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

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Official ITEC26 Conference Opening
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| 9:00 AM |
Hon Ros Bates MP
Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Queensland |
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Presentation
Symposium Opening - Setting the Context
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| 9:30 AM |
Mr Felix Pirie
ITECA Chief Executive Officer |
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Presentation
The International Education Discussion
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| 9:45 AM |
Mr Dirk Mulder
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, The Koala News |
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A comprehensive global and national overview of international education trends, student mobility patterns, and shifting market dynamics shaping the sector today. |
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Presentation
Agent Partnerships That Drive Trust and Sustainability
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| 10:15 AM |
Mr Rob Parsonson
Executive Officer, ISEAA - International Student Education Agents Association |
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An exploration of best-practice strategies for developing ethical, transparent, and high-performing education agent relationships that deliver long-term value. |
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10:45 AM |
Morning Tea |
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Fireside Discussion
Navigating change and pathways for success
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Mr Felix Pirie
Chief Executive Officer, ITECA
Mr Ian Aird
Chief Executive Officer, English Australia |
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| 11:00 AM |
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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. |
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Presentation
Developing Offshore Training Activities |
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| 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 |
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Join us as we explore insights into priority source markets, recovery strategies, and emerging opportunities for growth in international student recruitment. |
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12:45 PM |

Lunch
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Presentation
Sector Outlook: Where Are We Headed Next? |
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Ms Nadia Thompson
Director, Australian Government Department of Education |
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| 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.
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Presentation
International Student Employability |
| 2:15 PM |
Mr Trevor Gauld
Deputy Commissioner, Jobs and Skills Australia |
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Examining the alignment between education delivery, workforce needs, and graduate employability in a competitive global economy. |
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3:00 PM |
Afternoon Tea  |
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Panel Discussion
Competing on Place: How Australian Cities and Regions Win Global Students |
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Mr Toshi Kawaguchi
Director, International Education & Study NSW
Ms Caroline Hartnett
Director, Study Melbourne
Ms Sarina Hobbin
Director, Study Queensland |
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| 3:15 PM |
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A discussion on how destinations differentiate themselves, enhance student experience, and strengthen their global appeal.
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Presentation
Immigration Policy, Visas, and Student Pathways |
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| 4:00 PM |
Mr Matthew Noble
Assistant Secretary, Temporary Visas Branch, Department of Home Affairs |
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An update on visa settings, migration frameworks, and policy developments impacting international students and education providers. |
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ITEC26 eSkilled Welcome Reception
5:00pm - 7:30pm - 3 June 2026
Soleil Pool Bar - Rydges South Bank |
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