Online Events
AAIR has made its best effort to find and publish events relevant to the AAIR community, and makes no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the contents of this events page. If you wish to register for any of the events listed, you take full responsibility for your actions. AAIR shall not be held liable to any party for any damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of this material, which is provided as is, and without warranties. All links are for information purposes only and are not warranted for content, accuracy or any other implied or explicit purpose.
This is .pbip now – From Binary Files to AI-Ready Analytics
17 July 2026 (12–1 pm AEST / 2–3pm NZST)
Online
LIVE WORKSHOP
Presenter: Andrei Stoian, Business Intelligence and DWH Manager at University of the Sunshine Coast
Facilitator: Lisa Bolton, AAIR Executive Committee member, AAIR
Power BI has quietly undergone one of its biggest changes yet. With the introduction of Power BI Projects (.pbip), reports are no longer stored as opaque binary files – they are now plain text, making them readable, version controlled and ready for AI-assisted development.
In this practical session, Andrei will explore what this shift means for institutional research, business intelligence and analytics teams. Through real-world examples, he will demonstrate how .pbip changes report governance, enables modern development workflows and opens new opportunities for AI and Copilot to interact with semantic models.
You’ll also hear lessons learned from implementing synthetic-first development, using Git for report version control and building governance processes that keep sensitive institutional data secure while enabling innovation.
Whether you are responsible for reporting, analytics, planning or data governance, this session will provide practical insights into the future of Power BI development and how institutions can prepare for AI-ready analytics.
In this session we’ll explore:
- what Power BI Projects (.pbip) are and why they matter
- how plain-text semantic models improve governance and collaboration
- using Git and version control for reporting projects
- synthetic-first development and protecting sensitive data
- practical uses of Copilot and AI agents for analytics
- lessons learned from real-world implementation.
There will also be plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion with colleagues working across institutional research and analytics.
Who should attend?
This session will be valuable for professionals working in:
- institutional research
- business intelligence and analytics
- planning and performance
- reporting and compliance
- data governance
- higher education technology and information management.
Learning outcomes
By attending this session, participants will:
- understand the transition from .pbix to .pbip
- explore practical approaches to AI-ready analytics
- learn how semantic model governance improves reporting quality
- discover ways to modernise Power BI development workflows
- gain ideas to support secure and collaborative analytics practices.
Pricing:
- Members: FREE
- Non-members: $75.74 (AUD$65 + GST + booking fee)
THIS IS A LIVE WORKSHOP. A RECORDING WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.
Coffee, Conversation and Collaboration
22 July 2026 (12–1 pm AEST / 2–3pm NZST)
Online
LIVE WEBINAAIR
Facilitator: David Cawthorne, Manager Government Reporting Transformation at Charles Darwin University
As members of AAIR, the work we do each day can sometimes be quite different from that of our colleagues within our institutions. An AAIR Virtual Networking event gives us the chance to come together and discuss the issues that matter to us professionally.
This is a freeform networking session without a particular theme. To get the most from the event, bring along your brags and baggage – your successes, challenges, questions, and ideas – and share them with others who do work like yours.
We get the most from AAIR when we share.
What to expect:
- frank and open discussion about our shared challenges
- stronger connections with peers across Australasia
- practical insights from peers across institutions
- opportunities to ask questions and exchange ideas
- a platform to discuss what works best for AAIR membership with a direct line to the Executive Committee
Pricing:
- Members: FREE
- Non-members: $75.74 (AUD$65 + GST + booking fee)
THIS IS A LIVE WEBINAAIR. A RECORDING WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.
Beyond Surveys: Reimagining Institutional Newsletters with BlueX
23 July 2026 (12–1pm AEST / 2–3pm NZST)
Online
LIVE WEBINAAIR
Presenters:
- Arjoman Chatterji, Senior Solutions Engineer at Explorance
- Alexander Civil, AAIR Newsletter Editor
What if your survey tool could do so much more?
