Welcome to Building Futures

Welcome to Brisbane!

On behalf of the Conference Committee, the educate+ Team are delighted to welcome you to Building Futures, the 2026 educate+ International Conference, here in Brisbane.

From 1 to 4 September, the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre will become the home of our educate+ Community, bringing together Advancement professionals from across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and beyond to connect, learn and grow.

There is so much ahead: new ideas, thought-provoking conversations, valuable connections, plenty of opportunities to step outside your everyday and explore what’s possible… and a whole future to build!

Most importantly, this Conference is about you and our Community. So make the most of every moment. Introduce yourself to someone new, join the conversations, ask questions, share your experiences and enjoy being surrounded by people who understand the work you do.

We are so pleased you’re here.

Welcome to Brisbane. Welcome to Building Futures. Let’s build the future of Advancement, together.

The educate+ Conference Team

Ben Yeoh
Events Lead | educate+

PS… if you are thinking of joining us at your Chapter Gathering on the Wednesday night, note that TODAY (Wednesday 26 August) is the last day to RSVP for these events. To RSVP for your Chapter Gathering, click here.

Mandy McFarland CEO | educate+	Josie De Beer Program & Content Lead | educate+	Tina Fleming Member Relations Manager | educate+
Danielle Hargrove Marketing & Communications Lead | educate+	Michaela Lyons (Not Onsite) Digital Communications & Design Specialist | educate+	Liz Masu (Maternity Leave) Membership& Data Coordinator | educate+
Kath Milic Sponsor Lead | educate+	Pauline Newman Events Coordinator | educate+	Michelle Strawbridge Business Manager | educate+

Getting Here, There & Everywhere

Conference Venue

The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) is in South Bank, very close to South Brisbane Station.

Address:
Cnr Merivale & Glenelg Streets
South Brisbane QLD 4101
Australia

BCEC – Ground Floor Map

• • Foyer and Registration Desk Kiosks
  • Exhibition Hall
  • Great Hall 4

BCEC – Mezzanine Level Map

• • Sessions Rooms M1 – M8

BCEC – Plaza Level Map 

• • Session Rooms P1-P5

Getting there from Brisbane Airport

Driving & Parking

For Delegates driving to the venue:

• P1 Car Park is recommended.
• Enter BCEC via the main entrance near the corner of Merivale and Glenelg Streets.
• Registration is located in the main Foyer.
• Venue maps will also be available in the Conference App.

Transportation to Events During the Conference

• Marts&Lundy Welcome Event | Tuesday 1 September, Brisbane City Hall
  • Departure from BCEC:  Buses will depart from the EDUCATE+ BUS STOP (Glenelg St) from 5.30pm to 6.00pm
  • Return to BCEC: Return Buses will depart from Brisbane City Hall from 7.30pm-8.00pm

• iDAT Conference Celebration | Thursday 3 September, Felons Barrel Hall
  • Departure from BCEC:  Buses will depart from the EDUCATE+ BUS STOP (Glenelg St) from 6.00pm to 6.30pm
    Note: The bus will drop you on the corner of Brunswick and Malt St. From here, make your way to the East Lift or stairs (Great view for selfie photos!), which will take you down the cliff to Howard Smith Wharves. Felons Barrel Hall is just a short walk away and our educate+ team will be there to welcome you.

  • Return to BCEC: Return Buses will depart from Felons Barrel Hall from 10.00pm-10.30pm

• SUPER IMPORTANT NOTE: Please don’t wait until the end of the timeslot before you head towards the bus stop. As there are only a certain number of buses scheduled, if the earlier buses need to leave partially empty because not enough Delegates are ready to board, it means there might not be enough buses towards the end of the timeslot for all Delegates.

Transportation to the School Tours (Optional)

• Anglican Church Grammar School | Tuesday 1 September
  • Departure from BCEC:  Buses will depart from the EDUCATE+ BUS STOP (Glenelg St) at 9.30am sharp
  • Return to BCEC: Return Buses will depart from Anglican Church Grammar School at 12.00pm sharp

• St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School | Tuesday 1 September
  • Departure from BCEC:  Buses will depart from the EDUCATE+ BUS STOP (Glenelg St) at 9.30am sharp 
  • Return to BCEC: Return Buses will depart from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls’ School at 12.00pm sharp

• The Women’s College within the University of QLD | Tuesday 1 September
  • Departure from BCEC: Take a bus from the Cultural Centre South Bank to UQ Lakes Station (About 14 minutes; Costs 50 cents each way)

