A Look Back on Our Favourite AIEC Memories Over the Years

AIEC 2024 is just around the corner, and in anticipation of this momentous event we decided to look back on the memories and moments which have shaped the annual conference thus far. To do this, we spoke with some of the Australian international education sector’s leading figures and stakeholders about their favourite memories from AIEC over the years, as well as what they’re most looking forward to when AIEC returns to the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre, on 22 to 25 October.

How many AIECs have you attended?

Well into double figures. My guess would be 16 or 17.

So far, what has been your favourite AIEC moment?

There are countless but I have to say last year in Adelaide when I was called up on stage to receive the IEAA Excellence Award for outstanding contribution to international education. That was pretty special as I’ve always been completely in awe of all the other recipients. I have also loved the AIEC sessions on climate action when large crowds have showed up. The first one was the talk by my former colleague and total inspiration, Rob MacDonald at Adelaide in 2015, then my own session on the topic in Perth in 2019. Both of those made me realise that people really do care and felt like important shifts.

Which particular AIEC was your most memorable and why?

My first AIEC will always stay with me. It was on the Gold Coast back in 2005 after I’d already been working in the sector for five years, and I was completely blown away by the breadth and depth of knowledge on display, and by the existence of a conceptual framework for the sector that I hadn’t previously appreciated.

Whilst attending AIEC, what has been the most memorable connection you’ve made with a fellow attendee?

I hate to be a cop out but rather than naming any individual, I have to say AIEC 2022, back on the Gold Coast again. That feeling of everyone coming together after having been kept apart for so long by the pandemic was very special. It was like a collective group hug and a reminder of why we do what we do, and that so many of us actually really like each other!

What’s the best part about attending AIEC each year?

Catching up with old friends, getting the sense of how everyone is and what’s happening across the sector. Most importantly of course, wondering what gorgeous outfit Alek Voninski and Shehan Thampapillai will wear to the conference dinner this year!

If money/spacetime were no object, who would you like to hear keynote at AIEC, dead or alive?

Nelson Mandela, Greta Thunberg and Simone Biles. Any or all of them!

Looking at this year’s program, what are you most looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to hearing Dr Jordan Nguyen again as I remember how great his talk was at a previous AIEC. I also try never to miss Jon Chew’s sessions as he always has thoughtful and thought-provoking insights to share. Mostly though, I’m looking forward to immersing myself in our world and connecting with all the fabulous people that make international education the best sector on the planet!

How many AIECs have you attended?

Only about 5 or 6 over the years. It’s such a welcoming and inclusive group of people that you only have to attend a couple and you’ll quickly feel like you belong.

So far, what has been your favourite AIEC moment?

Forgive the humble brag, but winning the IEAA Excellence Award for Professional Commentary. I’ve done many on-stage presentations, and even though I didn’t need to say a word – just walk up and collect my award and smile – I was full of nervous excitement. It was a very meaningful moment for me, both personally and professionally.

Which particular AIEC was your most memorable and why?

AIEC 2022 was the most memorable thus far. It was the first one back in-person following the COVID-19 pandemic. The optimism, energy, and sheer joy of being able to get together with colleagues was invigorating.

Whilst attending AIEC, what has been the most memorable connection you’ve made with a fellow attendee?

Seeing Helen Zimmerman receive the Lifetime Membership award was a memorable re-connection. Having not seen Helen in a few years, I was reminded of how she made a very big impression on me earlier on in my career. Her deep expertise and intellect, passion for international education, and kindness makes her a role model for me and so many others.

What’s the best part about attending AIEC each year?

AIEC is a wonderful opportunity to catch up with colleagues within Navitas and with our university partners, given we mostly see each other on Zoom! Quite often there is also a nice surprise when colleagues from the UK, Canada or elsewhere are able to attend. I’ve always found that AIEC creates this perfect environment for organised meetings, serendipity, and new encounters.

If money/spacetime were no object, who would you like to hear keynote at AIEC, dead or alive?

I would love to hear Malcolm Gladwell’s take on our sector. Looking across all of his disparate books and topics, I think he would have some terrific insights on our sector, our institutions and our students.

Looking at this year’s program, what are you most looking forward to?

