This year’s theme, Connected Teams, Powerful Impact, reflects the purpose of our one-day conference: bringing together our teaching, assessment, digital learning and professional teams for a shared experience that strengthens collaboration and amplifies our collective impact.
Across the day, we will focus on the skills, insights and teamwork that help us change lives through education and assessment. The conference is designed to connect us; support the important work we do every day and create space for purposeful professional development.
You’ll take part in a full day of professional learning designed to support your growth, strengthen collaboration, and build capability across our BKI community. The program includes:
Date : Tuesday 14 April 2026
Venue : Red Energy Arena, 95 Inglis Street, Bendigo
No | Agenda Item | Timing | ||
1 | Registration, tea/coffee and refreshment | 8.30am – 10.20am | ||
2 | Everyone seated | 10.20am – 10.30am | ||
3 | Welcome to All, quick housekeeping | 10.30am – 10.35am | ||
4 | Welcome to Country / Acknowledgment | 10.35am – 10.45am | ||
5 | CEO Welcome | 10.45am – 11.15am | ||
6 | Group Professional Development - The Friction Fix | 11.15am – 12.00pm | ||
7 | Lunch | 12.00pm – 12.50pm | ||
8 | Move to PD sessions | 12.50pm – 1.00pm | ||
9 | PD session no. 2 (6 options available) |
1.00pm – 1.50pm | ||
PD | Extended Reality (XR) in Education | Nano Learning | Embedding Neuroinclusive Approaches (teaching staff) | |
The Mental Health Continuum: Knowing the Signs, Finding the Balance | AI Developments in 2026 | Design Thinking in Action | ||
10 | Quick Break, move to next session | 1.50pm – 2.00pm | ||
11 | PD session no. 3 (Same 6 options available) |
2.00pm – 2.50pm | ||
PD | Extended Reality (XR) in Education | Nano Learning | Embedding Neuroinclusive approaches (teaching staff) | |
The Mental Health Continuum: Knowing the Signs, Finding the Balance | AI Developments in 2026 | Design Thinking in Action | ||
12 | Move to Plenary | 2.50pm – 3.00pm | ||
13 | Keynote Speaker Alex Moffat | 3.00pm – 3.45pm | ||
14 | Wrap up in main Plenary | 3.45pm – 4.00pm | ||
15 | Close | 4.00pm | ||
| Topic | Audience | Presenter | Educator Passport Points |
|---|---|---|---|
Extended Reality (XR) in Education Extended Reality (XR) can transform teaching and learning by creating immersive, skills-focused experiences that go far beyond traditional classroom methods. In this session, we’ll unpack what XR is, why it’s rapidly becoming essential in vocational education, and showcase practical examples of XR and immersive learning already being used across various educational institutions and industries. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of XR fundamentals, and how immersive learning can elevate learner engagement and outcomes. | All Staff | Jesse Harrison | 4 Professional Currency Points |
Nano Learning Make Learning more engaging with Nano Learning - this session will introduce Nano Learning as a simple, relatable way to make learning more engaging and immediately useful. We’ll show what it is, why it works, and how it’s already being used across different teaching areas through three quick real-world examples. Staff will walk away knowing exactly how to start using endorsed tools, where to get support, and how Nano Learning can strengthen everyday practice. | Teaching, eWorks & Corrections | Elissa McKenzie, Kent Martin, Lucy Price, Berry McSherry, Jeanette Swain | 4 Professional Currency Points |
The Mental Health Continuum: Knowing the Signs, Finding the Balance Mental health exists on a continuum - from thriving and energised to overwhelmed or stuck. Just as we care for our physical health, we must actively care for our wellbeing, especially in demanding environments. This workshop explores the science of stress and anxiety, and how our thoughts can amplify or settle our response. The focus is practical: identifying tipping points and building strategies and supports that help regulate so you can sustain your energy, effectiveness and care for others - both across your workday and beyond. | All Staff | Isabel Duncan | Not Applicable |
The Friction Fix: Embedding Neuroinclusion in teaching Building on the Neuroinclusion plenary session, this session will continue to educate teaching staff about neurodivergent needs spectrums and how to recognise and support them within learning environments. They will be supported to identify their own needs and boundaries as educators, and embed universal design principles in their education delivery, to increase accessibility for students. | Teachers | Helen Hutchins | 4 Professional Currency Points |
AI Developments in 2026 To effectively prepare for the future, BKI’s approach to AI must shift from focusing solely on current practices to anticipating what lies ahead and how the organisation can respond responsibly. Instead of dwelling on “how AI works today”, we shall discuss a shift to move to “what’s coming next and how BKI prepares responsibly”. This future-focused lens is especially relevant for Teachers, Non-Teachers, VETASSESS, and eWorks staff covering the following areas :
| All Staff | Dilan Perera Guy Moxley Marie Andriopoulos Rebecca Laspatzis Dan Polifore | 4 Professional Currency Points |
Design Thinking in Action A hands‑on workshop that introduces staff to a human‑centred approach to solving real workplace challenges. Working collaboratively, participants will build empathy, define problems clearly, and generate practical ideas they can apply in their own roles. No prior experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to participate. | All Staff | Jessica Flynn | Not Applicable |
As part of your conference registration, you will be asked to provide the following details:
Your selected PD workshops
Choose one option for Session Two and one option for Session Three from the six PD sessions detailed above.
Your travel arrangements
Confirm how you plan to travel to and from the event. Options available include:
• Bus from Broadmeadows campus
• Train from Southern Cross, including shuttle transfers
• Driving and using a BKI fleet vehicle or car sharing
Accessibility or support requirements
Let us know if there is anything you need on the day to participate comfortably.
Completing your registration promptly helps us plan transport, seating, catering and workshop numbers, ensuring a smooth and well coordinated event for all staff. Registration will close on Friday 27 March 2026.
Is attendance mandatory?
Yes. This conference is considered a workday, and all staff are expected to attend. All campuses and locations will be closed for the day to support full participation. We understand illness or preplanned leave may affect some team members, so please follow normal processes and advise your line manager if this applies to you.
Is the conference open to casual/sessional staff?
Yes it is.
I am a casual/sessional employee and I don’t normally work on the day the conference is being held. Do I need to attend?
If it is not a normal work day for you, then you do not need to attend - but if you can attend, then you will be paid for the day.
Will accommodation be supplied?
No. This is a one day event with start and finish times designed to allow travel to and from home on the same day. Accommodation will not be approved via CTM for Monday 13 April or Tuesday 14 April. If there are extenuating circumstances, please discuss this with your line manager ahead of completing your registration. Approval will be required from your Executive for any accommodation bookings.
Will transport from Melbourne be supplied?
We look forward to seeing you there.
This is an important moment to come together as one BKI community, strengthen our connections and demonstrate how connected teams create powerful impact for the learners, industries and communities we serve.