Conference & AGM 2026

15 – 18 September | Melbourne

The Future-Facing University

Leadership from the arts, social sciences and humanities

Higher education is being reshaped by AI, digital transformation and shifting expectations from governments, communities and industry. The 2026 DASSH conference explores how universities can lead, teach, research and govern effectively, and how the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities can continue to contribute to institutional strength and long-term capabilities. With expert speakers, panels and interactive discussions and, this is a must-attend event for those driving innovation and leadership in tertiary education.

We respectfully acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woiwurrung People of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Owners of the land on which we gather and pay our respect to Elders past and present. We recognise our connections to Wurundjeri Country, history, culture, and spirituality, and commit to operating in a manner that respects, celebrates, and honours their Elders and Ancestors.

Conference Update

Due to the popularity of this year’s event, we have now reached the maximum capacity for our conference dinner venue. To ensure as many colleagues as possible can still participate, day-only registration is now available for $600. This includes access to the welcome reception & full conference program during the day, including keynote presentations, panel sessions, workshops, catering and networking opportunities.

We’re taking simple steps to reduce the environmental impact of our conference. Programs will be provided digitally rather than as printed copies to minimise paper use. To help further reduce waste, please bring a reusable watter bottle.

Discounts

All conference attendees are entitled to a 15% early bird discount up until 15 July 2026. Simply use the discount code: EARLYBIRD15 at the checkout. All DASSH member institutions are entitled to a group discount up until registrations close. For every three tickets purchased per institution, the fourth is free. Please contact DASSH via email when three tickets have been purchased and the fourth guest will be registered for a complimentary ticket.

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Speakers

We are pleased to reveal our speaker lineup for the 2026 Future-Facing University conference.

Facilitators

On day two of the conference program, we are pleased to be joined by the following facilitators for our break-out workshops which will run alongside the Annual General Meeting (AGM). These will be participatory sessions based around common challenges and will provide the space for attendees to share strategies, insights and learn from others in similar roles.

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Venues & Program

Full program to be released soon.

Tuesday 15 September
6.30pm, Evening reception

RMIT THE capitol

First Inventors: How People Shaped a Continent. An evening with Larissa Behrendt AO, Billy Griffiths and Sean Ulm

+ welcome reception for conference attendees

Come along to meet other members before the main program begins.
Canapés and drinks only.

Wednesday 16 & Thursday 17 September
9am – 4pm, Conference program

swinburne university of technology, hawthorn campus

Conference main program including keynote speakers and participatory sessions

Conference dinner at Melbourne Museum commencing at 6pm.

Friday 18 September
approx 9am – 10.30am, break-out spaces

swinburne university of technology, hawthorn campus

No official conference program. Unstructured time for cohorts within DASSH to gather together including:

Bachelor of Arts working group
Research Community of Practice
Teaching and Learning Network

Transport & Accommodation

Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn campus
John Street
Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122

The main conference program is hosted at Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn campus. Hawthorn has three railway stations – Hawthorn, Glenferrie and Auburn. From Glenferrie railway station, you will step straight onto campus. If you’re travelling to Glenferrie Station, it is served by the Alamein, Belgrave and Lilydale lines. Direct trains to Glenferrie are available from the following city stations:

• Parliament Station
• Flinders Street Station
• Southern Cross Station
• Flagstaff Station
• Melbourne Central Station

Six tram routes (16, 48, 70, 72, 75 and 109) also are available to get to and from the Hawthorn campus.

The Public Transport Victoria app is the suggested tool for real time train schedules. The campus also has dashboards on many buildings displaying the train and trams schedule to assist with public transport journeys.

Below are some suggested accommodation options to explore:

• Glenferrie Hotel – close to Glenferrie station
• MainStay Suites Hawthorn (formerly corporate Living/Quest) – on Glenferrie Road
• DoubleTree by Hilton Melbourne – Flinders Street

Melbourne Museum
11 Nicholson Street
Carlton, Victoria, 3053

The conference dinner will be hosted at Melbourne Museum on Wednesday 16 September. Their official webpage provides instructions on how to get to the venue via public transport.

What members said

“A fabulous opportunity to be part of a bigger network – invaluable.”

“There are only benefits to attending! Whether you are looking to be a better leader or further understand the challenges & opportunities facing the sector or to have a better understanding of what is happening at other universities, it is highly valuable.“

“A very friendly and informative event and great opportunity to learn from and connect with others in similar roles.”

“Do you want to meet likeminded people facing the same or similar concerns? Go!”

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Conveners

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WITH SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR HOSTS AND CONVENERS

SWINBURNE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
DEAKIN UNIVERSITY
RMIT UNIVERSITY

Sponsors

Bezi Publishing Services