AVAx is a framework that helps local organizers bring animal advocacy events to life, with guidance and support from AVA International. Local organizers bring their knowledge of the movement, community, and regional needs. AVA brings event production expertise, resources, and infrastructure to help make the event happen.

AVA Summits are larger regional and international events organized and managed directly by AVA.

AVA Academies are smaller, application-based cohorts organized and managed directly by AVA, with deeply focused tracks and electives.

AVAx events are locally organized, smaller-scale gatherings shaped by the needs and priorities of the movement in a (your) specific region.

Previous experience organizing events, campaigns, or community initiatives is helpful, but we consider each application individually. Strong local relationships, good organizational skills, and a committed team are important.

As the AVAx events are organized on a national level, only one event per country can be held per year.

We want to offer our support to as many countries as possible, where we can have a positive impact on the movement. That means that we cannot fund repeating events currently. However, through AVAx events we aim to unlock local funding and enable future conferences.

Apart from funding, AVA International will guide organizers in developing their approach and setting up a successful program, selecting a venue and catering, building their core team and steering committee, how to approach potential local funders, and support with communication and marketing through templates and copy that can be translated and adapted to the local context. Direct support will be offered through Slack, Asana, and regular 1:1 support calls.

The AVA International team will not be available to provide direct on-site help or attend the AVAx conferences.

Each event is shaped by its local organizers and community. Events may include talks, workshops, networking, and other opportunities for advocates to connect and learn. AVAx events are generally designed for approximately 100–250 attendees and should be no longer than 2.5 days.

Yes. At least one lead organizer must have attended an in-person AVA Summit.

The event should be accessible and relevant to its intended local audience. The lead organizer should have an intermediate level of written and spoken English so they can communicate effectively with the AVA team.

AVA may provide event planning resources, templates, branding guidance, production and logistics support, budget and vendor guidance, registration tools, and access to our wider network. We also aim to have at least one AVA team member onsite at each event.

The specific support available will depend on the event and its needs.

Local organizers lead the event and are responsible for developing its program, coordinating their local team, engaging their community, and overseeing event delivery. AVA provides guidance and support, but does not take over local event organization.

Financial support is considered on a case-by-case basis and depends on the proposed event, budget, and agreed level of AVA support. Funding is not guaranteed, and any financial arrangements will be discussed and confirmed before the event moves forward.

We ask organizers to have sufficient time and capacity to plan and deliver the event. As a general guide, we recommend at least six months of preparation for a one-day event and nine months for a multi-day event.

Absolutely. Local organizers bring the knowledge and leadership needed to make each event relevant to its community. AVA provides a shared framework and guidance while allowing room for local priorities, programming, and context.

AVAx events must align with AVA's values and relevant event policies, including our Code of Conduct, vegan food standards, and sponsor and branding guidelines.

Programming, partnerships, and the exhibit hall participants must exist within our defined mandate. Selected applicants can expect to go into a deeper dive into AVA’s mandate upon selection to organize an AVAx.

More detailed requirements and procedures will be provided during onboarding.

Start by submitting the AVAx Local Organizer Expression of Interest form. We'll review your submission and aim to respond within five business days.

Submitting an expression of interest does not guarantee approval. If there appears to be a good fit, we'll invite you to continue to a more detailed application and discussion.

Accepted organizers will go through an onboarding process with the AVA team. This includes more detailed guidance, resources, expectations, policies, and planning procedures to help you prepare for a successful event.