Advancement Practitioner Training (APT): We Can’t Wait to Welcome You!

Now Only Days Away!

The educate+ team are delighted to have you join us on Monday 16 March, at Cliftons, Melbourne, for what promises to be an inspiring and impactful Advancement Practitioners Training (APT) Program.

The specially curated Program, relevant to Advancement and Corporate Services professionals across Australia, New Zealand and Asia, brings together thought leaders and sector experts to explore key themes, share innovative practices, and spark meaningful conversations.

Alongside the five concurrent Courses, the APT offers valuable opportunities to network, connect with peers, and build new professional relationships.

Thank you to the dedicated APT team, whose vision and hard work have made this event possible. We wish all Delegates a rewarding experience and every success as you take part in this invaluable training experience.

This eNewsletter contains information you need to know to ensure the APT is an amazing experience for you! We hope that it is helpful for you and provides the details you need. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

See you in just a few days!

Go well,

Mandy McFarland
Chief Executive Officer
Educate Plus
e: mandy@educateplus.org

Know Before You Go…

THE PLACE TO BE!

Following is some important information you need to know before you go.

Date

Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 March, 2026

Note: The People & Culture Course is just 1-Day (Monday 16 March only)

Venue

Cliftons Melbourne
Level 2, 440 Collins St
Melbourne, 3000

GETTING THERE

• Where possible, we would strongly suggest commuting via public transport to get to the venue.
• Cliftons is located on Collins Street between William and Queen Street’s.
• A Tram stop is located out the front of the building and is within the Free Tram Zone.
• The closest Parking is the Secure Parking at 376 Flinders St.

UPON ARRIVAL

Head directly to Level 2. The educate+ Registration Desk will be clearly visible.

FOR THE MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DELEGATES

Please bring a device (ideally a laptop) for the following Session:

• ‘From Sameness to Strategy: AI Accelerated Marketing Plan Foundations

Registration Desk and Checking In

CHECK-IN LOCATION:

The Registration Desk is located on Level 2

DELEGATE CHECK-IN TIMES:

The APT Registration Desk is open on Monday 16 March from 8.00am, and also on Tuesday 17 March from 8.00am.

• Collect your Name Badge & Name Card
• Collect your Training Workbook
• Tea & Coffee will be available upon arrival, and throughout the day

DELEGATE EVENT TIMES:

• Start / Welcome – 8.30am (Monday & Tuesday)
• Daily Conclusion – 4.45pm (Monday & Tuesday)
• Networking Drinks – 4.45pm-6.00pm (Monday)

The Final Program & Social Information

THE ADVANCEMENT PRACTITIONER TRAINING (APT) CONSISTS OF:

Five concurrent Advancement Courses – Admissions, Alumni & Community Engagement, Fundraising, Marketing & Communications and People & Culture.

The following courses are 2-Days, and contain a total of 8 learning modules spread over the 2 Days:

• Admissions, Alumni & Community Engagement, Fundraising, Marketing & Communications.

The following course is 1-Day, and contains a total of 4 learning modules:

• People & Culture

To access the final Programs, click below:

• View Admissions Program
• View Alumni & Community Engagement Program
• View Fundraising Program
• View Marketing & Communications Program
• View People & Culture Program

SOCIAL PROGRAM

At the conclusion of the first day, the following will occur:

• 4.45pm-6.00pm Networking Drinks

Follow-Up Coaching Circle

Approximately 3 months after the APT Program, you’ll be invited to join a follow-up Coaching Circle. This small group session is designed to help you reflect on how you’ve applied what you learned during APT, share successes and challenges, and hear how others are putting the concepts into practice in their own institutions. It’s a supportive space for peer discussion, problem-solving, and reconnecting with the ideas from the program.

Community Circle

Following the APT Program, you’ll receive an invitation to join a dedicated APT Community Circle, which is hosted on the Community Portal. This space is designed to help you stay connected with your fellow participants, continue conversations from the program, and share ideas, questions, and resources as you apply what you learned in your role. It’s a simple way to keep the APT network active and support each other beyond the program.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

If you did not provide your Dietary requirements at the time of Registration, please email Josie@educateplus.org to make sure the APT organisers are aware of your needs

General Information

Wifi Access and Connectivity:

To access the WiFi service at Cliftons, use the link:

• WiFi Name: 
• WiFi Password:

APT Contact Information:

• For APT related enquiries, please visit the APT Registration Desk
• If the APT Registration Desk is unattended, the onsite Educate Plus Events team can be reached via:
  • Email: ben@educateplus.org
  • Phone: +61 494 093 432

Dress Code:

Course Modules & Networking Drinks: Smart Casual / Business Attire

Speaker Presentations:

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

Delegate Contact List:

The Delegate Contact List, containing Names, Institutions and Email Addresses (where permission has been granted) will be made available to all after the conclusion of the Training.

Feedback:

We’d love to know what you think about the Sessions and overall APT organisation. Therefore, at the conclusion of the APT, an 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 APT and Professional Development Events.

Lost & Found:

If you find any item that someone may have lost, please take it to the APT 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, please visit the APT Registration Desk.

Accessibility Information:

Should you need accessibility assistance, please visit the APT Registration Desk.

Making the Most of It

For an APT Experience that’s Smooth Sailing …

1. Familiarise yourself with the Advancement Practitioner Training Program before you get to the venue.
2. 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.
3. At the end of each Session, highlight three things that you’re going to act on.
4. Wear comfy shoes! (Your feet will thank us later for this one!)

Code of Conduct

Positive Duty – Creating a Safe & Respectful Event

Educate Plus is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment for all Delegates, Staff and Sponsors.

If you see or experience something concerning, please report it confidentially to an Event organiser at the Registration Desk.

Let’s work together to create a positive, safe and welcoming environment for everyone!

Professional Conduct Review and Ethics Committee

Educate Plus 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 Plus enforces these codes, where necessary, by cautions or warnings, or by suspending or withdrawing membership rights and privileges.

Educate Plus 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 Plus 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

Photography / Videography

Photographs and Videos will be taken throughout the Academy (both official and candid) and some will be uploaded shortly thereafter to the Photo Gallery on the Educate Plus 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.

EVENT Attendee List

Educate Plus will be sharing an Attendee list with your name, job title, institution and email address with all Attendees including Sponsors.

This list will contain the details of Attendees who have their permission at the time of Registration.

Program Changes

Educate Plus reserves the right to make last minute alterations to the Program or Speakers if necessary, to ensure the success of the event.

Cancellations

Educate Plus is not responsible for any cancellation or change fees caused by airlines, hotels or travel agents.