AAFT 2025 – Healing and Reconnecting in Melbourne
Client: Australian Association of Family Therapy (AAFT)
Event: AAFT National Conference 2025
Location: Pullman Albert Park & Offsite Dinner at Lakeside Pavilion
Attendees: 200+ family therapists
Program: 40 presentations across two days
The Brief
After more than five years without a national in-person event, the Australian Association of Family Therapy (AAFT) was ready to reunite its community for the 2025 Conference, themed “Healing and Reconnecting.” With over 200 family therapists expected from across the country, the goal was clear: create an engaging, warm, and professional environment where delegates could reconnect, learn, and celebrate their profession.
The Challenge
When our team was brought on board, the client had already secured a university venue. However, it quickly became clear this space wouldn’t align with the vision, tone, or operational needs of the conference.
- Limited disability access
- Inflexible catering options
- Challenging AV logistics
- Poor heating in the middle of winter — a red flag for a conference centred on wellbeing and connection.
Our Approach
We acted swiftly to review the existing venue agreement and successfully managed the process of exiting the contract. From there, we secured a new venue at the Pullman Melbourne Albert Park, offering:
- Full control over food, beverage, and audio-visual setup
- A more comfortable, accessible and weather-appropriate setting
- Onsite accommodation for delegates and speakers
- A flexible event space better suited to a program with 40+ sessions
This change set the tone for a far more cohesive and uplifting experience.
What Worked
The Pullman allowed us to bring the theme of “Healing and Reconnecting” to life in every detail — from the welcoming, light-filled plenary spaces to the warmth and comfort of the breakout zones and catered networking areas. AV partners delivered seamlessly, and the hotel’s team worked closely with us to ensure the delegate experience was smooth from start to finish.
The conference dinner was another major highlight. Held offsite at the newly renovated Albert Park Lakeside Pavilion, guests were treated to exceptional food, great entertainment, and a view to match. It was a celebration of reconnection — with dancing, laughter, and a sense of joy that you could feel across the room. For many, it was the first time in years they’d seen their peers in person — and they made the most of it!
The Outcome
- 200+ delegates attended across two days
- 40+ presentations delivered across a diverse, thoughtful program
- Offsite dinner became a signature moment of the event
- Glowing feedback from delegates and the client
- Most importantly, the event delivered on its theme: creating a space for healing, connection, and celebration
Client Reflections
“We couldn’t have been happier with how smoothly everything ran. The move to the Pullman was the best decision we made — it changed the whole tone of the event. Delegates felt supported, seen, and genuinely reconnected. Thank you for helping us bring this conference back to life.”
