UQPN Annual Conference 2024

Empowerment: Cultivating Confidence, Aspiration and Resilience

Summary

The theme for the 2024 UQPN conference is “Empowerment: Cultivating Confidence, Aspiration, and Resilience.” Our goal is to help members uncover hidden confidence, turn aspirations into achievable goals, and navigate and recover from challenges effectively.

Traditionally, UQPN’s strategic plan has focused on professional development, knowledge sharing, and networking. This year, as announced at the UQPN Annual Celebration (AGM) we are thrilled to introduce a new pillar: “Empowerment.” We will explore this theme in depth and equip our members with the tools needed to develop the resilience and determination required for empowerment and growth.

Registration

Registration opens 1 October 2024. Our conference is sold out and a waitlist is in place for tickets that become available between now and the conference date. Use the registration link on your invite to be added to the waitlist.

Speakers

Mary Wong

Mary’s passion is developing inspirational leaders. With qualifications in coaching, counselling, and business, and 20+ years of experience as a leadership and speaking coach, she says effortless communication, confidence, and the ability to seek support when needed, are pivotal to achieving success. Her clients transform into respected, self-aware leaders who surpass performance goals, inspire their teams and set industry standards.

An acclaimed international speaker and a multiple Amazon #1 best-selling author, Mary is also the recipient of numerous awards, including two Stevie International Women in Business Awards for her work assisting organisations and their teams to build deep connections, resolve conflicts, and foster new relationships through respectful communication.

"The Power of YOU: Embracing Emotional Intelligence as a Superpower" - Discover how to harness the power of your emotions to build resilience and lead a more empowered life as we explore how embracing emotions can become a superpower. The session will guide you through transformative practices such as identifying ‘glimmers’—positive emotional sparks that uplift, as an alternative to focusing on triggers. Through reframing challenges in a personal narrative, you will learn to see adversity as an opportunity for growth. This will be an insightful session to unlock new perspectives and strengthen your emotional intelligence.

Leanne Butterworth

Leanne is a passionate empathy educator, TEDx speaker, author, and university lecturer committed to transforming lives through healthy empathy.

With a degree in Applied Science from UQ and a Graduate Certificate in Business (Nonprofit and Philanthropy Studies) from QUT, Leanne’s expertise is well-grounded in social impact. Her 2022 TEDx talk on Healthy Empathy was a highlight, and she was honoured with the Women Changing the World Social Enterprise People’s Choice award in 2023. Leanne also had the privilege of showcasing her work to His Royal Highness, the Duke of York, and contributed a chapter to the 2024 anthology Women Making a Difference.

"Empathy Unlocked: Building Common Ground for Connection and Resilience" - We’re all aware that empathy is something we’re supposed to do or be. However, when seeking to practice empathy at work, we often face a significant challenge: the lack of a common language and understanding of how to practice empathy in a healthy and sustainable way. This absence can lead to confusion, disagreement, and even avoidance of empathic interactions. By acknowledging this barrier and actively working to overcome it, we can unlock the potential of healthy empathy to create inclusive and connected relationships that empower individuals and instil confidence and resilience within teams. Join us as we learn that healthy empathy is not a  ’nice to have’ soft skill but a ‘must have’ superpower for modern leaders.

Gail Jukes

Gail is the Chief Financial Officer at the University of Queensland and serves as the Chair of the Brisbane City Council Audit Committee. She holds several non-executive director positions on the boards of Sunwater, Economic Development Queensland, and West Moreton Health & Hospital Services. Her prior background is in the resource and infrastructure sector.

Gail is dedicated to leading with authenticity and positive intent, inspiring and uplifting those around her to achieve their fullest potential.

"Grit and Grace: Empowering Success Through Determination and Community" - Gail will be sharing how drawing on the concepts of empowerment has helped shape her career. Specifically delving into the powerful concepts of grit and grace. Grit being the passion and reliance to pursue our goals and challenges and grace that reminds us of the importance of empathy, kindness and connections to those around us as grit propels us forward.

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 included an example email text to your supervisor in your invite.

FAQs

What is the UQPN Conference?
This is an annual conference hosted by the UQPN and organised by the volunteers on the UQPN Committee. This event aims 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 relevant and useful content 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 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 is the MC this year?
The MC is Beth Lawrance, Female Founder Accelerator Program Manager, UQ Ventures.

What is the theme of the conference?
The theme is Empowerment: Cultivating Confidence, Aspiration and Resilience! Helping members uncover hidden confidence, turn aspirations into achievable goals, and navigate and recover from challenges effectively.

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 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 $9,500, 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 your ticket as soon as possible via Humanitix 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! Once allocated tickets are exhausted members will be able to add themselves to the waitlist via Humanitix. If tickets open up, they will be allocated to those on the waitlist in order. So that we can be fair to others waiting, waitlisted members will have three (3) business days to respond and claim a ticket 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.

Contact

If you have any questions, contact our conference committee at uqpn@uq.edu.au.