31 Aug Engagement Australia’s 2023 Annual Conference Update
Our team has busy finalising the key details of a fantastic 2023 Annual Conference. This year our Conference focuses on the next 20 years and what the function of universities shaped by a new Accord will be.
Supported through the Accord process, Australia is collectively re-imagining the purpose of higher education where community engagement and work for the public good is front and centre. We’ll explore this rethinking of purpose with University leaders and engagement practitioners as well as architects of the Accord process facilitating future scenario planning, plenaries and workshop sessions.
What is the purpose of the Conference?
The Conference aims to:
- Provide a forum for provocative and interactive discussion about University – Community Engagement in Australia and internationally.
- Provide an opportunity for universities and communities to showcase University – Community Engagement research, theoretical aspects and best practice.
- Engage with individuals and organisations outside of the higher education sector in order to better sustain University – Community Engagement.
- Provide a venue for high quality research that uses University – Community Engagement as a methodology.
- Conference partners, sponsors, presenters and delegates are encouraged to think about how these themes play out in the context of their own work in particular, and how they relate to University – Community Engagement in general.
Who should attend?
We encourage attendance from a broad range of educators, researchers and practitioners, including:
- Academics interested in the scholarly dimensions of engagement through specific teaching, research or service activities undertaken by universities;
- Students interested in engagement with communities, whether as a research focus, an engaged experience or area of passion and interest;
- Managers and leaders in universities and education providers focused on how to structure, strategise and develop engagement within their institutions;
- Practitioners working in community, government, business and industry organisations focused on enhancing connectivity with higher education for mutual benefit.
Why attend?
Our Conference presents a wonderful opportunity for educators, researchers, practitioners, professionals and students to come together and share knowledge, ideas and insights, while making new connections and leaving with new ideas and renewed motivation.
Attend for…
- Learning and development
- Exchanging and discussing innovative ideas
- Social functions and engagement
- Building new connections and networking
Here’s what some of the attendees from our 2022 annual conference had to say…
Which session provided the most value to you, and why?
- They were all equally beneficial – sharing best practice, challenges and exchanged ideas. The EA conference is helping to create a culture where engagement work is valued and enabled.
- I enjoyed the case studies to see how other Universities are engaging with their communities.
- Loved the case studies. So great to see synergies across programs.
- Connecting with people to learn about the amazing work being done across the sector.
Conference program
Our keynote speaker is Jonathan Grant, founding Director of Different Angles Ltd, a consultancy that focuses on the social impact of universities and research.
In a changing world, what is the social purpose of higher education? In this keynote talk Jonathan Grant will draw from his book, The New Power University, to illustrate why a different (or rediscovered) purpose for universities is necessary in the 21st century, through the application of a new set of values that puts social responsibility and impact at the core of the university mission.
The rest of our program is still being finalised, so watch this space for an update!