There are too many to mention but so far my top three would be; ‘The Competitor Update’, with Jamie Arrowsmith and Larissa Bezo; ‘Expectations Versus Reality: Insights into the International Student Journey’ with Alek Voninski, Hayley Shields, and Catherine McHugh; ‘How is the Human Element in Client Relationships Evolving in China?’ with Peter Murray, Corina Huang, Yanping Zhang, and Shirley Chung. Given that I’ve also spent many months labouring on my presentation, ‘The Next Era of International Education’, I’m really looking forward to sharing that and being a part of the conversations that will follow.

Hey Ren. How many AIECs have you attended?

I’ve attended AIEC regularly since 2013. There were one or two online, but otherwise I’ve attended in-person 10 times. The first AIEC I attended was in Canberra.

So far, what has been your favourite AIEC moment?

At the first AIEC I attended I met the president of IEAA which was Helen Zimmerman. That was the first time I engaged with the president of IEAA. She was hosting the roundtable for research on international education. Those meetings are very memorable. Nowadays, I’ve been conducting the pre-conference workshop, one-on-one for the country colleagues that have just entered international education. It’s called ‘International Education 101’.

Which particular AIEC was your most memorable and why?

They’re all memorable. Every AIEC is different and unique. It’s about networking and meeting all colleagues from all different sectors and countries. It’s also about sharing what you have and learning from others. At the beginning I was learning and engaging, but now I’m giving.

Whilst attending AIEC, what has been the most memorable connection you’ve made with a fellow attendee?

My first memorable connection was with Helen Zimmerman. It was the first time I engaged with IEAA, through AIEC. Last year I met with the CEO of IDP, Tennealle O’Shannessy, and that was quite memorable. She’s young, energetic, and eloquent.

What’s the best part about attending AIEC each year?

That would be the networking, engaging, learning, and giving.

If money/spacetime were no object, who would you like to hear keynote at AIEC, dead or alive?

I would love to hear from the CEO’s of the organisations like IDP, as well as the chancellors of universities, directors of TAFEs, headmasters of schools, and the policymakers. I would also like to hear from international students, because they are the reason we are having AIEC in the first place.

Looking at this year’s program, what are you most looking forward to

I will be giving the pre-conference workshop again. You pass your knowledge and experience to the next generation of the practitioner. It’s the continuity of our industry and our sector. All the awards and recognitions are also important. We’re always sure to continue championing the practitioner.

Hey Rob. How many AIECs have you attended?

I’ve done 28 on the trot, and I’ve spoken at 28 on the trot. My first AIEC was 1995. It was different back then. It was a much smaller sector, and we were mainly dealing with Southeast Asia. It was early days for me, and early days for the sector. I’ve since done 49 speeches at AIEC.

So far, what has been your favourite AIEC moment?

My highlight would be being given the Distinguished Contribution Award in IEAA’s Excellence Awards in 2014. I never expected it, but it was definitely a personal highlight. My favourite presentation was in 2000, in which I gave a speech on students from Asia. It was the first time market research had been used to inform the sector. I’ve always tried to intersect what the market needs.

Which particular AIEC was your most memorable and why?

They’re all different, and they’re all memorable. The year before last when everybody got together after the pandemic on the Gold Coast was particularly memorable.

Whilst attending AIEC, what has been the most memorable connection you’ve made with a fellow attendee?

There’s no specific attendee, but I particularly enjoy meeting the colleagues from overseas.

What’s the best part about attending AIEC each year?

It’s the focus-point for the year. It’s my home conference and it’s become part of my DNA. That said, I attend conferences sparingly. I’m not a great conference person, nor do I have the luxury of time to go to lots of them. AIEC is different. I commit because it’s my home conference.

If money/spacetime were no object, who would you like to hear keynote at AIEC, dead or alive?

I like people who’ve experienced similar journeys in the growth industries that’ve been unrecognised as they’ve grown. I’m talking about leaders in next generation companies, people who’ve helped to grow tourism, travel, transport, utilities, energy etc. People who really push the boundaries of their sector. I enjoy hearing from educators, but we always need to learn from other industries and other people’s experiences otherwise we become very navel-gazing.

Looking at this year’s program, what are you most looking forward to?

It’s mostly the event itself that I’m interested in. It’s the corridor-talk, it’s suddenly bumping into people and having a conversation with them. That’s the value to me.

Registration for AIEC 2024 closes Thursday, 17 October. To make sure you don’t miss out on this exciting event, register today via the official AIEC website.