Last week, Nicole and Sam had the pleasure of connecting with professionals from across the engagement and participation sector as Spatial Media exhibited at the Engagement Institute Annual Conference 2025. The event was packed with valuable insights, close collaboration, and meaningful conversations about how we can continue to work together on engaging our communities.

Every discussion we had with attendees reinforced why this work matters; helping communities have a voice, shaping better decisions, and building trust through genuine connection and engagement.

Over the course of the event, our team met so many dedicated engagement professionals and explored new approaches to digital engagement and community collaboration. Attendees loved exploring our touchscreen examples and picking up our engagement personality stickers – Engagement Ninja clearly resonating!

From Bernard Salt AM’s compelling keynote on demographic trends shaping the future, to breakout sessions on First Nations and youth engagement, working across the project lifecycle and how mistrust in key social institutions is impacting our work - the passion and commitment driving our industry forward was truly inspiring to witness firsthand. Successful engagement not only improves project results but also reduces interruptions and cultivates trust, laying a strong groundwork for forthcoming initiatives.  

As the event drew to a close, Community Engagement Goddess Dr. Isabella GiaVulva launched her new cabaret, “Off Leash”. She had the entire room in stitches with the raw truths and dog park banter we can all relate to but also recognising the value of kindness in engagement. A poignant note and recognition that engagement work is challenging, complex and can be draining with the need for self-care very prevalent for all in the industry.

We’d like to extend a special congratulations to all the 2025 Core Values Awards including one of our clients, NSW Reconstruction Authority who were highly commended for their work with their Innovative Ways to Engage on Flood Risk Management.  

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth for a chat, a smile, and some fun stickers or bouncy balls to take home, as well as the Engagement Institute for hosting a fantastic event.