On the 28th of February, we saw the return of our User Group Conference. After the success of last year, we knew we had to make our all-day conference a yearly occurrence.
What’s more, this year is extra special as 2024 is WCBS’s 40th birthday, so we returned to Pelham Suite at Lord’s Cricket Ground to take in the impressive views of the ground for a day all about EdTech, Schools and of course a good old catch up!
On the day the WCBS team were joined by customers from across the UK and Europe, guest speakers and some of our partners. For a day all about EdTech, Schools and Cricket!
Partners in attendance: InVentry, Esenda, Lightyear, Finalsite, SOCS, wonde, sQuid, and iAM Compliant
The day started with a welcome from our CEO Stephen Bilboe looking at the last 40 years at WCBS and what has changed for Independent Schools and EdTech solutions.
This session involved an interactive discussion with our customers about Independent Schools over the last 40 years. You can see the infographic we have put together from thoughts and discussions in this session below.
One of the perks of hosting a conference in an impressive venue like Lord’s Cricket Ground at lunch we were able to offer attendees a guided tour of the grounds. A great excuse to explore the impressive venue and learn about the history of Lord’s and cricket!
Workshops
This year we introduced workshops so our customers could learn more about what really matter to them. These included two passFINANCE sessions hosted by Richard Walling. Increasing Admissions and learning more about marketing strategies, hosted by Oliver Rhodes. 3sys to HUB and the migration journey, hosted by Sarah Burnell. As well as two partner workshop hosted by Lightyear, overcoming financial challenges with AP Automation Lightyear.
Guest Talks
During the day we were joined by two wonderful guest speakers.
Sam Garner- Student and Staff Mental Wellbeing- It doesn’t have to be complicated
Sam brought a smile to everyone’s faces in the room with her talk. Reminding us of the key elements of positive mental health in students and staff.
The second talk of the day was from Debbie Jennings. VAT on Independent School Fees.
Debbie has a vast knowledge around VAT and was able to give schools a good overview of VAT in schools and what may happen in Independent Schools over the next couple of years. Debbie discussed the possibility of VAT being applied to fees and a potential plan for this.
Prize Winners!
Throughout the day everyone was kept busy filling in their partner bingo sheets to be in with a chance to win a Fortnum & Mason Hamper. The winning entry was drawn at the end of the day, but the Castle Court School representative didn’t have to carry it home – it’s already been delivered straight to their door!
Photos from the day
Thank you to all our customers, partners, guest speakers and colleagues who attended on the day we do hope you found the day insightful and we look forward to the next!
For more information about future events or if you would like anything to be included at next year, please contact marketing@wcbs.co.uk.
