Future: Forward
AI in Catholic Education National Conference
CEnet is excited to hold its second Future: Forward Conference, a two-day national event aimed at bringing together decision makers, theologians, curriculum leaders, educators, and data, IT and security experts from Catholic education dioceses.
This year, we embrace boldness in AI leadership by bridging gaps, fostering innovation, ensuring gender equity, and amplifying student voices. The conference will balance hands-on exploration, deep discussions, and practical implementation strategies.
At this event, participants will engage in dynamic think tank sessions focusing on the ethical, practical, and innovative uses of AI.
Key takeaways for attendees:
* AI beyond ChatGPT – Practical, advanced AI use cases for education
* Proactive AI governance that Catholic education can lead
* Future-proofing AI literacy for students and teachers
* Ethical AI adoption without compromising innovation
* Hands-on workshops to build real AI strategies
Not just “What is AI?” but “How do we lead AI?” This event will drive action:
* Governance, integration, and AI-driven teaching workshops
* Bigger student voice – Real AI work from Catholic schools
* Future-focused: Preparing for the next wave of AI in education
Venue
Campbelltown Catholic Club
20-22 Camden Rd, Campbelltown NSW
Date
Thursday 22 + Friday 23 May 2025
Agenda
DAY ONE
7.45am Registration open
8.30am Sessions commence + include:
* Morning keynotes: Explore the forefront of AI in Education with insights on co-creation, ethical implementation, and supporting teachers in leading AI integration from keynote speakers Dr. Michelle Dickinson, Dr. Nici Sweaney and Carlo Iacono.
* Interactive sessions: Engage in dynamic debate sessions and the interactive activities.
* Afternoon keynotes: Continue exploring the key themes with rotated keynote presentations from our invited speakers.
* Networking event: Connect with fellow attendees during the evening Drinks, Canapes & Networking session.
7.30pm Day One concludes
DAY TWO
8.45am Sessions commence + include:
* Morning keynote: Be inspired by James Smith's perspective on the journey from teacher to tech leader.
* Student panel: Hear directly from students about their experiences with AI technology in education.
* Best use cases: Discover practical applications of AI in education as invited teachers showcase their best use cases of cechat.
* Interactive workshops: Participate in hands-on sessions.
* Final showcase: Witness the culmination of innovative projects.
3.30pm Conference concludes
Keynote Speakers:
Dr. Michelle Dickinson, a globally acclaimed keynote speaker in the fields of nanotechnologies and science communication, brings over 20 years of engineering expertise to the Future: Forward 2025 conference. Renowned for her ability to demystify complex, cutting-edge technologies, Michelle captivates audiences by illustrating their tangible impact on both business and wider society.
As a bestselling author, an award-winning TV presenter, the host of a popular podcast, and the visionary founder of Matter Workshop and Nanogirl, Michelle has cultivated a worldwide reputation for sparking curiosity to drive both learning and innovation. Her profound commitment to reducing inequality within the tech sector ensures her message resonates with a diverse audience, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to confidently engage with the increasingly digital world.
At Future: Forward 2025, Michelle will be a featured keynote speaker, sharing her insights on "Beyond Adoption – Co-Creating AI in Education". Her dynamic and thought-provoking presentations blend in-depth knowledge with engaging storytelling. Attendees can expect to leave her session informed, inspired, and equipped with practical strategies to navigate and actively shape the future of technology within the educational landscape. As a highly sought-after speaker for major global events, Michelle’s presence at the conference promises to be a highlight for those looking to understand the future of AI in education.
Dr. Nici Sweaney, a globally recognised AI consultant and thought leader with nearly two decades of experience as an academic scientist and data strategist, brings her extensive expertise to the Future: Forward 2025 conference. As the Founder & Director of Ai Her Way, an end-to-end AI consultancy established in 2023, Dr. Sweaney is driven by a profound passion for ethical AI and gender equity.
Her distinguished career includes advising international organisations such as the UN and World Bank, as well as transformative companies like Canva, on their AI strategies. Dr. Sweaney has empowered over 60 organisations across diverse sectors, including law, healthcare, education, and marketing, to embrace an "AI-first" approach while upholding ethical practices and inclusivity.
Recognised as one of the "Top 10 Trailblazing Entrepreneurs in AI to Follow in 2024" by Microsoft News, Dr. Sweaney is a sought-after speaker with over 50 global appearances, including TEDx talks. At Future: Forward 2025, Dr. Sweaney will be a featured keynote speaker, sharing her valuable insights on "Ethical AI in Education – From Policy to Practice". Attendees can anticipate gaining a deeper understanding of how to navigate the ethical dimensions of AI implementation in educational settings from a leading voice in the field. Her presence underscores the conference's commitment to addressing not just the potential, but also the responsible application of AI in shaping the future of learning.
Carlo Iacono, a seasoned professional with over 27 years of experience in the education and research sectors across Australia and the UK, will be a featured keynote speaker at the Future: Forward 2025 conference. Currently serving as a University Librarian and having previously held the position of AI Strategy Development Adviser at Charles Sturt University, Carlo has been at the forefront of integrating AI to modernise library services and enhance access to information.
His expertise in leveraging AI in academic libraries makes him a valuable voice at the conference, where he will be presenting his keynote, "Resistance is futile – Supporting Teachers to Lead AI Integration". This presentation will draw upon his experience in navigating technological innovation within educational settings and offering practical strategies for educators.
Attendees of Future: Forward 2025 can expect Carlo to bring this depth of understanding to his keynote, providing insights into how teachers can confidently lead the integration of AI in their classrooms. His pioneering work in balancing technological innovation with human-centered solutions will offer a crucial perspective for educators looking to effectively navigate the evolving landscape of AI in education.
Day 2 of the Future: Forward 2025 conference features several hands-on and interactive activities around the effective use cechat in educational contexts. These sessions are designed to provide direct experience and application of skills.
Discover the power of cechat in action! Join fellow educators as they showcase their best use cases of this innovative solution tailored for Catholic Education. Witness first-hand how cechat is enhancing teaching, learning, and administration, providing practical solutions aligned with our values.
Don't miss this opportunity to see how your colleagues are leveraging cechat to streamline workflows and support student development in bold, brave, and brilliant ways!
Join us at Future: Forward 2025, the essential event for shaping the future of education in a rapidly evolving technological landscape!
Learn from the experts: Hear from keynote speakers and panellists on topics ranging from AI as a mission-driven tool to student AI literacy and ethical AI frontiers.
See AI in action: Witness student showcases of AI projects in Catholic schools.
Shape the future of AI in Catholic education: Participate in interactive roundtables and workshops to contribute to strategic AI roadmaps.
Network with peers: Connect with decision-makers, theologians, curriculum leaders, educators, and data, IT, and security experts from Catholic education dioceses across Australia.