On behalf of AUCEA, it is my pleasure to invite you to participate in the 2008 AUCEA National Conference.

In hosting a conference with a “Engaging for a Sustainable Future” theme, it is fitting that I first acknowledge the traditional custodians of the Sunshine Coast and Fraser Island regions.

Universities are playing an increasingly important role in creating a sustainable future through engaging with Government, Councils, other education sectors and private enterprise. This conference will explore how, together, we can make the greatest difference.

AUCEA extends a special invitation to private sector businesses, Government agencies, Local Councils and non-university education institutions that have either discovered the benefit of partnering with a university or would like to learn how to create a mutually beneficial relationship. The conference will highlight case studies of research partnerships, joint university-community initiatives, and projects that have improved the sustainability of our society.

There will also be Partnering with Universities workshops and breakout sessions on how to unite with a university that have been especially designed for delegates from non-academic fields as well as presentations by some community groups of successful partnering case studies.

One of the greatest benefits from this conference will be the multiplier effect – a snowballing of ideas and resulting projects that are fuelled by the sharing of information.

For this reason we are expanding our focus this year and invite people from University Advancement, Alumni, Fundraising and Marketing offices to participate in several workshops which will investigate areas of common interest.

We have secured prominent speakers to explore the conference theme, and have wonderful social events planned.

Professor John Goddard the recent keynote speaker at the OECD conference in Valencia, Spain, has agreed to be our keynote this year and provide an in-depth look at initiatives in community engagement in Europe. A short biography on Professor Goddard, along with biographical material on other key international and national speakers, can be viewed on the Speakers page.

As part of this conference, delegates will experience the University of the Sunshine Coast  and surrounding region, as well the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. The transfer from the Sunshine Coast to Fraser Island, on 10 July, will see delegates staying at the world renowned Kingfisher Bay Resort – a sustainable development with a 100 percent commitment to Fraser Island's ecology. Delegates will have the opportunity to learn about the Resort's investment in technologies and innovations which minimise its impact on the world's largest sand island.

On behalf of the organising committee, I extend our warmest invitation to participate. For those interested in presenting, please download our Call for Papers invitation and the Application Cover Sheet. Abstracts are due on 1 March 2008.