Popular talks in the pub program Raising the Bar is returning to the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, and they’re on the hunt for speakers.

South Australia’s take on the global initiative to make education and innovation a part of popular culture returns to Adelaide in October, with expressions of interest to be a speaker at Raising the Bar Adelaide now open.

Raising the Bar is a global event series with academics, industry experts and thought leaders giving educational yet casual talks over an intimate drink in the east’s best bars and pubs.

Hosted by the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters, the popular event returns to pubs within the council area on Tuesday, 12 October, with an opportunity for new venues to also put their hand up to host a talk.

The unique, discussion-focussed event involves 20 speakers across 10 venues in the Norwood area delivering an insightful 40-minute lecture on their chosen topic, followed by a 15 minute Q&A with the audience.

The program has previously featured Australian of the Year Dr James Muecke AM, Olympic marathon runner Jessica Stenson, forensic psychologist Luke Broomhall, Frances Nelson QC and mental health researcher Matthew Iasiello.

Last year, CityMag 40 Under 40 alumnus Dr Hannah Wardill brought down the house at The Maylands Hotel with a talk about poo.

Hannah Wardill spoke at Raising the Bar’s 2020 event

Hannah, who is an NHMRC CJ Martin Biomedical Research Fellow at the University of Adelaide, spoke of her work with the country’s leading stool bank to develop innovative methods of exploiting the microbiota to predict and prevent some of the most serious side effects of cancer therapy.

Poo chat, important and enlightening though it may be, might not be for you, and so rest assured there are other topics covered, with speakers from previous years covering topics as diverse as mental health, fitness, crime and justice, and even DJing.

Mayor Robert Bria said he was excited the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters was running Raising the Bar Adelaide once again this year.

“Our city is the only place in South Australia to host this global initiative,” Mayor Bria said.

“Whether you want to delve into something new, or hear more about a popular topic, Raising the Bar Adelaide is the perfect mix knowledge and entertainment.

“This one-night-only event is a unique chance to hear from a range of experts and industry leaders, while relaxing in your favourite pub in Adelaide’s east.”

To register your interest in speaking at a Raising the Bar Adelaide event, visit the website.