Presenters

Mandy McFarland

Chief Executive OfficerEducate Plus With over 35 years of experience under her belt, Mandy has worked across everything from strategic Business Development and Philanthropy to Events management, Marketing, Alumni development and Admissions. She has applied her craft in a range of educational institutions, both in schools and the tertiary sector...

Mara Roberts

A marketing professional with several years commercial experience concentrating primarily on marketing strategy, team leadership, press, market research, brand development and positioning, marketing material production and budgeting, has successfully completed numerous projects in various industries. ...

Mara Roberts

DirectorRoberts Digital Mara Roberts is the Director of Roberts Digital, an education marketing agency working both nationally and internationally with schools and universities. Since 2011, Mara has worked to grow enrolments, strengthen brand presence, attract competitive scholarship candidates, recruit top-tier staff, and boost parent retention and satisfaction. Mara is well-known...

Margo Bastow

Margo Bastow, Director Community Relations, Santa Maria College, Perth. With over 20 years of experience in school marketing, her specialties include Content Marketing, Customer Journeys, and Community Engagement. Margo is passionate about creating change in the world of school marketing and believes this...

Mark Barrett

Managing DirectorCIMarketing and TeamHQ Managing Director of CI Marketing and TeamHQ. CIMarketing and Team HQ provides integrated marketing software solutions to help win and track prospects and communicate effectively with your school community. There are hundreds of schools around the world that use the following TeamHQ products: ContentHQ, SendHQ, PortalHQ...

Mary Henry

Director of Community Relations, Wesley College With more than 20 years experience in both Australia and the United States, Mary’s background includes extensive practice in brand building, events, marketing, communications and team leadership. Mary was incredibly chuffed when the Wesley College Community Relations team was awarded the Educate Plus Team...

Melanie Hnetka

Melanie is a seasoned communications leader with over 15 years of experience in school marketing and strategic communications. Known for her self-directed and solutions-focused approach, Melanie has successfully led high-impact initiatives in brand identity, media relations, crisis management and integrated marketing. Her expertise lies in crafting clear, consistent messaging that...

Merryn Parks

A service marketer by trade Merryn spent a decade (or so!) working in telecommunications across a variety of Director level roles at Optus including brand, retail, segment and product marketing. With a heart leading her to the ‘For Purpose’ industry Merryn switched to education working in advancement. She launched the...

Mike Stanley

CEO of AUT Millennium, President and Chairman New Zealand Olympic Committee, and Board member – High Performance Sport New Zealand, Mike is the perfect leader to inspire delegates on decision making and high performance strategies. Mike has had a long involvement in sport, including with rowing, where he has been...

Myfanwy Stanfield

Myfanwy has dedicated over 18 years to the independent education sector in New South Wales. Her journey emphasises developing relationships, engaging communities, and enhancing organisational profiles through strategic marketing and communications. Myfanwy’s expertise spans strategic planning, fostering philanthropy, relationship marketing, event management, alumni engagement, and admissions. This diverse skill...

Nick Jaffer

A recognised award-winning authority on major gifts, capital campaigns and integrated advancement, Nick has built a strong track working across five continents, including senior roles at his alma mater, the University of Alberta, during its first comprehensive campaign—the third largest campaign in Canadian history to that time, exceeding the goal...

Nicole De Vries

Nicole de Vries is an established executive leader with more than 15 years’ experience across independent schools, with a track record in strategic planning, sustainable enrolment growth, innovative marketing campaigns, and leading high-performing teams. In her current role as Director of Advancement at Ipswich Girls’ and Junior Grammar School,...