From the QLD Chapter President

Dear Members…

As we move through our milestone 35th anniversary year, I continue to be inspired by the strength, generosity and professionalism of our Queensland Chapter community.

The first half of 2026 has been filled with opportunities to connect, learn and share experiences with fellow Advancement professionals. One of the highlights was our second SIG and Professional Development event at Ballymore Stadium in May. Members enjoyed an engaging panel discussion, The Modern Advancement Engine: What’s Driving Growth in 2026 and Beyond?, featuring Advancement leaders from The University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology and DGB Global, and facilitated by Vice President Helen Turner. The morning also included pillar-based Special Interest Group sessions across Marketing & Communications, Fundraising, and Admissions, providing practical insights and valuable peer-to-peer learning.

Our Coffee Catch-Ups continue to be a cornerstone of member engagement. More than 70 members joined us across Brisbane, Toowoomba, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast in April, demonstrating the value of creating informal opportunities to strengthen professional networks and share ideas. Similarly, there was strong attendance at the July Coffee Catch-Ups, which enabled members to continue to build connections across our Chapter.

It is also pleasing to report that Queensland membership has grown from 479 members in January to more than 500 members in July. This growth reflects the ongoing value of educate+ membership and the commitment of our Committee to delivering meaningful professional development, networking and mentoring opportunities.

Looking ahead, with just two weeks to go now, excitement is building for the 2026 educate+ Building Futures International Conference at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre from 1 – 4 September. Queensland is proud to host this flagship event, and I encourage all members to take advantage of the exceptional learning, networking and professional development opportunities on offer.

A particular highlight will be our Chapter Soirée on Wednesday 2 September from 6:15pm–8:15pm at the Soleil Pool Deck, Rydges South Bank. If you have not yet registered, I encourage you to click here to secure your place and join us for what promises to be a memorable evening.

We are also laying the foundations for the future, with planning well underway for the 2027 Queensland Summit from 26-27 July. I am delighted that the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre has been secured as the venue and I thank the newly established Planning Committee for their enthusiasm and commitment as preparations commence.

As always, I would like to acknowledge our dedicated Queensland Chapter Committee for their volunteer service and contribution this year. Their passion, creativity and commitment continue to strengthen our Chapter and enhance the experience of our members. 

Thank you for your ongoing support of educate+ Queensland. I look forward to connecting with many of you at upcoming events and, of course, welcoming members from across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, to Brisbane in September.

Warm regards,
Susan McGinley
QLD Chapter President | educate+

Director of Advancement
The Women’s College within the University of Queensland