Event Highlights

Date: 13 February 2015

Event Type: ACEL Inaugural Hedley Beare Memorial Lecture

Guests: 169

Key achievements: Effectively managed a high profile, high risk national event

Introduction

The objective of this event was to bring educators across the nation into an open forum, inclusive of a Q&A with the Australian Minister for Education and Training, and to be briefed on the release of the Teacher Education Ministerial Advisory Group (TEMAG) report.

This event was an opportunity for the Australian Council of Education Leaders (ACEL) to partner with the Department of Education in assisting The Hon. Minister Christopher Pyne to release the Australian Government’s School Agenda for 2015 and the Government Response to the TEMAG Report. It was also a great honour for ACEL to launch the Inaugural Hedley Beare Memorial Lecture with the minister as the first guest speaker.

The event, held on Friday 13 February in the Grand Lodge and Marble Foyer at SMC Conference & Function Centre (SMC), hosted 169 delegates and demonstrates a shining example of the professionalism and capability of the venue to manage high risk, high profile events safely, effectively and flawlessly.

Brief

ACEL chose SMC as the event venue for a number of reasons. Having worked with them previously, each event experience had been outstanding and ACEL were impressed by the professionalism of the team. SMC’s extensive industry knowledge and clear communication skills provided ACEL with confidence that they could deliver this important and potentially sensitive event. ACEL were well aware that the event would require careful planning and iron-tight logistics. They entrusted SMC, believing their can do attitude, flexibility and efficiency across all areas would deliver above expectations. SMC did not disappoint.

Education Minister Hon. Christopher Pyne’s high profile status meant his safety and reputation, plus security in general, was a high priority and required careful management.

The venue worked perfectly for ACEL’s needs, who reported that “especially considering the high level of security that was involved in moving the minister through public access spaces, SMC staff found a solution on the go for any security issue that arose. The venue and their quick thinking really assisted in the event’s delivery.” (Isabelle Maule, Events Coordinator, ACEL)

Solution

To outline the enormous undertaking of planning an event of this kind, liaisons with the minister’s office started well in advance, with the event in its entirety wrapped up on 20 March 2015, over a month after the event.

In terms of security, SMC contracted Constant Security and worked closely with them and the client, ACEL to ensure the safety of the minister, attendees and general public. With registrations open to members and non-members, combined with the prospect of university student protestors and the media registering to attend the event, security was a huge challenge. The clear plan provided by Constant Security, together with briefings on the day with ACEL, SMC, all police and security, ensured the delivery of a seamless and successful event.

“We identified all the potential risks: a hostile crowd, not enough staff to deal with contingencies, all the ‘what ifs’ were accounted for. Solid communication prior to the event solved any concerns, and boundaries were clearly established.”
─ Nick Van Pooss, State Operations manager – NSW, Constant Security

SMC organised three site visits with various participants including the CEO of ACEL, representatives from the AFP, Local Area Police, Counter Terrorism Unit, Bomb Squad Unit and a representative from the minister’s office. SMC communicated regularly with ACEL via phone calls and emails to constantly update all participants on logistical changes, varying from security amendments to catering and building access.

From a production and audio-visual perspective, SMC organised the stage, projector, screen, audio, and partitioning as well as recommending a videographer, all to the impeccable standard for which they are reputed.

The event kicked off at 7:30 am with registrations open at 9:30 am. Following the minister’s address was a brief Q&A session. Delegates were then given the opportunity to engage in networking and discussion with colleagues and fellow educational leaders over refreshments in the Marble Foyer until 1:00 pm.

Result

Isabelle Maule commented that the feedback from attendees was extremely positive, “We felt it was a flawless event from all involved.

“The value of the event in a social sense was really positive too. It was a free event for ACEL members and non-members alike, and we were very pleased to be given the opportunity to facilitate this discussion.

“Without the hard work, high standards and clear understanding of the venue and the solutions they offer, their never say no attitude and friendliness, it would have been a much harder event to run.”
─ Isabelle Maule, Events Coordinator, ACEL

“A potentially volatile situation was dealt with professionally by security, venue and police. Reputations were upheld due to the professionalism of all involved.”
─ Nick Van Pooss, State Operations manager – NSW, Constant Security