More than halfway through the year, this series of AAGE roundtables is a timely opportunity to pause, compare notes and gather practical market updates from the people who understand the realities of early careers recruitment and development. Join peers, partners and the wider AAGE community for an engaging conversation about the trends, pressures and opportunities shaping programs right now.
We’ll open with networking over lunch to help you quickly build new connections and reconnect with familiar faces. Then you’ll take part in interactive roundtables designed to draw out the topics on everyone’s radar - from forecasting graduate role requirements and managing higher application volumes, to responding to candidate use of AI, strengthening pre-start engagement, maintaining candidate care under pressure, supporting managers to develop early talent, and building inclusive, future-ready pathways across graduate, intern and broader early careers programs.
These conversations are your chance to hear about what others are seeing in market, test your thinking, benchmark your approach and take away ideas you can apply in your own organisation. You might connect with another employer navigating similar workforce planning challenges, meet a university or supplier partner who can support your next campaign, or hear how other teams are managing budgets, team capacity, technology, student expectations and the need to keep the human connection at the heart of early careers.
Whatever stage your program is at - and whatever questions stakeholders are asking - this community of practice is an incredible source of insight, encouragement and connection.
Please suggest additional items you are interested in discussing when you register for the event.
Complimentary entry for AAGE members.
Non-members and member colleagues may attend for $50 + GST.
Members must be logged in to access complimentary registration.
In order for us to cater appropriately, please let us know if you need to cancel your attendance. Also, catering cannot be guaranteed if registration is made four days or less prior to the event.
In order to cancel an invoice raised OR receive a refund for event attendance, the AAGE requires a MINIMUM of 24 hours' notice to receive notice of your intention to cancel. All cancellation requests need to be received in writing via events@aage.com.au.
Please contact events@aage.com.au.
*Bookings close Monday 2nd November 2026*
*Please note: If you are looking to purchase multiple tickets (e.g. a day pass and a social event ticket), please register for one of your preferences, select 'pay by invoice' and email info@aage.com.au prior to payment to have your additional tickets added to your booking.*
We’re excited to invite early careers professionals to the 38th Annual AAGE Graduate Recruitment and Development Conference!
In 2026, we’re evolving our format to bring you the same high-quality content, thought leadership and community connection – now in a streamlined two-day program. By starting earlier on Day 1, the schedule ensures you experience all of the hallmark elements of the AAGE Conference, from inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, the dynamic industry expo, and opportunities to exchange ideas and best practices with your peers. The Social Evening and the AAGE Gala Dinner, featuring the 2026 AAGE Graduate Recruitment Industry Awards (AGRIAs), will remain integral highlights within the two-day program.
2026 AAGE Conference delegates also receive access upon booking their conference pass to register for our 2026 AAGE Professional Development Workshops which will take place on Friday 13th November at the Hilton Sydney, immediately following the two-day conference. These half-day learning events are $350 + GST each and must be booked separately to the conference. Due to limited availability, bookings are currently ONLY available to AAGE members who are registered 2026 AAGE Conference delegates. Please note that this offer does not extend to members who have purchased tickets to the 2026 AAGE Conference social events only.
The AAGE Conference remains the must-attend event for anyone shaping the future of early careers. Join us to connect with like-minded professionals, learn from leading voices and walk away with insights that will influence your programs and the talent you support.
*SPECIAL OFFER* – Purchase four Full Conference Passes and get a fifth Full Conference Pass FREE!
Contact us at info@aage.com.au to access this special offer and see below for T&Cs. Don't miss this opportunity to bring more of your team to the 2026 AAGE Conference!
Terms and Conditions
Please read these Terms and Conditions carefully. By submitting your registration, you are agreeing to be bound by the following terms and conditions:
1. You will receive an automated invoice which is payable by the EARLIER of:
2. The AAGE abides by the ACCC Australian Consumer Law refund policy. No refunds, rollovers or credits will be given for cancellations under any circumstances. This applies to all registrations received and is enforced irrespective of if an invoice has been raised or not, or if an invoice remains paid or unpaid.
3. All AAGE event attendees must abide by the AAGE's Code of Conduct.
Free Full Conference Pass Offer
1. Eligibility
2. Free Pass Conditions
3. Usage Restrictions
4. Cancellation Policy
5. General Terms
We are pleased to offer organisations the opportunity to exhibit at The Big Meet 2027.
The Big Meet, organised by the Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE), is Australia’s leading multi-university careers fair, bringing together students from all universities within each host city for a one-day recruitment event.
The Big Meet offers exhibitors a highly efficient and cost-effective way to connect with students and graduates from multiple universities in a single day.
Whether you’re working with limited time, resources or budget, The Big Meet provides exceptional exposure to a large pool of potential candidates across a range of disciplines and institutions.
2027 Exhibitors will also have access to data, insights and case studies from the AAGE and our industry partners to help them understand the candidate market and establish themselves as an employer of choice.
We will be running a Sensory Reduced Hour in 2027, catering to students who may find the busy atmosphere of a careers fair challenging. The Big Meet will run from 11.00am to 2.30/3.30pm with the Sensory Reduced Hour opening the event at 11.00am. The break down of event timings are listed below:
Melbourne & Sydney
Brisbane & Adelaide
Perth
Exhibitors will set up as usual, and the AAGE will liaise with the Convention Centre and our event partners to make some adjustments to the space and our communication with students to facilitate the Sensory Reduced Hour.
Student Registration for the Sensory Reduced Hour will be separate from the general admission tickets. We will be managing numbers in and out of the room during this time in an effort to create a more comfortable environment for those attending. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to connect with exhibitors in a setting that suits their needs.
Following this hour, The Big Meet will open to all other students who have registered to attend. Further information will be provided to employers in the coming months about the Sensory Reduced Hour however please let us know if you have any questions prior to booking your space.
**Please be aware that the timings provided are indicative and will be finalised in the Event Logistics documents which will be accessible on the AAGE website in late 2026.
To view previous years exhibitors, please visit www.startmycareer.com.au/The-Big-Meet
Click the city name below to be taken to the booking form or to book all five cities at the bulk discount rate.
Please click here to view the Terms and Conditions. Please ensure you read these carefully. By submitting your registration, you are agreeing to be bound by the Terms and Conditions.
We will be running a Sensory Reduced Hour in 2027, catering to students who may find the busy atmosphere of a careers fair challenging. The Big Meet will run from 11.00am to 3.30pm with the Sensory Reduced Hour opening the event at 11.00am. The breakdown of event timings are listed below:
We will be running a Sensory Reduced Hour in 2027, catering to students who may find the busy atmosphere of a careers fair challenging. The Big Meet will run from 11.00am to 2.30pm with the Sensory Reduced Hour opening the event at 11.00am. The breakdown of event timings are listed below:
We will be running a Sensory Reduced Hour in 2027, catering to students who may find the busy atmosphere of a careers fair challenging. The Big Meet will run from 11.00am to 3.00pm with the Sensory Reduced Hour opening the event at 11.00am. The breakdown of event timings are listed below:
Contact Us
Email: info@aage.com.au Phone: +61 3 9352 5062Address:PO Box 1217 Camberwell VIC 3124 Australia
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