ABOUT PROGRESS

Progress is Australia’s biggest and boldest social change conference — 2,000 leading activists, thinkers and change-makers coming together in Naarm (Melbourne) and online.

Over two jam-packed days, we’ll share ideas, build connections, and shape a better future.

WHEN AND WHERE IS PROGRESS?

Progress 2026 will be held on March 24-25, with in-person content at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and surrounding venues, alongside the Birrarung (Yarra River) and on the unceded lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. 

Online participants will be able to tune in from wherever you are, for keynotes/plenaries and a range of online-only and hybrid sessions.

Additional side-events and limited attendance workshops will take place around Progress 2026 - sign up to be the first to hear when these are announced.

WHAT HAPPENS AT PROGRESS?

Progress brings together the country’s boldest change-makers, organisers and campaigners to have big conversations, share skills, and reimagine what’s possible.

There will be 60+ sessions (from big plenary sessions to intimate workshops), 100+ speakers, two excellent evening parties, and much more.

Some past highlights include:

  • Inspiring international guests from seven countries such as messaging guru Anat Shenker-Osorio, digital rights whistleblower Edward Snowden, Obama Campaign leader expert Jeremy Bird, and the Global Head of Oxfam, Winnie Byanyima.

  • Rousing addresses and insider-insights from hundreds of Australian social change leaders and movement powerhouses

  • Practical workshops on all types of skills, from digital to communications; moving performances from Missy Higgins and Katie Noonan; incredible corridor and party conversations; and, above all, the mark you told us Progress left once you got back to your work!

WHO ATTENDS?

If you’re about making real change, you should attend Progress.

Progress brings together people working to create a fairer, more just and sustainable Australia. Whether you're a campaigner, policy advocate, community organiser, grassroots activist, digital strategist, service provider, social business leader, communicator, creative, fundraiser, or people leader — this is your space.

You might work in a grassroots group, union, not-for-profit, First Nations organisation, social enterprise or faith network. Or you might be advancing change through philanthropy, academia, business, the public service, or even as an elected official.

You might be acting in solidarity, or speaking from your own lived experience and looking to connect with others who are doing the same.

Progress is for everyone from senior executives to new volunteers. Many orgs send 10–30+ staff as a team learning experience. With 1,000+ participants across movements and sectors, you'll find inspiration, community and practical tools for change, no matter your title, background or cause.

WHO ORGANISES PROGRESS?

Progress is the flagship conference of Australian Progress – we build the capacity of social change organisations and movements to advocate and win. 

MORE QUESTIONS?

Read the full FAQ here or get in contact by emailing info@australianprogress.org.au.

IN-PERSON

Join us at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre! 

  • All-in plenaries for keynotes and big ideas in the MCEC Plenary Theatre

  • Eight concurrent breakouts across the convention centre: engaging panels, interactive workshops and fireside conversations 

  • Space for small group conversations and one-on-one meetings

  • Fully catered morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea - and coffee on demand

  • In-person parties to finish each day

  • Plus more side events (to be announced, separately ticketed)

Check out MCEC’s Plan Your Visit page for how to get there and more venue information

Check out our access key for more information on navigating the venue

If you’ve been to a Progress conference before, you may have noticed that we’ve moved to a new venue. The move to MCEC opens the door to a more accessible Progress conference, more creative sessions, bigger ideas, and more ways to connect in-person and online. There’s a whole lot of planning already underway and we can’t wait to show you everything we have in store.

ONLINE

Progress goes hybrid!

If you’re joining us online, you’ll get access to:

  • All plenaries livestreamed, and available as recordings for online participants

  • Selection of breakout panels – streamed from the convention centre to you

  • Hybrid workshops with dedicated online facilitators

  • A number of online-only sessions

  • Online networking spaces - as well as ways to connect with the in-person participants

Not all sessions happening will be available online, and vice versa. We want to lean into the different strengths of online and offline sessions, and offer the best possible participant experience for both groups.