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NextGen @ IMARC

Apply for a NextGen Leaders Pass

NextGen @ IMARC

Apply for a NextGen Leaders Pass

NextGen @ IMARC

Apply for a NextGen Leaders Pass

Three impactful programs

Connecting Industry and the Future Workforce

At Beacon Events, we are dedicated to fostering the connection between industry and the future workforce.

We recognise that the long-term success of the mining and resources sector depends on inspiring, educating, and engaging the next generation at every stage of their journey, from early STEM learning through to emerging professionals.

The IMARC NextGen Program is designed to inspire future talent, showcase career pathways, and support workforce development across the sector. Delivered in partnership with leading industry organisations including the Australian Resources and Energy Employers Association (AREEA), the CoRE Learning Foundation, Australian Earth Science Education, and the NSW Minerals Council, the program brings together students, educators, universities, and industry leaders within the environment of Australia’s largest and most international mining event.

Through hands-on STEM and earth sciences experiences, curated sessions, and direct engagement with industry, students gain early exposure to the scale, innovation, and career opportunities within mining and resources. Participants also receive curated materials and access to the exhibition floor, creating a tangible and memorable introduction to the sector.

This year, Parramatta West Public School proudly participated for the first time in the Bright Future STEM Program. Our students met inspiring STEM role models who shared real-world insights into engineering, including its applications in mining and mine rehabilitation.

Students also took part in exciting hands-on activities such as Snap Circuits, Dr Eureka, Turning Tumble, Gravitrax, and a popular VR experience, which encouraged teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

A major highlight was visiting the Mining Expo during the International Mining Conference, where students explored cutting-edge technology and even sat inside an impressively large mining truck prototype.

The experience greatly boosted students’ confidence and enthusiasm for future STEM careers. It was an unforgettable opportunity to connect directly with industry professionals and learn about exciting, real-world STEM careers.

Thank you for taking us on this incredibly inspiring STEM journey!

Parramatta West Public School Students and Staff

NextGen Leaders

The NextGen Leaders Program is a dynamic three-day (27 – 29 October) experience designed for over 250 undergraduate students, graduates, and early-career professionals (less than 5 years in the workforce)*. Participants receive a complimentary all-access pass to IMARC, including the conference, exhibition, and networking events, alongside a dedicated NextGen program.

The experience includes tailored content sessions, speed networking opportunities with industry leaders in partnership with Austmine, daily touchpoints at the AusIMM booth, and guided exhibition tours. The program is designed to accelerate industry understanding, build professional networks, and support the transition from study to career.

*PhD students and university employees can register for a Delegate Pass or Expo Pass

NextGen Senior

Delivered on Day 2 of IMARC (Wednesday 28 October), the NextGen Senior Program engages over 200 secondary school students across two cohorts.

In partnership with the CoRE Learning Foundation and NSW Minerals Council, 100 Year 9 students participate in a structured program combining classroom-based STEM activities with exposure to the exhibition floor. A further 100 students from Years 10–12, in partnership with Australian Earth Science Education and NSW Minerals Council, take part in industry-led sessions and career pathway discussions.

Across both groups, students hear directly from industry leaders, explore the IMARC exhibition, and engage with the CoRE Gamification Zone, a Minecraft-based Earth science learning platform. The program combines hands-on learning with real-world industry exposure, bridging classroom education with future career opportunities.

NextGen Junior

Held on Day 3 (Thursday 29 October), the NextGen Junior Program welcomes over 220 Year 4 and 5 students from Sydney schools. Delivered in partnership with the Australian Resources and Energy Employers Association (AREEA) through its Bright Future STEM Program, the day is designed to spark early interest in science, technology, and the resources sector.

Students participate in interactive STEM stations, hear from relatable industry role models and graduates, and take part in guided tours of the IMARC exhibition. The program focuses on curiosity, engagement, and early awareness of the diverse opportunities within mining and resources.

CoRE Gamification Zone

A key feature of the NextGen experience is the CoRE Gamification Zone; an interactive 18sqm activation designed to engage students through immersive, technology-driven learning. Delivered in partnership with the CoRE Learning Foundation, the zone enables students to explore the mining and resources sector through a customised Minecraft-based education platform. By gamifying earth science concepts and mining processes, students gain a hands-on understanding of the industry in a format that is both familiar and highly engaging. The Gamification Zone serves as a powerful bridge between digital learning and real-world applications, reinforcing key STEM concepts while sparking curiosity about future careers in the sector.

Shape the future of our industry

NextGen sponsorship opportunities at IMARC

Becoming an IMARC NextGen sponsor helps us support the facilitation and attendance of all three Programs at IMARC. Your investment goes towards the passes and attendance of undergraduates and graduates for our Leaders Program, as well as the facilitation and transport for our Senior and Junior Programs. By sponsoring our NextGen Program, you benefit from branded recognition, direct engagement with students, access to emerging talent, heightened brand visibility, and the opportunity to showcase your social responsibility and impact.

NextGen Leaders Award

The IMARC NextGen Leaders Award recognises and celebrates outstanding emerging talent within the mining and resources sector. This is open to undergraduates, graduates, or young professionals from our pool of NextGen Leader attendees. Nominations will open soon and participants will be invited to nominate themselves.

Nominations now open

Supporters

Don't just take our word for it,

Testimonials from NextGen program participants

There’s lots of structured panels, opportunities to meet lots of different people and learn from them and take advice from them. It’s the best thing you could ask for as a student. Absolutely do it. If you have the opportunity, take it with both hands.

Anika Paul, Mechanical Engineering Student & Management Student, University of Western Australia

It’s a wonderful opportunity to see what the mining industry is about, where the newest tech is coming from, and meet other people especially industry professionals who have walked the same pathways as me.

Celine Gironda, Mining Engineering Student, University of New South Wales

IMARC is a fabulous opportunity for students to come along, connecting the next generation to industry.

Claire Chakrabarti, STEM Program Manager, Austmine

I’m still early in my journey as a second-year civil engineering student, and I’m all in on learning and contributing. I value guidance from leaders who invest in emerging talent… Grateful to IMARC for the platform and to the teams on the floor for welcoming the next generation.

Arshia Farshchi Sharif, Civil Engineering Student, University of Technology Sydney

I didn’t expect my first IMARC to involve chairing a session on decarbonisation, but I’m grateful it did. Through the NextGen Leaders program, we had the opportunity to engage with the wider community and be part of some of IMARC’s signature events... Despite this being my first industry event of this scale, I highly look forward to continue learning and engaging with many more in the future!

Sherman Yuen, Mechanical Engineering Student, University of Queensland