As ANZSOC 2025 approaches, I sat down with conference QUT co-organisers Michael Chataway and Jodi Death to talk about what inspired them to get involved, the challenges and highlights of planning, and what attendees can look forward to this year.
What inspired you to get involved in organizing ANZSOC 2025?
Michael Chataway: I’d say I was motivated by two things. First, I think it’s important to give back to the Australian criminology community when I can do so. Second, organising the conference offers a creative reprieve. I get to plan dinners, explore catering options, and dabble in web design, things I don’t usually get to do in my academic role.
Jodi Death: I’m not nearly as thoughtful! Honestly, I just really like my colleagues. They asked me to help out, and it was a chance to do something good for criminology with people I enjoy working with.
What goes into planning a conference of this size?
Michael: So much! It’s not just the academic side, presentations and panels, but also the social events, registration logistics, abstract submissions, and theme development.
We’re also incredibly supported by our Professional Conference Organisers (PCO), shout out to Mandy and Amika from Conference Innovators. Their work on the backend frees us up to focus on the creative aspects.
Jodi: Absolutely. Without the PCO, it would be nearly impossible. There’s also a lot of other aspects to the role, thinking about accessibility, how people move through space, and making the event enjoyable.
What have been the highlights and challenges so far?
Michael: Seeing it all come together has been the biggest highlight. Back in March, I wondered what I’d gotten myself into, but now it’s taking shape. I also really appreciate the hard work and contributions of our conference committee members. The committee is diverse, with members from outside the host institution (QUT), which helps ensure the entire event reflects the broader criminology community.
Jodi: My highlight is working with colleagues I admire. That’s why I said yes in the first place.
Michael (on challenges): The biggest challenge has been financial. Costs have risen significantly, and we’re trying to keep the conference accessible for HDRs, ECRs, and those in precarious employment. University budgets are also tight, so we’ve had to find savings wherever possible.
Jodi: I love that ANZSOC is shifting toward financial inclusivity, but it does present challenges—especially in a major city like Brisbane. We want to support strong Aotearoa New Zealand and Pacific participation, and that takes thoughtful planning.
What can attendees look forward to this year?
Jodi: Obviously, the smiling faces of Michael and me! And maybe an Alanis Morissette karaoke session?
Michael: Yes! Plus, a dance floor, mezzanine level, and a fantastic venue for the dinner. Hosting the conference on a university campus makes it more relaxed and engaging than a hotel basement. There will also be great opportunities to connect in cafes and breakout spaces.
Jodi: Brisbane is a beautiful, easy-to-navigate city. We’ve planned cultural tours and walking-on-Country experiences early in the conference. There’s also a strong digital and sustainability focus, think digital posters and minimal paper use.
How can students and ECRs get involved or volunteer?
Michael: Email us! We’ve already organised a group of undergraduate volunteers from QUT, but we’re always looking for more help—especially on the day of the event.
Jodi: Yes, and even informal volunteering, being kind and helpful, goes a long way. It’s a great way to build connections and get noticed.
Tips for first-time attendees?
Michael: Plan ahead. Review the program, highlight sessions, and rehearse your presentation if you’re speaking. Most importantly, have fun and don’t be afraid to approach people, criminologists are generally lovely!
Jodi: Exactly. Talk to people, especially practitioners. They bring valuable frontline insights and are eager to connect.
What are you most excited about in this year’s program?
Michael: The keynotes and plenaries! We’ve curated a diverse lineup of speakers from various backgrounds. We’ve also focused on mixing emerging and established scholars to keep things vibrant.
Jodi: I’m excited to share our beautiful QUT spaces, like the Botanical Gardens, Old Government House, and The Cube. They’ll make for a memorable experience.
What’s one thing people may not realise about organising a conference?
Michael: Probably, the amount of detailed work involved. From risk assessments to backend logistics, it’s a lot to wrap your head around.
Jodi: People know it’s hard work, but they don’t always grasp the depth. Decisions about inclusivity are complex, and oversights happen—not out of neglect, but because we’re human. We’re always open to feedback and committed to making things right.
When does Early Bird registration close?
Michael: We’re reviewing the draft site now. It takes about a week to prep everything, but early bird registration should go live within the next two weeks. Keep an eye on ANZSOC socials and your inbox.
Also, abstract submissions have been extended and will now close on 11:59pm AEST, Thursday 14 August.
Jodi: Yes, get in your registrations. Early bird registration is cheaper and helps us plan too. Plus, hotel bookings are filling up fast—there’s a cricket test that week—so book early!
We, the members of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Criminology (ANZSOC), acknowledge the traditional custodians of Australia and the sovereignty of the Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand.
ANZSOC would like to acknowledge the ongoing Traditional Custodians of the lands for which our constituents conduct their teaching, learning, and research. We would like to acknowledge that sovereignty was never ceded and the lands, now called Australia, continue to belong to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the Traditional custodians of the lands. ANZSOC would like to pay respects to the Elders who have passed on the legacy of knowledge and culture to the future generations and acknowledge that the future generations hold the hope, the stories and the continued knowledge for current and emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. May this knowledge through Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing, being and doing guide you with wisdom and courage.
ANZSOC also recognises iwi Māori and their unceded right to tino rangatiratanga (sovereignty) and their expression of mana motuhaka (self-determination). We acknowledge mātauranga Māori (Māori ways of being and knowing) informs both traditional and contemporary knowledge production and its ability to enhance our collective futures.
The Association acknowledges the consequences and harms that continue to be inflicted by the criminal justice systems of Australia and Aotearoa-New Zealand on Indigenous peoples in the region and seeks through its activities to address these harms and to work to prevent them from continuing in the future.
