We joined engagement professionals and inspiring people from across Australia and beyond in Brisbane recently for the annual IAP2 Australasia Conference.
Because fun is always front of mind when we think about events, we put on a MosaicLab carnival (we squished it into our event area!) complete with a ‘bean bag toss’ game with an array of prizes on offer.
There was PLENTY of fun had by everyone (including us) and lots of dancing, hugs, high fives and more. If you weren’t there then never fear, you can get a taste of what went on below!
On a more serious note, we’re always on the lookout for learnings, and we share the knowledge we gather with others. This post gives you some super useful insights into upping the accessibility factor when engaging with people through events like this . Plus we’re sharing our biggest highlights from the conference.
Read on for more!
working towards a more accessible experience
Displays at events and conferences are often static or include visual materials. We worked to make our stand more interactive and accessible this year, for people who are blind or have low vision, by developing accessible Word versions of posters and audio transcripts that people could access through a QR code at each poster.
There’s much more we can (and will) do in future to improve on this going forward for all our work - this was an incredible learning experience for us! We’re particularly excited about the possibilities presented through new and emerging AI technology and how we can harness this.
tony’s accessibility & inclusion tips
“Accessibility and inclusion is not easy, if it was we wouldn’t have a problem...but it is absolutely worth doing and we will get better outcomes from doing it. ”
Chair IAP2 Board of Directors
IAP2 Chair Tony Clark stopped by the MosaicLab carnival (with his gorgeous assistance dog Timmy) to try his luck with the ‘bean bag toss’.
Tony, who lost his eyesight at 19, has harnessed disability as a great strength motivating and inspiring others to achieve and to learn.
Tony kindly agreed to be interviewed by our director Nicole Hunter about accessibility. Thank you Tony for your time! Tony’s great advice will reduce your apprehension around this space and motivate you to take small (but meaningful ) steps towards more inclusive content.
ROLL UP, ROLL UP…
Our directors Nicole and Keith and principal facilitator Lyndal chatted with carnival delegates, who showed off their aim and won prizes ranging from social shout-outs to MosaicLab design support for their efforts.
We reckon the images and footage speak for themselves - immerse yourselve in the MosaicLab carnival adventure below!
Nicole and Keith setting up the MosaicLab conference carnival stand.
Nicole shares a hug with iap2A CEO Marion Short after she won a hug at the MosaicLab carnival.
Thanks to everyone that came to play at the MosaicLab carnival - look at all those tickets!
“Seeing the breadth and depth of people at the IAP2 conference was a real highlight for me. Meeting old and new friends, enjoying some fun at our stand and seeing such excitement when people get a bean bag on target was a joy! ”
Nova Peris taking part in the MosaicLab carnival.
Keith and Nicole with Nova Peris OAM OLY
Nicole and Lauren O’Boyle who won a training course dancing up a storm! Check it out here!
Dr Diaswati Mardiasmo loving winning a high five/ hug at the MosaicLab carnival - view here!
William Morrison and Nicole bringing their best ‘blue steel’ for William’s shout out win here!
AND FINALLY, SOME CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS
“It was such an honour to hear Nova Peris speak and sing with Clare Bowditch!”
Nicole featured on a panel as part of the conference program, taking part in a discussion about 'Wicked Problems'. The presentation focused on practical strategies for problem-solving and decision-making when faced with complex challenges.
Nova Peris OAM OLY Australia’s first indigenous woman elected to federal parliament and the first Aboriginal Australian to win an Olympic gold medal gave an inspiring keynote presentation. Demonstrating courage and leadership throughout her life, Nova shared lessons from her journey including breaking down barriers once viewed as unachievable.
Julian Moore from Strategic Membership Solutions delivered an insightful presentation which demonstrated how AI-powered tools can assist engagement professionals. “My mind was blown about AI and the tools hitting the market” Nicole Hunter said.
Clare Bowditch ended the conference with a beautiful mix of storytelling and music. Clare brought such energy to the stage and had everyone up on their feet, singing along.
Next year's IAP2A conference is in Sydney, 2 - 4 September 2024.
Nicole Hunter on the panel discussing tackling wicked problems.
“It’s all about the one percent - keep pushing forward.”
Clare Bowditch on stage. at the IAP2 Conference
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