Shape the Future
of Education

Study Tour for Education Leaders

27 October – 31 October 2025 | Nashville & Silicon Valley, USA

A Curated Innovation Experience

Join Palo Alto Networks for an unparalleled study tour designed exclusively for senior leaders in Australian and New Zealand educational institutions. This unique program combines the insights of the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference in Nashville with an immersive Executive Study Tour in Silicon Valley, offering a comprehensive look at the future of education technology and cybersecurity.

This is more than a tour.

It’s a strategic opportunity
to step outside the day-to-day.

To challenge conventional thinking.

And return with actionable insights
to drive meaningful change.

About the event

Part 1: EDUCAUSE Annual Conference – Nashville, Tennessee

Monday October 27 – Wednesday October 29 2025

We’ll kick off our tour in Nashville, Tennessee, at the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference. This is the premier event where professionals and technology providers from around the world gather to network, share ideas, grow professionally, and discover solutions to today’s challenges in higher education technology. It’s the largest gathering of your peers—people you can relate to, learn from, and stay connected with throughout the year.

Join us for a welcome dinner on Monday 27 October, ahead of EDUCAUSE conference on Tuesday 28 & Wednesday 29 October. On Wednesday afternoon we will fly to San Jose ahead of the Executive Briefing the following day.

The EDUCAUSE Annual Conference showcases the best thinking in higher education IT!

  • In-Person Dates: Monday 27 – Thursday 30 October 2025 (noting the program agenda will allow access to Tuesday and Wednesday only)
  • Location: Music City Center | 201 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203
  • Website: https://events.educause.edu/annual-conference
  • Schedule Overview: Here
  • Detailed Agenda: Here
  • Attendees: The EDUCAUSE Annual Conference brings together professionals and technology providers from around the world to network, share ideas, grow professionally, and discover solutions to today’s challenges — and includes a program track on Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Risk Management.

Learn

Learn about the latest trends in higher ed technology from experts and community peers.

Connect

Find numerous opportunities for meaningful connections with your community.

Explore

Explore the latest innovative technology and solutions.

Part 2: A Curated Innovation Experience – Santa Clara, California

Thursday October 30 - Friday October 31 2025

Palo Alto Networks invites you to an exclusive Executive Study Tour in the heart of Silicon Valley. This immersion program connects you with our executives, fellow leaders from Australian and New Zealand educational institutions, and top cybersecurity experts.

Gain invaluable insights into the future of cybersecurity and develop a proactive roadmap to protect your students, faculty, and institution in today’s evolving digital landscape.

Designed for senior leaders in education, this program will empower you to:

  • Embrace Innovation: Immerse yourself in Silicon Valley’s dynamic tech culture and discover the latest advancements in cybersecurity.
  • Gain a Global Perspective: Explore emerging digital trends and their implications for educational institutions worldwide.
  • Forge Strategic Partnerships: Network with peers and industry leaders, building connections that drive growth and collaboration.
  • Enhance Cybersecurity Resilience: Develop practical strategies to simplify security operations, mitigate risks, and achieve measurable improvements in your institution’s security posture.

Program Highlights:

  • Exclusive briefing and tour of Palo Alto Networks Headquarters
  • Insightful visits to leading Silicon Valley schools (K-12 and Tertiary)
  • Valuable networking opportunities
Day 1: Cybersecurity Solutions for Education (PANW)
  • Setting the Stage: Palo Alto Network’s Global Vision and Strategic Priorities for the Education Sector
  • Building Cybersecurity Talent: Insights into Palo Alto Network’s Cybersecurity Academy and its Global Impact (3300+ Institutions)
  • Real-World Threat Intelligence: Exclusive Tour of Palo Alto Network’s Global Security Operations Center (SOC)
  • Leveraging AI for Enhanced Security: Palo Alto Network’s AI Strategy and its Application in Education
  • Protecting Students Beyond the School Gates: Focus on the Secure Web Browser
  • Addressing IoT Security in Education: Challenges and Solutions
  • Networking with Palo Alto Network’s Leadership: Evening Reception
Day 2: Visit some of the local Higher Education Institutions

  • We are looking to arrange a campus tour that adds more value different perspectives to Cyber and/or key interest areas such as AI

    • Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS): The Institute for Software Integrated Systems (ISIS) in the School of Engineering is a key player in CPS research, with a focus on security, resilience, real-time and embedded systems, and AI/ML in engineered systems.
    • Office of Cybersecurity: This dedicated office provides resources and guidance for protecting the university’s digital assets.
    • Institute of National Security: Launched to address complex security challenges, this institute brings together diverse disciplines, including expertise in AI and cybersecurity, to develop solutions and train future leaders in national security. 
    • Stanford University located in the heart of Silicon Valley, California, is one of the world’s leading private research universities. It is renowned for its academic excellence, pioneering research, and entrepreneurial spirit. Pioneering AI Research: Stanford is a global leader in artificial intelligence, with numerous research groups and institutes dedicated to advancing AI, machine learning, and their applications across various fields (e.g., healthcare, criminal justice, sustainability).
    • Cyber-Physical Systems and Robotics: Significant research in robotics, autonomous systems, and the secure integration of technology into physical infrastructure

Flights

The below flight suggestions are based on the below:

Your outbound flight to Nashville on Monday 27 October, landing in time to join the welcome dinner that evening.

Your return flight to ANZ being on Friday 31 October via either San Jose or San Francisco Airports

Please note: There are plenty of other flight options outside of the below suggestions – please refer to the airline websites directly, especially if travelling on alternative dates either pre or post event.

AUCKLAND

*Christchurch and Wellington transit via Auckland.

Outbound (Mon 27 Oct)
AIRLINE
FLIGHT NO
PATH
DEPARTURE / ARRIVAL TIME
United Airlines / Air New Zealand Code Share
NZ9816
NZ9387
AKL > SFO
SFO > BNA
14:50 - 07:05
09:46 - 16:05
Return (Fri 31 Oct)
DEPARTING FROM
AIRLINE
FLIGHT NO
PATH
DEPARTURE / ARRIVAL TIME
Ex San Jose
Delta / SkyWest DBA Connection
DL3634
DL65
SJC > LAX
LAX > AKL
17:45 - 19:14
22:25 - 07:35+2
Ex San Francisco
Delta
DL1167
DL65
SFO > LAX
LAX > AKL
18:59 - 20:30
22:25 - 07:352
Air New Zealand / United Code Share
NZ9252
NZ3
SFO> LAX
LAX > AKL
16:15 - 17:43
20:05 - 05:00+2

MELBOURNE

Outbound (Mon 27 Oct)
AIRLINE
FLIGHT NO
PATH
DEPARTURE / ARRIVAL TIME
United / Virgin Airlines Code Share
UA61
UA499
MEL > SFO
SFO > BNA
12:00 - 08:25
09:46 - 16:05
Qantas / American Airlines Code Share
QF432
QF7
QF4344/AA2244
MEL > SYD
SYD > DFW
DFW > BNA
10:00 - 11:15
13:05 - 12:30
15:05 - 16:53
Return (Fri 31 Oct)
DEPARTING FROM
AIRLINE
FLIGHT NO
PATH
DEPARTURE / ARRIVAL TIME
Ex San Francisco
Air New Zealand
NZ7
NZ123
SFO > AKL
AKL > MEL
20:50 - 05:45+2
07:15 - 09:25
Qantas
QF74
QF423
SFO > SYD
SYD > MEL
21:15 - 06:10+2
08:30 - 10:05

SYDNEY

Outbound (Mon 27 Oct)
AIRLINE
FLIGHT NO
PATH
DEPARTURE / ARRIVAL TIME
Qantas / American Airlines Code Share
QF7
QF4344/AA2244
SYD > DFW
DFW > BNA
13:05 - 12:30
15:05 - 16:53
United / Virgin Airlines Code Share
UA870
UA499
SYD > SFO
SFO > BNE
12:10 - 07:50
09:46 - 16:05
Return (Fri 31 Oct)
DEPARTING FROM
AIRLINE
FLIGHT NO
PATH
DEPARTURE / ARRIVAL TIME
Ex San Jose
Delta
DL3634
DL41
SJO > LAX
LAX > SYD
17:45 - 19:14
22:20 - 07:30+2
Ex San Francisco
United
UA564
UA839
SFO > LAX
LAX > SYD
21:24 - 22:52
23:40 - 09:05+2
Air New Zealand
NZ7
NZ101
SFO > AKL
AKL > SYD
20:50 - 05:45+2
07:00 - 08:45
Delta
DL1167
DL41
SFO > LAX
LAX > SYD
18:59 - 20:30
22:20 - 07:30+2

