21-22 October 2026 | 9.10am – 3.30pm | Online via Zoom
As the landscape of volunteering continues to shift, staying ahead of the curve is more important than ever.
AVM’s annual online conference brings together over 200 volunteer managers, leaders, and heads of volunteering for the sector’s flagship learning event. You’ll gain exclusive insights from leading industry voices and discover innovative best practices, alongside peers from across the sector.
Both days are packed with inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions designed to elevate your day-to-day role and advance your career.
This year’s event will be delivered entirely online, helping to break down some of the barriers to learning and making it easier for you to participate, wherever you are located.
Keynotes
Be inspired by keynotes from Martha Awojobi who will open the conference on Wednesday morning, and Tobi Johnson who will close the conference on Thursday afternoon.
Workshops
Attend up to four workshops (two each day) from a choice of twelve sessions, all structured around the following themes to ensure you gain targeted expertise in the topics that matter most to you:
- The Volunteer Experience: From Recruitment to Retention
- Building Your Volunteering Infrastructure: From Foundations to the Future
- Inclusive Volunteering: Engaging Diverse Communities
- Wellbeing and Growth in Volunteer Leadership and Management.
Panels
Hear directly from young volunteers on the Youth Voices in Volunteering panel, and learn how organisations are using technology and creative approaches to offer more flexible and modern volunteering experiences in a discussion from panellists on New Ways to Volunteer.
Meet the Sponsors
Connect with our conference sponsors over lunch to learn more about the various products and services they provide or to ask them a question.
Programme
Wednesday 21 October 2026
9.10am – Registration
9.30am – Welcome by Ruth Leonard (Chair, AVM)
9.40am – Keynote from Martha Awojobi
10.40am – Professional Development In Volunteer Management (sponsor presentation by TeamKinetic)
10.50am – Break
11.05am – Workshops 1-6
12.10pm – Lunch (plus the opportunity to meet with the conference sponsors)
12.55pm – Workshops 7-12
2pm – Break
2.15pm – Panel: Youth Voices in Volunteering
3.25pm – Wrap up by Ruth Leonard (Chair, AVM)
3.30pm – Close
Thursday 22 October 2026
9.10am – Registration
9.30am – Welcome by Ruth Leonard (Chair, AVM)
9.40am – Panel: New Ways to Volunteer
10.50am – Sponsor presentation by AideCRM
11am – Break
11.15am – Workshops 1-6
12.20pm – Lunch (plus the opportunity to meet with the conference sponsors)
1.05pm – Workshops 7-12
2.10pm – Break
2.25pm – Keynote from Tobi Johnson: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work – The Power and Potential of Volunteers Who Lead
3.25pm – Wrap up by Ruth Leonard (Chair, AVM)
3.30pm – Close
Find out more about the programme sessions
Based on feedback from previous conferences, we will not be including dedicated networking sessions at this year’s event. Instead, the conference will focus firmly on learning and development—designed to equip and energise you in your role with inspiring talks, thought-provoking discussions, and practical guidance.
For those looking to connect with peers, we continue to offer free, in-person Peer Support Networking Meetings throughout the year, which provide dedicated space for connection and conversation.
Sponsors
Our sponsors play a vital role in ensuring the conference remains accessible and affordable for all delegates, and we are deeply appreciative of their support.
Find out more about the conference sponsors
Buy your ticket
AVM members are eligible for a discount on the conference ticket price. Please login to your account so that your discount can be automatically applied.
If you’re not an AVM member, you can join AVM today to benefit from discounted tickets for the conference, as well as access to free member-only events and a discount for all other learning events.