Key dates
Mark your calendar with important MAV events in 2025
2025
May 2025
Rural and Regional Planning Conference
Come join the conversation on how local government and the planning profession is shaping the future of rural and regional Victoria.
This conference strengthens and supports planners and decision makers to navigate complex changes in their local communities. This year, we have introduced tailed breakout sessions for rural and regional councillors to empower elected decision makers to navigate the kinds of planning matters which will come before them.
From protecting agricultural systems, planning for climate change to engaging with Traditional Owners, housing affordability and rapidly changing demographics, the 2025 conference will leave you equipped with key knowledge.
Over one and a half days, you will collaborate with other planning professionals and elected decision makers on the biggest challenges facing rural and regional communities. The conference will promote best-practise case studies, showcase examples and delve into planning policy issues impacting rural and regional Victoria.
Sponsor and Exhibitor information:
Thursday 22 - Friday 23 May 2025
Venue: Silverwater Resort, San Remo
October 2025
MAVlab Innovation Awards Gala
MAVlab Innovation Awards is a new premiere event in the MAV annual calendar. Launching soon, the MAVlab Innovation Awards will open a call for submissions for councils to identify and celebrate their most innovative projects delivering impact. A diverse set of categories will span design, tech and data, impact, resilience, communications, HR and more to recognise innovation and public sector leadership across a range of domains.
The MAVlab Innovation Awards will support rich storytelling and culminate in a high energy awards event in a contemporary Melbourne venue.
Date: Wednesday 8 October 2025
Venue: To be announced
Learn more about the MAVlab Innovation Awards
MAV Annual Conference
MAV Annual Conference is evolving this year to accommodate several streams of programming, interactive workshops, and immersive experiences to catalyse a high energy, high profile convening of the local government sector. It will showcase leading council programs and projects and celebrate the innovation and impact of our sector This year the theme is 'The Future is Local'.
Like all the work we do in local government, the day will be a mix of inspirational leadership, collaboration and highly practical learning experiences. More details to be announced soon.
Date: Thursday 9 October 2025
Time: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Venue: Park Hyatt Melbourne, The Ballroom
MAV Annual Service Awards and Gala Dinner
Always a standout in the MAV annual events calendar, the Service Gala is a special night of recognition and celebration for our elected members. The 2025 event will build on this legacy to offer a night of connection and togetherness - mixing great food and entertainment alongside an acknowledgement for the many years of public service and dedication to community that our councillors represent.
Date: Thursday 9 October 2025
Time: Pre-dinner Networking, 6:00pm to 7:00pm; Gala dinner, 7:00pm to 10:30pm
Venue: Park Hyatt Melbourne, The Ballroom