Social program

Welcome to Darwin drinks

Hosted by the Northern Territory Regional Committee and aes26 Committee

Monday 14 September, 5.30–7.30pm

Location: TBC

Open to anyone in Darwin for the Pre-Conference workshops or arriving early to soak up the sights, sounds of the Top End!

 Hosted by the Northern Territory Regional Committee and aes26 Committee

Welcome Reception

Tuesday 15 September, 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm
Venue: Frangipani Plaza, Darwin Convention Centre

Kick off your conference experience at the Welcome Function, set on the waterfront at Frangipani Place, Darwin Convention Centre. Arrive early and ease into the event with sunset drinks and native-inspired canapés in a relaxed outdoor setting. It’s the perfect chance to connect with fellow attendees, soak up the tropical atmosphere, and toast to the start of three days of learning, ideas, and shared experiences.

Note: Opt in registrations are only available until allocation is exhausted due to capacity.

New Delegate & CSG recipient networking breakfast

Wednesday 16 September, 8.00 am – 8.45 am (invitation only)

Venue: Darwin Convention Centre

AES Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 16 September, 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm

Venue: Darwin Convention Centre

Gala Awards Dinner at Mindil Beach Resort

Thursday 17 September, 6.00pm – 10.00pm

Venue: Garden Lawn, Mindil Beach Hotel

Celebrate evaluation in unforgettable style at the AES Gala Dinner, set against the breathtaking backdrop of a Mindil Beach sunset. As the sky transforms into a canvas of rich colours, enjoy an elegant open-air dining experience on the Garden Lawn. Settle in for a relaxed evening with great food, good company, and plenty of conversation as you connect with colleagues, celebrate the Gala Awards, and champion the impact of evaluation together.

Dress code: Outback Glam

A complimentary shuttle bus will operate between the Darwin Convention Centre and Mindil Beach Resort, running prior to the event start time and again at its conclusion. Full details, including the schedule, will be shared closer to the event dates.

Note: Opt in registrations are only available until allocation is exhausted due to capacity.

Three day conference tickets include entry to the Welcome Reception, Gala Awards Dinner. Individual tickets can be purchased to each event.

Note: Opt in registrations are only available until allocation is exhausted due to capacity.

Australian Evaluation Society
425 Smith Street, Fitzroy Vic 3065 Australia
Phone +61 3 8685 9906

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We acknowledge the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this nation. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands in which we conduct our 2026 conference, the Larrakia peoples. We pay our respects to the ancestors and Elders, past and present, of all Australia’s Indigenous peoples. We are committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.

Conference logo design: Cyan Sue Lee | Site design: Ingrid Ciotti