Industry-academia collaborations have been acknowledged as a crucial mechanism for innovation in the knowledge-based economy. Research indicates that the informal communication channels established at conferences may provide opportunities for the establishment of more formal collaborations between researchers and practitioners. However, limited academic attention has been paid to understand how conferences influence the establishment and maintenance of collaborative relationships. Based on the interaction-relationship model and relationship learning theory, this study aims to explore interactions between researchers and practitioners at conferences and how their interactions at conferences influence their formal collaborations. This research will apply qualitative methodology, and semi-structured interviews will be conducted for data collection. Both researchers and practitioners having experiences in attending conferences with industry-academia engagement will be targeted. This study will provide a better understanding of conferences and collaboration motivations, barriers, and enablers for academia, industry and conference organizers, and offer policy implications for government innovation agenda.