• St Laurence’s College | 82 Stephens Rd, South Brisbane Queensland 4101 | Saturday 5 September
  • By Car: Car parking will be available via the 82 Stephens Road, South Brisbane entrance. To access the Main Administration Building, utilise the elevator within the STEM Building (number 9) or the adjacent stairs.
  • By Train: From Southbank Train Station, take the tunnel under Vulture Street which exits you onto Stephens Road. Follow Stephens Road until you reach the St Laurence’s College pedestrian entrance noted on the attached map. From here, walk up the ramp, through the main quadrangle and to the Administration Building to meet the other guests.
  • By Bus: From the Mater Hill Bus Station on Stanley Street, walk across Stanley Street and up Raymond Terrace. Follow the pedestrian crossings until you reach the Hancock Street Car park. Walk into this car park and head across to the silver elevators on the far side – this is the St Laurence’s College elevator. Take this up to Level 6 and this will bring you out at the main Administration Building for the College. Other services also run along Stephens Road (including the 202) and Vulture Street. Check TransLink for a journey planner

Registration Desk and Checking-In

Check-In Location:

The Conference Registration Desk is located in the ground floor Foyer of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC)

We STRONGLY recommend that all Delegates Check-In at the Conference Registration Desk on TUESDAY afternoon if possible!

• To avoid last minute Wednesday morning rush
• To ensure you have your Name Badge at the Marts&Lundy Welcome Event

DELEGATE Check-In Times:

The Conference Registration Desk is open as follows:

• Tuesday 1 September:
  • From 9.00am for Tour attendees.
  • From 11.00am-1.00pm for Workshop Delegates. (Lunch for Workshop Delegates will be served from 12.00pm onwards)
  • From 2.00pm-5.00pm for Full-Conference Delegates and Exhibitors (We recommend ALL Full-Conference Delegates check-in on Tuesday afternoon if possible).
  • Note: Wear your Name Badge to the Marts&Lundy Welcome Event (and all Events), to gain access and to make it easier to connect and network with others.
• Wednesday 2 September:
  • From 8.00am – for Conference Delegates not yet Checked-In (including Wednesday ‘Day Only’ Delegates).
• Thursday 3 September:
  • From 8.00am for Thursday ‘Day Only’ Delegates (and Full-Conference Delegates not yet Checked-In).
• Friday 4 September:
  • From 8.00am for Friday ‘Day Only’ Delegates 

DELEGATE Check-In Process: 

• Step 1 – Printing your Name Badge

1. To expediate the Check-In process, ensure that you have your Check-In QR Code already open within the Conference App as you approach the Registration Desk Kiosks. (App Home Screen or via your Profile page).
2. At the Check-In Kiosk, scan your QR Code, as prompted.
3. Complete the onscreen Check-In process (editing if needed).
4. Wait for your Name Badge to be printed (double-sided – so ensure both sides print out before removing from the printer)
5. Rest assured, a member of the educate+ team will be there to assist if you experience any issues with Check-In

• Step 2 – Collecting your Lanyard and Conference Satchel

1. Once you’ve Checked-In and printed your Name Badge, please move away from the kiosk area as quickly as possible to collect your Lanyard from the ‘Lanyard Tree’ and your Conference Satchel from the nearby lanyard trees.
2. And … if you’re checking-in on the morning prior to each day’s Sessions … make sure to visit our Exhibitors and grab yourself a free Coffee in the Exhibition Hall while you wait for the Conference to start.

EXHIBITOR / SPONSOR Check-In Process (And Bump-In)

• Exhibitors and Sponsors Check-In Time: Tuesday 1 September, at the Registration Desk Kiosks, from 2.00pm onwards.
• Exhibitor Bump-In Time: Tuesday 1 September, from 2.00pm onwards. (Make sure to wear a high-vis vest when bumping in)

All About the App … Be In It to Win It!

Firstly – the most important thing … Have you downloaded the Conference App yet?

CLICK ON BUTTON ABOVE FOR LINK… OR SCAN BELOW	CLICK ON BUTTON ABOVE FOR LINK… OR SCAN BELOW

POPULATE YOUR PROFILE DETAILS

HOW TO PLAY THE LEADERBOARD CHALLENGE GAMES

Get ready to have fun, make connections, discover resources and earn points! There are two Leaderboard Challenges and two ways to win:

• Win Prizes – Storytelling
• Win Prizes – Sponsors

WIN PRIZES – STORYTELLING

• Complete the Storytelling prompts as they are revealed.
• This Challenge begins after the Day 1 Welcome Session, when all will be revealed!

