VPA 2026

2026 VPA Conference – Registrations are open now!

Early bird registrations are now closed but it is not too late to register.

From 26–28 August 2026, school leaders from across Victoria will come together at the Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre to connect, reflect, and lead with purpose. Under the theme Leading with Connection and Purpose, the VPA Conference 2026 offers 2.5 days of contemporary professional learning, meaningful conversation, and leadership inspiration.

VENUE

GETTING THERE / PARKING

KEY DATES

All staff to be registered	Immediately (if not already provided)
Upload your logo, brochure and profile	Immediately (if not already provided)
Deliveries to Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre	from Monday 24 August 2026

DELEGATE LIST

UPLOAD YOUR LOGO / BROCHURE / PROFILE

REGISTER YOUR STAFF

BOOTH SET UP

EXHIBITION FLOORPLAN

EXHIBITION PROVIDER

FREIGHT / DELIVERIES

Courier Deliveries
The loading dock entrance is via Smythe Street. All deliveries must be made via the loading dock. No deliveries will be accepted through any of the front entrances.

Exhibitor goods / freight can be delivered to the venue from Monday 24 August 2026. The venue will not accept deliveries prior to this date.

Forklift Requirements
Exhibitors requiring a forklift for the loading, unloading, or movement of freight must arrange this service directly with the venue. Forklift services are not included as part of the exhibition package and will incur a separate charge. An invoice will be issued to you by the venue.

To confirm a booking please complete the form below and forward it the following venue staff:

Salvador Panis spanis@vcet.com.au (Logistics & Receiving Manager)
Will Jeffreson wjeffreson@vcet.com.au (Logistics & Receiving Coordinator)

Self Deliveries
If you will be bringing your exhibitor items with you on the day, please deliver them to the loading dock with the delivery label attached.

Venue staff will then move the items to your booth space. Please note that a 30-minute parking limit applies for the drop-off of goods during bump-in.

Please also ensure that the delivery label is attached to any items being delivered on the day.

Small hand-held items, or items that can be transported using small collapsible trolleys, may be brought into the venue by exhibitors via the main entrances.

Delivery Labels
All deliveries MUST have the conference delivery label attached. Please download the label from the link below:

EXHIBITOR BUMP-IN

VENUE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS

Hi-Vis Vests
It is mandatory for all exhibitors to wear approved safety vests at all times during bump-in / bump-out periods.

Hi-Vis vests are available for purchase from Vending Machines at the venue.

Testing and Tagging
Access to power for your stand is provided by ExpoNet. All electrical equipment (including brand new items) on-site must be tagged and tested and have a current tag attached. Testing and tagging facilities WILL NOT be provided onsite.

Site Induction
All exhibitor staff who wil be working onsite during the conference are required to complete the Nyaal Banyul Site Induction module prior to working onsite. This can be completed online here: SITE INDUCTION

CATERING AND CLEANING

Food and Beverage
Nyaal Banyul Convention and Events Centre has sole catering rights at the venue. Any exhibitors wishing to offer F&B on their stand will need to organise this via the venue. Catering options will be available soon and will be uploaded to this page when available.

Any exhibitor wishing to provide F&B samples will need to comply with the venue's Sampling and Selling guidelines and complete the Sampling and Selling approval request, this form will be available soon and will be uploaded to this page when available. If you wish to distribute beverage or food at your stand from an external supplier, you will need to register a temporary food and beverage premises with the relevant authority. You will also need to have washing facilities on your stand to comply with the Victorian State Government food and liquor regulations.

Cleaning
General stand cleaning (flooring vacuum/mop) and waste removal of the stand will be conducted nightly. If you require more detailed cleaning this can be booked directly with the venue.

EXHIBITOR PASSPORT

The VPA conference provides and exhibitor passport competition for all delegates; this encourages movement around the exhibition and history shows that most delegates take the time to complete the passport.

Exhibitors should prepare to stamp or sign the passports of visiting delegates. We encourage exhibitors to ensure delegates complete their passport by engage them in activities beyond mere stamping, such as listening to information or answering questions.

The passport prize draw will be take place in the last session.

Please note that lead scanning through the app will not be available this year. However, you can still scan the QR code on each delegate's badge using your own phone or tablet. Their contact details can then be downloaded directly to your device's Contacts app.

EXHIBITOR PRIZE DRAWS

All delegates will be issued with an exhibitor passport upon registering.

Please encourage delegates to complete their passport and don’t feel pressured to just stamp and let the delegate leave. Please feel free to make them “work” for their stamp! (e.g., Listen to information, answer a question)

Exhibitors are welcomed and encouraged to run their own prize draw competitions / business card draws at their stand.

If you are planning on doing a separate prize raffle at your booth, you will need to provide details to the conference organiser. Any prize draws performed during the conference will be listed (with winners) on PowerPoint slides during the final session. Exhibitors may leave their prize and winners name/s with the staff at the registration desk

PROGRAM / SCHEDULE

Wednesday 26 August 2026

On Arrival
Please go straight to your stand and begin setting up. Conference staff will deliver your name badges and an exhibitor pack to your stand. A reminder that you will be required to wear a high vis vest during bump-in.

Delegate Registration
Registration opens at 2.00pm for delegates.

Exhibitor Networking and Welcome Reception
The welcome reception is a stand up, cocktail style event which will be held in the exhibition area from 5.00pm to 7.00pm.

All fully registered delegates are welcome to attend.

There will be food and beverage stations set throughout the exhibition area.

The exhibition will close at 7.00pm.

Catering Breaks	Time
Morning and exhibitor networking	10.35am - 11.15am
Lunch and exhibitor networking	1.00pm - 2.10pm

Catering Breaks	Time
Morning and exhibitor networking	10.40am - 11.15am
Lunch	1.30pm - 1.45pm

leading with
connection & purpose