Conference 25

Spotlight on the 2025 NEAS Conference Panels

Posted on 20/03/2025 | by Ed Itor

The 2025 NEAS Conference will include panel discussions that bring together government regulators, and international student leaders, to share their knowledge on the changing education industry. These sessions will explore key challenges and opportunities in the sector, giving attendees a chance to hear directly from those who shape and experience it firsthand.

Government Voices Panel

In this facilitated discussion between a sample of our members and our guests from government, we will take a close look at the challenges facing the sector. Representatives from ASQA and the Tuition Protection Service (TPS) are confirmed to join us, with TEQSA participation pending confirmation. We all know that NEAS membership enhances and complements regulated compliance by embedding continuous improvement. This session will explore how we can best define and maintain quality in an environment of uncertainty and change.

Carmen Basilicata, Executive Director, Integrity Branch, ASQA

Responsible for ASQA’s Integrity Unit, Carmen overseas ASQA’s intelligence, investigations and enforcements operations to prevent and detect threats to the integrity of VET, and to deter and disrupt illegal behaviour and the exploitation of vulnerable students. Carmen is also responsible for entry to the market, ASQA’s primary function to prevent threats and safeguard the integrity of VET, as well as ASQA’s Industry, State and Territory engagement and Course Accreditation functions. Read more…

The Tuition Protection Service Director is a statutory position created under the Commonwealth legislation. Melinda is responsible for the delivery and maintenance of the long-term sustainability of the Tuition Protection Service.

Melinda has held several senior roles in the Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business, with extensive knowledge in operational policy and program management in employment services. Read more…

Melinda Hatton, Director, TPS

International Student Voices Panel

In this panel we will hear the journey of two international students from arrival to belonging, highlighting the challenges they face and the contributions they make to the community.

Ogunbodede Olaitan MD, Medical Practitioner, NSW Health

Olaitan Temitope Ogunbodede is a medical practitioner with NSW health and holds a doctoral degree in Immunology from the University of Sydney.

He arrived in Australia about half a decade ago as an international student from Nigeria on a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade international Scholarships. Read more…

William Nguyen is a student leader, speaker and passionate advocate for international students, dedicated to fostering belonging and building inclusive communities. Arriving in Australia at 15 with no English, he understands the challenges of navigating a new country.

Now a third-year Education/Media Arts student at UNSW, he has spoken to over 7,000 people at universities and conferences, serving as an MC and guest speaker. Read more…

William Nguyen, NSW International Student Ambassador, Study NSW

Register here

Join the conversation

Excited about the 2025 NEAS Conference? So are we!

Be part of the journey by:

Following us on LinkedIn and Facebook for updates and sneak peeks
Spreading the word with #NEAS2025 #PathwaysToBelonging, and sharing our social media banners
Visiting neas.org.au/conference-25 for more information

See you at NEAS 2025!

Facebook

Shaping Pathways to Belonging, the 2025 NEAS Conference is Coming!

Posted on 11/03/2025 | by Ed Itor

A conference for everyone who believes in community

The NEAS 2025 Conference is more than just an industry event: it’s a gathering of people with similar interests and a celebration of belonging.
Our theme this year, “Pathways to Belonging: Our Role in Building Communities,” reminds us of the contributions that international students and migrants make to education, workplaces, and society.

Whether you work in ELICOS, AMEP, higher education, vocational training, or community-based English programs, NEAS 2025 is the conference for you!

Why attend? We have something for everyone

No matter your role in the industry, NEAS 2025 has something for everyone:

Sessions focused on leadership, innovation, and quality assurance in education, helping you stay navigate the complexities of our industry
Practical training sessions and expert-led discussions designed to introduce new teaching techniques, classroom strategies, and insights into student engagement
Opportunities to learn from industry experts, gain career insights, and connect with potential mentors who can guide your professional journey
A hub for collaboration and networking, where decision-makers come together to discuss the future of ELT

At its heart, this conference is a chance to come together as a community – to learn, share, and inspire each other.

