We’ve got you covered with a list of exciting events happening on and off campus this May and June, including both free and paid events and some sneaky discounts for QUT Alumni.

QUT Classic

Complete 1km, 5km or 10km at the all-inclusive, family-friendly community running event, held annually in support of the QUT Learning Potential Fund (LPF), which helps students like Bob Cuthbert break from the cycle of poverty and paves the way for a brighter future. QUT Sport donates a portion from every registration to the LPF, with more than $31,500 raised since 2011!

Black Knowing Series: ‘Showcasing Indigenous Scholarship in Creative Industries’

This is a free event.

Join the Carumba Institute for another Black Knowing seminar - Showcasing Indigenous Scholarship in Creative Industries! This seminar will include presentations from Nicole Reilly (QUT Indigenous Australian HDR Alumna), Megan Albany (QUT Indigenous Australian HDR student) and Boneta-Marie Mabo (QUT Indigenous Australian HDR student). Presentations will be followed by a light lunch and networking.

  • Dates: Friday 29 May 2026
  • Time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm
  • Price: FREE
  • Location: QUT Kelvin Grove Campus, E Block, Level 1, room 151
  • RSVP: Tuesday 19 May 2026
  • Find out more and register

William Robinson: How art can change the way we think about the environment

This is a free event.

Join us for a timely and thought-provoking conversation with the Honourable Justice Brian Preston AO FRSN SC, Chief Judge of the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales and Dr Ayesha Tulloch, a conservation decision scientist at QUT. Facilitated by Vanessa Van Ooyen, Director of QUT Galleries and Museums, this conversation will explore how artists’ insights—shaped by perception, emotion, ethics, and attentiveness to place—can help us think differently about the biodiversity crisis we face today.

World Environmental Day Breakfast

This is a free event.

Join the Queensland University of Technology's Centre for Environment and Society this World Environment Day for a special breakfast bringing together researchers, partners and industry to explore how climate research can drive meaningful change at the interface between the environment and people.

QUT Business Leaders Forum with Melanie Silva, Google Australia and New Zealand

Melanie Silva, Vice President and Managing Director of Google Australia and New Zealand joins Ellen Fanning to share her remarkable leadership journey and her perspectives on the future of technology, innovation, and business transformation. With nearly two decades at Google and senior leadership experience across Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific, Melanie brings a powerful perspective on leading through disruption and accelerating growth in a digital world.

  • Dates: Friday 12 June 2026
  • Time: 12pm - 2pm
  • Price: $199
  • Location: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
  • Buy Tickets

Game Changers in conversation with Lea Ea of ARROWES

Lea Ea, CEO of Australian powerhouse ARROWES Roading Safety, is on a professional mission to save lives through improved road infrastructure and technology. At age 4, Lea's life was upended when the Khmer Rouge came to power in Cambodia. Years later, Lea, her mother, and her 9 siblings fled the brutal regime, landing first in a refugee camp in Thailand, then the haven of a small town in New Zealand, and then in Brisbane just after the GFC. Lea overcame her family's trauma and suffering through community support, hard-work, and self-belief. With great determination, Lea built a portfolio working for leading global technology firms and education not-for-profits in Queensland and overseas.

  • Dates: Friday 17 June 2026
  • Time: 6:00pm - 7:15pm
  • Price: $15
  • Location: Brisbane State Library
  • Buy Tickets

Opportunities and Workshops:

Side Hustle

This is a free event.

Side Hustle demystifies the process of identifying a ‘problem worth solving,’ validating the idea, building the business model and sourcing customers. Side Hustle is for anyone who wants to start something or has an idea for a side project, but not sure where to start or could use some guidance to take it further.

  • Date: Every Thursday from 12 March 2026
  • Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
  • Price: FREE
  • Location: B Block, Gardens Point campus
  • Find out more and register

TEDxQUT 2026 Logo Competition

Submit a logo design for TEDxQUT 2026 under the theme -  Catalyst, Crossroads & Change. The winner will receive 2 x free tickets to TEDxQUT 2026 and a $100 Visa Debit Card. The winner may also have the opportunity to design the event program, creating a cohesive visual identity that aligns with the selected logo. Where appropriate, they will be able to include their work in their professional portfolio.

InDaily 40 under 40 nominations

The 40 Under 40 is a globally recognised program that celebrates not only the personal determination and commercial drive of young business leaders but also the philanthropic pursuits that balance these individuals’ professional achievements. Successful recipients come from different sectors, backgrounds, and paths, yet are united by purpose, ambition, and impact. Their leadership isn’t defined by uniformity; it’s defined by how their differences are woven together to shape the future.

The 40 Under 40 is a globally recognised program that celebrates the passion, vision and achievements of Queensland’s young entrepreneurs and leaders, who will grow and shape the future of our state.

Upcoming events - sneak peak

2026 Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame Induction dinner

Celebrate excellence. Connect with Queensland’s most influential leaders. Be part of a remarkable night that honours the individuals shaping our state’s future. Join us as we induct six outstanding business leaders into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame. This black-tie gala evening combines prestige, purpose and powerful connection - bringing together those who lead, influence and inspire across Queensland.

Author

Photo of Jenni Hastings

Jenni Hastings

Jenni is an innovative communications, marketing and engagement specialist with fifteen years of industry experience. She is also a proud QUT alumnus with a Bachelor of Creative Industries (Interdisciplinary).

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