Conference starts in -980 days
Social program
Welcome Reception
Join us for the Welcome Reception, an opportunity to connect with fellow delegates, speakers and industry partners in a relaxed and social setting. This reception officially opens the conference and provides a valuable networking opportunity while enjoying light refreshments and drinks.
Date: Friday 30 October 2026
Time: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Venue: Monash University, Parkville Campus
Cost: Included in the two day registration fee.
Guest/day delegate cost: $50 per person
Conference Dinner
Join us for the Conference Dinner at Melbourne Zoo. Enjoy a memorable Australian classic summer inspired barbeque buffet dinner (served seated and indoors), with a prepaid beverage tab (including non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages). Dinner will be served in Melbourne Zoo’s Bong Su function room which is located in the heart of the iconic Elephant Trail. To reach the dinner venue, conference dinner guests will enjoy a scenic journey through a beautiful trail surrounded by Melbourne Zoo’s lush bamboo forest.
Conference dinner guests will also enjoy a unique pre-dinner experience featuring a showcase of Australia’s native marine animals including fairy penguins! This exclusive afterhours experience will include an engaging zoo keeper talk in Melbourne Zoo’s Wild Sea space, showcasing amazing marine animals and the natural beauty of Victoria’s coast and ocean.
Date: Saturday 31 October 2026
Pre-dinner marine animal experience: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
Conference dinner time: 7:00pm – 10:30pm
Venue: Melbourne Zoo, (Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052), 8 minute walk from the conference venue hosted at Monash University Parkville Campus
Cost: $135 per person
Notes and disclaimers: Once the bar tab is exhausted, guests can purchase additional drinks at the bar at the ticket holder’s expense. Conference dinner tickets do not include daytime Melbourne Zoo entry, and do not permit ticket holders to tour the zoo after hours per Melbourne Zoo policy.