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IEAA Young Professionals (SA): The New Rules of Engagement

25 Jun 2026, Adelaide
Description
IEAA Young Professionals supports up-and-coming staff in international education. The group provides a forum for career development and networking for emerging professionals who are working or seeking work in Australia's international education community.
Web Desc

Hear directly from experienced industry leaders from Duolingo, Convera and Successful Graduate as they unpack the evolving landscape of international education in this engaging panel session. Drawing on perspectives from global technology, payments and education services, the discussion will explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the sector and how organisations are responding to challenges around fraud, compliance and student genuineness.

The session will open with a high-level industry outlook, with panellists sharing how their organisations are tackling key “big issues” and driving innovation in a rapidly changing environment. The conversation will then shift to a more personal lens, with speakers reflecting on their career journeys, how they’ve navigated change and what it takes to grow and lead in this space.

The session will conclude with informal networking, offering a valuable opportunity to connect with peers, senior leaders and sector experts in a relaxed setting, with light food and refreshments provided. With many attendees already in Adelaide for the IEAA Marketing and Recruitment Forum 2026, this is a great chance to extend the conversation and build new connections.

This event is open to IEAA members and all emerging professionals in international education. Attendees from the Marketing and Recruitment forum do not need to register.

Program

5:00pm Registration opens
5:25pm Welcome by SA Young Professionals co-chair
5:30pm Panel discussion
6:10pm IEAA update
6:15pm Networking, drinks and canapés
7:30pm Event concludes

 

This event is led by IEAA ’s Young Professionals Network, co-hosted by the IEAA Marketing and Recruitment Network.
Type Member Non-Member 

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IEAA YP (SA)
$0
$0

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InterContinental
North Terrace
Adelaide
25 Jun 2026
20
You can earn up to 20 fellowship points.
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Event Speakers

Event speaker details will be updated as they are confirmed.
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Brett Blacker, IEAA-SF 

Managing Director 

Duolingo 

Brett is the Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand at Duolingo, the creator of the Duolingo English Test. Previously, he served as the CEO of English Australia, representing English language colleges nationally. With a wealth of experience, Brett has held pivotal roles such as Director International at the University of Newcastle and Murdoch University, and as General Manager at Allianz Global Assistance. His commitment to international education is underscored by his leadership, including a past presidency at the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), and active involvement on various state and national Boards, including the National Council for International Education.

James Holden 

Head of Institutional Engagement, Australia and New Zealand 

Duolingo 

James Holden brings a wealth of experience across international education, spanning public and private providers as well as EdTech. He has led recruitment and admissions teams across TAFE institutions, government school programs, and skilled migration initiatives. A passionate language educator and lifelong learner, James has taught in five countries and speaks four languages. His global perspective fuels his advocacy for international education and his commitment to breaking down barriers that limit access for many learners. In his current role, James leads Duolingo’s institutional engagement across Australia and New Zealand

Kenny Khoo, IEAA-AF 

Senior Manager International Recruitment 

Flinders University 

Kenny brings a highly unique experience shaped by two decades of work across recruitment, admissions, partnerships, and compliance. He is currently the Manager International Compliance and Risk at Flinders University responsible for ensuring compliance with the ESOS framework. He also provides specialist advice on SSVF. Kenny has full admiration for international students in pursuit of an international education. He understands their challenges and is keen to ensure that they have a good experience. As industry professionals, he believes that it is our responsibility to ensure that their goals are supported as well.

Amanda Kimpton 

Head of Education Sales – Australia & New Zealand 

Convera Australia 

Amanda has been in the finance sector for over 17 years previously working in equity markets before shifting into foreign exchange and payments. She works closely with universities, agents & students to support cross-border payment solutions, improve student payment experiences and reduce foreign exchange risk. With a strong background in currency markets, Amanda is passionate about the future of payments, particularly the role of stablecoins and real-time payment infrastructure in transforming how institutions and students transact globally.

Keith Rebello 

Global Partnership Officer 

Adelaide University 

Keith is a Global Partnerships Officer within the Division of External Engagement at the University of Adelaide. He plays a key role in shaping and implementing the University’s global partnership strategy, working closely with internal teams and international partners to support research, education, and recruitment objectives. Keith manages a diverse portfolio of partnerships across South Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. When he's not connecting Adelaide to the world, he’s likely deciphering time zones or explaining Aussie slang to puzzled colleagues abroad. Keith's experience living in multiple countries has shaped his solutions-focused mindset and cultural awareness and is driven by his passion for international engagement and global education.

Gordon Scott, IEAA-SF 

Managing Director 

Successful Graduate Pty Ltd 

Gordon Scott is Managing Director of employability skills training provider www.successfulgraduate.com. Successful Graduate delivers client-branded student preparation and employability training platforms, developing academic and job skills at scale across the entire student lifecycle. Successful Graduate supports clients around the world. Gordon is a Senior Fellow and past Board Member of the IEAA. He lives and works on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

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IEAA Young Professionals (SA): The New Rules of Engagement

IEAA Banner
IEAA Young Professionals supports up-and-coming staff in international education. The group provides a forum for career development and networking for emerging professionals who are working or seeking work in Australia's international education community.

Hear directly from experienced industry leaders from Duolingo, Convera and Successful Graduate as they unpack the evolving landscape of international education in this engaging panel session. Drawing on perspectives from global technology, payments and education services, the discussion will explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the sector and how organisations are responding to challenges around fraud, compliance and student genuineness.

The session will open with a high-level industry outlook, with panellists sharing how their organisations are tackling key “big issues” and driving innovation in a rapidly changing environment. The conversation will then shift to a more personal lens, with speakers reflecting on their career journeys, how they’ve navigated change and what it takes to grow and lead in this space.

The session will conclude with informal networking, offering a valuable opportunity to connect with peers, senior leaders and sector experts in a relaxed setting, with light food and refreshments provided. With many attendees already in Adelaide for the IEAA Marketing and Recruitment Forum 2026, this is a great chance to extend the conversation and build new connections.

This event is open to IEAA members and all emerging professionals in international education. Attendees from the Marketing and Recruitment forum do not need to register.

Program

5:00pm Registration opens
5:25pm Welcome by SA Young Professionals co-chair
5:30pm Panel discussion
6:10pm IEAA update
6:15pm Networking, drinks and canapés
7:30pm Event concludes

 

This event is led by IEAA ’s Young Professionals Network, co-hosted by the IEAA Marketing and Recruitment Network.
When
25/06/2026 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Cen. Australia Standard Time
Where
InterContinental North Terrace Adelaide, SA 5000 AUSTRALIA
Registration
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