Semann & Slattery | INSPIREx 2026 | A place to think with Semann & Slattery

A place to think...

INSPIREx 2026

One day, three dynamic themes, nine courageous speakers and endless inspiration

Disrupt the Ordinary
Questions our practice
Speakers

Laura Stone
Early Childhood Education Producer, ABC Kids
Emma Liebeknecht
Director, Adelaide Miethke Kindergarten
Natalia Krysiak
Architect, Play Consultant & Founder, Cities for Play
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Beneath the Surface
Asks us to reshape our thinking
Speakers

Anthony Semann
Director, Semann & Slattery
Lucia Stacchiotto
Pedagogista, Researcher & Associate Lecturer, Southern Cross University
Dr Claire Warden
Founder of the Floorbook® Approach & International Leader in Nature Pedagogy
Register Now
Unwritten Futures
Imagine possibilities for children, educators and communities
Speakers

Adam Christie
Adam Christie Consulting
Helen Thomson & Suzana Klarin
University of Melbourne Early Learning Centre
Dr Fiona Young
Architect and Founder, ARCHITECTURE_WITH

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Gently disrupting ideas, stretching thinking and shifting practice...

INSPIREx is a one-day experience designed to spark deep thinking and bold conversations.

Hosted in Sydney and Melbourne, this jewel-box event brings together leading educators, thinkers and change-makers offering thought provoking talks to energise practice and spark new ideas.

The event themes, Disrupt the Ordinary, Beneath the Surface and Unwritten Futures, set the scene for connection, challenge and the inspiration to act.

What you take away from INSPIREx

Our speakers invite us to question what we accept as normal, explore the deeper ideas shaping practice, and imagine new futures for children, educators and communities.

You will be inspired to...

Question what has become ‘ordinary’ in early childhood practice
Look beneath the surface of everyday decisions and assumptions
Listen more deeply to children’s voices and ways of knowing
Rethink environments, media and community as catalysts for learning
Take these provocations back to colleagues to spark dialogue and reflection

Register for INSPIREx

Melbourne 25th August, 2026
Sydney 28th August, 2026

INSPIREx...A place to think EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION
Anthony SemannAug 25, 2026, 9:30 AM Sydney TimeVIC - Melbourne - Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)Registration Open
$655.00 incl. GST
INSPIREx...A place to think. A jewel box conference, a day of thought-provoking conversation and possibility. Nine courageous speakers exploring bold ideas... Register now to secure your Early Bird discount. Early Bird offer expires on Friday 24 June, 2026.
Conferences & In-Person Events
Register nowLearn more
INSPIREx...A place to think EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION
Anthony SemannAug 28, 2026, 9:30 AM Sydney TimeNSW - Sydney - The International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney)Registration Open
$655.00 incl. GST
INSPIREx...A place to think. A jewel box conference, a day of thought-provoking conversation and possibility. Nine courageous speakers exploring bold ideas... Register now to secure your Early Bird discount. Early Bird offer expires on Friday 24 June, 2026.
Conferences & In-Person Events
Register nowLearn more

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Keynote Speakers

Nine powerful presentations, in TED-style short format, across three themed INSPIREx sections throughout the day.

AS
Anthony Semann

A leading voice for social justice in early childhood education, Anthony Semann is a Co-Director of Semann & Slattery. He works with educators, leaders and organisations across Australia and internationally to inspire courageous leadership, reflective practice and meaningful change. A passionate advocate for the rights of young children and the educators who work alongside them, Anthony mentors leaders to think deeply, challenge assumptions and lead with purpose. His work continues to shape conversations about equity, leadership and the transformative potential of early childhood education.

