In Case You Missed the Webinar…

In Case You Missed the Webinar…

 

If you missed the recent ‘Delegates Webinar’, or would like to be reminded again of the content… read below:

 

Conference Overview

Pre-Conference Day – Tuesday

If you have registered, the following optional activities are available:

  • School Tours in the morning (need pre-Registration)
  • Pre-Conference Workshops in the afternoon. (need pre-Registration)
  • New Member Meet-Up before the Marts&Lundy Welcome Event
  • Marts&Lundy Welcome Event at Brisbane City Hall

Day 1 – Wednesday

The Conference officially begins with the Opening Session & Welcome and Keynote from Milo Wilkinson, followed by breakout Sessions across six streams:

  • Admissions
  • Alumni & Community Engagement
  • Marketing & Communications
  • Fundraising
  • Leadership
  • People & Culture

The afternoon concludes with the Excellence Awards, followed by Networking Drinks with Exhibitors.

Delegates can then attend their Chapter Gathering (need pre-Registration) or enjoy a free evening.

Day 2 – Thursday

The day begins with the Excellence Awards Showcase, and then the educate+ Innovation Session followed by a Keynote from Jason Clarke. Regular Sessions across all six streams will then continue.

Throughout the day there will be opportunities to:

  • Meet Sponsors and Exhibitors.
  • Participate in activities and games.
  • Spend dedicated time in the Exhibition Hall.

The day concludes with the iDAT Conference Celebration at Howard Smith Wharves.

Day 3 – Friday

The final day begins with the ‘not to be missed’ EDx presentations, featuring five educate+ members delivering TEDx-style presentations developed with the support of Cameron Pegg.

This is followed by two further breakout Sessions, the final Keynote from Kath Koschel and a Conference Close, which also reveals the location of the 2028 International Conference!

An optional School Tour is also available on Saturday morning.

Optional Conference Activities

Chapter Gatherings – Wednesday Evening

  • All Chapters are hosting gatherings at various locations close to the Convention Centre (so buses not required).
  • These were extremely popular at the previous Conference and sold out. Due to event space requirements these need to have been booked and paid for prior to attending the Conference. 

School Tours

Four School Tours are offered:

  • Anglican Church Grammar School (Churchie) – Tuesday
  • The Women’s College, University of Queensland – Tuesday
  • St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School – Tuesday (fully booked) 
  • St Laurence’s College – Saturday

Pre-Conference Workshops

  • Dragon’s Den Advancement Publications – Make Your Pitch, with Cameron Pegg
    Bring along one of your own Advancement publications, such as an Alumni magazine or Fundraising publication, to examine what makes a great publication.

  • Advancement Unlocked: AI in Action, with Ross Imbler and Clive Pedley
    A practical AI workshop. Bring your laptop and learn by actively using the technology.

  • Developing Sustainable Fundraising for Mission Advancement, with Bill Stanczykiewicz
    Explore how Fundraising strategy connects with the broader institutional strategy, led by an expert from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

  • The First Step is the Boldest: A Strategic Reboot for your Alumni & Community Engagement Program, with Kirsty Hooper, Belinda van der Monde, Jennie Blake, Chanel Hughes and Russell Davidson
    For those establishing, rebuilding or refreshing an Alumni & Community Engagement program. Practitioners will take participants through the key considerations from beginning to end.

  • The Human Side of Change, with Rebecca Hopkins
    Explore the human side of organisational change and change management.


New Members & First-Time Conference Delegates

New Member Meet-Up | Tuesday, 4.30pm–5.20pm

  • New members and those attending their first educate+ Conference are invited to meet at the Registration Desk.
  • Members of the educate+ team and Board will be there, and the group will then make its way together to the Welcome Event.
  • This provides an opportunity to make connections before the Conference officially begins.

Conference Buddy

  • A Conference Buddy is also available for new members and first-time Delegates.
  • Conference buddies have now been assigned, however if you feel that you would like a personal introduction to some other Delegates please head to the Registration Desk and ask for Tina, our Member Relations Manager, who will be able to assist you.
Social Events & Transport

The educate+ BUS STOP is downstairs at the BCEC, accessible via the escalators in the Main Foyer, and then turning right to exit at Glenelg St to find the bus stop signs.

