UQPN 2023 Conference: Connecting the Dots
**Thanks for your interest in the UQPN Conference 2023. All tickets have been claimed however you are welcome to register yourself to join the waitlist. Please contact uqpn@uq.edu.au if you have any questions.**
Summary
We are very excited to announce that this year's theme for the 2023 UQPN conference is Connecting the Dots! This can be connecting dots in your thoughts for clearer, consistent and more holistic ideas, developing better connections with your colleagues and those in your networks or even combining your experiences to lead you in a new direction. Our goal is to help you explore the ways you can 'connect the dots' in your professional (or personal) life and continue to build your skillset as a UQ Professional staff member.
We have three amazing speakers lined up, who each have different perspectives on how they connect the dots and will be imparting their knowledge to you throughout the morning. You can read more about each speaker below. Of course, the key components of any good conference are the networking opportunities and we wouldn't be the UQ Professionals Network if we didn't deliver on this! We have designed a fantastic program of activities and discussions to allow you to connect with your fellow professional colleagues and get to know some new faces in a fun and organic way.
We know setting aside a half-day is a big commitment so please consider your workload at this time of year before reserving a ticket. We want to make sure the room is full of engaged and enthusiastic members on the day! We look forward to seeing you for a half-day of networking, chef-inspired food and inspirational speakers!
Date: Friday 27 October 2023
Venue: Customs House, Brisbane City
Registration
This is a free event for current UQPN members! We know setting aside a half-day is a big commitment so please consider your workload at this time of year before reserving a ticket. We want to make sure the room is full of engaged and enthusiastic members on the day. The conference is an exclusive event for UQPN members only, however if tickets are still available, as a professional staff member you are welcome to sign up as a member and then complete your registration.
Speakers
We are very excited to announce this year's conference speakers.
Dr Lavender Shu
Director & Founder, MediaMo Australia
UQ alum Dr Lavender Shu is a seasoned cross-cultural marketer and communications professional with over a decade's experience within the tourism, aviation, retail & education industries. An entrepreneur, she is the founder of MediaMo, a marketing consulting firm that provides services to 50+ businesses, including culturally appropriate digital marketing solutions and messaging for Chinese media platforms, multimedia production, and influencer marketing.
Bec McIntosh
Principal Global Programs, Trade and Investment Queensland
Rebecca is a qualified Career Practioner with a Bachelor of Business and a Master of Arts in Digital Media and over 20 years of experience in community, program, and career development across education, technology, startups in Europe and Australia. She is passionate about capacity building and currently leading two strategic programs for Trade Investment Queensland in Talent Attraction and Global communities in trade, investment and talent community, ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Andrew Flannery
Chief Operating Officer, UQ
Andrew Flannery is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of UQ and brings more than 30 years of professional and global experience to his role. This includes 15 years in executive roles at Flight Centre Travel Group (2003–2018) and Credit Suisse First Boston (1996–2002). Prior to his role as COO Andrew was the Chief Financial Officer and played a critical role in leading the University’s response to the disruptive financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supervisor support
We know it can be hard to create space in your work week and it can be so disappointing when you've set time aside but get pulled into a meeting. To help our members broach this professional development opportunity and gain the support of their supervisor, we have drafted an email you can use to help gain your supervisor's endorsement. Just follow this link and click download in the top left corner to open in your Outlook and edit with your supervisor's details.
FAQs
What is the UQPN Conference?
This is an annual conference hosted by the UQPN and organised by the volunteers on the UQPN Committee. The aim of this event to provide an intensive morning of professional development and networking for members. This is a key event in the UQPN calendar.
Will there be an online option?
No, this is an in-person only event. An integral part of the conference is the in-person networking and engagement with group activities. Unfortunately this is not something we have the capacity to replicate in an online or hybrid option.
I am not available on this day. Will you be recording the sessions?
Unfortunately we do not record the conference sessions. We always ensure to offer content that is relevant and useful to members, so if you would like to hear more from one of our speakers, please get in touch via uqpn@uq.edu.au and we can add for a future event.
How do I let my supervisor know that I want to attend the conference?
To help our members broach this professional development opportunity and gain the support of their supervisor, we have drafted an email you can use to help gain your supervisor's endorsement. Please refer to your personalised invitation or the link above to download the email.
Who are the speakers this year?
This year we have confirmed Dr Lavender Shu, Director & Founder, MediaMo Australia, Bec McIntosh, Principal Global Programs, Trade and Investment Queensland and Andrew Flannery, Chief Operating Officer, UQ. Gina Campbell, Director HR Partnering will also be the MC!
What is the theme of the conference?
The theme is Connecting the Dots! This can be connecting dots in your thoughts for clearer, consistent and more holistic ideas, developing better connections with your colleagues and those in your networks or even combining your experiences to lead you in a new direction.
I have accessibility and/or dietary requirements, how do I let you know?
Please include any requirements with your registration and we will do our best to accommodate for you on the day.
How much does the conference cost?
This is a free event for current UQPN members!
Okay but how much does it cost to host the event??
Approximately $6,000, which covers the venue hire, food and marketing costs. This is paid for in part from membership fees but predominately through UQ funding and support. Please keep this in mind if you need to cancel, if we don't get notice to fill your place, it's a very expensive empty room.
I registered but am no longer able to attend, what do I do?
Please cancel you ticket as soon as possible via Eventbrite or send us an email at uqpn@uq.edu.au. This is a very popular event and if we don't know you aren't coming, we can't open the seat for another member. We want to make sure the room is full for the best networking experience possible.
Tickets have sold out, is there a waitlist??
There sure is! Make sure to pop your details onto the waitlist so we know to contact you if a place opens up. So that we can be fair to others waiting, waitlisted members will only have one (1) day to respond and claim your place so make sure to keep an eye on your inbox!
How do I get to the venue?
Walk to Customs House down Queen Street or along the river boardwalk. Bus and train stations are located nearby while the City Cat stops at the Riverside Centre just a few minutes walk from Customs House. For more info see https://customshouse.com.au/contact/#directions
Is there parking available?
There is no parking facility at Customs House, however there are some nearby public carparks you may like to consider. You can find out more here https://customshouse.com.au/contact/#parking
Do I need to bring my own snacks and lunch food?
No, your food and beverages during the conference are included with your registration. The optional drinks and networking immediately following the conference is a self-funded activity and is not included with your registration.
I am not a UQPN member, can I still attend?
The conference is an exclusive event for UQPN members only. However if tickets are still available, you are welcome to sign up as a professional staff member and then complete your registration.
The UQPN Committee sounds great, how do I get involved?
Unfortunately we do not have any openings in the committee at this current time. Feel free to note your interest via your preferences in your UQPN Member Profile and we will let you know if a position becomes available.
I have another questions that has not been answered here…
Please send all enquiries to uqpn@uq.edu.au and we will respond to your message as soon as we can.
Contact
Ms Rachael Woodman, UQPN Events Manager, uqpn@uq.edu.au