President’s Report

We are Queensland, we are advancement … – We’ve won the ‘Best Chapter Conference 2019’ again based on metrics from the delegate survey gauging overall impressions and whether goals in attending were achieved. We scored an incredible 194 out of 200 and while it is our second in a row, this year we share it jointly with our kiwi cousins in the New Zealand Chapter. I had the pleasure of presenting a Keynote address in Dunedin and can testify to a fantastic NZ Conference. View or relive the QLD conference highlights clip here.

Our two strategic initiatives – Are to assist members with ‘managing up’, and to deliver greater value to our regional members. Considering that over 35 institutional leaders attended the conference and that there was a huge increase in the number of regional attendees, both areas are developing extremely well. Our 240 delegates clearly felt encouraged, inspired and challenged which were the Conference Committee’s overall aim.

Chapter Awards – I’m thrilled that we received a total of 32 award nominations as it was the highest number ever received. All nominated were acknowledged at the Conference and Awards Dinner hosted by Programmed. Special congratulations to all those who received a Highly Commended and of course each of the category winners. All awardees will be encouraged to present at a Special Interest Group (SIG) in 2019/2020 so please take a moment to view the full list here.

Events held – July and June also saw healthy attendance at the events held. Thank you to Nambour Christian College for hosting a Marketing and Admissions SIG and Emmanuel College, UQ for hosting our Masterclass by US based ‘Donor Guru’ Lynne Wester who certainly lived up to her reputation.

Next event – Our next benchmarking and networking opportunity is an Alumni and Fundraising SIG on 31 October at Sheldon College. I encourage all those working in those areas to attend this no-cost, interactive session – more details here

Save-the-Date – For our EOY Extravaganza covering a Professional Development session, fastest AGM in QLD and a Christmas Lunch all for $55! So why not use the opportunity to have your team Christmas event with likeminded advancement professionals (even if you are ‘the team’)? Thursday 28 November – more details here.

Thank you – to Digistorm our 2019/2020 QLD Partner. We are grateful for the support of all our corporate partners as they enable the delivery of our quality program with exceptional value so please consider them for any opportunities you may have in the future. List here

Membership – Make the most of your membership by registering as a mentor, mentee or both and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn. Since May 2018 Educate Plus has grown by 24% now having 2,128 members, with Queensland enjoying 40% growth now having 389 members.

It is wonderful to see so many new members as our QLD Chapter continues to go from strength to strength thanks to the generosity of professionals openly sharing their expertise and those volunteering on committees – thank you.

I look forward to seeing you soon and as the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison reportedly said, “How good is Queensland?!!!”

Lea Walker-Franks F.Edplus
President – Qld Chapter