Queensland President’s Report | Welcome

The digital space has absolutely transformed how the education sector communicates to their community. Driving more traffic to our websites, marketing in an online world, connecting with alumni and, of course, fundraising are proving to be challenging to many of our members. 

Whether you are new to the sector or an experienced practitioner, the professional development opportunities of the four pillars offered by Educate Plus to their members in Enrolments, Marketing, Alumni and Fundraising are paramount in assisting you to be informed of the latest developments. This year Queensland is fortunate to be hosting the biennial International Conference at the Marriott Gold Coast (see details below). Numbers will be capped due to the restraints of the venue so please book early to avoid disappointment; we are expecting this to fill quickly. This conference in hosted in various cities around Australia and New Zealand and was last held in Queensland in 2008. I would strongly encourage you to attend the conference while it is in our state and take advantage of the little or no flight costs – your institution will thank you for the professional growth you will experience.

The chapter AGM was held in November which saw Graham Brown step down as President; he will, thankfully, remain on the 2016 committee. Graham, we sincerely thank you for your commitment to our chapter and ongoing support.
Thank you to the outgoing committee members: Nick Allen, Anna Bartlett, Jackie Upton and Stuart Charlton for their wonderful contribution to the team. I also welcome our new committee members to the team: David Miles (Anglican Church Grammar School), Sarah Dreaver (Somerville House) and Nicole de Vries (Brisbane Boys’ College).

The full chapter committee can be viewed below. They are a wonderful team of volunteers who will represent your chapter admirably.

As always, we are grateful for the ongoing support of our sponsors. Please consider them for any opportunities you may have in the future.

To all our members, I wish you an amazing year as we all work in our communities for the common good.

Glenda Fitz-Payne F.Edplus
President – Qld Chapter | Board Director | Host 2016 International Conference

Welcome to new members

We officially welcome our new members who have joined Educate Plus here in Queensland. We look forward to meeting you at one of our upcoming events.

Towards 2016 | A new year, a new committee

We are pleased to announce Glenda Fitz-Payne as the new Queensland Chapter President for 2016. Glenda – a familiar face for many – is a stalwart in the area of philanthropy and marketing and a Fellow of Educate Plus. Lea Walker – who has extensive experience in fundraising and alumni relations – will support Glenda in the role of Vice President.

Glenda and the Committee (pictured below) were elected at the Chapter’s AGM, hosted at Mercy Place in November last year, where more than thirty five Chapter delegates enjoyed two keynote presentations before the AGM and a delicious Christmas lunch.

Your new committee

AGM Presentations
Delegates heard from Educate Plus Queensland Award Winners Nicole de Vries, Adele Graves and Kyle Thompson of Brisbane Boys’ College who spoke about their recently launched branding campaign ‘A New School of Thought’, leaving the group with some interesting key takeaway points:

Delegates were also inspired by the raw and beautiful story of Bronwen Healy, CEO of The Hope Foundation, as she discussed her life in the sex industry, her time of harrowing change, and her need to create hope for other women experiencing addictions and/or the sex industry. Bronwen summed up her ambition in life as she said “I will not be defined for who I was or what I did” nor will she let any other woman who wants change. An inspirational story to end the year with.

Save the Date | Upcoming events

There’s nothing better than speaking with like-minded professionals in the area of advancement. It’s a group therapy, of sorts. A time where you walk away with confirmation that you are on the right track (or perhaps ahead of the curve), but where you also walk away with an idea or insight into a new strategy; where a spark is ignited to create something spectacular for your organisation.

The event calendar for 2016 (see below) is sure to ignite many creative sparks, with the Queensland Chapter Committee determined to provide a variety of interactive and topical Special Interest Groups (SIGs), professional development sessions and of course, the much anticipated International Conference to our members.

With a session available almost every month, we suggest you place the above mentioned dates in your diary to avoid disappointment.