BRISBANE

Outbound (Mon 27 Oct)
AIRLINE
FLIGHT NO
PATH
DEPARTURE / ARRIVAL TIME
United / Virgin Airlines Code Share
UA97
UA499
BNE > SFO
SFO > BNE
10:40 – 06:50
09:46 – 16:05
Return (Fri 31 Oct)
DEPARTING FROM
AIRLINE
FLIGHT NO
PATH
DEPARTURE / ARRIVAL TIME
Ex San Jose
Delta
DL3634
DL93
SJC > LAX
LAX > BNE
17:45 - 19:14
23:40 - 07:20+2
Ex San Francisco
Qantas
QF74
QF508
SFO > SYD
SYD > BNE
21:15 - 06:10+2
08:20 - 08:50
Delta
DL1167
DL93
SFO > LAX
LAX > BNE
18:59 - 20:30
23:40 - 07:20+2

*Itineraries are correct at time of writing but subject to change by the airlines. 

Agenda

MONDAY 27 OCTOBER 2025
Time
Agenda
Location
Various
Various Flight Arrivals into Nashville
Nashville
Evening
Welcome Dinner & Drinks
TBC
Overnight
Accommodation
TBC
TUESDAY 28 OCTOBER 2025
Time
Agenda
Location
Morning
Breakfast at Leisure
Accommodation
Day
Educause Conference – Day 1
Music Centre, Nashville
Evening
Group Dinner
TBC
Overnight
Accommodation
TBC
WEDNESDAY 29 OCTOBER 2025
Time
Agenda
Location
Morning
Breakfast at Leisure
Accommodation
Day
Educause Conference – Day 2
Music Centre, Nashville
Afternoon/Evening
Domestic Flight: Nashville > San Jose
Nashville > San Jose
Evening
Group Dinner
TBC
Overnight
Accommodation
Hyatt Centric Santa Clara Silicon Valley
THURSDAY 30 OCTOBER 2025
Time
Agenda
Location
Morning
Breakfast at Leisure
Hyatt Centric Santa Clara Silicon Valley
Day
Full Day EBC at Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks Headquarters
Evening
Group Dinner
TBC
Overnight
Accommodation
Hyatt Centric Santa Clara Silicon Valley
FRIDAY 31 OCTOBER 2025
Time
Agenda
Location
Morning
Breakfast at Leisure
Hyatt Centric Santa Clara Silicon Valley
Day
University Tours
Silicon Valley
Afternoon
Program Concludes
Silicon Valley
Evening
Recommended Return departure flights to ANZ
–

*Agenda subject to change and will be updated regularly with further details.

Accommodation

Nashville

Book your own accommodation within the EDUCAUSE block by October 9 2025 to take advantage of the negotiated low rates and save money! Reservations within the hotel block can be made upon registration for the EDUCAUSE Annual Conference within the registration platform.

Click here for further details and instructions.

Please be advised that the hotel availability changes daily and your room can only be secured through the event registration process.

Currently, the below two hotels have availability and are within a 5-minute walk from one another, and a 20 – 25-minute walk to EDUCAUSE. All other properties are showing very limited availability at this stage.

