Annual Conference and Dinner

The MAV Annual Conference and Service Awards Gala Dinner are renowned as one of the premier events in the Victorian local government social calendar, providing the opportunity for the sector to come together from across the state to connect, learn, and be inspired.

This year, the theme for the MAV Annual conference is The Future is Local which acknowledges and embraces the capability of local government to make good happen and shape the future rather than be shaped by it.

We will meet in October, for a high energy, high impact event at the Park Hyatt. The MAV Annual Conference will host a mix of inspirational leadership, collaboration and highly practical and tactical learning experiences. It will feature programming that addresses issues of critical importance to councils, highlight amazing high impact work, and bring people together for fun, nourishing experiences that both inspire and regenerate. Find out more about the conference program.

This year, the conference is evolving with the support of MAV's new innovation lab, MAVlab. The team is working collaboratively to bring to life a series of events that are dynamic, ambitious, immersive, and unmissable. A dynamic program of keynote speakers, panel discussions, interactive workshops and more intimate deep dive conversations will be complimented by a dedicated program of content related to housing. You will have the opportunity to choose your own adventure throughout the day.

At key points the programming will pause for important breaks, bringing the audience together in this space for meals, discussion and networking with colleagues and engagement with our program partners.

Local councils are uniquely positioned to support communities as they navigate through diverse and evolving changes. Driven by our strategic purpose, the conference is a platform to strengthen relationships, identify and mobilise collaborative opportunities, leverage the wisdom and experience of our sector, be a catalyst for positive change, and build a renewed sense of optimism and collective action for the future.

We hope you will join us for a conference like no other, an opportunity to connect, grow, learn and leave inspired by the sector in which we work and the communities who we serve.

In the evening, following the conference, we will host the MAV Annual Service Awards Gala Dinner – an elegant evening dedicated to recognising the outstanding commitment of elected councillors who serve our communities with dedication, courage, and care. This is a beloved tradition for elected members, executives and invited guests to celebrate the years of service and stewardship devoted by our Victorian councillors. The dinner gala will recognise the important role that public service plays in healthy, resilient, thriving communities and places.

*Please note the MAV Annual Service Awards Gala is open to elected members and their guests, senior council executives, invited guests, and sector leaders. This event is a formal awards ceremony which is separately ticketed and not a standard inclusion with the Conference ticket.

Tickets on sale: Register now.

2024 Annual Conference

Victorian local government's premier event, the MAV Annual Conference & Dinner was held on Thursday 12 September 2024 at the Sofitel Melbourne on Collins.

The conference theme 'Celebrating our work, reimagining the future, and creating optimism for what's ahead' explored how the transformative power of forward-thinking, collaborative leadership within local government can build thriving, resilient and sustainable communities to create lasting and positive change.

2024 Gala Dinner & Councillor Service Awards

The Gala Dinner is a highlight of the Annual Conference, it includes the Councillor Service Awards that acknowledge and celebrates the long term commitments of the recipients to their communities.

The awards were presented at the 2024 MAV Annual Conference & Dinner.