The first two Special Interest Groups will be held in February and March, giving you time to adjust your strategies accordingly for the busy year ahead.

11 February   Admissions & Alumni SIG Outline
From the Queensland economy changing parents’ priorities, to schools providing the most value for money, we will discuss the top trends affecting the Admissions sector.

For our colleagues in the Alumni sector, we will look at the long and the short to engage your cohort: how you can best use social media to engage with alumni groups.

3 March   Fundraising & Marketing SIG Outline
Fundraisers, it’s time to change your perspective and wear the donor hat. Take part in a mock fundraising campaign event, hosted by Lea Walker at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, to experience how a school frames their ask. Benchmark your fundraising strategy against this interactive event and get results!

Meanwhile, as we lead into the traditional open day seasons of March, May and August, this session will bring value to any marketer’s open day preparations: what works and what doesn’t. Get some answers to the following questions and walk away with practical tactics that you can implement at your next open day.

• ​How do you maximise applications on the day?
• How do you showcase your academics?
• Do you hold your open day during class time or outside of school hours?
• How do you measure your guest arrivals?
• How do you follow up any of your ‘no shows’?
• What is deemed a successful open day for your school?

International Conference | Something to talk about

Sydney was great. Melbourne was outstanding. And this year, we are lucky enough to have an unmatched professional development program for advancement professionals in our very own backyard.

In September this year, we look forward to delivering a spectacular three-day International Conference program covering everything from alumni strategy and major gift portfolios, to above the line campaigns and admissions metrics, to admissions law and brand protection. Check out the full program here. With more than 70 sessions delivered by experts from Australia, New Zealand and the United States on offer, there’s something for every organisation of all stages, sizes and budgets.

Day 1 includes sessions which are tailored to help educate Principals, Business Managers and Board members in the area of Advancement. This year we’re also proud to introduce the addition of a General Advancement stream to the mix, because we understand that many of the topics can be applied across multiple streams and levels.

While the budget is still fresh, take advantage of the Early Bird Rate of $1240.00 GST inclusive (until 30 April 2016).

Full Registration includes:

• Attendance at any session in any stream
• Welcome Drinks (On the eve of the conference) and Sponsor’s Drinks (7 September)
• Morning and Afternoon Refreshments and Lunches
• Conference Dinner (8 September)
• Conference satchel, lanyard, program
• Delegate contact list

Like the International Conference Facebook page and receive regular updates on the program and social program of the Conference. You will also receive posts from guest speakers attending the Conference.

facebook.com/edplus2016/

2016 Certified Advancement Practitioner Training Courses

Courses: Admissions, Alumni & Community Relations, Fundraising, Marketing & Communications
Date: 5-6 May 2016
Location: St Andrews College Sydney University

Each course offers the four training programs (Fundraising, Marketing & Communications, Alumni & Community Relations and Admissions – Trainees register for one of these and complete 10 modules) Some of the modules are be completed via our online e-learning system prior to a two day residential program. At the completion of the course, attendees are presented with a Certified Advancement Practitioner certificate in their respective course. 

Please refer all training queries to glenda@educateplus.edu.au

A top tip | The social video starter guide

As you all know, video is an ever-growing component of online marketing, particularly in schools. In fact, according to an article in PR Daily, video will account for more than two-thirds of consumer web traffic by 2017. So what’s the difference between YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram, Facebook and Vine? The infographic below may help you understand. Click on the thumbnail to make it larger.

(Source: 1-800 Numbers via http://www.prdaily.com/marketing/Articles/16388.aspx)

To make you laugh | When life is a circus

As advancement professionals, we’re always juggling various projects, wearing many hats and taking on countless miscellaneous jobs within the organisation. Below is a tongue-in-cheek look at the role of a Chief Advancement Officer; something that we are sure you will relate to as we enter Term 1.

(Source: https://targetingfundraisingtalent.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/first-year-as-cao-circus-theme.png)

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