Questions about housing?
educause@maritz.com
864-641-6856

Recommended Hotel

Hotel: Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown
Address: 623 Union Street, Nashville, Tennessee (Distance from Educause: 0.5 mil / 20 min walk)
Check In: Monday 27 October 2025
Check Out: Wednesday 29 October 2025
Room Nights: 2 nights (Please book and pay your own account)

Map | Website

Alternative Hotel

Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Nashville Downtown
Address: 315 4th Avenue North, Nashville, Tennessee (Distance from Educause: 0.7 mil / 25 min walk)
Check In: Monday 27 October 2025
Check Out: Wednesday 29 October 2025
Room Nights: 2 nights (Please book and pay your own account)

Map | Website

Silicon Valley

Booked Hotel

Hotel: Hyatt Centric Santa Clara
Address: 3100 Lakeside Dr, Santa Clara
Check In: Wednesday 29 October 2025
Check Out: Friday 31 October 2025
Room Nights: 2 nights (Booked and covered by Palo Alto Networks)

Map | Website

Important notes:

  • Please ensure you book your own accommodation for Nashville.
  • Your accommodation will be booked and paid on your behalf for Silicon Valley only
  • In Santa Clara, all attendees will be required to provide a credit card upon check in to cover any personal incidental expenses (mini bar, room service, laundry etc).
  • A valid photo ID will be required upon check in at all hotels.
  • Rooms are run of house and will either have 1 x king bed or 2 x queen beds (subject to hotel availability).
  • Should you wish to extend your stay at the event hotels either pre or post event, please contact Luna Event Group via email to organise on your behalf.

Optional Activities

Optional activities will be launched approximately three months prior to the event.

The following activities are available for purchase during the days at leisure while in Dublin.
You can register for these activities through the link provided in the activity email received in April.

During registration, should an activity mention it is at capacity please contact the Daikin Events Team at DaikinDC@veritas.com.au stating the activity/tour you wish to participate in along with the number of people. We will then place you on the waitlist and our team will be in touch as soon as a place opens up.

Cancellation Policies

If you cancel your activity after Monday, 14th July, a 100% cancellation fee will be charged (unless we can find a replacement).

Travel Information

All attendees must have a valid passport for international travel. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your return date to Australia and New Zealand. 

An e-passport is mandatory. This passport contains a microchip that holds biometric data, which is essential for entry under the VWP. The ‘photo’ page must be intact.

Failure to comply with these recommendations may result in airline check-in staff refusing you permission to board your flight.

Please see your government website for further details.

Australian and New Zealand citizens must apply for an ESTA online to enter the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The fee for the application is $21 USD.

For more information and to apply for your ESTA, please click here.

We recommend you apply for your VISA as soon as you have registered to attend the event.

If you have previously travelled to the US, please check as soon as possible if your ESTA is valid.

Please note it is the responsibility of the attendee to obtain the relevant travel authorisation and VISA.

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is a free, authorised mobile app developed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to expedite the entry process for eligible travellers arriving in the United States.

It’s a simple process where you take a self-photo and answer a few questions in the app regarding your arrival and declaration. This can only be done up to 4 hours being landing or immediately after landing.

By submitting these travel details through the app ahead of time, you are speeding up your interaction with the CBP Officer.

When approaching customs, please look for the signs marked MCP (Mobile Passport Control).

For further information and to download the app, please click here.

In November, both Nashville and Silicon Valley experience mild weather.

Nashville
PeriodHighsLows
Late October~21°C / 70°F~8°C / 46°F
Early November~16°C / 61°F~2–4°C / 36–39°F
Silicon Valley
PeriodHighsLows
Late October~24°C / 75°F~12°C / 54°F
Early November~18.5°C / 65°F~9.3°C / 48°F

Monday 27 October 2025
Welcome Dinner
To be confirmed

Tuesday 28 October
Educause
Business Casual

Group Dinner
Smart Casual

Wednesday 29 October
Educause
Business Casual

Group Dinner
Casual

Thursday 1 November
EBC
Business Casual

Group Dinner
Smart Casual

Friday 1 November
University Tour
Smart casual. Flat foot ware required.

Overall, it is highly recommended to pack layers as it can be chilly in the evenings with variable daytime temperatures.

We recommend that you visit your doctor to get the appropriate medical advice on what medical precautions to take before travel.

Travel insurance is not included – It is strongly recommended to take out travel insurance at the time of booking your flights. If you require any assistance, please reach out to Luna Event Group.

Before you travel, remember to pack your power adapters (Type A and Type B) and turn on international roaming on your phones.

Travel Extensions

Travel Extensions within Europe

Dublin enjoys good air access to most European cities. Your international airfares are typically “common rated” which means that you can fly into Dublin and return from another country or vice-versa on the same airline.

