The theme of the 2021 conference, “Beyond… Connecting in a changing world” is aimed at re-imagining and recalibrating for a future that has changed irrevocably from one that we faced a year ago. Together, we would like to explore and celebrate the ways in which a global pandemic has sparked great ingenuity, and is a testimony the indominable human spirit and our need to connect.

We will reflect on our journey, the challenges and opportunities we have met, how we connect, learn and educate in a world that has changed and continues to do so. Beyond. will bring the LEA community together to listen, share, think and network. It is also an opportunity to celebrate the passion, drive and innovation which has been modelled by many across our membership.

The sub themes of the conference reinforce the positive lens through which we view our explorations:

·       Explorers- people who explore new or unfamiliar areas

·       Innovators- people who introduce new methods or ideas

·       Navigators- people who show the way to others

In parallel to our theme, it is also our moral imperative to welcome all delegates, local and from farther afield, to celebrate our amazing state. One of our most powerful influencers is our climate, and our relationship with our greater physical environment. A learning environment is a collection of people and it is a physical space.

Learning Environments Australasia is a unique association in that it is, by definition, and at the core of its ethos, multi-disciplinary. LEA occupies the space at the intersection of education and design, and is a dynamic community of professionals who promote best practice in the learning, design, building and use of spaces, in order to improve learning and teaching outcomes.

We will hear from industry experts and leading researchers, workshop with local and international guests, and visit some of South East Queensland’s finest examples of built education. Our conference will feature keynote presenters in the fields of creativity, design thinking, spatial and contemporary pedagogy and architectural design of learning spaces. These thought leaders will bring world’s best practice to our doorstep for discussion and review.

After a challenging year, Beyond. is about seeking out the future and leveraging rich collaboration to strive forward. We will explore the ideas and insights as well as debate what the future can be in enriching the lives of learners throughout all facets of education.

We look forward to seeing you in June!

Katerina Dracopoulos and Derek Bartels.