More than 350 of the world’s leading education thought leaders, decision makers and policy makers will converge on the Gold Coast this week for one of the globe’s biggest education conferences – The PIE Live Asia Pacific (APAC) 2025.
Hosted at HOTA, Home of the Arts for the first time, the program will run from 29 – 30 August and host delegates from more than 15 countries including New Zealand, India, UK, Malaysia and USA.
The PIE (Professionals in Education) Live is an annual global gathering of industry leaders to network and discuss challenges and opportunities across international education.
This year’s event will also introduce a first-of-its-kind session where attendees will get to meet a robot university counsellor in real time, giving attendees an innovative glimpse into how emerging technology is shaping the future of student engagement and access to education pathways.
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn says the conference represents a major win for the city.
“Welcoming The PIE Live Asia Pacific to the Gold Coast is a powerful endorsement of our growing reputation as a global education hub,” John Warn said.
“The event is a significant opportunity for the Gold Coast, attracting a globally engaged audience—from higher education and training providers to government leaders and counsellors—with one in four of delegates travelling here from overseas.
“It reinforces our reputation as a world-class destination for education and delivers meaningful economic benefit through increased visitation and local spend. The two-day conference is expected to inject almost half a million dollars into the Gold Coast economy.”
As further proof of the Gold Coast’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for international education, Experience Gold Coast has today announced the second phase of its student grant program.
The initiative follows the overwhelming success of the pilot round, which saw 250 grants of $1,000 each snapped up within months. Designed to help international students establish themselves on the Gold Coast, the grants provide vital support in the early stages of their study journey, reinforcing the city’s commitment to welcoming and supporting global learners.
Amy Baker, CEO of The PIE, said this year’s program was about exploring the biggest topics facing the education sector globally.
“We were really pleased to see so many delegates joining us on the Gold Coast to discuss international education and internationalisation strategy at a pivotal time for Australia’s industry,” Amy Baker said.
“This year’s PIE Live Asia Pacific is about pushing boundaries — from AI to access, from student experience to school innovation. We’re not just talking about the future of international education; we’re building it together, with the people shaping it on the ground every day. We look forward to seeing you there.”
The PIE delivers insight, events and recruitment for the international education sector and produces a weekly publication through a network of journalists around the world covering all the major news and issues within international education.
CONTACT
Hannah Matchett | 0466 631 416 | hannah.matchett@experiencegoldcoast.com
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.