Host the 2027 APEN Conference

The APEN Board is inviting expressions of interest from members and partners keen to host the 2027 APEN Conference.

Conferences have long been described as the heart and soul of APEN. They're where practitioners, researchers, policy makers and students come together to share what they're learning, test ideas, and build the relationships that carry extension work forward. Each conference takes its character from the people and place that host it, which is why we're opening this up to the network.

What hosting involves

Hosts will have the opportunity to contribute to the design and organisation of a conference tailored to the needs of regional APEN members in that nominated location. The APEN 2027 conference will provide an opportunity for APEN members to exchange ideas and experiences among practitioners, researchers, policymakers and others involved in extension and education.

What we're looking for

• Support the Professional Conference organisers.
• Provide Board Directors for the Committee.
• Support the Committee to ensure the conference is a success.
• Details of past conferences are available.

EOI assessment criteria

Proposals will be assessed against:

1. Ability to meet APEN’s professional development and networking goals.
2. Endeavours to attract a critical mass of attendees.
3. Plan for generating a profit of at least $35,000.
4. Ability to attract sponsorship and partnerships (cash and in-kind).
5. Plan for regular communications and reporting to the APEN board before, during and after the Conference.
6. Confidence that the Organising Committee has the experience and commitment to deliver a high standard APEN conference.

How to submit

Download the full EOI document, which includes all the questions you'll need to answer in your proposal.

Download the EOI

Send your completed proposal to info@apen.org.au by COB 1 June 2026.

Key dates

• EOIs close: 1 June 2026
• Successful parties notified: 26 June 2026

Want to talk it through first?

If you're weighing up whether to put your hand up, a conversation often helps. Get in touch with:

• Olivia Weatherburn, Chair, Professional Development Committee: Olivia.Weatherburn@beeflambnz.com or +64 27 801 7868
• Noel Ainsworth, APEN President: noel.ainsworth@dpi.qld.gov.au or +61 40 900 3909

If a colleague, chapter, research centre or extension team comes to mind, please forward this page along. The best conferences often come from groups who hadn't yet realised they could host one.