In this showcase webinar, you’ll see how Explorance BlueX is transforming the way institutional research teams create dynamic content that informs, engages, and invites contribution. Take a behind-the-scenes look at how the latest edition of the AAIR Newsletter was built entirely within BlueX. Offering a fresh perspective and a look into what is possible beyond the survey.
In this session:
- Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the AAIR Newsletter was built in BlueX
- Explore the interactive features in the latest edition of the AAIR newsletter
- See firsthand why BlueX is an accessible and intuitive tool for all kinds of use cases
Pricing:
- Members: FREE
- Non-members: $75.74 (AUD$65 + GST + booking fee)
THIS IS A LIVE WEBINAAIR. A RECORDING WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.
AAIR Live Interview: Institutional Research Journeys with AAIR Member Rintaro Ohno
27 July 2026 (12–1pm AEST / 2–3pm NZST)
Online
LIVE WEBINAAIR
🎤 Host: Eva Seidel (AAIR President), Associate Director, Research Engagement and Success at Flinders University, Australia
🎙 Guest: Rintaro Ohno (AAIR Member), Associate Professor in the Strategic Planning Office at Tohoku University, Japan
Join AAIR President Eva Seidel for another engaging instalment of our Institutional Research Journeys interview series, featuring Rintaro Ohno, Senior Assistant Professor in the Strategic Planning Office at Tohoku University, Japan.
Rintaro has built an impressive career at the intersection of institutional research, strategic planning, data analytics and university management. His work focuses on using evidence to support institutional decision-making, improve organisational performance and strengthen higher education policy and practice.
During this live conversation, Eva will explore Rintaro’s professional journey, how institutional research has evolved in Japan, the opportunities and challenges facing the profession, and the role of international collaboration in advancing institutional effectiveness.
Whether you are new to institutional research or an experienced practitioner, this session offers a unique opportunity to hear from an internationally recognised leader and gain insights into IR from a global perspective.
What you’ll hear about:
- Rintaro’s journey into institutional research
- The development of IR in Japan
- Strategic planning and evidence-informed decision making
- International perspectives on higher education analytics
- Career advice for emerging institutional researchers
- Audience Q&A
Why attend?
AAIR’s Institutional Research Journeys series provides an opportunity to hear the personal stories behind some of the profession’s leading practitioners.
Rather than a formal presentation, this relaxed interview explores career pathways, lessons learned, challenges overcome and ideas shaping the future of institutional research. It is a chance to connect with colleagues, broaden your perspective and be inspired by experiences from across the international IR community.
About the speakers
Eva Seidel – Interviewer
Eva Seidel is President of the Australasian Association for Institutional Research (AAIR) and an experienced higher education leader with extensive expertise in institutional research, planning, business intelligence and student success. Eva is passionate about building a connected IR community and supporting professional development across Australasia.
Rintaro Ohno – Guest
Rintaro Ohno is a Senior Assistant Professor in the Strategic Planning Office at Tohoku University, Japan. His work focuses on institutional research, strategic planning, organisational analysis and evidence-informed university management. He has contributed extensively to the development of IR practice in Japan and has been an active participant in international institutional research collaborations, bringing a global perspective to the use of data for strategic decision making.
Pricing:
- Members: FREE
- Non-members: $75.74 (AUD$65 + GST + booking fee)
THIS IS A LIVE WEBINAAIR. A RECORDING WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE.
AI Innovation Summit 2026
28–31 July 2026
Hybrid event (Sydney NSW and online)
AI Innovation Summit 2026 brings together senior executives, transformation leaders, and innovators leading AI-driven change across some of Australia and New Zealand’s most recognised organisations. Across two practical days, delegates will explore workforce transformation and AI adoption, operational resilience and organisational adaptation, AI governance and leadership decision-making, productivity, trust, and workforce pressure, as well as strategies for scaling innovation beyond experimentation.
Through practical case studies and real-world leadership insights, this summit will examine how organisations are adapting to one of the biggest shifts in modern business.
Because in the age of AI, innovation alone is not enough. The organisations that succeed will be the ones that adapt fastest.