Social Functions
Welcome Reception
Hosted in the elegant River Room at Crown, this vibrant space truly comes alive as you and your guests mingle on the stylish private balcony, enjoying stunning views of Crown’s iconic flame towers. It’s the perfect setting to connect with fellow attendees and kick off the conference in style.
Details
Monday 23 March 2026
Time – 5:30pm to 7:30pm (exact times to be confirmed)
Cost – Included in full conference registration and full accompanying ticket
Additional guests - $150 per person
Location – River Room at Crown
An afternoon at the Yarra Valley
Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon at Healesville Sanctuary, with return coach transport provided for a relaxed and seamless experience. Delegates will explore Australia’s iconic wildlife with expert guides stationed at the kangaroo, echidna, and koala enclosures. Experience the breathtaking Spirits of the Sky show, featuring Australia’s majestic birds in flight, followed by an exclusive Detection Dog presentation showcasing scent-trained conservation dogs and a Q&A with their handlers. The day concludes in style with a relaxed evening function at the picturesque Yering Station, where delegates can unwind and connect over fine food and wine in a stunning Yarra Valley setting before returning comfortably by coach.
Details
Wednesday 25 March 2026
Time – 12:30pm to 10:00pm (exact times to be confirmed)
Cost – Included in full conference registration and full accompanying ticket
Additional guests - $300 per person
Location - Healesville Sanctuary and Yering Station
Inclusions
Coach transfers: Crown - Yarra Valley Return
Healesville Sanctuary immersive wildlife experience
Yering Station evening experience with curated food and fine wine service
AORC/IGSRV Dinner
Get ready for an unforgettable evening at South Wharf! Join us for an exclusive members-only dinner, where the AORC Dinner will unfold in style at the stunning Showtime Event Centre, while the IGSRV Dinner takes over the vibrant Cargo. As the night progresses, both groups will come together under the stars at the River Pavilion for a sweet finale — a shared dessert experience by the water. Great food, great company, and a dash of Melbourne magic await!
Details
Thursday 26 March 2026
Time – 7:00pm to 11:30pm (exact times to be confirmed)
Cost – Included in full conference registration (AORC/IGSRV members only) and full accompanying ticket (accompanying AORC/IGSRV members only)
Additional guests (AORC/IGSRV Member guests only) - $200 per person
Location
AORC: Showtime Event Centre and River Pavilion
IGSRV: Cargo and River Pavilion
Gala Dinner
Celebrate in style at the Gala Dinner, held at the stunning Palladium at Crown. Included with full registrations, this special evening offers great company, fine dining, and the perfect finale to your conference experience.
Details
Friday 27 March 2026
Time – 7:00pm to 11:30pm - (exact times to be confirmed)
Cost – Included in full conference registration and full accompanying ticket
Additional guests - $250 per person
Location – Palladium at Crown
TAB Australian Cup Day
TAB Australian Cup Day is a marquee event on the racing calendar and a thrilling conclusion to the Flemington Racing Spectacular.
Experience the excitement of the $3 million Group 1 TAB Australian Cup (2000m), where legends like Dulcify, Bonecrusher, Octagonal, Lonhro, and Makybe Diva have left their mark.
The action does not stop there! The undercard features the highly anticipated $500,000 Listed Lexus Roy Higgins (2600m), offering the first golden ticket for the 2026 Lexus Melbourne Cup (3200m).
The three-year-olds clash in the $500,000 VRC Sprint Classic (1100m). Past winners include Estriella, What You Need and star New Zealand filly, Alabama Lass.
Details
Saturday 28 February 2026
Time – TBC
Cost – Included in full conference registration and full accompanying ticket
Additional guests - $450 per person
Location - Skyline Lounge, Flemington Racecourse
Inclusions
Coach transfers: Crown - Flemington Return
Racecourse admission
3 course seated lunch and beverages
Race book
Access to betting facilities