Engagement Australia Conference 2026: Universities Engaging All of Us: Committing to Trust, Purpose and Impact

When: 23-24 July 2026

Where: Melbourne Connect, University of Melbourne 700 Swanston Street Carlton VIC

Full Conference Registration
Early Bird Rate: Members $590  |  Non-Members: $790 – Get in quick… Early Bird ends 5th June 2026!

Standard Rate: Members $790 |  Non-Members: $990

Day Rate: Members $380 | Non-Members $460 | Students $85

*Members rate also applies for Community based organisation and NFP

In 2026, we’re inviting the sector to lean into a bold, necessary conversation: what does it take for universities to genuinely engage all of us? This year’s theme explores the foundations of trust, the clarity of shared purpose, and the tangible, mutual benefit that emerges when universities work alongside communities, industry, government and students as true partners.

Across two days at Melbourne Connect, we’ll unpack how engagement can rebuild confidence in institutions, strengthen social cohesion, and drive solutions to the complex challenges facing our society. Expect thought‑provoking keynotes, practical sessions, and collaborative spaces that push us beyond rhetoric and into action.

Join us as we reimagine the role of universities in shaping a more connected, equitable and impactful future.

Confirmed Speakers Include:

• Lisa Aitken, Executive Manager, Community Engagement and Impact, Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion, University of Technology Sydney and Director Engagement Australia
• Iman Ball, Board Member, Islamic Museum of Australia
• Hon Sally Capp AO, Former Lord Mayor of Melbourne
• Professor Megan Davis, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Indigneous, UNSW Sydney
• Professor Carolyn Evans, Vice Chancellor and President, Griffith University and Vice Chancellor designate University of Melbourne
• Katie Ford, Industry Executive Microsoft
• Karen Jackson, Executive Director, Moondani Balluk Indigenous Academic Unit Victoria University
• Marika Kontellis, Director, Zakumi Consulting
• Phil Laufenberg, Pro Vice-Chancellor Artificial Intelligence, La Trobe University
• Professor Renée Leon, Vice-Chancellor, Charles Sturt University
• Dr Tiriki Onus, Pro Vice-Chancellor Indigenous, University of Melbourne
• Dr Matthew Pink, Head ACU Engagament, Australian Catholic University and Deputy Chair Engagement Australia
• Professor Alphia Possamai-Inesedy, Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Success, Western Sydney University and Director Engagement Australia
• Rebecca Scott OAM, CEO and Co Founder, STREAT
• Professor The Hon. Bill Shorten, Vice-Chancellor, University of Canberra
• Dr Rose Skandari, Field CTO – AI Solutions, Cisco Systems Australia
• Professor Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist, Laureate Fellow & Scientia Professor of AI, UNSW’s AI Insitute
• Professor Michael Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global, Culture and Engagement, University of Melbourne
• George Yengi, Youth Response and Mobilisation Worker, Wyndham City Council

Call for Papers

Share your engagement successes as a Case Study at Engagement Australia’s 2026 Conference.

Abstracts are invited from university staff, students, industry and community partners on topics including:

• Impactful university–community partnerships, including engagement with community groups, industry, government, or cross‑sector collaborations.
• Evaluation approaches that demonstrate the impact of partnerships.
• Institutional strategies that embed engagement across the university.

Case studies are encouraged to be co‑presented with community partners. Each session is 40 minutes, including 15–20 minutes for Q&A.

• Submissions have now closed for 2026 conference
• Notification: Friday 29 May 2026

Accommodation

Crowne Plaza Carlton
701 Swanston Street, Carlton

The Best Western Plus Travel Inn Hotel
Cnr Gratton and Drummond Street, Carlton (450m from Venue)

Email Directly to Book: res@travelinn.net.au

Sponsorship Opportunities

Join us in shaping the future of university–community partnerships at the Engagement Australia Conference 2026, proudly hosted by The University of Melbourne.

This flagship national event brings together leaders from academia, government, industry and community to explore how transformational partnerships can build trust, strengthen shared purpose and create lasting impact.

As a sponsor, you’ll gain premium visibility, strategic networking access and brand recognition among key decision‑makers driving engagement across the sector. With tailored opportunities—including Major Sponsorship and Panel Session Sponsorship—you can position your organisation at the forefront of innovation, collaboration and sector leadership.

Secure your sponsorship today and align your brand with a conference committed to trust, purpose and impact.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous sponsors, your support helps make this event possible and truly exceptional

Host Sponsor

Silver Sponsor