Hosting the First Residential Conference at Nyaal Banyul Geelong!

Some conferences are memorable because of the speakers. Others because of the people, the energy or the location.

The Business Managers Victoria Conference 2026 had all four.

It was a privilege to return as MC for one of my favourite events of the year—and this year’s conference came with an added distinction. We were the first residential conference held at the newly opened Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre.

Set on Geelong’s waterfront, it was also the perfect location for the conference theme:

You can’t stop the wave, but you can learn how to surf it.

An Impressive New Conference Venue for Geelong

Nyaal Banyul is a spectacular addition to Victoria’s conference landscape.

The contemporary design, waterfront setting and cutting-edge plenary space immediately impressed me. The main room has the scale and technical capabilities of a major metropolitan convention centre, while still feeling connected to the character and beauty of Geelong.

The catering throughout the conference was terrific, and the brand-new Crowne Plaza Geelong—conveniently adjoining the centre—made the residential experience seamless. My room also came with magnificent views across the harbour.

I suspect both venues are about to become very busy!

A Conference Filled With Energy

Business Managers Victoria delegates are always an absolute delight. I feel as though I laughed and smiled throughout the entire conference.

As MC, I had plenty of opportunities to involve the audience through energisers, quizzes and interactive moments. These activities helped maintain the energy across the program while giving delegates a chance to laugh, connect and get to know one another.

The large trade exhibition was another highlight, filled with familiar faces, valuable conversations and exhibitors who understand the important work performed by business managers in Victorian schools.

An Outstanding Group of Presenters

It was a pleasure to work alongside such a diverse and impressive lineup of speakers:

• Julie Goodwin, the delightful winner of the first series of MasterChef Australia

• Scott Dutton BSW, BSc, CSP—the very funny and creative Conflict Whisperer

• Chris Varney, founder of the I CAN Network and a passionate autism advocate

• Ciara Lancaster, a vibrant change leadership expert and Reimagine Change® speaker

• Dale Sidebottom and Paul Campbell, the energetic creators of The School of Play

• Jackie Furey, the clever and engaging presenter of Bedrooms and Boardrooms

Each brought something completely different to the stage, creating a program that was thoughtful, practical, moving and highly entertaining.

A Very Special Conference Community

A conference of this scale takes an extraordinary amount of work behind the scenes.

A huge thank you to the always wonderful, kind, insightful and patient BMV President Tracey Smith, along with her hardworking committee, for inviting me back.

Thank you also to conference manager Jacqui Bates and her team for bringing all the moving parts together, and to Rick Aylett GAICD for welcoming us into his spectacular new venue.

The Business Managers Victoria Conference is always a highlight in my calendar. This year brought together a magnificent new location, outstanding presenters and a very special community of people.

What a privilege to be part of it again.