WIN PRIZES – SPONSORS

• Earn points by:
  • Using the App: Explore Sessions, provide feedback, message Delegates and more.
  • Exploring Exhibitor Resources: View profiles, brochures, PDFs and websites.
  • Meeting Exhibitors: Visit their booths and scan their Game QR codes.
• This Challenge is OPEN NOW! Start earning points before the Conference, then keep climbing the Leaderboard onsite.

LEADERBOARD CHALLENGE GAME RULES

The Leaderboard Challenge games are all about connecting, communicating, discovering and sharing. Please play in the spirit intended, helping create a positive, inclusive and safe experience for everyone.

• The Challenges close at 10.30am on Friday 4 September. Scores from both Leaderboards will then be combined, so play both Challenges to maximise your chance of winning!
• Winners will be announced during the Conference Close, with gift card prizes of $500, $300 and $200 for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
• In the event of a tie, tied Leaders will go into a prize draw. The organisers’ decision is final.

Most importantly, have fun, connect and get involved!

Chapter Gatherings – RSVPs & Payment Needed to Attend

Please see below for the Chapter Gathering Information relevant to each Chapter

*NOTE: The final RSVP to attend a Chapter Gatherings is TODAY, Wednesday 26 August, by 5.00pm AEST. This is when numbers will be given for catering purposes. RSVPs after this date will not be able to be accepted. To urgently RSVP for a Chapter Gathering, click here.

NSW/ACT CHAPTER GATHERING

• Time:  6.15pm-8.15pm
• Location: Soleil Pool Deck & Lower Pool Terrace, Rydges Southbank 9 Glenelg St, South Brisbane
• Note: Event joined with the QLD Chapter (updated location)

NZ CHAPTER GATHERING

• Time:  6.00pm-10.00pm
• Location: The Arbour Bar at The Plough Inn 29 Stanley Street Plaza Brisbane

QLD CHAPTER GATHERING

• Time:  6.15pm-8.15pm
• Location: Soleil Pool Deck & Lower Pool Terrace, Rydges Southbank 9 Glenelg St, South Brisbane
• Note: Event joined with the NSW/ACT Chapter

SA/NT CHAPTER GATHERING

• Time:  6.30pm-9.30 pm
• Location: The Deck, The Plough Inn 29 Stanley Street Plaza Brisbane

VIC/TAS CHAPTER GATHERING

• Time:  6.30pm-8.30pm
• Location: The Greek Club, 29 Edmondstone St, South Brisbane

WA CHAPTER GATHERING

• Time:  6.30pm-9.30pm
• Location:  Chu The Phat – Doll House Bar, 111 Melbourne Street South Brisbane

ASIA CHAPTER GATHERING

• We invite our members from Asia to please register and join a Chapter gathering of your choice.

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.

General Information

WIFI Access and Connectivity:

The complimentary BCEC WIFI service is available throughout the event spaces. Individual users can subscribe free of charge, via a login page. To access the free BCEC WIFI:

• Open your phone’s settings and select ‘BCECLINK’
• No password or login is required for this

Conference Contact Information:

• For Conference related enquiries, please visit the Conference Registration Desk in the Ground Floor Foyer (open from 8.00am to 5.00pm daily).
• If the Conference Registration Desk is unattended, the educate+ information number is 1300 337 587.
• For non-Conference emergencies, please contact BCEC Concierge or dial Emergency 000 (depending on the issue).

Dress Code:

Smart Casual / Business Attire. Pack a jacket for indoor air-conditioning, and a coat for the cooler evenings.

Note that the theme for the iDAT Celebration Event on Thursday night is Queensland Tropicana! We’d love you to embrace the theme and dress in tropical style! 

Photography / Videography:

Photographs and Videos will be taken throughout the Conference (both official and candid) and some will be uploaded shortly thereafter to the Photo Gallery on the educate+ Website. Some photos may also be used in Social Media posts, and/or used for promotional purposes. Your permission for this was given at the time of Registration.

Conference Attendee List:

Educate+ will be sharing an Attendee list with your contact details with all Conference Sponsors and Exhibitors. This list will contain the details of Attendees who gave their permission at the time of Registration.

Speaker Presentations:

The Speaker Presentations (where permission has been granted) will be made available to Delegates after the conclusion of the Conference.

Feedback:

We’d love to know what you think about the Sessions and overall Conference organisation. At the conclusion of each Session, you will be able to answer a short Feedback Survey via the App. To access the Feedback Survey, make sure that the Session you attended appears in the ‘My Schedule’ tab of the App. All Feedback Surveys can also be accessed from your Profile icon, as long as the Session has been included in the ‘My Schedule’ tab.

