Engagement Australia Conference 2023

When: 20 -22 November 2023
Where: Western Sydney University, Parramatta South Campus
Time:

• Monday 20 November 9.30am to 2pm
• Tuesday 21 November 8am to 4pm
• Wednesday 22 November 9am to 3.30pm

Full Conference Registration
Early Bird Rate: Members $560  |  Non-Members: $760 – Get in quick… Early Bird ends 29 September 2023!
Standard Rate: Members $760 |  Non-Members: $960

Social Events
Welcome Reception: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
When: Monday 20 November from 5.30pm
Individual Ticket: $75

Excellence Awards Dinner: CommBank Stadium, Parramatta
When: Tuesday 21 November from 6.30pm
Individual Ticket: $200
Table of 10: $1800

Engaged Universities – The Next 20 Years

As Engagement Australia (EA) proudly celebrates its twenty-year history in 2023, this year’s flagship EA international conference considers what will be the function of universities shaped by a new Accord?

During a time when our society is facing challenges that demand the questioning of dominant values and established ways of being, a reinvigoration of the purpose and function of Australian universities is happening.

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.

The 2023 flagship Engagement Australia international Conference and Awards event will explore this rethinking of purpose for our cherished sector with University leaders and engagement practitioners as well as architects of the Accord process facilitating future scenario planning, plenaries and workshop sessions.

Please join us at Western Sydney University, Parramatta South Campus 20-22 November 2023.

The Conference program will be available soon.

Keynote Speaker

Johnathan Grant

In search of a social purpose: (re)discovering the role universities in 21^st century society

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. He will set out his thinking about new power and how the concept is of its time, especially for institutions like universities, and then relate that to education, research and social responsibility. In doing so he will examine the need for universities to contribute to their many communities through equality of access, citizen science and community organising. He will also explore why such agendas are currently adopted in a piecemeal and, at times ‘tokenistic’, fashion including the detrimental role of academic incentives and cultures, government funding, and populist and polarising politics. The talk will conclude by arguing that in embracing new power universities can help reinvigorate their social contract and rediscover their role for the 21st century.

Conference Registration

Call for Papers

Share your engagement successes as a Case Study or Poster Session at Engagement Australia’s premier conference for engagement professionals working in, or with higher education institutions.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Become a partner. Build your organisation’s profile with academic and professional staff from Australian and international universities, not-for-profit organisations, and community groups, as well as business and industry associations.
We have a range of partnership and/or sponsorship opportunities available, so that you can choose the opportunity that best suits your marketing strategy and budget. We want to work with you to make your partnership with Engagement Australia a valuable one and welcome tailoring a proposal to your needs.

Accommodation Partners

SKYE Suites Parramatta

3.7km from WSU, Parramatta South Campus
Guest Booking Link: https://reservations.travelclick.com/102176?RatePlanId=7956022
Stay Period Validity: 18-24 Nov 2023
Discount: 20% off best flexible rate

Mercure Sydney Parramatta

2.5km from WSU, Parramatta South Campus
Call or email the reservation team to make the booking and please mention “Engagement Australia annual international conference” rate.
Reservation email: h2123@accor.com
Reservation phone: 02 8863 1002 /02 8836 1003