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IEAA Young Professionals (WA) | 2026 Vision: What’s next for international education?

19 Feb 2026, Perth
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

Join us for our first WA YP event of the year to network, socialise and hear the latest updates from the Hon Phil Honeywood and Derryn Belford on the International Education Sector for 2026. 

Phil will provide much needed clarity and sensemaking on our sector’s positioning for 2026 in the eyes of Australia's most senior politicians and policymakers. Derryn will share the latest updates from StudyPerth’s Board Meeting and outline new initiatives designed to support international students throughout the year. 

Whether you’re new to international education, a mid-careerist, or a road warrior looking to catch up and get the latest intel, this event offers opportunities to network and hear from the experts in international education.
 
This event is open to IEAA members and all emerging professionals in international education.

Register now, as limited places are available!

Program

5:45pm Registration opens
6:05pm Welcome by IEAA YP Co-chairs WA chapter
6:15pm Hear from IEAA CEO Hon Phil Honeywood on what to expect in the international education sector in 2026
6:30pm Hear from StudyPerth CEO Derryn Belford on the latest updates from the StudyPerth Meeting
6:45pm Live Q&A
7:00pm Networking with canapes and drinks.
8:00pm Event concludes

 

This event is led by IEAA ’s Young Professionals Network.

Type Member Non-Member 

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IEAA YP (WA)
$0
$0

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Lot20 Bar
20/57 James St
Perth
19 Feb 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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Derryn Belford 

CEO 

StudyPerth 

Derryn became CEO of StudyPerth in early 2022, following 13 years at Tourism Western Australia, where she facilitated the growth of quality hotels, the cruise industry, and Aboriginal tourism in WA. Before joining the international education sector, she served as Acting Managing Director of Tourism WA, supporting the tourism industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. StudyPerth is the peak membership body for international education in Western Australia. The StudyPerth team promotes Perth as a top international study destination and welcomes, supports and connects students studying here with premier education and life experiences. Together these efforts boost WA’s economy, enhance cultural diversity, and foster lasting global relationships.

Hon Phil Honeywood, IEAA-SF 

Chief Executive Officer 

International Education Association of Australia 

Phil has been IEAA's Chief Executive Officer since November 2011. Previously, he was a Member of the Victorian State Parliament (1988–2006), Minister for Tertiary Education, Training and Multicultural Affairs (1996–1999) and Deputy Leader of the Opposition (2002–2006). Since retiring from politics, Phil worked at Stott’s Business College and Cambridge International College. Phil is the Chairman of the Roundtable of International Education Peak Body CEOs and a member of the Tuition Protection Service Board. Phil is also a Board member of the Bennelong Philanthropic Foundation and the Bangarra Group Board.

Isabelle Lange 

Manager, Global Partner Strategy and Performance 

Edith Cowan University (ECU) 

Isabelle Lange is the Manager, Global Partner Performance and Strategy within the International Business Operations division at Edith Cowan University. In this role, she operates at the dynamic intersection of university governance, risk management, and business development, driving sustainable performance and growth strategies across global markets and partnerships. With extensive experience in international student recruitment, conversion, admissions, and account management, Isabelle has worked across core areas critical to strengthening Australia’s international higher education sector. Her ability to deliver measurable outcomes is demonstrated through her success in fostering collaborative relationships with sector partners, resulting in improved student conversion rates and enrolments. In her current position, Isabelle is particularly passionate about leveraging public-private partnerships to enhance institutional performance, deepen student engagement, and broaden access to high-quality educational opportunities for students worldwide. By blending strategic insight with operational expertise, Isabelle is committed to advancing Australia’s global standing in international education and inspiring emerging leaders through the IEAA Young Professionals body.

Bridget Pejić 

International Relations and Programs Officer 

Murdoch University 

Bridget is an International Relations and Programs Officer at Murdoch University who had her passion for international education sparked during a life-changing semester abroad in Wales. For over a decade, she has championed initiatives that enrich the student experience, spanning domestic recruitment, international student support, agent management and commissions. Bridget has played a key role in inbound mobility and sponsored student programs, ensuring students feel supported and connected throughout their studies in Australia. Currently, she drives engagement in mobility and sponsored programs, strengthens Australia Awards alumni connections, and leads recruitment across the Pacific, fostering cross-cultural exchange and global opportunities.

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IEAA Young Professionals (WA) | 2026 Vision: What’s next for international education?

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.

Join us for our first WA YP event of the year to network, socialise and hear the latest updates from the Hon Phil Honeywood and Derryn Belford on the International Education Sector for 2026. 

Phil will provide much needed clarity and sensemaking on our sector’s positioning for 2026 in the eyes of Australia's most senior politicians and policymakers. Derryn will share the latest updates from StudyPerth’s Board Meeting and outline new initiatives designed to support international students throughout the year. 

Whether you’re new to international education, a mid-careerist, or a road warrior looking to catch up and get the latest intel, this event offers opportunities to network and hear from the experts in international education.
 
This event is open to IEAA members and all emerging professionals in international education.

Register now, as limited places are available!

Program

5:45pm Registration opens
6:05pm Welcome by IEAA YP Co-chairs WA chapter
6:15pm Hear from IEAA CEO Hon Phil Honeywood on what to expect in the international education sector in 2026
6:30pm Hear from StudyPerth CEO Derryn Belford on the latest updates from the StudyPerth Meeting
6:45pm Live Q&A
7:00pm Networking with canapes and drinks.
8:00pm Event concludes

 

This event is led by IEAA ’s Young Professionals Network.

When
19/02/2026 5:45 PM - 8:00 PM
W. Australia Standard Time
Where
Lot20 Bar 20/57 James St Perth, WA 6000 AUSTRALIA
Registration
Registration is closed.

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