Plenaries  

This year, AIEC plenary sessions will commence on Tuesday afternoon at 4pm with further sessions scheduled in the morning on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. All plenaries will be held in the Darling Harbour Theatre.

View conference schedule

Tuesday 27 October – Welcome Plenary

Join us for the official Welcome to Country, followed by welcomes from IDP Education and the International Education Association of Australia. 

We will also celebrate our colleagues for the IEAA Excellence Awards.

Parliamentary Address

We are glad to welcome Greg Warren MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Early Learning, NSW Government to give a welcome address during the plenary.  

Wednesday 28 October – Opening Plenary

Keynote - Michael McQueen

We are honoured to welcome Michael McQueen as the opening keynote speaker at AIEC 2026. A leading futurist and trend forecaster, Michael will explore the forces transforming education, technology, and global engagement, offering practical strategies to help institutions and leaders adapt, innovate, and thrive in an era of rapid change.

Thursday 29 October – Mini Plenaries

Our Mini Plenary sessions bring delegates together to explore some of the most important issues shaping international education today. Featuring expert speakers, thought-provoking discussion, and opportunities for audience engagement, these sessions will offer fresh perspectives, practical insights, and a chance to contribute to the conversation. Whether tackling current sector challenges or exploring emerging opportunities, come ready to listen, learn, and participate.

Friday 30 October – Plenaries

Future Thinking: What International Students Really Think About Australia

International students are often at the centre of policy debates, but how often do we hear directly from them? Moderated by Annabel Crabb, this candid conversation brings together students from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences, challenges and aspirations, offering valuable insights into how Australia can strengthen its position as a leading global study destination.

AIEC at 40: Then. Now. Next.

As AIEC celebrates 40 years, this special plenary brings together founding leaders and sector experts to reflect on the conference’s impact on international education in Australia. Looking back on four decades of change and ahead to the opportunities and challenges of the future, the discussion will explore AIEC’s evolving role in shaping the next chapter of the sector.

Keynote - The Hon. Julia Gillard AC

We are honoured to welcome The Hon. Julia Gillard AC as our Closing Keynote speaker. Drawing on her experience as Australia’s 27th Prime Minister and her ongoing global leadership in education and gender equity, she will reflect on the challenges and opportunities shaping the sector, offering a powerful and thought-provoking conclusion to the conference.

Farewell

Please ensure you RSVP for the lunch.

View conference schedule

Last updated: 26 June 2026

Key dates

9 February - Call for proposals opens

20 March - Call for proposals closes

April - Registration open

June - Program released

31 July - Super early bird registration closes

18 September - Early bird registration closes

27 - 30 October – AIEC 2026

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