Gala Dinner Friday night saw the main plenary room transform into a stage and dancefloor for the Gala Dinner. Dinner speaker Karen O’Leary charmed the crowd with her humour while spectacular food was served to attendees. After an exciting first day of keynote speakers, all guests were delighted to let loose to local band Audio Pimp and bust a move on the dancefloor. Saturday Programme Saturday was an action packed day of workshops for all involved in ECE, ensuring there were workshops for those in centre management, owners and teachers. The ECC ran an extensive programme of workshops which promoted success in centres, from financial management to mastering social media and supporting your team. For those with a focus on the curriculum, workshops explored supporting children who hae experienced trauma, the continuity care model and learning what the difference between Rituals and Routines. Over the 16th and 17th of September, the Early Childhood Council (ECC) Conference was held in Napier at the War Memorial Centre. This was the first national event that the ECC has been able to host since 2020. Connection Throughout the event, the exhibition hall was buzzing with market leaders of ECE products from software solutions, playground and toy resources to education providers. Delegates left with bags full of shiny new puzzles and books, and minds full of ideas and inspiration. The entire event was marked by a sense of community and belonging. After spending so much time apart and speaking over Zoom, everyone was happy to meet face to face again. The ECC staff and Executive relished the opportunity to meet those in the early childhood sector, especially the members who support the work of the organisation. This event would not have been possible without the support of our delegates and sponsors, as well as the team at Napier Conferences and Events. No matter what your role in early childhood is, we invite you to attend the Conference next year in Wellington. We can assure that you will be welcomed with open arms to an exciting and inspiring event which genuinely supports quality early childhood education in New Zealand. December 2022 { 11 }
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