Working in Energy Engagement? Put These Conference Sessions on Your Radar

The energy transition is reshaping communities, projects and expectations across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand — and engagement professionals are playing an important role in shaping what comes next.

Under the theme Engage. Elevate. Lead., the Engagement Institute Annual Conference 2026 brings together practical learning, fresh perspectives and examples of engagement in action.

For energy engagement practitioners, here are the programme highlights worth knowing about.

27–29 October 2026 | Sofitel Brisbane Central, Brisbane

Energy-Focused Sessions

Engaging Communities in the Energy Transition
Wednesday, 28 October | 11:15am–12:45pm

Explore how organisations are navigating engagement fatigue, competing messages and multiple projects in communities experiencing rapid change — and how they can continue to build trust and work with communities towards better outcomes.

Powering AI: Data Centres, Communities & Social Licence
Wednesday, 28 October | 3:45–5:00pm

A dedicated session exploring the intersection of data centres, communities and social licence. Further programme details are coming soon.

One Community, Many Projects: Coordinating and Resourcing Multiple Projects in Similar Communities
Wednesday, 28 October | 1:45–3:00pm

With roads, rail, renewables, transmission, housing and other infrastructure increasingly affecting the same communities, this interactive session explores practical approaches to coordinating resources, communication and engagement across multiple projects.

View programme

See Excellence in Energy Engagement Recognised

The Engagement Excellence Awards – Project Categories will be presented on Wednesday afternoon, including the dedicated Energy Award.

It’s an opportunity to see outstanding engagement practice recognised across the sector, with the major Australasia Project of the Year and Australasia Organisation of the Year awards presented later at the Engagement Excellence Awards Dinner.

Learn more

Step Outside the Day-to-Day

The keynote programme also creates space to think more broadly about leadership and engagement practice.

On Wednesday, Dr Kirstin Ferguson AM brings extensive experience in leadership, governance and organisational culture.

On Thursday, Amy Hubbard presents The Pinnacle of Engagement. With more than 25 years of experience in community and stakeholder engagement, Amy brings particular expertise in place-based engagement and connecting engagement outcomes with technical solutions.

Engage. Elevate. Lead.

Whether you’re navigating the energy transition, major infrastructure development or changing community expectations, the Conference is an opportunity to learn from practitioners facing complex engagement challenges and take practical insights back to your work.

Engagement Institute Annual Conference 2026
27–29 October 2026 | Sofitel Brisbane Central, Brisbane

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