Day+1

Exploring issues of sustainability and innovation - Delia Bradshaw
Hugh opened the conference, followed by Delia who introduced the concept of professional conversations. She started by asking the audience to reflect on the meaning of the acronym ACFE. Some of the suggestions were //funding, paperwork, compliance//, etc... She then rearranged the letters to form the word CAFE which led to the word //conversations//. Find out more about Delia's opening address here.

Conversations between conversations
Cath Connolly playing the Irish harp added an exquisite touch to the mood of the conference.

Effective Lobbying, a conversation with Merial Clark, ANHLC
ANHLC is the Association of Neigbourhood Houses and Learning Centres. They have run an effective lobbying campaign, and used their own example to demonstrate the strategies. Read more about Merial's session here.

New Literacies, a conversation with Kerrin Prior
Kerrin spoke about a research project into New Literacies. Comments included, "Relevant and interesting," "Informative please send us the SMS glossary" - Sandii.

Reflective Practice, a conversation with Allie Clemans
Improving teaching practice with reflective practice, mentoring and coaching. Allie had people on their feet, using wall posters and colourful post-it notes, as she built up a strong sense of dialogue for this session.

In Other Conversations,

 * Jan Carr gave people some ideas about improving their grant submissions;
 * Bernadette Van Lunenberg led people to discuss governance issues;
 * Debbie Whitehead and Anne Burgoyne explored strategies for dealing with the horrors of our casualised workforce, in "A Passion for ACE" (more details here).
 * Kay Vrieze demonstrated a playful approach to work known as the Fish Philosophy;