The program is taking shape!

We are currently finalising the program, and we can’t wait to share what we have planned!

You can look forward to hearing from inspiring keynote speakers, who will share their insights on creating a sense of belonging and community, drawing on their personal experiences and their work with international students and migrants. You can also look expect sessions focused on innovation and AI, exploring their potential to transform ELT and create wider community benefits.

There will be select hands-on workshops designed to provide practical tools for educators, managers, and industry leaders, offering practical strategies and fresh perspectives.

With dedicated networking opportunities throughout, the conference will also be a hub for connection, collaboration, and meaningful discussions across the ELT sector, and beyond.

Keep an eye on our Conference Program Page for updates!

Join the conversation

Excited about the 2025 NEAS Conference? So are we!

Be part of the journey by:

Following us on LinkedIn and Facebook for updates and sneak peeks
Spreading the word with #NEAS2025 #PathwaysToBelonging, and sharing our social media banners
Visiting neas.org.au/conference-25 for more information

See you at NEAS 2025!

Facebook

Register here

Discover what’s ahead at NEAS 2025: a space to connect and grow together

Posted on 11/03/2025 | by Ed Itor

Inspiration and Innovation

Continuing the tradition of bringing together experts, educators, and industry leaders to share ideas and encourage meaningful discussions, the 2025 NEAS Conference will explore how English Language Teaching (ELT) contributes to building strong, inclusive communities.

At the conference, we’ll consider how leadership, innovation, and quality assurance in ELT work together to influence learning outcomes and support the integration of diverse communities. While we’ll continue to explore trends like AI and its growing influence, we’ll also take a closer look at the impact of these advancements not only in the classroom but also in the broader community.

Connect and Grow

Building on the success of last year’s conference, NEAS 2025 will bring together professionals from across the ELT community. It’s a chance to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and gain a deeper understanding of the different perspectives within our sector.

This year, we focus on strengthening connections and encouraging collaboration, from education to community. The event will provide a space for improving your understanding of the industry, exploring opportunities for collaboration, and discovering new ways to work together for future growth, both personally and professionally.

Shape Your Career

The conference provides practical learning opportunities and the chance to earn CPD points.

For those newer to the sector, NEAS 2025 is the perfect place to refine your skills, learn more about the industry and meet the experts driving its future. For those with more experience, this is an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, share insights, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in ELT.

Join the conversation

Excited about the 2025 NEAS Conference? So are we!

Be part of the journey by:

Following us on LinkedIn and Facebook for updates and sneak peeks
Spreading the word with #NEAS2025 #PathwaysToBelonging, and sharing our social media banners
Visiting neas.org.au/conference-25 for more information

See you at NEAS 2025!

Facebook

Register here

2025 NEAS Conference – Registrations Now Open

Posted on 06/12/2024 | by Ed Itor

Pathways to Belonging: Our Role in Building Communities

In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the role of English Language Teaching (ELT) has expanded beyond language instruction. ELT professionals now play a crucial part in shaping vibrant and inclusive communities where learners can thrive both linguistically and socially. The NEAS Conference 2025 theme, “Pathways to Belonging: Our Role in Building Communities,” highlights how ELT centres and educators are at the forefront of creating learning environments that cultivate belonging for students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Through innovative teaching methods, cultural exchange, and active community engagement, ELT professionals help students not only master the English language but also develop the social, cultural, and leadership skills essential for integration and meaningful participation within communities.

This theme invites participants to explore the transformative power of language in breaking down barriers and uniting people across differences. ELT professionals, including centre directors, student engagement, and teachers, are encouraged to share their experiences in building and strengthening communities.

Focus Questions:

How have you created learning environments that foster a sense of belonging and community among ESL students?
How have you helped students apply language skills in real-world communities?
How can ELT centres build partnerships that support cultural exchange and community cohesion?

With Early Bird Tickets available for members until the end of this month, discounted accommodation, call for abstracts open and sponsorship packages still available, now is the time to get on board!

6 Dec 24