Alongside the wonderful range of opportunities available to all visitors to Melbourne, the Conference Organising Committee has planned a number of social functions to enable delegates to socialise with and get to know each other in an informal setting.

President's Cocktail Party

Date: Wednesday, 15 October 2008
Time: 18:00 – 20:00
Venue: Loop in Meyers Place
Dress Code: Smart Casual

The pre-conference President's Cocktail Party will give delegates the opportunity to catch up with colleagues and to meet some new faces in the relaxed environment of Loop in Meyers Place.

Tucked in a laneway between Bourke Street and Little Collins Street, Loop is one of Melbourne's unique bars. It is a haven for artists, with regular screenings of artwork, and it offers one of the most imaginative cocktail menus in the city.

The President's Cocktail Party has been kindly sponsored by the City of Melbourne.

Gala Dinner

Date: Thursday, 16 October 2008
Time: 18:30 - 00:00
Venue: National Gallery of Victoria
Dress Code: Black-tie

The 2008 ANZSLA Conference Gala Dinner will be held beneath the Leonard French stained glass ceiling in the Great Hall of the National Gallery of Victoria.

This black-tie event at one of Melbourne's most famous cultural and architectural institutions will remind conference delegates that there is more to the city than its offerings for sport. The evening will commence with a private screening of the NGV's art collection, before proceeding to a night of light entertainment for everyone to enjoy.

The Paul Trisley award will be presented during the evening, and the location of the 2009 ANZSLA conference will be revealed.

The Gala Dinner has been kindly sponsored by Middletons.

National Sports Museum Tour

Date: Friday, 17 October 2008
Time: Friday afternoon
Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground

This year's ANZSLA conference will conclude with a tour of the National Sports Museum. The museum, located at the MCG, opened in March of this year and is a showcase of the greatest and most memorable moments in Australia's sporting history. Relics of famous Australian Olympic moments are on display, as well as memorabilia from many sports including cricket and Australian Rules football. Also housed in the museum is the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. It will be a wonderful way to wind-up the conference, and will be followed by closing drinks at the MCG.

Caulfield Cup

Date: Saturday, 18 October 2008
Time: 10:00 - 15:00
Venue: Caulfield Racecourse
Dress Code: Race wear

ANZSLA members have a unique opportunity to attend one of Melbourne’s oldest and most prestigious horse racing events, the BMW Caulfield Cup. The first Caulfield Cup was run in 1879. It boasts winners including Tulloch, Doriemus, Let’s Elope, Might and Power, Northerly and last year’s winner, Master O’Reilley.

The Caulfield Cup, a group one race, is one of Australia's toughest handicap races. It is run over 2400 metres and is an important lead-up race to the Melbourne Cup. The race prize money is worth over 2 million dollars.

This year ANZSLA offers members a chance to attend a fully catered marquee in the Railings Village located in the centre of the track.