BEA 2026 Biennial Conference Educate for Impact: Shaping Civic, Economic and Financial Futures

Get ready for an unforgettable two-day conference that will energise your teaching and amplify your impact in the Years 7 to 10 classroom!

This exciting national event is all about empowering educators with fresh ideas, innovative approaches, and practical strategies to deliver engaging content that leads to real learning growth.

Across the two days, you’ll experience an inspiring blend of high-profile keynote speakers, industry insights, and teacher-led sessions packed with take-away resources you can use immediately. Plus, on 19 June, enjoy an exclusive site visit to local enterprises, bringing learning beyond the classroom walls. For our interstate and local travellers who are arriving in Melbourne on Wednesday 17 June, join us for a free guided tour of the Werribee Open Range Zoo Elephant Enclosure from 1:00pm. Learn about the commerce applied to running the zoo and meet some of the delegates that you will be learning alongside during the conference.  

This is the only national conference dedicated to Economics and Business and Civics and Citizenship teachers, supported by the BEA and its affiliate associations across Australia. It is an opportunity not to be missed.

Spots are limited, so don’t wait. Secure your place today and be part of one of Australia’s leading education events!


Conference Outline
Download the conference booklet.

BEA & VCTA reserve the right to change the program due to unforeseen circumstances without notice.


Accommodation

Download recommended  accommodation options and special BEA conference rates for select venues.


Photography

Photos may be taken throughout the conference and used for promotional purposes. By purchasing a registration to this conference you are acknowledging that you may be photographed. 

Use of AI and Recording Devices

Conference attendees are not be permitted to use AI or any other device to record presentations from this conference. Conference attendees are not permitted to republish and share conference materials on social media platforms or on any other public platforms outside of their own school environment. They may share conference materials on a secured network for the purposes of educating students within their own school. 


To Register

Click the registration button on the right hand side of this screen. Fill in your details and select the concurrent sessions you wish to attend. 


Questions?

Do you have a question?  Please contact host organisation VCTA on 03 9419 9622 or email [email protected] and our staff will help you.


  Platinum Sponsor & Strategic Partner   Venue Sponsor
 

 



When
18/06/2026 8:45 AM - 19/06/2026 3:30 PM
AUS Eastern Standard Time
Where
Level 8, 750 Collins Street Docklands, VIC 3008 AUSTRALIA
Registration
Sign in or create an account to register
Last day to register is 5/06/2026

Program

Wednesday, 17 June 2026

Description
Arriving early to Melbourne and wishing to learn more about what is on offer in commerce education, Zoos Victoria has invited BEA Conference delegates on a behind-the-scenes look at Zoos Victoria's commerce program, based at Werribee Open Range Zoo. This program offers teachers and students alike a real-world look into the complex decision-making and stakeholder management of the Elephant Trial managing legal, ethical and social considerations in its operations system.  A private charter has been booked to take delegates from Monash College on Collins Street, Melbourne CBD at 1:00pm and will return no later than 6:00pm, exact pick up and drop off points will be provided upon registration. Please note, this is an all weather event, so delegates are advised to wear closed-toe shoes, and BYO wet weather gear in case of rain.
Time
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Spots available
16
1:00 PM

