The National Education Summit Brisbane will be held on 14 – 15 May 2026 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, bringing together four conferences that move beyond theory and into the realities shaping today’s classrooms.
Spanning AI, inclusion, wellbeing and school libraries, the programs reflect the complexity of modern teaching, while highlighting how educators can respond with clarity, creativity and care.
At the forefront of innovation, the AI in the Classroom Conference explores how artificial intelligence can enhance – not replace – teaching and learning. Mr Grant Jones (Western Sydney University) will challenge educators to rethink AI’s role in his session ‘It’s Only the Beginning … Using AI as a Springboard, Not the End Point.’ Rather than viewing AI as a shortcut, Mr Jones positions it as a powerful catalyst for inquiry, critical thinking and creativity. His practical examples demonstrate how teachers can use AI to support differentiation and assessment while maintaining professional judgement and academic integrity.
Complementing this, Ms Jo Muirhead (Canva Learning Consultant) delivers an interactive workshop on Canva Magic, where educators will experiment with AI-powered tools to design engaging, student-driven learning experiences. From generating lesson materials to building interactive quizzes and games, this session offers hands-on strategies that blend creativity with ethical AI use, leaving participants inspired and classroom-ready.
The Diverse Learners Symposium shines a light on inclusion and the often unseen experiences of students. Ms Millie Carr (Warringa Park School) addresses the critical issue of masking in ‘Spotting Hidden Struggles and Creating Classrooms Where Students Don’t Have to Pretend’. Her session unpacks how students conceal their needs to fit in and equips educators with the tools to recognise subtle warning signs and respond with compassion, fostering truly safe learning environments.
Ms Sarah Glencross (The Sycamore School) continues this important conversation in ‘Navigating Education with Adverse Childhood Experiences’. Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience, she provides a powerful dual perspective on supporting students impacted by trauma. Attendees will gain practical, trauma-informed strategies to build resilience and create environments where all learners can thrive.
Wellbeing takes centre stage in the Wellbeing for Future Focused Schools Conference, where evidence-based approaches meet whole-school culture. Mr Sam Wright (Padua College) explores ‘Cultivating Mental Health Literacy Through Data-Informed Approaches,’ demonstrating how social and emotional learning, combined with strategic use of data, can foster respectful, flourishing school communities.
Mr Andrew King (Ōropi School, NZ) offers a compelling perspective on ‘Leadership for Whole School and Teacher Wellbeing – Rural Contexts’. Drawing on his experience in a rural setting, Mr King highlights the power of community, environment and authentic learning experiences in strengthening wellbeing across students, staff and families.
Finally, the Capacity Building School Libraries Conference reaffirms the vital role libraries play in contemporary education. Dr Kay Oddone (Charles Sturt University) presents ‘Constellations of Practice’, encouraging educators to recognise and harness the existing strengths within school libraries to build connected, future-focused learning environments, without adding to workload pressures.
Ms Ela Sircelj (Loreto Kirribilli) brings a personal and inspiring lens in ‘Reigniting Passion, Renewing Purpose’. Her session celebrates the often-unsung impact of library professionals, offering practical strategies to sustain enthusiasm, foster community engagement, and strengthen the library’s role at the heart of school life.
Together, these conferences reflect the Summit’s commitment to meaningful and actionable professional learning.
Group discount offer
There is also a strong emphasis on collective growth, with schools encouraged to attend as teams, recognising that meaningful change happens through shared learning and collaboration. To support this, groups of three or more delegates can access a 25 per cent registration discount using the code GROUP26.
Find out more and view programs: https://nationaleducationsummit.com.au/brisbane/