In addition, at the conclusion of the Conference, a more in-depth Feedback Survey will be emailed to all Delegates. Please take the time to provide us with your valuable feedback, as it will help to shape the planning of our future Conferences and Summits.

Lost & Found:

If you find any item that someone may have lost, please take it to the Conference Registration Desk. Similarly, if you lose something, make sure to check to see if it’s been handed in at the Desk.

First Aid Information:

Should you need access to First Aid, contact the BCEC Concierge Desk directly.

Accessibility Information:

Should you need accessibility assistance, please visit the Conference Registration Desk

All the Little Extras …

RECHARGE, REFRESH & RECONNECT

There’s plenty happening at Building Futures, so we’ve created a few ways to recharge, refresh and take a moment between Sessions. Whether you need coffee, something sweet, a little downtime or a boost for your phone, you’ll find it in the Exhibition Hall.

BUT FIRST… COFFEE!

Start the day feeling energised with a visit to the Coffee Carts in the Exhibition Hall. While you’re there, be sure to stop by and say hello to our Coffee Cart Partner:

• Compass | Booth #35

PAUSE & UNWIND AT THE WELLNESS HUB

Take some time out at the Wellness Hub, with activities located throughout the Exhibition Hall designed to help you pause, destress and rejuvenate between Sessions.

And for the ultimate Conference reset, professional masseuses will be available on Thursday 3 September, from 12.00pm–5.00pm.

Consider it your invitation to find that elusive moment of pause!

SWEET TREATS AWAIT!

Need a little Conference pick-me-up? Visit the Donut Wall during Morning Tea from Wednesday to Friday.

Or cool down with a visit to the Gelato Cart on Wednesday from 4.30pm–6.00pm, Thursday from 4.00pm–6.00pm, and Friday during Lunch.

There are only 200 serves of each available per day, so get in early. It’s strictly first in, first served!

RUNNING LOW? RECHARGE HERE

Your devices need a little downtime too! Visit the Recharge Station near Booths #46 and #47 to give your phone or other device a much-needed power boost.

It’s available throughout the Conference, so plug in, power up and get back to Building Futures feeling fully charged.

EXPLORE, CONNECT & WIN

Our Exhibitors bring a wealth of expertise, ideas and solutions to Building Futures, so make time to explore the Exhibition Hall, have a conversation and discover resources that could help you maximise your impact at your institution.

And there’s another reason to visit… many of our Exhibitors will also have prizes and giveaways waiting for you at their Booths!

AND NEW THIS YEAR… the #EPBRISBANE2026 SELFIE FRAMES!

Join Sunshine the Cavoodle puppy in sharing the excitement of your Building Futures experience in a social media post! 

To access the size ‘selfie frame’ appropriate for your story, click below:

• 1920×1080 Vertical
• 1080×1080 Square
• 1080×1920 Horizontal

Steps to Adding Your Selfie Frame to Instagram Post

1. Save the ‘Selfie Frame’ to your photos. To do this:

• open this email on your phone
• click on the link above for your chosen size frame
• save the png file to your photos on your phone

2. Open Instagram and create a Story. To do this:

• enter Instagram
• click on the + sign on the top left and choose Story
• add the photo of yourself/experience that you want to share
• click the ‘stickers’ button (smiley square under Aa)
• choose ‘photo’ and manage photos so you can select the ‘selfie frame’ you’ve saved to your photos. This will then overlay on your original photo and can be sized to fit
• … and complete the post!

Happy snapping everyone! And don’t forget to hashtag

• #EPBrisbane2026
• #educateplus

The Weather, Dress Codes and What to Pack

The Weather

Brisbane temperatures are expected to range from approximately 11°C to 26°C. The following table is from the iPhone weather App. Of course, this potentially could change, so we do recommend packing a jacket for indoors, a coat for the cooler evenings and an umbrella may just come in handy!

Conference Dress Code

• General Conference Workshops and Sessions: Smart Casual/Business Attire
• Marts&Lundy Welcome Event: Smart Casual
• Chapter Gatherings: Smart Casual
• iDAT Conference Celebration: Theme – QLD Tropicana

Additional Items to Pack:

• Comfortable shoes
• Umbrella (for the walk to the iDAT Conference Celebration, if needed)
• Jacket (for indoor air conditioning)
• Coat (for cooler evenings)
• And did we mention… comfortable shoes (again, for emphasis!)

The Final Program & Social Program Details

THE FUTURE IS WAITING TO BE BUILT!

