2026 Community Education Australia (CEA) Annual Conference

2026 Community Education Australia National Conference 

First step, next step. Never the last step. 

Supporting every learner journey and strengthening the people who make it possible. 

📍 InterContinental Sydney 
16 Phillip Street, Sydney NSW 2000 

📅 Wednesday 11 November 2026 

Shaping What Comes Next for Community Education 

Australia's adult and community education sector plays a critical role in helping people build skills, confidence, connection and opportunity. 

But who isn't reaching us? 

What happens after learners take that first step? 

And who is supporting the workforce that makes those journeys possible? 

The 2026 Community Education Australia National Conference brings together leaders, educators, trainers, policymakers and practitioners from across the country to explore these important questions. 

Under this year's theme, First step, next step. Never the last step, we'll examine how our sector can strengthen participation, support learner progression and invest in the people who make lifelong learning possible. 

Through keynote presentations, sector discussions and networking opportunities, we'll explore how community education can strengthen access, support learner progression and build the workforce capability needed for the future. 

Together, we'll explore what evidence we need, what stories aren't being captured, and how community education can ensure every learner has access to opportunities that continue beyond a single course or program. 

Conference Highlights 

Join sector leaders and decision-makers from across Australia for: 

✅ National keynote speakers 

✅ Expert panel discussions 

✅ Sector insights and future-focused conversations 

✅ Learner participation and engagement insights 

✅ Pathways, progression and community impact case studies 

✅ Networking opportunities throughout the day 

✅ Workforce capability and sector sustainability discussions 

Further speaker and program announcements will be released soon. 

Conference Themes 

First Step 

Access and Engagement 

Nobody enrols in something they think isn't for them. 

This stream explores who is missing from our services, what barriers prevent participation, and how we can better reach those who would benefit from learning opportunities. 

Next Step 

Progression and Pathways 

Somewhere. We should be able to say where. 

From retention and learner engagement to further education, employment and community participation, this stream examines how we understand and support learner progression in all its forms. 

Never the Last Step 

Sector Capability 

The workforce that makes the first two true. 

A strong sector relies on a skilled, supported and sustainable workforce. This stream focuses on workforce development, capability building and ensuring community education continues to meet the needs of learners into the future. 

Gala Dinner Celebration 

Wednesday 11 November 2026 

Following the conference, delegates will come together for an evening of celebration, networking and connection. 

The Gala Dinner provides an opportunity to reflect on the day's discussions, celebrate the achievements of our sector and continue building valuable relationships with colleagues from across Australia. 

Included in all full conference registrations. 

Why Attend? 

Connect 

Meet community education leaders, practitioners, policymakers and decision-makers from across Australia. 

Learn 

Gain practical insights, innovative ideas and sector perspectives that can be applied within your organisation and community. 

Contribute 

Help shape conversations about participation, learner outcomes and workforce development across the adult and community education sector. 

Inspire 

Return to your organisation with new ideas, renewed energy and stronger connections. 

Registration Options 

All prices exclude GST and booking fees. 

CEA Member Ticket 

$400pp 
+GST and booking fee.

Includes: 

• Full Conference Registration 
• Gala Dinner Ticket 
• Access to all conference sessions 

Non CEA Member Ticket 

$500pp 
+GST and booking fee.

Includes: 

• Full Conference Registration 
• Gala Dinner Ticket 
• Access to all conference sessions 

Bring Your Team Package – CEA Members Only  

$990 
+GST and booking fee.

Minimum three full Conference and Gala Dinner tickets for less than $1,000. Bring you team package - $990 and $330 for every extra CEA Member attending. 

Designed for organisations wanting to build capability, encourage shared learning and bring multiple perspectives into sector conversations. 

Includes: 

• Three Conference Registrations 
• Three Gala Dinner Tickets 
• Access to all conference sessions 

Bring your team. Share insights. Shape what comes next. 

Sponsorship Opportunities 

Partner with Community Education Australia and connect with leaders, educators and decision-makers from across Australia's adult and community education sector. 

Sponsorship opportunities provide unique visibility, engagement and networking opportunities with organisations shaping participation, learning and community outcomes nationwide. 

For sponsorship enquiries, please contact the CEA team. 

We Look Forward to Welcoming You to Sydney 

First step, next step. Never the last step. 

Supporting every learner journey and strengthening the people who make it possible. 

Join us on 11 November 2026 as we explore how community education can strengthen participation, support learner progression and build the workforce capability needed for the future. 

Together, we'll help ensure every step leads to another opportunity.