2025 Program

Program Overview

The program overview below is provisional and will be updated as planning proceeds. Please check this page regularly.

Tuesday 26 August 2025

08:00 – 19:00	Conference Registration Plaza Auditorium Registration Desk
09:00 – 15:30	Masterclass P7 & P8 Dylan Wiliam What leaders need to know to lead well together This dynamic full-day masterclass is tailored for teachers and educational leaders eager to sharpen their skills and enhance student success. Dylan Wiliam, renowned for his work in formative assessment and leadership, will dive deep into strategies that foster growth, engagement, and meaningful change in education. You’ll walk away with practical, ready-to-implement techniques that will transform your approach to teaching and leadership. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain powerful insights from a global expert before the conference kicks off—prepare to be inspired and motivated for the days ahead! All delegates must register in advance.Spaces are limited, so secure your spot early to avoid missing out.
09:30 – 15:00	School Tours (Optional) We’re thrilled to offer delegates an exclusive opportunity to participate in the 2025 APPA School Tours, showcasing excellence across Brisbane’s diverse educational landscape. This specially curated experience will give you a first-hand look at innovation, leadership, and learning in action across Government, Catholic, and Independent school settings. Please visit this page to learn more: 2025 APPA School Tours
17:00 – 19:00	Welcome Reception Plaza Ballroom, Brisbane Convention Entertainment Centre

Wednesday 27 August 2025

07:30	Conference Registration Plaza Auditorium Registration Desk
08:30 – 09:05	Conference Opening & Welcome Plaza Auditorium Libbi Gorr MC Welcome to Country Derek Oram-Sandy \| Traditional Custodian of the Goori, Yerongpan clan of the Yuggara Nation Delegate Welcome Address Honourable John-Paul Langbroek MP \| QLD Minister of Education and The Arts
09:05 – 09:10	Keynote Sponsor Address
09:10 – 10:10	Opening Keynote Speaker Libby Trickett Resilience, Teamwork, and Leadership: Lessons from the Pool to the Classroom
10:15 – 10:45	Morning Tea + Exhibition
10:50 – 10.55	Keynote Sponsor Address
10:55 – 11:55	Keynote Speaker Ben Sacco The Flower Grows from the Ground Up: collectively shaping an education for tomorrow
12:00 – 12:10	25 Years on SchoolAID Sean Gordon OAM
12:15 – 13:15	Lunch + Exhibition
13:20 – 13.25	Keynote Sponsor Address
13.25 – 14:30	Fearless & Grounded: Leading Well. Together. A conversation with Libbi Gorr and Denise BowdenLibbi Gorr and Denise Bowden join APPA President Angela Falkenberg for a bold conversation on leadership, blending humour, cultural insight and sharp truths in the spirit of Leading Well. Together
14:30 – 15:00	Afternoon Tea + Exhibition
15:05 – 15:10	Premium Conference Sponsor
15:10- 16:10	Keynote Speaker Cam McDonald Harnessing Individual Strength to Team Success
16:15 – 17:15	Exhibition Session + Happy Hour Drinks
17:30	Mass St Mary’s Church, South Brisbane
from 18:00	Sector Networking Functions

Thursday 28 August 2025

08:00	Conference Registration Plaza Auditorium Registration Desk
8:45 – 8:55	Day 2 Welcome Plaza Auditorium
8:55 – 9:00	Keynote Sponsor Address
9:00 – 10:00	Keynote Speaker Gemma Munro Peaceful Peak Performance
10:00 – 10:05	Premium Conference Sponsor
10:05 – 10:20	Workshop Facilitators Hotspot – Introduction to Workshops
10:20- 11:00	Morning Tea + Exhibition
	WORKSHOPS
11:00 – 12:00	Session One Room P6 Ben Sacco The Flower Grows from the Ground Up: collectively shaping an education for tomorrow.	Session Two Room P7 & P8 Justin Coulson Emotional Intelligence Presentation Slides	Session Three Room P9 Gemma Munro Leading yourself and others through change	Session Four Room P10 Jonno White The Collaborative Primary Principal: Actionable Insights from 241 Global Leaders
12:00 – 13:00	Lunch + Exhibition
13:10 – 14:10	Keynote Speaker Kirstin Ferguson Leading with Impact: Mastering the Art of Modern Leadership Presentation Slides
14:15 – 15:00	Afternoon Tea + Exhibition
15:00 – 18:30	Opportunities for Networking, Wellness & Exploration As you connect with fellow delegates and share ideas, take time to enjoy a dedicated wellness break during the conference—perfect for a mindful pause, some fresh air, or a moment to recharge. Brisbane also offers plenty to explore beyond the venue, with vibrant local attractions, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, collaboration, or relaxation, the city provides the perfect backdrop to enhance your conference experience. View Suggestions
18:30 – 22.30	Conference Dinner Plaza Terrace Room, Brisbane Convention Entertainment Centre Theme: Black and White with a touch of Bedazzle!

Friday 29 August 2025

08:00	Conference Registration Plaza Auditorium Registration Desk
8:45 – 09.00	Day 3 Welcome Plaza Auditorium
9:00 – 9:40	APPA Update Angela Falkenberg, APPA President
9:40 – 10:00	New Zealand Principals’ Federation Address
10:05 – 11:05	Keynote Speaker Justin Coulson Connection as Currency: Building Trust and Belonging in Schools Presentation Slides
11:05 – 11:35	Morning Tea + Exhibition
11.45 – 12:45	Closing Keynote Speaker Gill Hicks The Infinity of Change
12:45- 12.50	Launch 2026 APPA Conference
12.50 – 13:15	Conference Close and Prize Announcements
13:15 – 14.15	Farewell lunch + Exhibition