Hosts
Welcome to the 9th ADAPE international conference!
After the great success of our first offshore conference, in Auckland in 2006, we return again to the mainland, and the splendours of Brisbane. Our hosts, the Queensland Chapter, have worked tirelessly over the last two years to prepare a conference which lives up to its own theme of ADAPeTATION
The breadth of offerings in this conference has been increased as evidence of the adaptation of our organisation itself. We have more tertiary members than ever before, an increased membership from the registrars around the country, and our marketing and publications areas are booming. The solid core areas of fundraising and alumni relations rather than diminishing are also growing throughout our region. Our conference has therefore adapted the traditional streams to ensure that all our membership is catered for, with presenters of international standing from around the world.
Conferences are meant to inspire the delegates, and our line-up of speakers is a guarantee of that in 2008. Of particular note is the innovative Leaders Forum at which some of the most influential leaders in educational philanthropy will discuss and debate the key strategic issues facing us over the next few years and then present their conclusions to the conference as a whole. These iterations will provide the background to the specific highlights of the themed keynote addresses, discussion groups and practical workshops. All delegates will draw upon the inspiration of our wide range of presenters to finish the conference full of motivation!
There is a clear sense of burgeoning philanthropic purpose in education throughout our region. In Australia alone University campaigns are now being launched with targets of well over $100 million. In Colleges and Schools, there is now excited planning around goals of more than $50 million. Such figures were unthinkable five years ago, and the resources to contemplate such goals were not available. In 2008 the landscape has changed. Today we see advancement or development offices of more than thirty people in some institutions, and offices of eight or more staff are becoming more frequent, as the need for philanthropic support grows. Such extraordinary growth needs to be supported by the best professional development possible. This conference will meet those needs!
I thank conference convener, Henry Campey, and all his team for their hard work and genuine passion to ensure the quality of this conference, and especially John and Morag Hocknull for their organisation of the inaugural Leaders Forum. I also acknowledge the support of Krista Slade and CASE in sourcing some of our speakers, and for her commitment to working with ADAPE to ensure that together we provide the best possible professional development for our members throughout Australasia and South East Asia. Finally, a huge thank you to our many sponsors, large and small, whose generosity and support add such an important dimension to the conference.
I hope you will all find that this conference challenges you professionally. I trust also that you will find the inspiration and motivation to ensure you adapt to our changing philanthropic landscape over the years to come.
Dr Alan Watkinson
ADAPE
Association of Development and Alumni Professionals in Education (Australasia Inc)
ADAPE Australasia is the leading professional association in Australasia for advancement professionals working in schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions; whose responsibilities include: Fundraising, Alumni Relations, Communications and Marketing, Enrolments, Public Relations and External Affairs.
For almost 30 years, ADAPE Australasia has continued to deliver a very high standard of relevant and practical professional development together with networking opportunities for its members and affiliates; whilst actively promoting educational advancement throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Asia / Pacific region