What we do Annual conference Annual Conference Each year we host our flagship event, the NHVic Conference. The conference brings together Neighbourhood House managers, staff and committee members, and other relevant stakeholders in the community services sector, to be inspired, learn something new, network and celebrate the life-changing work of our Houses. Attendees are treated to a diverse program including keynotes and presentations, breakout workshops, lightning talks, awards and a gala dinner. There is also a market stall where organisations can engage with attendees. In 2023, we hosted our first conference in 3 years due to the pandemic. 350 Neighbourhood House staff, committee members, and key stakeholders in the community services sector came together for the conference. Keynotes were delivered by Costa Georgiadis (Gardening Australia), Sue Woodward (ACNC), Jacinta Parsons (ABC Melbourne), Rueben Berg (First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria), Thu Trang (Volunteering Victoria) and Meredith Bowen (Transitioning Well). Stay tuned for 2024 NHVic Conference! "Tough Minds, Tender Hearts" - Martin Luther King Jr. The theme for our 2024 Neighbourhood House conference is ‘Tough Minds, Tender Hearts’. This phrase comes from a speech by the Rev Dr Martin Luther King, who describes the attributes needed to make change in challenging times. Tough minds to face up to wicked problems, challenge assumptions, make difficult decisions and bring about innovative solutions. Tender hearts to look after each other and ourselves, meet people where they are at and act with love and kindness. With community need growing rapidly in a challenging funding environment, neighbourhood house managers are increasingly having to juggle scarce resources to attempt to do more with less, while responding to the urgent needs of their local areas, developing and connecting community and focusing on wellbeing for their staff, volunteers and, importantly, themselves. The conference will focus on innovative solutions, developing practice and personal wellbeing as critical issues for a sector seeking to thrive in challenging times. Find out more here Sponsorship Is your organisation interested in potential sponsorship of the conference in 2024? Contact us at [email protected] Why sponsor our conference? 1. Enhance brand perception Through association with the NHVic Conference, your organisation will be perceived as socially conscious, valuing community inclusiveness, diversity and empowerment. 2. The conference is highly reputable Your organisation will be associated with an event highly regarded amongst Victoria’s community development sector. The 2023 conference was a sell-out and highly received. Feedback included: “I found the whole experience informative, and everyone was friendly and approachable from the NHVic staff and committee members to the keynote speakers and the attendees.” “A great conference, I came back with new ideas and some new connections and made good use of the marketplace as well.” "First Conference after 3 years and it did not disappoint. The role of a Manager can be challenging and tiring and these conferences are so important to 'fill our own cups', so we can continue to be fully functional and looking after ourselves." 3. A captive and motivated audience No one is forced to attend our conference! Attendees are passionate about the work they do, excited to be there, and keen to learn and discover new opportunities. This means your brand won’t fall on deaf ears. 4. High brand visibility You’ll reach anywhere around 350+ delegates from Neighbourhood Houses and Networks, State Government employees and other relevant stakeholders right across Victoria's community services sector, and thousands more through pre-conference promotions. We provide premium opportunities for brand exposure through promotions leading up to, and during, the conference, including logo placement on marketing materials, an engagement stall in our marketplace, and other opportunities depending on your choice of sponsorship package.