Learning, connection and inspiration in the Capital – Reflections from the 2025 Summit.
Under the theme ‘Make Tomorrow – Creating the Future Together’, the Educate Plus NZ Chapter Summit, held in Wellington on 19–20 August, brought together advancement, development and marketing professionals from across Aotearoa for two days of learning, connection and inspiration.
The theme set the tone perfectly, a reminder that the work we do in schools and tertiary institutions is about shaping the future, not just responding to the present. Supported by the Educate Plus Travel Grant programme, a number of members were able to attend and have shared their reflections on what was an energising and impactful professional development experience.
A summit of shared purpose
From the opening sessions to Glen Denham’s powerful closing keynote on authentic leadership and resilience, delegates were reminded that our work in education is not transactional, it’s transformational. The Summit theme, ‘Make Tomorrow’, resonated deeply across the programme, reinforcing the shared belief that by collaborating, innovating and learning from one another, we can build stronger communities and more sustainable advancement programmes for the future.
Attendees spoke of the renewed sense of purpose that came from hearing honest stories of leadership, cultural authenticity and community building. As one noted, the event “reinforced that our efforts go far beyond transactional interactions, it’s about belonging, storytelling and people.”
Practical tools and real-world strategy
The summit’s strength lay in its practical, immediately usable content. Dr Alan Watkinson’s Creating the Future – Capital Campaign Success provided a roadmap for effective fundraising, with clear strategies around case development, leadership engagement and donor stewardship. Karla Paotonu’s Restarting a Development Programme offered structure and first-step guidance, while Russell Davidson’s Do More with Less shared innovative ways to build alumni communities through low-cost, high-impact ideas like generation badges, special-interest clubs, and alumni-student connection events
Maria English’s Measuring Impact session inspired delegates to better link data to storytelling, showing how evidence-based reporting can build donor trust and deepen alumni relationships
Embracing innovation and change
New technologies and creative communication were strong threads throughout the programme.
The AI in the Advancement Office masterclass proved one of the most talked-about sessions, equipping attendees with simple, ethical workflows to streamline writing, automate routine tasks and “work smarter not harder”
Hone Paul’s workshop on cultural rebranding and the integration of Te Reo Māori into institutional storytelling resonated deeply with participants, while Amy Woodley-Davis’s session on brand storytelling and Jayne-Ann Young’s reflections on leading change at Queen Margaret College highlighted the importance of authenticity in every message we share.
The Power of community
Every report echoed the same sentiment, that the opportunity to connect face-to-face was as valuable as the learning itself. Delegates described the atmosphere as collegial, supportive, and inspiring. “Working in advancement can sometimes feel siloed,” one attendee wrote, “so the chance to share wins, challenges, and a sense of camaraderie was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.”
Informal networking, from coffee conversations to the Giving Architects welcome event at Queen Margaret College all sparked new friendships and collaborations that will continue long after the summit ended.
Diverse voices, shared Learning
From privacy law to archives, from pedagogy and promotion to data-driven fundraising, the breadth of topics reflected the strength of the Educate Plus community.
Sessions such as Privacy Consciousness – Enabling Advancement through the Effective Use of Privacy Law and The Stories We Share: Archives for Community Engagement encouraged participants to reflect on ethics, consent and storytelling in the digital age.
Others were inspired by sessions highlighting service, equity and purpose, “a reminder of the privilege and responsibility that come with working in education,” as one delegate put it
The quality of speakers, the diversity of sessions and the willingness of everyone to share their knowledge made this Summit “one of the best Educate Plus events yet.”
The value of professional development
Across all reports, gratitude was a recurring theme, gratitude for the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow. Many noted that the insights gained are already influencing strategy, engagement and communications within their schools. “The value of the information I left with far outweighs the financial outlay,” one wrote, while another said simply, “I left feeling recharged and reminded of the impact we can have when we lead with purpose and heart.”
Acknowledging the team behind the summit
The NZ Chapter Committee extends thanks to everyone who made the Wellington summit such a success from our presenters and facilitators, venue hosts, sponsors and every volunteer who gave their time and energy to create a warm and seamless event experience. Special thanks also go to Giving Architects for hosting the welcome event, and to Victoria University of Wellington for providing such an excellent venue (and lunches that became a highlight in their own right!).
Most importantly, thank you to every delegate who attended, shared, laughed and learned together. Your passion and professionalism embody the true meaning of ‘Make Tomorrow – Creating the Future Together’. Through your curiosity, collaboration and commitment to our sector, you are helping shape a stronger future for advancement in Aotearoa.
