Conference Program

The BEAQ State Conference 2026 brings together three days of professional learning, future-focused ideas, practical classroom relevance and meaningful connection for Business educators across Queensland.

From hands-on workshops and keynote speakers to concurrent sessions, technology showcases and curated industry tours, the program has been designed to help delegates explore fresh thinking, strengthen teaching practice and build valuable industry and educator connections.

Day 1 | Wednesday 22 July 2026

Workshops & Masterclasses

Day 1 is designed for deeper professional learning through practical, hands-on workshops and specialist masterclasses. Delegates can shape their own experience by selecting from a range of 90-minute sessions across Business, Accounting, Legal Studies, VET and future-focused classroom practice.

This day is ideal for educators seeking subject-specific learning, practical strategies, fresh classroom ideas and meaningful professional development that can be applied immediately in teaching and learning.

• 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM: Workshops and Masterclasses
• 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM: Mini-Expo
• 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Exhibitor bump-in for Day 2

Across the day, delegates will have the opportunity to engage with presenters, explore practical resources and participate in sessions that support both curriculum delivery and student preparation for the future of work.

Best suited to: Teachers looking for deeper-dive learning, practical takeaways and focused professional development in a workshop-style format.

Day 2 | Thursday 23 July 2026

Main Conference Day & Networking

Day 2 is the flagship conference day, bringing together keynote speakers, concurrent session streams, exhibitors, networking opportunities and the new Technology & Knowledge Hubs. It is designed to give delegates the broadest conference experience across professional learning, industry engagement and peer connection.

Across the day, delegates will hear from inspiring keynote speakers, select from four concurrent session blocks, connect with exhibitors and sponsors, and explore practical tools, ideas and resources to support classroom teaching and future-focused business education.

• 8:15 AM: Registration and Trade Exhibition opens
• 8:50 AM: Opening address and BEAQ presentations
• 9:15 AM: Keynote 1
• 10:05 AM: Session A
• 10:50 AM: Morning Tea & Trade Exhibition
• 11:25 AM: Session B
• 12:15 PM: Session C
• 1:00 PM: Lunch & Trade Exhibition
• 1:45 PM: Keynote 2
• 2:40 PM: Session D
• 3:30 PM: Networking Drinks and Canapés

Technology & Knowledge Hubs: Throughout the day, delegates will also have the opportunity to explore dedicated hub spaces showcasing practical tools, innovative ideas and contemporary resources that support teaching, learning and classroom engagement.

Best suited to: Delegates wanting the full conference experience, including keynote inspiration, diverse session options, exhibitor engagement and meaningful networking with educators and industry partners.

Day 3 | Friday 24 July 2026

Industry Tours

Day 3 takes delegates beyond the conference venue and into real workplaces across Greater Brisbane. These curated industry tours are designed to provide authentic context, fresh ideas and practical examples that strengthen classroom connections to business practice, legal systems, vocational pathways and future career opportunities.

Delegates will have the opportunity to experience industry in action, hear directly from host organisations and explore environments that bring business education to life beyond the classroom.

• 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM: Industry Tours across Greater Brisbane

Tour options include:

• Tour 1 | Legal Studies – Supreme & District Courts, Queensland Police Museum and Forensics HQ
• Tour 2 | Business & Enterprise – Port of Brisbane and The Coffee Commune
• Tour 3 | VET / Tourism & Hospitality – Brisbane Airport Corporation and Rydges South Bank Hotel

Each tour has been selected to provide delegates with valuable insight into contemporary workplaces, operational environments and industry pathways that can be translated into richer classroom conversations and more meaningful student learning experiences.

Best suited to: Teachers looking to strengthen real-world learning connections, explore authentic industry contexts and bring fresh workplace examples back to the classroom.

Networking Opportunities

The BEAQ State Conference 2026 offers valuable opportunities for delegates to connect with peers, presenters, exhibitors and industry partners across all three days of the program.

From shared workshop experiences and informal conversations in the trade exhibition, to the dedicated networking drinks and canapés on Day 2, the conference is designed to support meaningful professional connection as well as high-quality professional learning.

• Exchange ideas, strategies and practical resources with Business educators from across Queensland
• Connect with exhibitors, sponsors and industry partners who support teaching and learning
• Build relationships across metro, regional and rural school communities
• Explore new opportunities for classroom collaboration, excursions, guest speakers and industry engagement

For many delegates, the professional conversations that happen between sessions are just as valuable as the formal program itself — offering fresh perspective, shared experience and ongoing support beyond the conference.

Bonus: Stay for the Day 2 networking function and go into the draw to win our major prize, announced live at the close of the event. Delegates must be present at the time of the draw to claim the prize.