Networking, Learning, and Thriving: Business Services Conference
Late last month Catholic Education Tasmania staff had the opportunity to attend the Business Services Conference. This conference provided staff with the chance to network with their peers and create further understanding of best practice within the non-teaching space throughout Catholic education. The conference prides itself on ensuring attendees take advantage of being out of the office, whilst getting to know their colleagues, learn, and of course, have some fun.
Held at the Country Club Tasmania in Launceston on 27 and 28 July, CET staff members were inspired with workshops and keynote presentations held by industry experts. The ‘wellness workshops’ gave staff strategies to help deal with stress that can occur throughout any working day. They included ‘Wellness Techniques with Rebecca Chabot’, ‘Pottery with Paint the Town Red’, and ‘Self-Care & Burn Out Prevention with Marcel Koper’. At the 'Red Dinner' St Patrick's College students entertained attendees with their string quartet, and performances of their recent musical 'School of Rock'.
The Business Service Conference organiser, Kellie Buck, spoke about how great this year’s conference was. “The conference is a fantastic opportunity for attending staff members to experience great training, listen to and experience inspiring speakers.” Explained Kellie, “Staff also get to relax and chat with other colleagues and get to know one another on a totally different level and develop their business relationships with one another.”
Two of the crowd favourites for this year’s conference were Julie Cross, and Daniel Sih. Both keynote speakers were different and provided their own strategies to help staff improve their wellbeing, and prioritise their time. Julie Cross’ presentation was especially well received, she told staff to ‘let their sparkle shine’ as they listened to her inspirational story and practical strategies for life. She is a fantastic storyteller, and left attendees with powerful tools to help them ‘live their best life’. Daniel Sih led staff in a variety of sessions designed to help them rethink their relationship with the online world. He helped staff identify their priorities and discuss the importance of having ‘focus time’ and bring attention to what matters most.
While the keynotes, and wellness sessions were put in place to provide some structure to the conference, the best outcomes were from staff engaging in conversations at the Pre-Conference Cocktail Party and at the Conference Dinner. Staff bond as they converse over shared challenges that are faced daily, but also love sharing the successes that are often forgotten about or glossed over.
Kellie explained, “I feel it is important for staff to relax, knowing that this Conference is going to meet their needs, they can experience something new and know they will feel inspired when they leave and go back to work.” Said Kellie, “It is so nice to see and hear everyone connecting with each other, chatting and actually putting a face to the name.”
A big thank you must go to the attendees of the event (and to organiser Kellie Buck), as without their engagement the Business Services Conference would not be the success it has been.
