"A university is nothing without its people" – Professor Ian Chubb

HE People & Performance 2026 is a unique, independent event providing fresh perspectives into Higher Education leadership, productivity and management challenges, tailored for Australasian audiences.

It is developed at a time when the sector faces many challenges, none more so than grappling with questions on how to attract, recruit, retain and motivate the best talent that an educational institution can engage.

This two-day conference on 22-23 June 2026 will be hosted at RMIT University's Kaleide Theatre, in the heart of Melbourne's CBD. Sessions from a broad range of HE thought leaders will provide a window into issues and opportunities for HE leadership and staff management in Australasia.

Tertiary sector leaders will examine best practice examples of change, and debate fundamental issues, ranging from succession planning to performance management and wellbeing, to gap analysis and systems.

This conference will avoid the boring set pieces and diving into discussions that leaders want to join – as well as practical case studies on what works.

The conference will also feature the Future Campus HE Spotlight awards – new awards recognising the often-overlooked individuals, teams and partners that enable tertiary institutions to excel. These will be presented at the end of Day 1. There will also be a conference dinner on the evening of 22 June.