Universities Australia Higher Education Conference 2014
 
E-Newsletter January 2014
New addition: Dinner with the Minister

Universities Australia is proud to announce an exciting new addition to this year’s already comprehensive program, the opportunity to have Dinner with the Minister.

The new Federal Education Minister the Hon. Christopher Pyne MP will address the conference dinner which will be held on Wednesday 26 February, 7.30pm, National Convention Centre following the Welcome Cocktail event.

With a new Government in Canberra, the opportunity to hear from Minister Pyne on the Government’s vision for Australian Higher Education is one not to be missed.

To book a seat for the dinner ($75), please click here. But hurry, seats are limited.

Did we say Minister? Sorry, we meant Ministers!

Universities Australia is pleased to announce that The Rt Hon David Willetts MP, the UK Minister of State for Universities and Science has also confirmed his participation in the conference.

Considering the changes in the UK higher education sector, Minister Willetts’ plenary address will be a must-see. Some of these changes include proposing to remove caps on student places from 2015 and plans to increase international education.

With its strong focus on international education, the program also includes addresses by Mr Xavier Prats Monné, Director General Designate, Education and Culture, European Commission and Senator the Hon. Brett Mason, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Foreign Affairs.


Early bird discount extended to 31 January

We have extended the early bird registration discount until Friday 31 January (it was Friday 24 January). So if you are keen on attending the conference and snapping up a bargain, you have an extra week to do so.

Register online before 31 January to secure the early bird rate of $1850 (normally $2100). Register by clicking here.

Is philanthropy the new black?

After seeing the largest ever single Australian philanthropic donation in 2013, thanks to Andrew Forrest’s $65 million bequest to The University of Western Australia, it seems that domestic philanthropy is going from strength to strength.

With this increasing role and presence in mind, this year’s conference will host a keynote session on ‘Philanthropy and its role in society’, featuring Dr Robert W. Conn, President of The Kavli Foundation.

This Californian based foundation is dedicated to advancing science for the benefit of humanity and promoting increased public understanding and support for scientists and their work.

The foundation was established in December 2000 by Fred Kavli, a prominent Californian business leader and noted philanthropist. It is currently actively involved in establishing major research institutes at leading universities and institutions in the United States, Europe and Asia.

New accommodation partner: The Hyatt

Delegates will be spoilt for choice this year when it comes to selecting premier discounted accommodation in Canberra. And if you need another reason to visit the nation’s capital, The Guardian has just voted Canberra No. 39 of 40 global hotspots to visit in 2014.

On top of the five hotels for which we have already negotiated special rates for, we are delighted to inform delegates that we have also secured a discounted rate at one of Canberra’s best known five star hotels, The Hyatt. 

With this latest addition, the hotels for which we have negotiated special rates are:

  • Crowne Plaza
  • Novotel
  • Hotel Realm
  • Burbury Hotel
  • Rydges Lakeside
  • The Hyatt

Bookings should be made by the end of January to guarantee the conference rates. For further details about the hotels including location, rates and links to book, click here.

Thanks to our sponsors
Universities Australia thanks our sponsors for their support in bringing this premier conference to light.