With the demand for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) talent higher than ever, organisations are faced with finding new and innovative ways to prepare the next generation of engineers, nanotechnologists, machine learning experts, aerospace technicians and so on.

Founded by engineer, education consultant and author, Dr Adrian Bertolini and event specialist, Rachel Manneke-Jones, the It Takes a Spark! STEM Conference provides a unique platform that connects students and teachers with industry, universities, and each other through authentic sharing and hands-on experiences. Participants engage with inspiring industry role models, collaborate with STEM experts and practitioners, showcase their school-based projects, and take part in real-world design challenges. The intent is to create a spark for Year 4 to 10 students and teachers so that their view of the possibilities of STEM learning and its value is expanded.

In 2026, three It Takes a Spark STEM Conferences will be held across Australia. Each event is hosted by a school committed to empowering students to be extraordinary and supported by local steering committees of leading educators and school leaders from the Government, Catholic, and Independent sectors.

• Embrace the opportunity to be a part of Australia’s leading STEM Conferences for educators and students
• Share your expertise and be recognised as a leader in STEM education
• Demonstrate your experience in delivering successful STEM activities and programs
• Network and collaborate with schools and educators, gain ideas and inspiration from other STEM leaders
• Access two free tickets to attend the Conference
• Promotion of your participation on the Conference website, booklet and on social media
• Earn teacher professional development hours

Each conference opens with an inspiring keynote on the theme of being someone who makes a difference using the skills inherent in STEAM & Entrepreneurship (creativity, innovation, problem solving, critical thinking, courage).

Our keynotes have included experts such as:

• Professor Chandra Salgado Kent – Oceans Blueprint Founder and Marine Scientist, Edith Cowan University
• Dr Tatheer Zahra – Composite Materials Engineer, Queensland University of Technology, Superstar of STEM
• Brett Salakas – Hewlett Packard Education
• Paula Wasiak – Senior Research Officer, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Superstar of STEM
• Mars Buttfield-Addison – Computer Scientist, University of Tasmania, Superstar of STEM
• Dr Prue Francis – Marine Scientist and Superstar of STEM, Deakin University
• Dr Adelle Goodwin – Astrophysicist and Superstar of STEM, Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy

The keynote is followed by preselected concurrent teacher mini-master classes, hands-on DigiDesign workshop sessions and a STEAM Expo for students and teachers. There will also be problem solvers sessions where students and teachers will have the opportunity to experience and tackle real life design or STEAM challenges. A teacher networking and pathways session is generally scheduled during the day to encourage connections between schools, industry, organisations, and sponsors.

You can see examples of the conference by visiting our Media and News page

The conferences have four opportunities for Teachers, Students, Industry, TAFEs, Universities, and STEM-based organisations to be involved in authentic and practical ways…

• DigiDesign: 40 to 45 minute hands-on STEM / STEAM workshops for students (Year 4 to 10) and teachers that link to the theme of the conference.
• Problem Solver Sessions: 70 to 80 minute design challenges that lead students and teachers through a real world challenge.
• STEM / STEAM Expo: hands-on activities that will last 10-15 minutes during a 40 to 60 minute rotation where teachers and students will move around the Expo.
• Teacher Mini-Masterclass: 40 to 45 minute and 70 to 80 minute hands-on masterclass on a STEM / STEAM topic that will make a difference for teachers to enact in their schools (limited number of availability).

If your organisation is interested and able we would appreciate your sponsorship – financial or in-kind. The conference deliberately caters to students and teachers from all socio-economic environments by keeping its conference fees low. We can only do this with the generosity of sponsorship from a range of organisations. To become a sponsor and discover the benefits please email Adrian (see below) for a prospectus or visit the Sponsorship page

We invite you to submit your application to present via the ‘submit a workshop’ links below. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss your workshop idea further, please contact Dr Adrian Bertolini at adrian@spark-educonference.com.au or via phone on 0413 036 382