The Better Boards Conference 2016

For three days at the end of July, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre becomes home to the Better Boards Conference. As the website for the event states, it is “the premier governance and leadership conference for leaders of Australasia’s non-profit organisations.” This year's conference theme, “Game Changing Moves... Governing for Maximum Impact” and will especially address issues boards focus on as they adapt operations with newly developed game-plans.

There are early bird tickets available for the event until April 27th. It is consistently noted in the event promotional materials as well as in testimonials from previous attendees that not only office holders, but all board members can benefit from seminars and discussions held throughout the days of the conference. As well as attending seminars, the opportunity to meet with members of other organisations and share expertise and experiences can be invaluable to the effective running of non-profit organisations. Such meetings help foster the 'all-for-one and one-for-all' approach that community organisations are well known for. Board members meeting with others in similar positions in different organisations often creates bridges with benefits that run both ways.

The conference also features expert keynote speakers from a range of professional backgrounds. Leisa Prowse has been a board member of Lady Gowrie, Queensland, for nine years, and has served as Chair since 2010. Lady Gowrie is a leading early childcare provider, with a turnover in excess of $33 million. Prowse brings a background in strategy and operations experience, and has contributed to more than 160 projects in her time as a community leader.

Another speaker scheduled to attend is Om Dunghel, who is the director of Settlement Services International. Dunghel has over 25 years experience in government, private and non-profit-sectors, and was recently awarded a Lifetime Community Service Medal by the Premier of NSW for his significant contribution and commitment to refugee settlement and migrant advocacy in the state. As founding president of the Association of Bhutanese in Australia, and a current Director on the Board of Settlement Services, Dunghel brings a lot of insight and experience to the Better Boards Conference.

Attending the conference is an opportunity to access much valuable information, and ideas about implementing game-changing initiatives in your organisation. Also, as the website states, it is a chance to “escape the daily grind and focus on your governance.” Be sure to make the most of this opportunity.