The WIL in Practice Virtual Conference brings together the Work‑Integrated Learning (WIL) community to share practice, research, and scholarship that strengthens learner outcomes, partnerships, and impact.

This part‑day virtual conference provides a collegial forum for WIL practitioners, educators, researchers, and partners to explore contemporary issues, innovative models, and emerging opportunities in WIL across disciplines and sectors.

The conference is proudly sponsored by NAFEA.

WHERE:
Online

WHEN:
Thursday, 12 November 2026 [10:00am – 3:00pm AEST (UTC+10)]

International Time Zones:

 Australia

• AWST (WA): 7:00am – 12:00pm
• ACST (NT): 9:30am – 2:30pm
• ACDT (SA): 10:30am – 3:30pm
• AEST (Queensland): 10:00am – 3:00pm
• AEDT (NSW, VIC, ACT, TAS): 11:00am – 4:00pm

 New Zealand

• NZDT (UTC+13): 1:00pm – 6:00pm

 Canada

• Pacific Standard Time (PST): 4:00pm – 9:00pm (11 Nov)
• Mountain Standard Time (MST): 5:00pm – 10:00pm (11 Nov)
• Central Standard Time (CST): 6:00pm – 11:00pm (11 Nov)
• Eastern Standard Time (EST): 7:00pm (11 Nov) – 12:00am (12 Nov)
• Atlantic Standard Time (AST): 8:00pm (11 Nov) – 1:00am (12 Nov)
• Newfoundland Standard Time (NST): 8:30pm (11 Nov) – 1:30am (12 Nov)

PROGRAM: To be announced

Purpose of the Conference

The WIL in Practice Virtual Conference is designed to:

• Showcase practice‑informed research and scholarship in WIL
• Share practical approaches, innovations, and lessons learned
• Foster collaboration and dialogue across education, industry, and community
• Strengthen the quality, equity, and sustainability of WIL experiences

A wide range of perspectives are encouraged, including contributions from:

• Professional staff and WIL practitioners
• Early‑career and experienced academics
• Industry and community partners
• Alumni and students
• Accreditation bodies and professional associations
• Government and policy personnel

Conference Themes

Submissions and sessions may address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

• WIL in Rural & Regional Contexts
• Staff and Student Wellbeing in WIL
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in WIL
• Indigenous Knowledges and Perspectives in WIL
• AI, Automation, and Emerging Technologies in WIL
• Building and Sustaining Effective WIL Partnerships
• Quality, Impact, and Accountability in WIL
• Global Learning and International WIL
• Celebrating Success: Showcasing Impact and Innovation in WIL

We welcome contributions that highlight practice, research, evaluation, partnership models, student voice, and innovative approaches to WIL.

Call for Submissions

Submissions are invited from across the WIL ecosystem. Presentations may include practice‑based cases, research findings, reflective insights, partnership models, or emerging ideas related to WIL.

Key submission dates

• Final date for submissions: 31 July 2026
• Outcomes notified: 1 September 2026

Bursary Applicants

Applicants seeking a bursary must submit earlier than the standard submission deadline.

• Bursary applications due: 30 June 2026
  (includes abstract for the virtual conference)
• Applicants notified: 15 July 2026

Registration Information

• Registrations close: 11 November 2026
• Registration fees:
  • Free for NAFEA members
  • Free for students associated with NAFEA institutional members
  • $60 for non-members.

Conference Registration

Conferences:

To be announced

Program Overview

*Times are subject to change

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.

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.