Marts&Lundy Welcome Event – Tuesday

  • The Marts&Lundy Welcome Event will be held at Brisbane City Hall.
    • Buses will depart from the EDUCATE+ BUS STOP (at BCEC) from 5.30pm-6.00pm.
    • Buses will also return Delegates to the Convention Centre afterwards.
    • Delegates may alternatively walk to City Hall, approximately a 30-minute walk.
    • Further information will be sent to Delegates to confirm who requires bus transport.
  • Dress: Smart business casual.

Chapter Gatherings – Wednesday

  • Chapter Gatherings are being held close to the Convention Centre and are within easy walking distance (RSVP’s by Wednesday 26 August are essential)
  • Dress: Smart business casual.

iDAT Conference Celebration – Thursday

  • The iDAT Conference Celebration will be held at Felons Barrel Hall, Howard Smith Wharves.
    • Celebration commences at 7.00pm.
    • Buses depart from the EDUCATE+ BUS STOP (at BCEC) from 6.00pm-6.30pm.
    • Allow approximately 20 minutes for the bus journey.
  • Theme: Queensland Tropicana
    • Dress: Delegates are encouraged to embrace the theme and wear their best Tropicana-inspired outfit.
    • There will also be themed decorations and photo opportunities.

Alternative Transport

Delegates can alternatively travel via Brisbane’s river transport, with a ferry terminal located close to the Convention Centre. Public transport fares were noted as 50 cents per journey.

Excellence Awards
  • The educate+ Excellence Awards showcase outstanding work across the Advancement profession.
  • More than 300 submissions were received in 2026, compared with 221 in 2024, with finalists selected by independent judging panels.
  • This year, the Awards will be presented in the plenary room during the final Session on Wednesday afternoon, allowing more Delegates, Partners and Sponsors to attend.
  • Expect an Oscars-style red carpet event, with special surprises and the winners revealed live during the presentation.
  • Delegates are strongly encouraged to attend, whether travelling individually or as a team.
  • Thank you to Global Philanthropic, who are Sponsors of the educate+ Excellence Awards
Excellence Awards Posters
  • All finalists have created posters showcasing their projects. These will be displayed throughout the Exhibition Hall.
  • On Thursday morning, Award winners will be available to chat at their poster boards with supporting material and information about their projects.
  • Delegates are encouraged to speak with winners and learn more about their work, creating an additional opportunity for peer-to-peer learning.
Conference App

Do I Need to Download the Conference App? Yes! 

The Conference App is such an integral part of the success of your overall Conference experience! It is vital in the Check-In and Name Badge printing process … and, it is also your information hub, Session scheduler and gaming console, all in one!

You really won’t want to be without it!

What Is in the Conference App?

  • For information relating to the Conference App, including how to download the App, important Check-In information and how to play games and win prizes, please see the separate tab in this eNEWS.
Dietary Requirements & Pronouns

Delegates can update dietary requirements and, if desired, add pronouns to their name badge.

To update your details:

  1. Find your Conference confirmation email.
  2. Select View Your Registration.
  3. Enter your confirmation number.
  4. Update your registration information.

If you need assistance, contact: internationalconference@educateplus.org

Delegate Checklist

Before arriving in Brisbane:

  • Download the Conference App
  • Review the Schedule/Conference Program
  • Build your personal Session schedule in ‘My Schedule’
  • Book your Chapter Gathering if attending
  • Book any remaining School Tours or Pre-Conference Workshops if available
  • Book your accommodation
  • Update dietary requirements if required
  • Pack your Queensland Tropicana outfit
What’s Included in Your Conference Registration?

For Full Conference Registrations:

  • Morning tea
  • Lunch
  • Afternoon tea
  • Marts&Lundy Welcome Event
  • Excellence Awards Presentation sponsored by Global Philanthropic
  • iDAT Conference Celebration

The Marts&Lundy Welcome Event and iDAT Conference Celebration will include canapés and substantial food.

Chapter Gatherings are separate and arrangements vary by Chapter, with some offering cocktail-style events and others seated meals. RSVPs are essential, by Wednesday 26 August.

We Look Forward to Seeing You in Brisbane!

The educate+ team will be available throughout the Conference to help with questions, logistics and making the most of your Conference experience.

Review the Program, download the Conference App, plan your Sessions and come ready to learn, connect and enjoy Building Futures.