Thursday, 18 June 2026

Description
President of BEA: Debbie Perrett
Time
8:45 AM - 9:10 AM
8:45 AM
Hosted by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon, this national Business Educators Australasia panel will bring together expert educators and industry voices to discuss the critical role teachers can play in shaping the economics, financial, and civic futures of young people.  Aligned with the theme 'Educate for Impact', this session will explore why these learning areas matter to our young people now more than ever and how the education system can empower students to become financially capable, economically informed, and civically engaged citizens. Presented by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon, with Panel Members: Naomi Walsh, CA ANZ, Roset Khair, Ecstra Foundation, Michelle Wright, RBA; Dr Adam Brodie-McKenzie, La Trobe University; Dr Carly Sawatzki, Deakin University; Joy Russell, BEA Councillor & BEAT President and Dr Hugh Gundlach, University of Melbourne.
Time
9:10 AM - 11:10 AM
9:10 AM
With Jazmin Nardelli & Bianca Drum, Marryatville High School (South Australia) and Dr Carly Sawatzki, Deakin University
Category
Breakout Sessions Thursday 18 June
Time
11:40 AM - 12:30 PM
Spots available
11
11:40 AM
Lara Porczak, Loyola College (Victoria)
Category
Breakout Sessions Thursday 18 June
Time
11:40 AM - 12:30 PM
Spots available
11
11:40 AM
Heidi Cornelissen, Brentwood Secondary College (Victoria)
Category
Breakout Sessions Thursday 18 June
Time
11:40 AM - 12:30 PM
Spots available
8
11:40 AM
Julie Cain, Educational Consultant (Victoria)
Category
Breakout Sessions Thursday 18 June
Time
12:35 PM - 1:25 PM
Spots available
16
12:35 PM
Rachelle Willington, Manager, National Priority Projects, ACARA
Category
Breakout Sessions Thursday 18 June
Time
12:35 PM - 1:25 PM
Spots available
0
12:35 PM
Clare Rafferty & Megan Drying, Ringwood Secondary College (Victoria)
Category
Breakout Sessions Thursday 18 June
Time
12:35 PM - 1:25 PM
Spots available
14
12:35 PM
Melody White, Senior Advisor - People Capability and Leadership, Brisbane Catholic Education (Queensland)
Category
Breakout Sessions Thursday 18 June
Time
3:15 PM - 4:05 PM
Spots available
17
3:15 PM
James Gibson, Social Media and Content Director, Naarm Law Students & Beth Woodhead, Education Officer, VCTA
Category
Breakout Sessions Thursday 18 June
Time
3:15 PM - 4:05 PM
Spots available
12
3:15 PM
Mary Pettinger, St Peter’s College (South Australia)
Category
Breakout Sessions Thursday 18 June
Time
3:15 PM - 4:05 PM
Spots available
3
3:15 PM
Damian Nicholson, National Manager, Digital Learning and Program Development, Financial Basics Foundation Marianne Riley-Dunstan, Harrisdale Senior High School (Western Australia)
Category
Breakout Sessions Thursday 18 June
Time
4:10 PM - 5:00 PM
Spots available
10
4:10 PM
Stephanie Smith, Head of Learning and Museum Experience, Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House
Category
Breakout Sessions Thursday 18 June
Time
4:10 PM - 5:00 PM
Spots available
10
4:10 PM
RBA Education Team (New South Wales)
Category
Breakout Sessions Thursday 18 June
Time
4:10 PM - 5:00 PM
Spots available
10
4:10 PM
This event will be held at Platform 28 and is a short walk from the conference venue.
Time
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Spots available
7
5:30 PM
The 2026 BEA Conference dinner will be held at Platform 28 and is a short walk from the venue. This item is an additional cost and includes food only. Drinks at bar prices.
Time
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Spots available
10
6:30 PM

Friday, 19 June 2026

Description
Explore how commerce and international trade operates, where goods are stored once they arrive and how they are shipped into other states from the Port of Melbourne. If time permits, there will be a bus tour around the Port.
Category
Breakout Sessions Friday 19 June
Time
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Spots available
8
8:30 AM
Explore the Old City Watch House over breakfast and then head to the Old Melbourne Gaol to discover the crimes, criminals and consequences of days past.
Category
Breakout Sessions Friday 19 June
Time
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Spots available
22
8:30 AM
Josephine Comegna, Redbank Plains State High School (Queensland)
Category
Breakout Sessions Friday 19 June
Time
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Spots available
13
11:00 AM
Hetal Raniga, Sheldon College (Queensland)
Category
Breakout Sessions Friday 19 June
Time
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Spots available
5
11:00 AM
Alec Renehan & Bryce Leske, Co-Founders, Equity Mates, and Ryan Dodson, Deception Bay State High School (Queensland)
Category
Breakout Sessions Friday 19 June
Time
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
Spots available
29
11:00 AM
Team from St Peters Lutheran College (Queensland)
Category
Breakout Sessions Friday 19 June
Time
11:55 AM - 12:45 PM
Spots available
26
11:55 AM
Educations Services Australia
Category
Breakout Sessions Friday 19 June
Time
11:55 AM - 12:45 PM
Spots available
12
11:55 AM
Dr Adam Brodie-McKenzie, Lecturer, La Trobe University
Category
Breakout Sessions Friday 19 June
Time
11:55 AM - 12:45 PM
Spots available
9
11:55 AM
Sansha Johnson, Wesley College (Victoria)
Category
Breakout Sessions Friday 19 June
Time
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM
Spots available
21
1:45 PM
Joy Pathmanathan-Bartsch, St Peter’s Girls’ School (South Australia)
Category
Breakout Sessions Friday 19 June
Time
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM
Spots available
11
1:45 PM
Maree McGinty, The Springfield Anglican College (Queensland)
Category
Breakout Sessions Friday 19 June
Time
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM
Spots available
12
1:45 PM
2:30 PM
2:45 PM