The 2024 APAC User Group Conference, held at Melbourne Polytechnic’s Collingwood Campus on September 5-6, was a notable event that gathered educational leaders and innovators from across the region. This year’s conference focused on advancing student management systems and fostering sector-wide collaboration; it delivered a wealth of insights and networking opportunities.
Day 1: Thursday, September 5, 2024 – Innovations in Placement Management
The conference commenced with a lively welcome and sponsor insight from Melbourne Polytechnic, setting an optimistic tone for the event. The CEO of Quantum IT, Gutherie White, delivered a thought-provoking keynote on future trends in student management systems, which framed the day’s discussions.
Participants engaged in Discipline Breakout Sessions, tackling field-specific challenges and exploring practical solutions. La Trobe University’s presentation on overcoming barriers to student compliance offered valuable perspectives and actionable insights.
Post-lunch, attendees benefited from practical tips shared by InPlace users, participated in dynamic discussion groups, and previewed the much-anticipated “WIL Config” feature. The day’s activities concluded with live demos of Placement Manager and InSight, showcasing the latest advancements.
The Annual Dinner that evening provided an excellent opportunity for networking, allowing attendees to connect with peers and reflect on the day’s discussions. “The conference was a fantastic opportunity to network with colleagues and vendors. The insights we gained are invaluable for shaping our future strategies,” commented Adele from Australian Catholic University.
Day 2: Friday, September 6, 2024 – Future Trends and Best Practices
Day two began with an in-depth look at InPlace’s future roadmap, offering attendees a preview of upcoming features and innovations. “I was particularly impressed with the detailed roadmap and its ability to enhance placement readiness. It’s clear that these tools are highly adaptable to our needs,” shared Kevin from Western Sydney University. The roadmap was followed by an engaging presentation from the University of Queensland on their use of health setting logbooks, providing practical insights into student assessment.
The morning’s round table discussions ignited thoughtful conversations on AI, data governance, and stakeholder management. After lunch, participants revisited breakout sessions and explored new strategies for graduate recruitment. The conference concluded with a final series of demos highlighting the latest features designed to enhance student management practices.
One attendee from Victoria University highlighted the impact of the Insight Multi-stage Assessment, saying, “The Insight Multi-Stage Assessment is a game changer for us. It has significantly improved our ability to assess a diverse pool of students.”
Customer Highlights and Testimonials
The conference was a hub of learning, networking, and innovation. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with peers from various universities, TAFEs, and colleges, sharing ideas and strategies. Interactive breakout sessions and discussion groups offered insights into how different institutions address challenges and implement effective solutions.
The live demos showed cutting-edge features like the Placement Manager and the forthcoming “WIL Config.” Noteworthy presentations, such as La Trobe’s session on student compliance, delivered practical takeaways and fostered valuable feedback.
Robbie from RMIT University expressed enthusiasm for the future, sharing, “I’m looking forward to another successful year with InPlace! The conference reaffirmed our commitment to innovation and collaboration.”
Special Thanks
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our presenters, InPlace staff, attendees, and Melbourne Polytechnic for their invaluable contributions to the success of this year’s conference. We look forward to another year of exciting developments and continued collaboration!
For more details on InPlace and our offerings, visit Inplacesoftware.com.