The annual conference serves as a national platform for sharing ideas and exploring best practice in governance, leadership, advocacy and the broader not-for-profit landscape. Canberra was chosen deliberately as the venue: as Australia’s capital, the city is home to key government departments, agencies, embassies and diplomatic missions, making it closely connected to the policy and decision-making processes central to the work of associations.

Conference dinner at the Australian War Memorial

The conference takes place just days after Anzac Day, Australia’s national day of commemoration for military veterans. The conference dinner will be held at the Australian War Memorial, tying into the spirit of reflection that marks the occasion.

Associations Forum General Manager Fatima Sunderji outlined the rationale behind the location: „Each year, the national conference gives us an opportunity to bring the sector together, and we’re looking forward to building on the conversations and connections from previous years. Canberra is a particularly fitting place for those conversations, given its role at the centre of Australia’s policy and decision-making.“

Themes and partnerships

The programme will address current challenges facing the sector. „There are some big questions facing associations around leadership, governance, advocacy and the changing environment we operate in, and we want to continue to provide a space to have those conversations,“ Sunderji said.

The event is being delivered in partnership with the Canberra Convention Bureau, the National Convention Centre Canberra, Trippas White Group at the Australian War Memorial, Encore and Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts. Further details on the programme and registration are expected in the coming months.