The AFC Christmas Party and Startup Awards

​The AFC Christmas Party and Startup Awards - the newest event you'll want to be at every year!

​AFC’s year in review, Christmas-style. We’re closing out 2026 with drinks, a DJ and the whole community in one room, topped off by the first-ever AFC Startup Awards across eight categories. Fair warning: there will be mistletoe, so mingle accordingly!

​Key event details

​Date: Thursday 3 December
Time: from 5.30pm
Location: Melbourne, venue confirmed closer to the date
Tickets: early bird $29 (first 40), general admission $39 (next 40), final release $49 (until sold out)

​What’s included

​Your ticket gets you in the door for the whole night: food, drinks, music, and the Awards themselves. The open bar runs until it doesn’t, at which point it’s cash only and the dance floor becomes the main event.

​The Awards

​Eight categories, each presented on stage by a partner brand, recognising what this community actually built and shipped this year. Categories and nominations opening soon. Acceptance speeches should be shorter than your average fundraising deck.

​Why be in the room

​This is the first year the AFC Christmas Party and Startup Awards exists. Tickets go up in price as the room fills, so the cheapest way to say you were there from the start won’t last long.

​Proudly supported by Innovation Victoria

​Innovation Victoria is the organisation combining LaunchVic and Breakthrough Victoria, backing programs that build founder, investor and talent capability across the state. Grateful to have them backing us.