The Science Teachers’ Association of NSW (STANSW) invites our valued schools to submit an Expression of Interest to become a Host Venue Partner for our 2026 professional learning events.
As we celebrate our 75th Anniversary in 2026, we want to honour the spirit and foundation of our Association by being hosted in a school, by science teachers. This partnership offers a unique opportunity for your school to be publicly recognised as a leading supporter of STEM education and professional growth across NSW.
Why 2026 year is especially important
The Science Teachers Association of NSW (STANSW) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to advancing science education and supporting the professional growth of science teachers across the state.
For our 75th anniversary year in 2026, we are planning a series of key professional learning events that will celebrate our history, acknowledge the dedication of our volunteer teachers, and inspire the next generation of educators.
We are seeking a host school that can provide the facilities and enthusiasm to make this anniversary year memorable.
Benefits and opportunities for your school
This partnership is designed to provide tangible benefits that directly support your school’s staff and public profile:
- Showcase Your STEM Leadership: This is a prime opportunity for your science staff to showcase the incredible teaching programs your school is implementing in the science classroom and across the broader STEM education space to a state-wide audience of peers.
- Complimentary Professional Learning: Up to 10 of your school’s science or STEM staff will receive complimentary access to attend the hosted STANSW events for the year, offering valuable, localised professional development.
- Acknowledge and Celebrate Your Team: The partnership provides a high-profile platform to showcase your dedicated science teachers and facilities to educators across NSW.
- Exposure and Recognition: Your school will be promoted as the Official 75th Anniversary Host Partner across all STANSW channels, including our website, member journals, event marketing, and social media channels. Your Principal and/or Head of Science will also have acknowledgement and speaking opportunities at the events.
What’s the scope
This partnership involves providing the event venues, necessary AV equipment, and onsite support for the events listed above. We are primarily interested in venues capable of hosting the two-day 7-12 Science Teachers Conference, which is the largest event.
Essential School Venue Requirements:
- Lecture Theatre/School Hall: Large enough to comfortably hold up to 250 attendees for plenary sessions.
- Breakout Rooms: 3-4 suitable classrooms/rooms for concurrent sessions with necessary AV equipment (projectors/screens).
- Science Laboratories (Wet Labs): Access to 1-2 labs for hands-on activities.
- Registration Area: A dedicated, welcoming area for attendee check-in and material distribution.
- Exhibition and Catering Space: A designated area for up to 15 sponsor/exhibitor booths that is near the catering location.
- Accessibility: Venue is accessible to individuals with disabilities (ramps, lifts, accessible seating).
- Technology: Reliable and high-speed internet (Wi-Fi) access and suitable AV equipment (microphones, sound systems) in all key spaces.
- Security: Lockable area for equipment/resources for the two-day conference.
- Bump-in/out: Clear access (ramps or lifts) for STANSW staff and presenters.
Desired Elements:
- Parking: Onsite parking options for STANSW staff (approx. 3 spaces) and ease of access for attendees (e.g., proximity to public transport).
- School Ambassadors: Availability of volunteers to assist with wayfinding and general support.
- Accommodation Support: Proximity to affordable local accommodation to support our Rural and Regional Teachers’ scholarship program.
STANSW responsibilities
To ensure the partnership is manageable and focused on providing a quality professional learning environment, STANSW will manage all significant logistical, financial, and administrative aspects of the events.
The Host School is NOT Responsible For:
- Financial Costs:
- Catering: STANSW will cover all costs associated with event catering (morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea).
- Speakers and Presenters: All speaker fees, travel, and accommodation costs.
- External Equipment: Hiring of any additional audio-visual (AV) equipment, staging, or production elements beyond what is already available at the venue.
- Event Management & Administration:
- Registration: STANSW manages all attendee registration, ticketing, and badge production.
- Event Planning: Full responsibility for all program development, session scheduling, and presenter liaison.
- Compliance & Insurance: STANSW will provide all necessary event coverage, including public liability insurance up to $10 million, OHS compliance to meet venue requirements.
Host School Support Required:
We ask the host school to provide minimal, on-the-day support to ensure smooth operations:
- Venue Access: Co-ordinating access for our production team for bump-in and bump-out of equipment.
- On-the-Day Volunteers: Providing a small number of school staff /volunteers to assist our event production team with wayfinding and general support on the day.
- Site Inspection: Facilitating a pre-event site inspection with STANSW staff prior to the final confirmation of the venue booking.
How to submit your interest
We invite your Head of Science or relevant staff to outline how your school can meet the requirements above and what the partnership would mean to your school’s science faculty.
Submission Deadline: Friday 7th November, 2025
Please submit via the following link https://forms.office.com/r/N0TA3sRDNc
Contacts
- Visnja Aw, Project Manager, [email protected] 0427 286 777
- Irena Tasevska, Executive Director [email protected]
We look forward to partnering with a school to celebrate 75 years of inspiring science education in NSW.