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DW
Dr Claire Warden
Internationally recognised educator and author Dr Claire Warden is the founder of the Floorbook® Approach, a pedagogy that places children’s ideas, inquiry and collaboration at the heart of learning. A leading voice in nature pedagogy, Claire inspires educators worldwide to reconnect children with nature, curiosity and deep thinking. Through her writing, speaking and professional learning, she champions inquiry-based learning, children’s voice and collaborative leadership. Claire’s work continues to influence educators globally, encouraging practices that honour children as capable thinkers and active participants in their learning.
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AC
Adam Christie
With nearly two decades of experience across government and non-government services, Adam Christie is an early childhood educator and early education consultant committed to strengthening practice across the sector. As Director of Adam Christie Consulting, he works alongside leaders and teams to support quality practice through mentoring, coaching and tailored professional learning. Adam is co-editor of Redefining Planning and Assessment: Seeing Children Through Pedagogical Documentation and is deeply interested in ethical practice, systems leadership and practitioner inquiry that honour children’s learning, thinking and voice.
View Profile

Content Carousel

Title

title
subtitle
title
subtitle
title
subtitle

FAQs

More ways to learn

Outside of our courses, you can get more information in our magazine, Pedagogy + and register for our conferences.

Does it really matter in what order?
Anthony Semann
Read More
Children’s Safety and the Risk of Invisibility
Anthony Semann
Read More
Am I the only one who loses sleep over the book area?
Anthony Semann
Read More
Making transitions work: A families responsibility
Anthony Semann
Read More
Setting up a block space
Anthony Semann
Read More
Thinking about wonder
Anthony Semann
Read More
Changing up a learning space: One space at a time
Anthony Semann
Read More
Let’s Talk Group Times
Anthony Semann
Read More
Stop we can’t and ask why not
Anthony Semann
Read More
Who is at the table and who is not. Let us answer this question.
Anthony Semann
Read More
Transitions should serve children, not convenience
Anthony Semann
General
Read More
Love as leadership oxygen.
Anthony Semann
The most exceptional leaders I’ve worked with had one thing in common: they loved the people they worked with.
General
Read More
Seize the moment. It may never come again.
Anthony Semann
Through crisis comes opportunity, and there is no doubt the early years sector is facing a crisis like never before.
General
Read More
It’s not just about leadership. We’ve been sold only half of the story.
Anthony Semann
Food for thought: maybe it’s time we invest as much in becoming great followers as we do in creating great leaders.
General
Read More
Hard conversations aren’t about bravado. They’re a necessity.
Semann & Slattery
What can help you survive (and even thrive in) these conversations?
General
Read More
Are you an over forgiver?
Anthony Semann
Yep, you read that right. Are you an over forgiver? Particularly in situations where you should have been firmer.
General
Read More
Is it all about behaviour management, or could there be something missing?
Semann & Slattery
Most fail at behaviour change. Why? Simply because there isn't a relationship.
General
Read More
Are some inquiries or projects really themes dressed up differently?
Semann & Slattery
It isn’t the content that makes something a theme it’s how it’s approached within the learning space.
General
Read More
All clouds eventually run out of rain. Be patient.
Anthony Semann
When life stings, it really does sting. So, what can help in those moments?
General
Read More
Growing leadership from the inside out
Semann & Slattery
Find out how a tailored leadership program supported emerging and experienced leaders across an entire organisation.
Case Study
Read More
Equipping educational leaders to lead with confidence
Semann & Slattery
See how customised workshops and coaching helped educational leaders feel more capable and better prepared to guide their teams.
Case Study
Read More
A smarter way to support staff induction
Semann & Slattery
Discover how a custom video library made induction easier, faster and more consistent for educators.
Case Study
Read More
Changing practice through action research
Semann & Slattery
A year-long project helped teams explore their practice, gather evidence and make lasting change in their learning environments.
Case Study
Read More
Making learning visible: A state-wide shift in assessment
Anthony Semann
A five-year project shows how documentation became a core tool for assessing learning across one state.
Case Study
Read More
The subtle strength of interwoven threads
Semann & Slattery
Imagination, originality, invention, and playfulness are all key aspects of creative ways of being, that foster divergent thinking and problem creating.
Pedagogy+ Free Article
Read More
The power of love in leadership
Anthony Semann
Love — defined as a deep care and respect for one another — can be the essential force that breathes life into the workplace.
Pedagogy+ Free Article
Read More
Leaning into life's philosophy
Semann & Slattery
Asking life questions can be daunting. Our self-enquiry will ask us to consider the possibilities and inevitabilities of life, and what we value.
Pedagogy+ Free Article
Read More
A context for discovery
Semann & Slattery
With a notebook full of possibilities, a head and heart ready to lean into the possible, offering here a handful of ideas that have been consciously ruminating for me, weaving their threads into my daily practice.
Pedagogy+ Free Article
Read More
Goal Setting in Early Childhood Settings
Colin Slattery
Setting goals is a crucial element in any educational context, fostering an environment conducive to structured learning and growth. It guides learners towards the acquisition of key skills and knowledge while promoting self-confidence and motivation. Moreover, clear and attainable goals provide a sense of direction, facilitating a deeper understanding of progress and achievement.
Program and PracticeDevelopmentSelf management
Read More
Shhh! Wanna hear a secret?
Semann & Slattery
We’ve all been told that gossip and rumour is an evil scourge of the workplace and must be stopped at all costs. There are numerous articles offering advice on how to kill the poisonous grapevine.
Workplace Culture
Read More

