RECONNECT was the title and theme for this years’ conference. It was felt that we needed to reconnect with our tertiary partners, our curriculum, each other, our National bodies and VCV itself. To facilitate this many exciting opportunities were offered through key note addresses, sessions, traders’ displays and the venue itself.

Swinburne University of Technology kindly hosted the conference and their continued support of Visual Communication Victoria is highly valued. The Dean of Faculty, Ken Friedman welcomed participants and spoke inspiringly about Design as an international language and an economic force in the modern world. Our representative on the National Curriculum Development committee up dated us on progress and expectations whilst Michele Davies, our VCAA spokesperson spoke about the review of VC&D. The global to local journey concluded with a look at VCV and its current strategic planning. It was indeed a logical and informative journey.

Our largest number of traders to date provided a wealth of information and inspiration from high tech to traditional and from books to digital. This exciting display gave participants a chance to speak to the experts and get some hands-on experience, not to mention a very exciting ‘show bag’ of samples. This was also the venue to admire and consume the delicious fare developed by Mary and Steve. It was again a fusion of design and food and a taste sensation. Mingling, reconnecting with colleagues and making new contacts is without a doubt one of the most valuable aspects of attending the conference each year.

The workshops fused Swinburne lecturers, practicing professionals and leading teachers from the secondary sector to ensure variety and relevance. Technology featured strongly with many informative and well structured sessions being offered. Curriculum and assessment concepts and theories and planning strategies workshops were all well attended as were the hands-on practical skills sessions.

The most innovative and long reaching session was the one held to re-establish Visual Communication Networks. Our thanks go to Chris Lloyd for her work in and passion for this area. I do hope that you are now part of a network and enjoying the benefits gained through such valuable Professional Learning Communities. If that is not the case then I recommend that you contact our EO, Lucia at VCV and she can assist you in locating the closest one to you.

Thanks to all those who attended and gave such positive feedback, and yes, we are doing something about parking.
Planning has already commenced for the 2010 conference which will be held on Saturday July 31 and Sunday August 1 so if you have a particular request please pass it on to us.