ITEC26 International Education Symposium 

3  -  5   J U N E   2 0 2 6   ■   B R I S B A N E  C O N V E N T I O N  A N D  E X H I B I T I O N  C E N T R E

Navigating Change. Empowering Innovation. 
 
         
      The ITEC25 International Education Symposium is designed to provide leaders from across the sector with strategic insights into the opportunities and risks associated with supporting international students in the skills training and higher education sectors.

A series of presentations and panel sessions from opinion leaders and experts will not only help you understand what's driving change to student choices and government regulation, it will equip you with the knowledge to tackle the future with confidence. 

 
         
       
Program 
ITEC26 International Education Symposium
Boulevard Level - Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre 

     
 Official ITEC26 Conference Opening 

 
  9:00 AM  Hon Ros Bates MP
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Queensland 
 
     
Presentation 
Symposium Opening - Setting the Context 
 
 
 9:30 AM Mr Felix Pirie
ITECA Chief Executive Officer  
 
     
Presentation 
The International Education Discussion

  9:45 AM  Mr Dirk Mulder 
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, The Koala News 
 
     
  A comprehensive global and national overview of international education trends, student mobility patterns, and shifting market dynamics shaping the sector today.  
     
Presentation 
Agent Partnerships That Drive Trust and Sustainability
 
 10:15 AM  Mr Rob Parsonson
Executive Officer, ISEAA - International Student Education Agents Association
 
     
  An exploration of best-practice strategies for developing ethical, transparent, and high-performing education agent relationships that deliver long-term value.  
     
 
  10:45 AM 
Morning Tea  
     
Fireside Discussion
Navigating change and pathways for success
 
   
Mr Felix Pirie
Chief Executive Officer, ITECA
Mr Ian Aird 
Chief Executive Officer, English Australia 
 
 11:00 AM    
  A candid leadership conversation on responding to regulatory, market, and operational change. Delivered in partnership with ITECA & English Australia, this interactive session includes audience Q&A.  
     
Presentation
Developing Offshore Training Activities
 
12:00 PM  Ms Sally Deane
Manager Skills Policy & State Relations, ITECA
Mrs Alana Anderson
Chief Executive Officer, Alana Kaye College
Ms Vicki De Margheriti
Chief Executive Officer, Academy of Interactive Entertainment
 
  Join us as we explore insights into priority source markets, recovery strategies, and emerging opportunities for growth in international student recruitment.  
     
 12:45 PM
Lunch
 
     
Presentation
Sector Outlook: Where Are We Headed Next?
 
   Ms Nadia Thompson 
Director, Australian Government Department of Education
 
 1:30 PM Join the Department of Education for a forward-looking analysis of key risks, opportunities, and future scenarios influencing the direction of international education.
 
     
 Presentation
International Student Employability
 2:15 PM Mr Trevor Gauld
Deputy Commissioner, Jobs and Skills Australia 
 
     
  Examining the alignment between education delivery, workforce needs, and graduate employability in a competitive global economy.  
     
 3:00 PM Afternoon Tea   
     
Panel Discussion
Competing on Place: How Australian Cities and Regions Win Global Students
 
   
Mr Toshi Kawaguchi 
Director, International Education & Study NSW
Ms Caroline Hartnett 
Director, Study Melbourne 
Ms Sarina Hobbin
Director, Study Queensland 
 
 3:15 PM    
  A discussion on how destinations differentiate themselves, enhance student experience, and strengthen their global appeal.
 
     
Department of Home Affairs | ACMC Presentation
Immigration Policy, Visas, and Student Pathways
 
 4:00 PM  Mr Matthew Noble
Assistant Secretary, Temporary Visas Branch, Department of Home Affairs
 
     
  An update on visa settings, migration frameworks, and policy developments impacting international students and education providers.  
     
     
  ITEC26 eSkilled Welcome Reception 
5:00pm - 7:30pm - 3 June 2026
Soleil Pool Bar - Rydges South Bank 
  
 
   

 
         
      The ITEC26 Conference is Australia’s premier networking event for leaders from independent RTOs and higher education institutions. It brings together decision-makers, industry experts, and policymakers, fostering connections that drive collaboration and growth. Attendees gain valuable insights while building relationships that strengthen their organisations and influence the sector’s future.

With exclusive networking sessions, roundtable discussions, and industry receptions, the
ITEC26 Conference creates opportunities to engage with peers facing similar challenges. Whether forging new partnerships, sharing best practices, or discussing emerging trends, this event ensures you’re connected to the people shaping Australia’s skills training and higher education landscape.

 
 
     
     
 
         
      Join us in shaping what comes next for tertiary education. We look forward to welcoming you to ITEC26.  
         
       Proudly Sponsored By  
         
      PLATINUM SPONSOR:
  GOLD SPONSOR:
     
                 
     
 
     
                 
      SILVER SPONSORS:
         
                 
 
 
       
                 
      BRONZE SPONSORS:          
                 
         
     
                 
     
         
                 
               
                 
           
                 
               
                 
       SUPPORTERS:          
                 
                 
                 
  ITECA Events Team:
e: [email protected]
t: 1300 421 017

             

                 
                 


Tertiary Education News —

/images/ITECA/News/2024/intl-q3/ITECA-NewsGraphic-202400809Intl-370.png
(1/06/2026)

The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) and English Australia have today announced they have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding that will enhance the existing collaboration and engagement between the organisations. More

/images/ITECA/News/2026/CEO%20ITECA%20NEWS%20370.png
(28/05/2026)

The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) has welcomed the appointment of Professor Barney Glover AO as the inaugural Chief Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) More

/images/ITECA/News/2026/CEO%20ITECA%20NEWS%20370.png
(25/05/2026)

Well, as we see quite often in tertiary education, governments restrict choices so that business and students have a much more limited range of options. More

/images/ITECA/News/2024/intl-q3/ITECA-NewsGraphic-20240909RtoIntl-370.png
(18/05/2026)

The Australian Government has taken out its bent regulatory stick by effectively banning innovation from international education. More

/images/ITECA/News/2025/skills-q1/SKILLS%20NEWS%20NCVER%20640.png
(29/01/2026)

NCVER is running a series of research workshops for VET educators and professionals More

/images/ITECA/News/2024/member/ITECA%20Board%20Welcomes%20Appointment%20of%20New%20Independent%20Board%20Chair-640w.png
(22/12/2025)

It can’t be sugar-coated; 2025 has been a tough year for the independent tertiary education sector. More