Marxism Festival
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About

Venue and transport

The conference will be held Thursday 2nd April - Sunday 5th April at the Melbourne Showgrounds, centred on Building 13. Grounds entrance is through gate 1A on Epsom Road, and gate 5 on Langs Road.

There is parking available for $25 daily, more information on public transport and parking is available here.

Speaker at a previous conference

Discuss, debate, organise

Over 1,000 people attend Marxism every year for a weekend full of radical ideas.

The huge number of sessions means that there’s something for everyone, no matter whether you’re brand new to socialism or if you’ve been a revolutionary for decades. The program also features a range of international speakers from countries like Kenya, Pakistan, Argentina, France and the US.

If you're sick of capitalism, Marxism is the place to be this Easter.

Save the date, check out the program and get your ticket today – every ticket sale helps us to put on the best conference possible!

Marxism Conference Safety & Conduct Guidelines

Purpose

The Marxism Conference is a space for discussion, learning and respectful debate. We are committed to ensuring that all participants can attend safely and without intimidation, harassment or disruption.

Expected Behaviour

All attendees are expected to:

  • Treat others with respect, regardless of political views or background

  • Allow speakers to present without interruption

  • Engage in discussion in a constructive and non-disruptive way

  • Follow instructions from conference staff and venue personnel at all times

  • Respect personal boundaries and consent

Unacceptable Behaviour

The following behaviours will not be tolerated:

  • Harassment, intimidation or threatening behaviour

  • Racist, sexist or homophobic conduct

  • Disruption of talks, panels or discussions

  • Physical aggression or unwanted physical contact

  • Recording or photographing individuals without consent where restricted

  • Bringing illegal substances onto the premises

  • Supplying alcohol to underage participants

  • Intoxication that results in unsafe or anti-social behaviour

  • Refusal to comply with reasonable directions from staff or venue personnel

Entry and Participation

  • All attendees must register upon arrival

  • Lanyards will be issued and must be worn and visible at all times

  • Entry may be refused or revoked where required for safety or compliance reasons

  • Attendees may only access designated areas of the event

  • Photography and recording may only occur when permission from event organisers is expressly granted

  • Conference media is handled by an in-house media team wearing identifiable by lanyards, external media outlets must obtain permission from event organisers to cover the event

  • Security personnel maintain the right to check attendees bags and attendees must comply with this condition when requested.

Managing Disruptions

If disruptive behaviour occurs:

  • Staff will initially address the issue with a verbal request or warning

  • If behaviour continues, the individual may be asked to leave

  • In serious cases, venue security or authorities may be involved

Our approach is to manage issues calmly and respectfully, with a focus on de-escalation wherever possible.

Safety and Welfare

  • If you feel unsafe or uncomfortable, speak to a conference organiser or security team member immediately (identifiable by lanyards)

  • First aid support will be available onsite

  • If you have a first aid issue contact Tyler on 0439 566 365

  • Follow guidance from conference staff when entering or leaving the venue

  • Attendees should avoid engaging in confrontations with individuals outside the event

Photography, Media and Privacy

  • Photography and recording may occur during the event

  • Please respect the privacy and consent of others

  • Follow any signage or instructions regarding restricted recording areas

  • Please do not engage with media not associated with the conference

Compliance

By attending the conference, you agree to comply with these guidelines. Failure to do so may result in removal from the event.

Reporting Issues

If you witness or experience a problem:

  • Report it to the nearest conference organiser or security team member; or

  • Attend a registration desk (Gate 1 or Building 13); or

  • Contact one of the conference organisers:

    • Sarah Garnham – 0423 742 453

    • Anneke D’emanuele – 0430 452 366

    • Ryan Laws – 0432 113 644

    • Nick Reich – 0439 749 889

All reports will be taken seriously and handled as discreetly as possible.