An Update from our International Director

A4LE International Board Engagement – 2026 National Conference (Perth)

We were pleased to welcome Tim McClure, Chair of the A4LE International Board, and Chuck Saylors, Past Chair of the Board, to the 2026 LEA Annual Conference in Perth. Their attendance was greatly appreciated, and both actively engaged with LEA members throughout the event. They also expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to connect with members and participate in the conference program.

A4LE - EDmarket Merger Update

As previously advised, a key strategic focus for 2025 - 2026 is the merger between the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) and the Education Market Association (EDmarket).

At the Perth conference, Tim McClure provided members with an update on the progress of the merger and outlined the next steps in the transition process.

The International Board meets monthly via Zoom and holds two in-person meetings each year. The most recent face-to-face International Board meeting and workshop was held in Colorado Springs last month. EDmarket staff and Board members also participated, supporting ongoing collaboration as planning for the merger continues.

Over the next two years or so, the organisations will transition towards a single unified association. During this period, the International Board structure will include two Co-Chairs, along with two additional members from EDmarket. This transitional governance model is intended to support alignment across both organisations.

While A4LE and EDmarket share many similarities, the integration process will focus on identifying best practice for members, reviewing existing processes, and aligning offerings. A key priority will be ensuring continued relevance and delivering value to members.

As previously noted, A4LE and EDmarket both support a global community of professionals, including planners, designers, educators, industry experts, manufacturers, dealers and suppliers. Both organisations are committed to the development of high-quality, sustainable and innovative learning environments.

The merger is expected to strengthen this global community by creating a single association that enables greater collaboration, knowledge sharing and collective influence in shaping the future of learning environments.

It is noted that EDmarket does not currently have a presence in Australasia. Further updates will be provided as the transition progresses.

International Board Community Engagement – The PLACE (Colorado Springs)

Over the past two years, the International Board has also supported a community organisation dedicated to assisting young people in need. This year, the Board contributed a volunteer working session focused on landscaping the entry area of The PLACE in Colorado Springs.

The PLACE provides hope, housing support and essential services for young people experiencing homelessness, with programs designed to support pathways towards stability and independence.

Board members worked collaboratively to enhance the entry space, contributing to a welcoming environment for the young people accessing its services.

Mayfield Webinar

With the support of South Pacific colleagues and the teams from A4LE and Learning Environments Australasia (LEA), Ella Masters and the Mayfield team delivered an A4LE webinar.

The session showcased work originally presented in Brisbane and introduced the Mayfield Loop - a collaborative framework designed to support schools in imagining, testing and continuously improving learning environments.

The presentation was well received, with Ella and her team clearly articulating both their development journey and the practical application of the framework.

Congratulations are extended to Ella and the Mayfield team for delivering an excellent and engaging presentation. The webinar recording is available online and is recommended viewing.

LearningSCAPES Conference 2026

The International LearningSCAPES Conference 2026 will be held in Seattle from 4–7 November 2026. The conference theme is Learning Without Limits: Alternative Environments for Tomorrow's Students.

Keynote Speakers

The conference will open with George Couros, a leading advocate for innovative and progressive education. His keynote will focus on transformative practices that support the development of dynamic and engaging learning environments.

Eric Sheninger, an internationally recognised educator and consultant, will also present. His work focuses on practical strategies for transforming teaching, learning and educational leadership across global contexts.

Program Highlights

Delegates can expect:

• Interactive workshops
• Educational site visits and tours
• Networking opportunities with international colleagues

Further information regarding the full conference program is available on the official conference website.

Article and imagery provided by Deb O'Riley, LEA international Director