CANTER CON is set to unite Australia’s equestrian coaching community in 2026, with organisers from Equestrian Australia (EA), Pony Club Australia (PCA), and Riding for the Disabled Australia (RDA) joining forces to deliver a national event created specifically for coaches who want to connect, learn, and feel part of a broader equestrian coaching network.
The two‑day conference will take place at Melbourne Showgrounds on 25–26 July 2026, transforming the Victorian Pavilion into a shared learning hub for practical workshops, sector insights, and genuine cross‑discipline collaboration.
If you are interested in volunteering for the event, please read the information from CANTER Con below.
We genuinely value the time and effort that volunteers contribute to events like this. CANTER Con is a collaborative initiative between Equestrian Australia, Pony Club Australia, and Riding for the Disabled Australia. As not-for-profit organisations, they are delivering this event to provide valuable coaching education opportunities for the equestrian community.
Volunteer Opportunities
We have designed the volunteer roles to ensure that, while you are contributing your time, you can still experience the conference as a delegate. Volunteers will only be required to be available for one day; the second day will provide full delegate access to the event. Our goal is to minimise time away from sessions so you can enjoy the conference while supporting its delivery.
Ticket Information
Volunteers are asked to purchase a heavily discounted ticket. As this is an inaugural event operating within a very tight budget, we sincerely appreciate your understanding and support in helping make this event possible.
Volunteer Ticket Includes
- Full delegate access for the entire two-day event, with access to all sessions outside of your allocated volunteer duties
- Access to your assigned room/session while on duty
- Full delegate experience, including:
- Catering
- Delegate packs and giveaways
- Prize draws and event activities
Please review the available volunteer roles for the event, along with their responsibilities and associated volunteer ticket costs.
Volunteer Roles
1. Breakout Room Coordinator
Time Commitment: Approximately 4 hours on either Day 1 or Day 2)
Volunteer Ticket Price: $175 ($150 discount for members)
Role Overview:
Coordinate an indoor session room during the conference and ensure sessions run smoothly.
Responsibilities:
- Liaise with the Presenter Support Volunteer to ensure speaker requirements are met prior to the session
- Manage delegate sign-in where required
- Ensure delegates are seated and sessions start on time
- Assist in guiding attendees into the room as needed
- Support the Presenter Support Volunteer during the session if required
- Ensure sessions finish within allocated timeframes
- Maintain room presentation between sessions (e.g. remove rubbish and reset the space)
2. Presenter Support Volunteer
Time Commitment: Approximately 2 hours on either Day 1 or Day 2
Volunteer Ticket Price: $225 ($100 discount for members)
Role Overview:
Provide direct support to assigned presenters to ensure their session runs smoothly.
Responsibilities:
- Meet your allocated presenter at the scheduled time
- Liaise with the presenter to confirm their requirements
- Assist with basic AV setup (microphone, slides, screen connection – IT support will be available)
- Communicate session timing, including start time, finish time, and Q&A allocation
- Assist with handouts or materials
- Help keep the presenter on schedule
- Support Q&A as needed
- Liaise with the Breakout Room Coordinator during sessions
If you would still like to volunteer your time, please complete the short survey https://ridingforthedisabledassociationaustralia.snapforms.com.au/form/canter-con-volunteer-survey prior to final role allocation – you will also find the volunteer discount codes and link here to purchase your ticket.
We have limited volunteer spaces available. We appreciate all and any volunteers, but please note that if we reach the maximum number of volunteer spots filled, discount codes may be switched off.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would love to have you involved in making this event a success.
Jess Jasch