Travel Extensions within Ireland

The Veritas team of course know the country well and can share some tips to take you off the beaten path. There are some beautiful driving opportunities on Ireland’s west coast in particular. You could easily extend for 10 days to 2 weeks. Stay in a nice Bed & Breakfast or even a castle or grand Manor hotel.

Here is some information on County Kerry, County Galway & County Clare, spectacular parts of the country within driving distance of Dublin.

Click below for suggested itineraries:

County kerry itinerary
County Galway & County Clare itinerary

You may already know your confirmed travel plans. Should you require any assistance booking travel arrangements to extend your trip, please contact the Daikin Events Team on +61 2 8908 5666 or email travel.team@veritas.com.au.

FAQs

Included in the event program:

  • Lunch, Tuesday – Friday
  • All group dinners, Monday – Thursday
  • 2 nights’ accommodation with daily breakfast in Santa Clara
  • All group transfers required within the program (e.g. To and from group dinners, to Nashville Airport for the domestic flight to San Jose etc)

All attendees are responsible for booking and covering for the following:

  • Flights from ANZ to the USA
  • All airport transfers (home city and on arrival / departure in USA)
  • EDUCAUSE registration
  • Accommodation in Nashville (Monday 27 – Wednesday 29 October)
  • ESTA Visa
  • As well as any activities outside of the program, personal expenses and other meals

The event program commences the evening of Monday 27 October in Nashville, and concludes on Friday 31 October in Santa Clara.

Yes, if this is your preference you are welcome to join the team in Santa Clara from the evening of Wednesday 29 October 2025.

Registration closes on Friday 5 September 2025. Please note that spaces are limited.

It is recommended to complete your registration ASAP and book your accommodation in Nashville (further information provided in the accommodation section of website here).

All attendees are required to book and cover the cost of their own return airfares to the USA.

Palo Alto Networks will book and cover your connecting domestic flight from Nashville to San Jose on Wednesday 29 October 2025.

Currently there is only one direct flight from Nashville to San Jose on Wednesday 29 October.

Southwest WN1740 departing Nashville at 4:10pm, arriving San Jose at 6:55pm local time.

In order to make this flight, we plan on departing Educause after lunch.

Our accommodation in Silicon Valley is a short 10 minute drive from San Jose Airport, and a 3-minute walk to Palo Alto Networks headquarters in Santa Clara.

Airport transfers are not included in the program. Please make your own way to your booked hotel in Nashville, and to the airport in San Jose/San Francisco for your return flight home.

All transfers required throughout the program will be organised by Palo Alto Networks (e.g. if a transfer is required to and from a group dinner location).

Please book and pay for your own accommodation in Nashville (Monday 27 October – Wednesday 29 October). Instructions on how to book can be found under the accommodation section here.

Your accommodation will be booked and paid on your behalf in Santa Clara from Wednesday 29 October – Friday 31 October 2025.

Should you wish to extend your stay in Santa Clara, please contact Luna Event Group to organise on your behalf (group accommodation rates will be shared and applied).

Nashville

 

You’re welcome to book any hotel you wish, however our recommendation based on current hotel availability is Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown or DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Nashville Downtown. This is where the Palo Alto Networks team will be staying and will be a base to meet ahead of the Educause each morning, as well as prior to evening functions in Nashville.

Please be advised that hotel availability changes daily.

 

Santa Clara

All attendees will be staying at Hyatt Centric Santa Clara.

Absolutely – you’re welcome to extend your stay either pre or post event. Please ensure that you are available for all planned event engagements.

Yes, you will need to register yourself for Educause. Click here for more info and registration link.

Wi-Fi will be included within the hotels, as well as Educause and at the EBC.

Please make arrangements to use your mobile data outside of these locations.

TBC! Stay tuned.

Outside of the hosted program (as per agenda), all activities and experiences are your own responsibility and expense. Luna Event Group would be more than happy to assist with any recommendations and assist with your plans.

Register

SECURE YOUR SPOT: Register now and join us for an exclusive Executive Study Tour with Palo Alto Networks

Please note: Places are limited – registration closes Friday 5 September 2025.

By completing your registration, you are confirming your attendance at the Study Tour.