Purpose-led
Each year we build Engaging for Impact around the guiding principles of minimising our environmental impact, making our event more inclusive and actively working with First Nations voices.
Upholding these principles helps us to build a stronger, more sustainable community.
Environmental Responsibility: “Looking after our planet”
In designing EFI we are conscious of reducing our waste output.
This meant examining how we approach catering, communications, registration and the attendee experience. At EFI 2019 we cut down single-use plastics and went digital where possible. Going into EFI 2020 we are working on further minimising waste in our supply chain.
First Nation Voices: “Kerr-boo-on-ool”
Kerr-boo-on-ool means join in the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language.
So, Kerr-boo-on-ool with us! As part of RMIT’s Dhumbah Goorowa (Reconciliation Action Plan): ‘a commitment to share’ we actively promote and support Indigenous communities. At EFI 2019, we worked with Indigenous designer (and RMIT Alumina) Taylah Cole to ensure our design embraced this commitment and we are excited to continue working with her as part of the EFI Team. Wurundjeri Elder Uncle Perry Wandin formally welcomed us to the unceded lands on which RMIT conducts its business. Boon wurrung Elder N’Arweet Carolyn Briggs graciously hosted a tour and shared the history of the land RMIT is built on. Continuing forward we will be working with more Indigenous owned and led businesses, leaders, and researchers.
Inclusive: “For Everyone”
EFI is an opportunity to learn, create and collaborate.
We believe in making that opportunity available to people at all stages of their career. For that reason, EFI has always been a free event and the bulk of the program is held during family friendly hours. We deliberately select venues and bathrooms that are easily accessible to people with disabilities. Last year we introduced a quiet, stress-free space where carers, guardians and parents could watch a live-stream of the keynotes or just escape the sensory overload of a packed theatre. We aim to continue developing our accessibility offerings for EFI 2020.
Community: “Do more good”
In 2017 we began the tradition of making donations on behalf of speakers in lieu of thank you gifts.
We asked attendees to help us choose organisations that related to our 2019 themes: Melbourne 8 Million, Empowering Health, Ethical Innovation & Industry Transformation and Collaborative Shared Futures. As a result; Sleepbus, the Australian Conservation Fund, Friends for Good and the Indigenous Literacy Foundation each received a donation on behalf of our speakers. You’ll have an opportunity to have your say in which charity we’ll be giving to this year through our newsletter.
Who Should Attend
Policy makers, healthcare professionals, creative practitioners, disruptors, futurists, research-led innovators, academic scholars and business entrepreneurs. Engaging for Impact 2020 is FREE of charge as part of RMIT's commitment to fostering greater collaboration between the University and the communities we serve.