Does it really matter in what order?

Anthony Semann

Children’s Safety and the Risk of Invisibility

Anthony Semann

Am I the only one who loses sleep over the book area?

Anthony Semann

Making transitions work: A families responsibility

Anthony Semann

Setting up a block space

Anthony Semann

Thinking about wonder

Anthony Semann

Changing up a learning space: One space at a time

Anthony Semann

Let’s Talk Group Times

Anthony Semann

Stop we can’t and ask why not

Anthony Semann

Who is at the table and who is not. Let us answer this question.

Anthony Semann

Transitions should serve children, not convenience

Anthony Semann

General

Love as leadership oxygen.

Anthony Semann

The most exceptional leaders I’ve worked with had one thing in common: they loved the people they worked with.

General

Seize the moment. It may never come again.

Anthony Semann

Through crisis comes opportunity, and there is no doubt the early years sector is facing a crisis like never before.

General

It’s not just about leadership. We’ve been sold only half of the story.

Anthony Semann

Food for thought: maybe it’s time we invest as much in becoming great followers as we do in creating great leaders.

General

Hard conversations aren’t about bravado. They’re a necessity.

Semann & Slattery

What can help you survive (and even thrive in) these conversations?

General

Are you an over forgiver?

Anthony Semann

Yep, you read that right. Are you an over forgiver? Particularly in situations where you should have been firmer.

General

Is it all about behaviour management, or could there be something missing?

Semann & Slattery

Most fail at behaviour change. Why? Simply because there isn't a relationship.

General

Are some inquiries or projects really themes dressed up differently?

Semann & Slattery

It isn’t the content that makes something a theme it’s how it’s approached within the learning space.

General

All clouds eventually run out of rain. Be patient.

Anthony Semann

When life stings, it really does sting. So, what can help in those moments?

General

Growing leadership from the inside out

Semann & Slattery

Find out how a tailored leadership program supported emerging and experienced leaders across an entire organisation.

Case Study

Equipping educational leaders to lead with confidence

Semann & Slattery

See how customised workshops and coaching helped educational leaders feel more capable and better prepared to guide their teams.

Case Study

A smarter way to support staff induction

Semann & Slattery

Discover how a custom video library made induction easier, faster and more consistent for educators.

Case Study

Changing practice through action research

Semann & Slattery

A year-long project helped teams explore their practice, gather evidence and make lasting change in their learning environments.

Case Study

Making learning visible: A state-wide shift in assessment

Anthony Semann

A five-year project shows how documentation became a core tool for assessing learning across one state.

Case Study

The subtle strength of interwoven threads

Semann & Slattery

Imagination, originality, invention, and playfulness are all key aspects of creative ways of being, that foster divergent thinking and problem creating.

