Can sessions be delivered as webinars so that we can all join the conversation remotely?
We would like at some point to do webinars, however at the moment we do not have this in the plan for this year. Whilst each year we make the event bigger, and hopefully better, than the previous year, there area number of other things we are working on this year, rather than webinars. Also, we feel the main benefit of this event is the networking with other activists and this cannot be achieved over the internet.
We do intend to film a number of this years talks, and after the forum we will notify, via our email list, how these can be viewed.
Are non-human animals allowed?
To be confirmed…
Who makes a profit from this?
No one. The organisers make no money, and the convenors pay for entry just like everyone else. We set ticket prices on the basis of costs and estimated attendance. In the event of a profit, we will carry this forward and offset against the following year’s cost.
Is the event vegan?
To the best of our ability, we aim to have a vegan catered event. We hope to supply cruelty free soap at the venue bathrooms, but we’ll be busy on the day and sometimes we forget details. If you want to ensure this goes ahead, please offer to volunteer for us.
I’m not vegan, can I come?
Yes. We make no restrictions on the basis of diet, but please don’t bring non-vegan food to the event.
I’m not even vegetarian, can I come?
See above.
I’m not in a group, I’m just an interested individual thinking of getting more involved.
Please come, the event is aimed at you!
I can only attend for a day, can I still come?
Yes, but the cost is the same. You may wish to let us know so that we don’t over cater.
Is the social dinner included in the ticket price.
Sorry, this has to be purchased seperately.
Will mainstream press be invited?
No, although there may be the opportunity to be interviewed by activist media.
Is there a chance that the event will be infiltrated by members of animal-abusing industries?
Maybe, we can’t avoid this, and at least we get some money out of them. If they make a disruption we can ask them to leave as stated in our terms and conditions of ticket purchase.
How do you choose the location?
We tend to have the event in Melbourne every other year, and a different city every other year. We have a great, inexpensive venue in Melbourne which means cheap tickets, and lots of groups are based there. We choose the most inexpensive venue that can accomodate the number of people we expect to attend, with the correct number of rooms, and that can offer vegan catering.
I don’t need the catered food, what can we do about this?
Email us and we can discuss your requirements.
How can I support the event?
Donate on the day, buy a ‘solidarity price’ ticket, or offer to volunteer for us by sending us an email.
Are events like this worthwhile?
We think so. We know of one project in Australia, the ‘Freedom of Species’ Animal Protection radio show that was inspired by the forum. A similar event, the International Animal Rights Gathering, was held in Suza, northern Italy in 2010, shortly afterwards Rome saw an anti-vivisection demonstration with approximately 10’000 participants. The forum organisers believe that the Australian movement will benefit from greater networking and cooperation and the forum aims to do just that.
Can I just come to some workshops?
We ask everyone to register at 08:30 on both days. Otherwise you will be creating extra work for an already stressed team. We prefer if people stay for the whole weekend. Why? This is because the main goal of the event is to foster cooperation between Australian activists, and discussions during breaks and lunches are as (or more) important than the formal workshops. Please stay through the event and help to foster a community event!
I bought a ticket, but I cannot attend, can I get a refund?
Refunds are available, minus booking fee, up to the end of September.
Can transfer or give my ticket to someone else?
No, tickets are not transferrable.
How can I ensure I hear about future events?
Register for our newsletter on the bottom of our webpage, sign up to our twitter page, or look for us on facebook.
Hey, shouldn’t there be an apostrophe in “ActivistsForum”?
We aren’t sure.