NESA National Conference 2025
Join Us at the NESA National Conference 2025
People: at the Heart
Step into the heart of Australia’s employment services sector at the NESA National Conference 2025—a dynamic two-day gathering of leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across the nation.
This year’s theme, People: at the Heart, celebrates the human stories behind the services. Together, we’ll explore the partnerships, purpose, and passion that drive meaningful change in our communities.
Expect powerful conversations, fresh perspectives, and real connections that will inspire and energise your work. Whether you’re shaping policy, delivering frontline services, or leading innovation, this is your space to collaborate, learn, and lead.
To register, please create a new account on NESA’s events platform—your login details will be used for all future NESA events.
Event Details
Welcome Reception
Tuesday, 16 September 2025
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Sofi’s Lounge
Kick off the NESA National Conference 2025 at our Welcome Reception & Exhibitor Showcase—an energising evening designed to spark connections and set the tone for the National Conference.
Join us in in the elegant Sofi’s Lounge for a vibrant networking experience where you’ll reconnect with colleagues, meet new faces, and engage with sector leaders.
New this year: Meet the Exhibitors!
Get a first look at the innovative organisations and solutions shaping the future of employment services. This is your chance to explore the exhibitor space, ask questions, and discover new tools and partnerships that can elevate your work.
National Conference
Wednesday 17-18 September 2025
Melbourne Sofitel on Collins
People: at the Heart – that’s the driving force behind the 2025 NESA National Conference, where the power of connection, collaboration, and community takes centre stage.
Join professionals from across Australia’s employment services sector for two days of learning, sharing, and shaping the future—together. This year’s conference is more than just a gathering; it’s a coming together of minds and hearts committed to making a real difference in people’s lives.
Engage in Critical Conversations
From policy shifts to service innovation, hear from thought leaders and changemakers who are driving progress across the sector.
Connect and Collaborate
Whether you’re a frontline operator, program manager, or executive leader, this is your space to build partnerships, share successes, and co-create solutions that move the sector forward.
Gala Awards Dinner
Wednesday, 17 September 2025
6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
LaTrobe Ballroom,
Melbourne Sofitel on Collins
Get ready for an unforgettable evening of celebration, recognition, and inspiration at the NESA Gala Awards Dinner.
Held in the stunning LaTrobe
Ballroom, this formal event is your moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate the incredible achievements across Australia’s employment services sector. It’s a night dedicated to honouring the passion, innovation, and resilience that define our community.
Celebrate Your Success
Whether you’re an award finalist or a proud supporter, this is your time to shine. Enjoy a spectacular three-course dinner, live entertainment, and the
presentation of the 2025 NESA Awards, recognising those who go above and
beyond to make a difference.
Dress up, bring your team, and join us for a night of joy, pride, and connection.
Early Bird Ticket Pricing
We hope you can join us to kick the first full day off in the best possible way.
When: 7:00am – 7:45am, Wednesday 17th September
Where: Sofitel Conference Suite
Boxing Session with Populi
Populi is very excited to give attendees of this year’s conference the chance to participate in a free Box-fit class to get the endorphins going before the first day of the 2025 NESA Conference starts!
Attendees will benefit from a 45-minute session from qualified instructor, Paul, and get to take away a brand-new set of pads and gloves.
Spaces are limited so don’t delay – sign up today!
Paul Le is a fitness professional and former boxing champion with over 20 years’ experience and has worked with Populi locally in Footscray, VIC for the last 3 years, supporting our allied health practitioners to run Populi’s GLOVES program.
GLOVES is a series of group allied health sessions with complimentary box-fit classes. Supporting employment services providers in Australia and the UK, GLOVES helps participants adopt evidence-based mental health strategies to find and sustain employment.
Over 200 exercise + allied health cohorts, and over 2000 graduates, the sessions are achieving extraordinary engagement and outcome results, with an average uplift of 5.9 in DASS score from first to last session.
17th September 2025 | 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM | Melbourne Sofitel on Collins, LaTrobe Ballroom
Featured Speakers
This conference brings together a high profile line up of leaders from across employment services—and the sectors that shape and influence it. From government, education, health, and business, our speakers bring real-world experience and sharp insight. They’ll tackle the big issues, share what’s working, and push us to think differently about how we deliver better outcomes.
This isn’t just talk. It’s about practical ideas, honest conversations, challenging assumptions, and cross-sector collaboration that drives real change.
NESA is proud to host the people who get things done—and who are working together to build a stronger, more connected future for the sector.
Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities
Position your organisation in front of a national audience of employment services professionals by becoming an sponsor or exhibitor at the NESA National Conference 2025.
Whether you’re elevating your brand through a tailored sponsorship package or showcasing products and services with a trade exhibition stand, this is your chance to connect with a large and diverse network—all in one place.
Event Accommodation
All conference sessions, workshops, and the Gala Awards Dinner will be held at the prestigious Sofitel Melbourne On Collins.
Located in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, Sofitel offers a premium, all-in-one experience for delegates—combining world-class event facilities, luxury accommodation, and sweeping city views.
Guests are welcome to stay onsite and enjoy the convenience of being just an elevator ride away from all conference events.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR CONFERENCE SPONSORS
