“On behalf of Paddy, myself, and the Athol Road students, I wanted to say a huge thank you for yesterday. It was such a fantastic event! All the workshop presenters were highly engaging, and the hands-on activities area was jam-packed with so many interesting things – we had to drag our kids out at the end! Everyone had an amazing time and have been talking about it all day today. I lost count of how many students asked me if they could come along next year!” Rebecca Meade, STEM Teacher, Athol Road PS VIC

“I wanted to say a massive thank you for yesterday. We had an absolute blast. I have been to A LOT of conferences this year presenting and at expos (I think I’m up to 8 so far in 2026 alone). I also used to host and plan events as part of previous jobs, so know how much goes into these. The organisation, communication, forethought and on-the-day logistics planning from It Takes a Spark has far and away been the best I have experienced. As a presenter and stall holder, having all the information available well ahead of time on a single webpage for easy reference, receiving minimal emails containing only the most important actions and information and having to complete the fewest forms was excellent. The detail of showing the rooms, the expo set up, the images of spaces, where to park etc was just so wonderfully thought out. You have really created a fantastic conference that enables STEM to be showcased to students from many backgrounds is wonderful. We were very proud to be involved.” Erica Gibbs, Education Engagement and Curriculum Specialist | Social Impact & Community, Snowy Hydro

“This was my first experience in attending a STEM conference and it was fantastic. I am very keen to be involved in events such as these in the future. Not only was this a great event to get students excited for all science has to offer; meeting likeminded professionals interested in making a difference within the STEM community was exceptional.” Jessica Bugeja, CSIRO

“It has literally created a ‘spark’ back into my teaching. I feel so inspired and so happy to bring the knowledge back to my school!” Ashlee Kujawski, Greenfields PS, WA

“I was provided with some actionable information – a few strategic steps to take back in my own school. I have also reflected on my own classroom practice and want to try a few new things / different ways of doing things.” Veronica Farina, HOD William Ross SHS, QLD

“Recall the childlike curiosities when we were young? Today, I was fortunate enough to meet many such young minds. We took the opportunities to show the art of the possible and answer various questions around Bentley’s LumenRT and CESIUM Ion solution, which raises the curiosity in each of these young participants, the architects, engineers, and designers of tomorrow. All that it takes is a spark!

As the saying goes, lighting the path for others brightens your own.” Engteck Soon, Senior Regional Director, Bentley Systems

“… we wanted to express our sincere gratitude for the incredible opportunity you provided through the “It Takes a Spark” school sponsorship/scholarship. Our students come from low socio and often disadvantaged backgrounds and your scholarships made a world of difference in their lives. Attending the conference was a transformative experience for them. It not only expanded their horizons but also opened doors to a multitude of exciting career pathways they might not have considered otherwise. The impact of this conference on our students’ confidence & aspirations has been truly remarkable. It was heart-warming to witness their enthusiasm as they explored the various possibilities presented at the event.” Kylie Lyon, Gwynne Park PS, WA