The 2025 NAFEA Conference will be held Wednesday, 29 October –  Friday, 31 October 2025 at Novotel Geelong/Djilang.

The NAFEA Conference brings together WIL professionals, researchers, placement providers, policymakers, and administrators from across the country to explore emerging trends and challenges in WIL. We welcome people already working in WIL or who are interested in learning more about this exciting, growing area.

WHERE:
Novotel Geelong/Djilang

WHEN:
Wednesday, 29 October – Friday, 31 October 2025

THEME:
The WIL Effect: Shaping the Future World of Work

Call for Presenters

Call for abstracts close on 31 May 2025.

We welcome presenters and breakouts on the broader theme of the conference ‘The WIL Effect: Shaping the Future World of Work’, as well as related to:

• Rural & Regional
• Risk Management, Safety and Wellbeing
• Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
• Neurodiversity and accessibility
• Indigenous knowledges & perspectives
• WIL partnerships
• AI, automation, and emerging technologies

We welcome submissions from a diverse range of contributors representing the range of WIL stakeholders including NAFEA members, placement providers, supervisors, community organisers, WIL researchers, academics and WIL practitioners. We encourage submissions by those who may not have presented at or attended a NAFEA conference before.

Key Dates:

• Abstract Submission Deadline: 31 May 2025
• Notification of Acceptance: 31 July 2025
• Final Paper or Presentation Submission: 1 September 2025

To find out more about presentation options and criteria, please see the NAFEA abstract submission form.

Conference Registration

Conferences Prices:

Note: the above pricing reflects the full three-day conference options. Single-day only tickets are also available.

To register or view further ticket information, go to our humanitix events page.

Dr. Michelle J. Eady is a Professor in the School of Education, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Wollongong, Australia. She is a Fellow of both the Higher Education Research and Development Society of Australasia (HERDSA) and The International Society for the Scholarship of Teaching & Learning (ISSOTL), and holds a Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). Michelle, a Fulbright Scholar and the current past-president of ISSOTL, holds a national teaching citation for her work in quality teacher preparation. Her research interests include the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), Work integrated learning (WIL), Indigenous Studies and current issues in Education. She looks forward to making meaningful connections with others who are passionate about Teaching and Learning!

Professor Michelle J. Eady  (she/her/hers)

Visiting Professor, Carleton University, Ottawa, Canada

Dr. Faith Valencia-Forrester is a leading expert in Work-Integrated Learning (WIL), experiential education, and higher education strategy. With a strong background in learning experience design, professional development, and academic capacity building, Faith has worked extensively to enhance student employability, industry partnerships, and inclusive learning environments.

Currently serving as Academic Lead Work-integrated Learning at Charles Sturt University, Faith is passionate about integrating innovative pedagogies, social impact projects, and digital learning strategies to bridge the gap between education and real-world challenges.

A champion for equitable and accessible WIL opportunities, Faith has contributed to national and international initiatives that empower students to engage in transformative learning experiences. Faith brings insights, practical strategies, and thought-provoking perspectives to redefine the future of education and workforce development.

Dr. Faith Valencia-Forrester 

Academic Lead (Work-integrated Learning)

Why Attend?

Held every two years, the NAFEA Conference provides a valuable forum to discuss the latest opportunities and challenges in WIL, offering practical strategies and innovative solutions. Whether you are an academic, professional staff member, or industry partner, this conference will provide insights to enhance your understanding and practice of WIL.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking community exploring the future of work and WIL together!

Stay tuned for the full conference program.

We look forward to seeing you in Geelong/Djilang!

Program Overview

*Times are subject to change

Wednesday, 29 October 2025

6pm – 8pm
Welcome Drinks

Thursday, 30 October 2025

8:30am – 5:00pm
Conference

6:30pm – 10:30pm
Conference Dinner

Friday, 31 October 2025

9:00am – 3pm
Conference

Delegates can book directly with Novotel Geelong via the dedicated 2025 NAFEA Conference booking link. Please note that accommodation will be subject to availability.

Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to Novotel Geelong

Avalon Airport (AVV) to Novotel Geelong

For more details, check the official transport websites or contact your preferred provider.

Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you to in Geelong/Djilang! 

Supporting Associations

Other associations can show their support by promoting the NAFEA Conference. We will display your association logo. Please contact us if you would like to support the NAFEA Conference through in-kind contributions.

Sponsors

Sponsorship packages are available and can be tailored to your needs. If you are interested in sponsoring or supporting the 2025 NAFEA conference, please contact us.