For the most updated version of the Conference Program, CLICK HERE

For the most updated Social Program information, CLICK HERE

How to Get the Most out of the Conference

For a Conference Experience that’s Smooth Sailing …

1. Download the Conference App – this will be your main source of information throughout the Event. (See separate tab in this eNEWS)
2. Study the Conference Program before you get to the venue and highlight your ‘must-see’ Sessions. Use the App to create your schedule in advance, so that it’s easily accessible on the day!
3. Make sure to visit the Exhibitors in between Sessions and during refreshment breaks. Our Sponsors’ support has truly made it possible for us to provide this Conference for you. They’ve got some great solutions to some of your key Advancement office challenges, and they’ll have a good understanding of what you need (and what you don’t) – so we strongly encourage you to stop by their booths!
4. Make notes, take photos, access the materials that are available to download … and do it while you’re there. It’s so easy to forget those great ideas that inspired you during a Session, once you’re back at the office.
5. At the end of each Session, highlight three things that you’re going to act on. (And don’t forget to complete the short Session Feedback survey after every Session you attend).
6. Wear comfy shoes! (Your feet will thank us later for this one!)

Stay a Little Longer … 5 Brisbane Must-Do’s

Why rush home when Brisbane has so much more to explore?

If you can extend your stay beyond Building Futures, make a weekend of it and experience some of the city’s must-do attractions.

1. Experience Riverfire
This is the big one! Stay on for Saturday 5 September and experience Riverfire, the spectacular opening night of Brisbane Festival. Expect flyovers, entertainment and a huge fireworks display lighting up the Brisbane River and city skyline from 7.00pm. It’s free, but popular vantage points fill quickly, so plan ahead.

2. Explore South Bank
Stroll through South Bank Parklands, wander the riverside promenade, stop for a bite to eat and soak up one of Brisbane’s most iconic precincts. It’s also right at the heart of the Riverfire action.

3. See Brisbane from the River
Jump aboard a CityCat and see the city the way Brisbane does best, from the water. Cruise beneath the Story Bridge and hop off at riverside precincts including South Bank, New Farm and Howard Smith Wharves.

4. Head Up High
Take in panoramic views from Mount Coot-Tha Summit Lookout, or, for something a little more adventurous, tackle the Story Bridge Adventure Climb for a completely different perspective on Brisbane.

5. Wander, Eat & Explore
Take a stroll through the City Botanic Gardens, explore the CBD, then follow the river towards Brisbane’s dining and entertainment precincts. With Brisbane Festival beginning on 4 September, there’ll be even more happening across the city as the Conference comes to a close.

Building Futures may finish on Friday… but your Brisbane experience doesn’t have to!

A Huge Thank You to our Valuable Sponsors

We Couldn’t Do It Without You!

Thank you to the following Sponsors and Exhibitors for their support of the Building Futures International Conference.

We encourage Delegates to visit the Exhibition Hall during the course of the Conference, to get to know our Sponsors and Exhibitors and find out more about how they can assist you.

Some great questions to ask them are:

1. How can your organisation benefit my institution?
2. How can your organisation make my role better / easier?
3. What three things do I need to know about you as an organisation?
4. Can I scan your QR Code? 

Platinum Sponsors
Excellence Awards Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Event Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Sponsors
Exhibitors (Not Listed Above)

Code of Conduct and Other Important Policies

The following information is provided, in the spirit of the Educate+ tradition of respect, professionalism and collegiality …

Members, sponsors, supporters and partners of educate+, by virtue of their responsibilities, represent their schools, colleges, universities or companies to the wider community. You, therefore, have a special duty to exemplify the best qualities of your institution and to observe the highest standards of personal and professional conduct.

Professional Conduct Review and Ethics Committee

Educate+ maintains high standards of ethics and practice for its members, supporters, sponsors and partners. Each must observe the Code of Ethics and Conduct, and educate+ enforces these codes, where necessary, by cautions or warnings, or by suspending or withdrawing membership rights and privileges.

Educate+ has a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of discrimination and any instances of discriminatory comments or actions will be addressed promptly and appropriately, in accordance with our Code of Conduct. We recognise that members may hold diverse perspectives, but our priority is to ensure that any expressions of support or viewpoints are conveyed respectfully and do not infringe on the rights or safety of others. We encourage open dialogue but will not tolerate hate speech, incitement or any form of harassment.

The Board deals with issues relating to the Code of Conduct and any complaints about the behaviour of a member, sponsor, supporter or partner of educate+ may be made to either the Chapter of which that person is a member or to the Board, through the CEO.

To access the full statement, CLICK HERE

Chatham House Rules

Take the learning but respect the names

• Share ideas, insights and lessons
• Ask permission to identify who said them
• Do not identify their institution
• Create space for candid, trusted conversation