Pedagogy+ Free Article

The power of love in leadership

Anthony Semann

Love — defined as a deep care and respect for one another — can be the essential force that breathes life into the workplace.

Pedagogy+ Free Article

Leaning into life's philosophy

Semann & Slattery

Asking life questions can be daunting. Our self-enquiry will ask us to consider the possibilities and inevitabilities of life, and what we value.

Pedagogy+ Free Article

A context for discovery

Semann & Slattery

With a notebook full of possibilities, a head and heart ready to lean into the possible, offering here a handful of ideas that have been consciously ruminating for me, weaving their threads into my daily practice.

Pedagogy+ Free Article

Goal Setting in Early Childhood Settings

Colin Slattery

Setting goals is a crucial element in any educational context, fostering an environment conducive to structured learning and growth. It guides learners towards the acquisition of key skills and knowledge while promoting self-confidence and motivation. Moreover, clear and attainable goals provide a sense of direction, facilitating a deeper understanding of progress and achievement.

Program and PracticeDevelopmentSelf management

Shhh! Wanna hear a secret?

Semann & Slattery

We’ve all been told that gossip and rumour is an evil scourge of the workplace and must be stopped at all costs. There are numerous articles offering advice on how to kill the poisonous grapevine.

Workplace Culture

Content Carousel

Title

title
subtitle
title
subtitle
title
subtitle

INSPIREx 2026

Disrupt the Ordinary

Questions our practice

Speakers

Beneath the Surface

Asks us to reshape our thinking

Speakers

Unwritten Futures

Imagine possibilities for children, educators and communities

Speakers

Gently disrupting ideas, stretching thinking and shifting practice...

What you take away from INSPIREx

Keep in touch with the latest announcements on INSPIREx, events and news from Semann & Slattery

Register for INSPIREx

INSPIREx...A place to think EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION

INSPIREx...A place to think EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION

Event carousel

Placeholder Title

Placeholder Title

Keynote Speakers

Anthony Semann

Dr Claire Warden

Adam Christie

Anthony Semann

Dr Claire Warden

Adam Christie

Content Carousel

title

title

title

FAQs

What is INSPIREx?

Where and when is INSPIREx happening?

Who should attend INSPIREx?

How is INSPIREx different from the Inspire Conference?

What are the INSPIREx themes?

What can I expect on the day?

What is a TEDx Talk format?

How much does INSPIREx cost?

Can I book a multiple tickets at one time for my team?

Is there a group discount?

More ways to learn

Does it really matter in what order?

Children’s Safety and the Risk of Invisibility

Am I the only one who loses sleep over the book area?

Making transitions work: A families responsibility

Setting up a block space

Thinking about wonder

Changing up a learning space: One space at a time

Let’s Talk Group Times

Stop we can’t and ask why not

Who is at the table and who is not. Let us answer this question.

Transitions should serve children, not convenience

Love as leadership oxygen.

Seize the moment. It may never come again.

It’s not just about leadership. We’ve been sold only half of the story.

Hard conversations aren’t about bravado. They’re a necessity.

Are you an over forgiver?

Is it all about behaviour management, or could there be something missing?

Are some inquiries or projects really themes dressed up differently?

All clouds eventually run out of rain. Be patient.

Growing leadership from the inside out

Equipping educational leaders to lead with confidence

A smarter way to support staff induction

Changing practice through action research

Making learning visible: A state-wide shift in assessment

The subtle strength of interwoven threads

The power of love in leadership

Leaning into life's philosophy

A context for discovery

Goal Setting in Early Childhood Settings

Shhh! Wanna hear a secret?

Does it really matter in what order?

Children’s Safety and the Risk of Invisibility

Am I the only one who loses sleep over the book area?

Making transitions work: A families responsibility

Setting up a block space

Thinking about wonder

Changing up a learning space: One space at a time

Let’s Talk Group Times