Inspiring the next generation: Tech pathways, cyber safety and the power of connection
Supanova is Australia’s premier comic con and gaming festival, and a highly energising space to walk into. The colour, the creativity, the curiosity—it’s where imagination meets innovation. And for ACS, it’s where we see the future of tech leadership beginning to take shape.
Creating partnerships and career pathways
We are delighted to renew our partnership with Supanova. What began as a single event last year has now grown into three major national appearances. Each is a brilliant opportunity to connect with a young and diverse community that is bursting with tech potential.
Today, school students are tech-savvy, creative thinkers who are just a step or two away from seeing themselves in a tech career. And that’s why our partnership with Supanova is so important. It creates a career pathway for the next generation of tech talent, showing them that tech is an industry where they belong.
Building on EdCAT 2025 with Adam Spencer
We’re also thrilled to continue working with Adam Spencer, the author, broadcaster and self-styled number nerd. Adam recently helped us host EdCAT 2025, our Education, Careers and Technology event, which attracted a record number of attendees this year.
EdCAT brings to life practical, exciting education for high school students, highlighting the pathways from education to employment. With Adam’s reach and insight, we’re creating engagement, opening doors and building a tech pipeline that starts early and benefits Australia.
Highlighting Stop Cyberbullying Day
Last Thursday, we celebrated our partnerships with Supanova and Adam Spencer with an event that brought to the fore Stop Cyberbullying Day.
Today, 60% of all internet users have been exposed to cyberbullying. As the professional association for Australia’s tech sector, we consider it our responsibility to lead the community in shaping safer online spaces.
Our event showcased the work of Ali Halkic, founder of Bully Zero, a leading bullying prevention and cyber safety education organisation. From schools to sports clubs, the Bully Zero team are on the ground, helping young Australians stay safe, confident and connected.
Ali’s personal story touched everybody present, and we’re delighted to see the message of online safety gain national traction. Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, recently addressed the National Press Club, making it clear that mandatory safety standards for online platforms are coming if voluntary codes fall short. The message is loud and clear: online safety isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Join us at Supanova, meet the ACS team and together let’s build a tech sector for everyone.
· Adelaide: 31st October - 2nd November
· Brisbane: 7th November - 9th November
