There's something powerful that happens when a collective of passionate and curious humans gather in one place.

ATEM2025 wasn't just a conference, it was a convergence of ideas, energy, camaraderie and purpose. From the first coffee queue to the final keynote, the atmosphere was electric.

Most importantly, we reminded each other why this sector matters to us all so deeply.
 

Held in Canberra from 7–10 September 2025, our flagship event brought together passionate professionals from across tertiary education, to connect, engage and thrive.

The week unfolded with vibrant energy, from museum dinners and mindfulness sessions to bold keynotes and hallway conversations that sparked new ideas. Every moment contributed to a shared experience that shaped something extraordinary.

Voices that moved us

From Rachael Robertson’s opening keynote on leadership in action to Michael Bungay Stanier’s closing call to courage, ATEM2025 was packed with moments that stirred hearts and minds.

Across the three-day program, delegates explored student voice, academic workload reform, regional campus strategy and data skills for workforce readiness. The “Impact through Advocacy” keynote panel brought together some of the sector’s most influential voices, sparking bold conversations about influence, equity and long-term change.

Whether diving into LinkedIn strategy, exploring resilience in times of change, or swapping insights over coffee, ATEM2025 was a space to reflect, reimagine, and lead with purpose.zz

Connection and finding your tribe

It wasn’t just about ideas, it was about connection. Delegates joined meditation sessions, morning runs and even booked massages between panels. The UniSuper Coffee Cart kept everyone fuelled, and the conference dinner at the National Museum of Australia brought colour, creativity and community to life, complete with a walk through the magical Mr Squiggle and Friends exhibition.

New delegates were welcomed through the “Grow Your Conference Tribe” program, pairing first-timers with seasoned peers to foster connection and confidence. It was a beautiful reminder that impact grows through relationships.
 

What our delegates said

Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with attendees describing the experience as recharging, generous and sector-shaping. Here’s a glimpse of what they shared:

"The way delegates leaned in and were generous with their wisdom and learning."

"A greater sense of excitement about what I want to do next."

"It brought together experts and leaders I wouldn't ordinarily hear from, who were able to share sector-wide, longer-term perspectives."

"Hearing from colleagues on issues that I am dealing with and seeing how other unis are tackling those issues."

"Presenting after wanting to do so for years."

"Conference dinner - just beautiful."

These reflections speak to the power of shared learning, cross-sector dialogue, and the joy of reconnecting in person.

Check out all the moments in our photo gallery

Our professional photo gallery captured by GFP Events is now live. From plenary sessions to museum fun, wellness activities to coffee cart chats, these images tell the story of a vibrant, values-led community coming together. View the ATEM2025 Photo Gallery

Thank you to our Conference Partners

A heartfelt thank you to our ATEM2025 IMPACT partners for championing sector leadership and enriching the delegate experience. Your enthusiasm, insights, and support helped make this event unforgettable.

What’s next?

ATEM is here year-round with leadership programs, mentoring, and professional development tailored for the sector. We’re already planning ATEM2026, so stay tuned for details!

If you’d like to help shape ATEM2026, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at conference@atem.org.au