Share your knowledge at Raising the Bar this August

Raising the Bar Adelaide has firmly established itself as one of South Australia’s most thought-provoking and engaging local events — and is hosted right here in the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters.

Bringing together expert speakers and curious minds in casual pub settings, it transforms a night out into an evening of insight, inspiration and education.

Originating in New York, Raising the Bar is now a global movement that reimagines the way we experience education.

Adelaide proudly joins international cities such as Hong Kong, London and Sydney in hosting the event, proof that innovation in learning knows no boundaries.

For one night only, 10 venues across the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters are transformed into hubs of knowledge and conversation.

This unique initiative delivered by the Council, turns familiar places and spaces into a city-wide classroom, bringing education out of institutions and into the heart of the community.

By bridging the gap between academia and socialisation, Raising the Bar challenges the notion that learning belongs solely within classroom walls.

It empowers people to engage with new ideas in a setting that feels familiar, inclusive and inspiring.

This not only broadens access to education but helps create a culture of lifelong learning. By carefully curating speakers and pairing them with venues that enhance the theme of their talk, the Council fosters a creative atmosphere where bold ideas can take root and flourish.

These conversations, often spanning topics from science and the arts to politics and entrepreneurship, spark new ways of thinking and encourage community-wide dialogue.

“The real strength of Raising the Bar lies in its ability to connect people through knowledge,” says Mayor Robert Bria.

“By placing speakers with expertise in diverse fields of endeavour in engaging, informal venues, we’re not just hosting a series of talks, we’re also shaping the City’s future through innovation and the free exchange of ideas that challenge people’s biases and the status quo.”

Have you got knowledge to share?

We’re looking for researchers, subject matter experts and thought leaders to share their knowledge with the community — submissions are now open through the Council’s website.

In a world where information is abundant but thoughtful conversation can be rare, Raising the Bar offers something truly special.

The chance to learn, reflect and grow, one drink, one talk, one idea at a time.

Find out more and apply here: Raising the Bar