An International Conference Reflection …

Reflection by David Miles, Director of Engagement, Churchie (and QLD Chapter Treasurer)

The 2024 Educate Plus International Conference was held in Perth from Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 September. The first opportunity for the 760 delegates (including 114 from Queensland) to enjoy Perth and some of what it has to offer, was in Kings Park at the Welcome Drinks. The twilight views of the Perth CBD through the towering gum trees and across the harbour like Swan River were spectacular.  

The Official Opening the next morning welcomed delegates from Australia, New Zealand and Asia, setting a wonderful tone for the week. Keynote speakers included Mark McCrindle, social researcher and thought leader, Trudy MacDonald, personal wellbeing and performance coach, Lynne Wester, Innovative Fundraising Consultant and Author, and Libby Gorr, Multi-Award Winning Radio & TV Broadcaster.  Advancement sessions were littered with our Advancement colleagues and specialist speakers sharing their expertise, strategies and encouragement across the six pillars of Alumni & Community Relations, Fundraising, Marketing & Communications, Admissions, Leadership and People & Culture. 

The sessions on offer throughout the Conference were relevant and informative, clearly demonstrating the amount of effort and thought that had gone into their planning. The many opportunities to interact and network throughout the week were welcomed by delegates and exhibitors alike. With several Queensland based speakers and exhibitors, we were very well represented, which made for a well-attended Chapter Gathering at Rambla on Swan in South Perth, to enjoy each other’s company socially whilst again soaking up the sweeping views of Perth across the Swan River.  

At the Excellence Awards, Penny Bowman, Susan McGinley, Nicole deVries, Alison Walburn, Lara Pickering and Claire Grlj were inducted as Educate Plus Fellows. Congratulations to these recipients for this deserved recognition of your outstanding contribution to Educate Plus over many years. Congratulations also to Ben Foley who came home with the Outstanding Volunteer Award for his work on the People & Culture stream, which has had a huge impact across the organisation. Queensland schools were also awarded wins for their excellence, including the Excellence Award winner in an Admissions Campaign, Lourdes Hill College, Hawthorne and for an Admissions Event, Scots PGC College, Warwick. 

On the final evening for the Conference Celebration, we were privileged to be hosted in the Sports Lounge at Optus Stadium. It was an enjoyable evening spent soaking up the imagined atmosphere of the many events hosted at the venue and/or taking to the dance floor in front of the live band.  

We look forward to showcasing Brisbane as host of the 2026 International Conference, which was announced at the Conference Close with a Bluey themed celebration. 

David Miles
Director of Engagement 
Old Boy (1981-1985) 

QLD Chapter Treasurer