Taking Up Space
From a humble networking event to a growing platform for the community
Taking Up Space was created to bring people together through honest conversations, diverse perspectives and meaningful connection. Its humble beginnings date back to 2023, when it started as a simple gathering on the outskirts of MIGW, at a time when there were no dedicated spaces for women and gender-diverse developers to come together, connect, and build community.The response demonstrated something important: there was a real need for spaces where women and gender-diverse people in games could come together — not simply as colleagues, but as a community.In 2024, that idea evolved into Taking Up Space as we know it, co-presented by ACMI, giving the initiative a dedicated home within Melbourne International Games Week. The event brought together women and gender-diverse game developers for an afternoon of conversation, celebration, networking and solidarity, with speakers sharing the obstacles and triumphs of working in the games industry.Ever since ACMI has continued to provide an important platform for these conversations, helping Taking Up Space connect the community with a broader cultural institution and the wider games ecosystem.With the support of industry partners and sponsors — including Massive Monster in its early years and IGEA, Screen Queensland, and Midnighters in it's subsequent editions — Taking Up Space has continued to grow while remaining grounded in the focus on the community that it represents.
Taking Up Space Conference
Sunday, 4 October 2026, from 1 pm to 5 pm
Swinburne, ACMI, Federation Square
For three years, Taking Up Space has created a space for women and gender-diverse people in games to connect, share experiences and build community. This year, we’re expanding that mission with a half-day conference open to everyone — welcoming all listeners to take away and implement the lessons shared by our speakers.Through talks, panels and conversations led by respected marginalised voices from across the games industry, we’ll explore the ideas, experiences, and perspectives shaping the way we make games.From building high-performing teams and attracting great talent, to understanding audiences, inspiring creativity, and making more impactful games, we’ll look at how supporting underrepresented perspectives can contribute to stronger businesses, while creating greater space for marginalised voices can help shape a more inclusive and successful industry for everyone.Taking Up Space Conference is for everyone in the games industry; developers, artists, designers, producers, studio leaders, students, and industry professionals.Join us to hear fresh perspectives, discover practical ideas and make valuable connections that can help you build better games, stronger teams and a more creative, successful and welcoming future for our industry.
Taking Up Space Conference Program
SUNDAY 4 October 2026, 1 pm to 5 pm, at Swinburne Studio, ACMI, Federation Square
Taking Up Space Networking Event
Sunday, 4 October 2026, from 5 pm to 7 pm
Cameo, ACMI, Federation Square
After a day of talks and conversations, come together for a catered evening of tasty food, honest conversation, and meaningful connection.Taking Up Space Networking Event is an intimate, relaxed and welcoming networking event for women and gender-diverse game developers — a chance to meet people from across the industry, share experiences, celebrate each other’s wins, and build relationships that last far beyond the event.Gather together. Share space. Strengthen our community.Please note that while the conference is open to all, the evening Networking Event is for women and gender diverse developers only.
Taking Up Space is presented to you with
Thanks to our generous sponsors
