About the conference

The 2019 Principals’ Conference will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre from 25 – 27 February. 

The conference theme Thinking schools – better world will focus on Queensland state school principals coming together and consider, through fresh eyes, the challenges and opportunities of their own schools and throughout the state.

The conference registration desk will open from 4 pm on Monday 25 February. Principals arriving in Brisbane early are encouraged to take advantage of this early registration.

A welcome function will be held Monday 25 February from 5.30 pm - 7 pm. The conference program will begin at 8.30 am on Tuesday 26 February and will conclude at 3 pm on Wednesday 27 February. The conference dinner will be held Tuesday 26 February from 6.45 pm - 10.30 pm.

Thinking schools – better world

Every day, Queensland state school classrooms are places in which ideas are born, dreams are nurtured, and hard work takes place. They are also sites where critical thinking is encouraged and values and attitudes that will shape our community are formed.
In recent years, Queensland principals have led their staff and students on a journey of improvement by leading with impact to achieve outstanding performance gains. Together, they have forged a new ‘system’ approach – one in which autonomy prevails but collaboration and the sharing of evidence, information, and expertise is the foundation upon which capability is built to support that autonomy.

Beyond the structures and resources at principals’ disposal, there remains a need for deep thinking in school leadership. Thinking schools are schools that consider the kind of citizens they want their students to be. Thinking schools are schools who understand the unique factors that impact upon every student’s success. Thinking schools are those who are ever-focused on their own impact – on knowing what is working and what is not, and on innovating in pursuit of the next goal. Thinking schools are able to thrive in the face of changing social and economic conditions – to truly be adaptive, creative, and continuously improving.

The contribution that a thinking school makes goes beyond the individual student; it shapes the economy and society of the future. This 2019 Principal Conference invites all Queensland state school principals to come together and consider, through fresh eyes, the challenges and opportunities of their own schools and schools throughout the state.

Experts from Australia and abroad will lead attendees on this exercise, as we consider and reconsider how to improve performance, ensure the wellbeing of our staff and students, produce valuable and agile participants in the future economy, and model the virtues of a tolerant and respectful society. Recognising that thinking schools are led by capable and reflective principals, it will also provide opportunities for participants to build their own skill sets and build on their plans for long-term wellbeing and professional success.

The following delegates are invited to attend the conference:

• state school principals and heads of campus
• Department of Education Executive Management Board members
• assistant director-generals
• regional directors
• assistant regional directors
• invited education stakeholders.

Conference fees are based on school bands and will be advised when registering. Fees for all state school principals and non-departmental staff will be invoiced on or after 28 February 2019. Journals will be processed for departmental staff registration fees after the conference.

A conference app will be available to all delegates in February 2019. The app will be accessible on tablets, Apple and android devices and will provide information about the conference including the program, speakers and exhibitors. Complimentary wi-fi will be available at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre during the conference.

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC)
Address: Cnr Merivale and Glenelg Street, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Phone: (07) 3308 3000
Website: www.bcec.com.au

The 2019 Principals’ Conference registration desk will be located in the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) Merivale Street ground floor foyer and open the following times:

• Monday 25 February 2019 – 4 pm to 7 pm
• Tuesday 26 February 2019 – 7.15 am to 4.15 pm
• Wednesday 27 February 2019 – 7.15 am to 3 pm

It is a requirement that all conference delegates register their attendance and collect their name badge, which will act as identification for the conference. It is a venue and conference requirement that name badges are visible and worn by delegates at all times when onsite at the BCEC. Delegates will not be permitted access into sessions without their name badge.

Every effort will be made to ensure delegates with special needs are catered for. Should you require any specific catering, please include the relevant details when you complete the registration form.

Visit the conference trade exhibition located in Exhibition halls 1 and 2 prior to sessions and during breaks to see the latest products, services and technology, and for the chance to win exciting prizes. Giveaways will be announced through the conference app on Wednesday 27 February 2019. Exhibitors will be responsible for distributing prizes direct to recipients.

8 February 2019: Online registrations close
25 February 2019: Registration opens at BCEC from 4 pm, Welcome function from 5.30 pm
26 February 2019: Conference dinner from 6.45 pm
27 February 2019: Conference concludes