Australia's Association Leaders to Gather for Associations Forum National Conference 2026

Delegates networking at the National Conference

Australia's leading association and charity professionals will gather in Geelong on 28–29 July for the Associations Forum National Conference 2026, the country's flagship event for the associations and not-for-profit sector.

Organised by Associations Forum, the annual conference will bring together CEOs, presidents, executives and decision-makers from associations and charities across Australia to discuss the key challenges shaping the sector, while exploring new approaches to governance, leadership, membership, sustainability and innovation.

The event will also mark one of the first major conferences to be hosted at the newly opened Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, positioning the venue as a new hub for national business events and showcasing Geelong's growing role within Australia's meetings industry.

Across two days, delegates will participate in keynote sessions, panel discussions and networking opportunities designed to encourage collaboration and knowledge exchange among association professionals.

Commenting on the importance of the event, Associations Forum General Manager Fatima Sunderji said: "The National Conference brings together the people driving this sector forward, creating an opportunity to share knowledge, address emerging challenges and build stronger connections across the association community."
 

Delegates at the Associations Forum National Conference

Alongside the educational programme, the conference will feature an exhibition of suppliers and service providers supporting associations and charities, offering delegates opportunities to discover new technologies, services and strategic partnerships.

According to Associations Forum, Australia's association and charity sector comprises more than 600,000 organisations and contributes approximately AUD$43 billion to the national economy, underlining its importance as both an economic and social driver.

The Associations Forum National Conference 2026 will take place at the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

Associations Forum is one of Australia’s largest network of associations with approximately 500 members. Its mission of “bringing associations together to boost performance” is achieved through delivering information, training and advice.
 

Further information and nomination details are available through the Associations Forum website
 

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