.com so we can ensure you have a great experience.
Still have questions?
Contact the organizing team at adelaide@signal-not-noise.com or join our Slack community to connect with other attendees and organizers.