As international students return to Australian shores, the global international education sector will gather for the first time in three years for the Australian International Education Conference - AIEC.
Hosted on the Gold Coast and online from 18 – 21 October, AIEC has this year attracted more than 1,600 delegates and provides a critical forum for this key sector to regroup and refocus on creating sustainable and accessible opportunities for people striving for a global education.
AIEC includes thought provoking keynote speakers and engaging sessions as demand for international education in Australia and globally nears pre-pandemic levels.
The conference will address this year’s theme – “Beyond borders” – exploring how we can create new opportunities, progressive policies and shared strategies for students.
Though international students are returning to Australia’s classrooms, campuses, cities, communities and workplaces, there are still walls to tear down. These may be more immediate barriers, such as international travel risks and virtual mobility, or more deep-seated issues related to socioeconomic status, equity, access, and geopolitics.
Co-hosted by IDP Education and the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), AIEC provides a unique opportunity for the brightest minds in international education to meet with industry leaders and peers to learn from their collective experiences and share ideas for future success.
Study Gold Coast CEO, Alfred Slogrove, said it was an honour to host AIEC as leaders gather for the first inperson event in three years.
“We are delighted to be hosting AIEC, but more importantly looking forward to unpacking and discussing how the international education sector has responded to challenges and continue to diversify education.”
Speakers at the conference will include:
- His Excellency Mr Vasyl Myroshnychenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Australia and New Zealand
- Bosco Anthony, catalyst thinker, digital strategist and a disruptive storyteller
- Annabel Crabb, author and journalist
- Nicki Hutley, economist and advocate for climate action and social impact
- Stan Grant, journalist, author and filmmaker
- Lisa MacCallum, international brand transformation expert
IDP Connect Chief Executive Officer, Simon Emmett, said AIEC 2022 is even more significant considering the competitive international education landscape, and host of new global challenges facing students.
“While international students resume their studies overseas, destinations are vying to attract the brightest and the best,” Mr Emmett said.
“Our latest IDP research has shown that while Australia has bounced back to the second spot in the chart of most attractive study destinations, the onshore experience and career outcomes are more important than ever. AIEC is an opportunity for us all to join together as a global community, and ensure international students are supported in all aspects as we reunite beyond borders.”
IEAA Chief Executive Officer, Phil Honeywood, said IEAA is delighted to co-host yet another AIEC alongside IDP Education.
“The International Education Association of Australia is looking forward to fruitful conversations with education leaders to continue to enhance Australia’s reputation as a provider of quality education.”
AIEC 2022 will formally commence with a Welcome Reception on Tuesday 18 October, followed by an Opening Plenary on Wednesday 19 October, which will include a presentation of the IEAA Excellence Awards which recognise the outstanding contributions and best practices by individuals or teams in international education in Australia.
The four-day program will include a host of plenary sessions, panels, presentations, and a buzzing exhibition with 61 exhibitors. The program and activities will be hosted at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, with a selection of sessions broadcast live to a virtual audience. These sessions will also be available on demand after the conference.
The AIEC 2022 program and schedule includes:
- 240+ speakers
- 100+ sessions
- Networking activities to expand networks, share, collaborate and contribute to the international education community such as Braindates.
- IEAA Excellence Awards to recognise the leaders and innovators in our sector
- Social events to reconnect
This article originally appeared as a media release from IDP Education.