We had a virtual coffee recently with Sara Hinchley, Executive Director of Programs & Services, from Child Australia. We discussed 10 years of Little People Big Dreams, The Northern Territory’s leading Children’s Learning & Development Conference.
What are the core elements that have made this event a must-attend for early learning educators and leaders over the past 10 years?
Over the past ten years, the Little People Big Dreams Conference has really grown into something special for early education professionals here in Darwin and across the Northern Territory. It’s become the go-to event for professional development in the region. We’ve been able to consistently attract early learning educators and leaders by offering presentations and workshops led by top professionals from all over Australia who are experts in childhood care and development.
How do you ensure the event remains relevant and engaging for attendees, especially considering the unique needs of early learning professionals in remote area?
This year, our theme is ‘Empower, Connect, Embed,’ which really focuses on giving educators the tools they need with innovative strategies, helping them build meaningful connections with other professionals, and ensuring that best practices are truly embedded into Early Childhood Education
Can you share some specific strategies or activities that you’ve incorporated to create a meaningful experience for the attendees year after year?
After each conference, we always survey the delegates to gather feedback for the next year. We make it a point to bring in speakers from across Australia, many of whom our delegates wouldn’t usually have the chance to hear from. It’s also a unique opportunity for delegates to come together, reflect on their work, and really embrace the latest trends, insights, and research in the Early Childhood Education and Care sector.
Looking back on the past decade, what are the most significant lessons you’ve learned about organising and sustaining an event of this scale?
We really focus on the local professional learning needs when planning the conference, making sure the program reflects the unique aspects of the Territory’s early childhood education sector. We embed practical applications throughout the content so that delegates can not only gain new knowledge but also see how those learnings can be applied in their day-to-day work. We also make it a point to include Territory-based presenters and speakers to ensure the local context is well-represented in the sessions. Since delegates give up their Saturday to attend, we make sure the venue is top-notch, the food is great, and there’s plenty of freebies to create a positive environment that supports networking.
What challenges have you faced in maintaining the event’s momentum over the years, and how have you overcome them?
Over the years, we’ve worked hard to build the profile and reputation of Little People, Big Dreams into a quality, reputable event on the NT early childhood education calendar. We’ve been fortunate to have delegates who return year after year, which is a testament to the value they find in the conference. To maintain that high standard, we apply a robust abstract selection process when planning the program, ensuring that every session meets our quality expectations. We also take delegate feedback seriously—each year’s evaluation directly influences our planning for the next, helping us continuously improve the conference experience. The only year we didn’t hold the conference was during COVID, but otherwise, we’ve kept the momentum going strong.
How has the event grown and evolved in terms of its impact on the early learning community in NT?
For the past 6 years, the event has been sold out! showing the commitment the NT ECEC sector has to professional development.
What feedback have you received from participants that has influenced the direction of the event?
The feedback we receive has been overwhelmingly positive year on year. As the only and largest yearly conference for early childhood educators and teachers, we are an important part of the industry to keep inspiring and growing educators and bringing them along on their professional journey and support their reflective practice.
As you celebrate this 10-year milestone, what do you see as the future of this event, and how do you plan to continue its legacy?
We continue to work with the NT government in providing this crucial experience to the early childhood education and care sector. Our inspirations ensure we make changes every year, ensuring we reflect the latest research and trends. This year there is a focus on the Productivity Commission report.
For people wanting to attend tickets for the LPBD Conference can be purchased through this link. To celebrate Educator Day on September 4th, we are offering a fantastic special: Buy 4 tickets and get 1 FREE, or you can use the promo code CELEBRATE10 to receive 10% off when purchasing single tickets.
We loved speaking to Sara. If you or someone you know has a story to share, we’d love to have a discussion. Let us know via the website, Facebook or LinkedIn.
