IH Directors' Conference 2025

Join Us in Sydney for the IH Directors' Conference 2025

We are delighted that the annual IH Directors' Conference 2025 will be hosted by IH Sydney in Australia from Wednesday 26th to Saturday 29th March. We look forward to welcoming you Down Under!

The IH Directors’ Conference affords an opportunity for those who own or manage International House schools to invest time in their own personal development and leadership skills, hear from industry experts and share their own knowledge with each another. It is also a time to celebrate the IH network, highlight everything we have achieved in the previous year, and inform our strategy for the future.

The 2025 conference sessions will focus on themes relating to:

• Innovation
• Leadership
• Collaboration
• Business Development
• Marketing & Communication

Submit your proposal to present at the 2025 IH Directors' Conference here >>>

Location

The location for the conference will be the Fullerton Hotel which is housed within the historic General Post Office building in the heart of Sydney.

Address: Fullerton Hotel - No. 1 Martin Place, Sydney, New South Wales 2000

Accommodation

There is a special offer for IH delegates at the Fullerton Hotel (conference hotel), valid until 1st December. Alternative accommodation options selected are also available. Detailed information on all accommodation options can be found here. 

The City

Sydney, Australia's oldest and largest city, is a stunning and vibrant destination built around one of the world's most beautiful harbours. With sparkling beaches and easy access to the city's bustling heart, Sydney offers an unforgettable experience for visitors. Home to around 6.5 million people, this cosmopolitan hub boasts a rich tapestry of cultures, reflected in its exciting food, arts, and entertainment scenes. Whether you're strolling along the iconic Bondi Beach, exploring the historic Rocks district, or enjoying a performance at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney promises a blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication that will charm conference delegates and make them never want to leave.

Programme & Schedule Overview

Wednesday 26th March 2025

• Registration, Seminars, City Walking Tour
• Start at IH Sydney, George Street campus
• Welcome Lunch at the Harbourfront Seafood Restaurant Sydney The Rocks with panoramic views of the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge.
• Optional Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb - tick this exhilarating experience off your bucket list! 
• Optional Sydney Opera House Tour - Uncover the stories, history, and magic of this iconic landmark with an incredible guided tour that takes you beneath its world-famous sails.
• Explore Sydney | Evening Free Time

Thursday 27th March 2025

• All Day Conference | Fullerton Hotel
• Evening: Sydney Harbour Cruise
• Drinks, Dinner and Charity Auction

We will hop on a cruise to fully experience the marvels of Sydney Harbour. We will enjoy the iconic sights, from the Sydney Opera House to the natural beauty of rugged sandstone cliffs and wild bushland.

We will be raising funds for a local charity in Sydney and the IH World Foundation. Please bring interesting items from your town or city – we can’t wait to auction them off!

Friday 28th March 2025

All Day Conference | Fullerton Hotel

Saturday 29th March 2025

• Conference listening posts and interactive sessions | IH Sydney, George Street campus
• Conference Wrap-Up
• Closing Gala Dinner at the Sydney Opera House 

We will be hosting the gala dinner at the Sydney Opera House, a masterpiece of 20th-century architecture. It will be an unforgettable experience in an iconic venue renowned for its design, exceptional engineering, and technological innovation. The evening will feature a performance from the flamboyant, funny, disco-fuelled stage show Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.

Optional Activities

Make the most of your time in this beautiful country!

Pre-Conference Activities

21st - 24th March 2025

Hamilton Island  - Optional | 3 Nights Getaway

Often referred to as the aquatic playground of the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island offers an idyllic escape with its pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. This tropical paradise is an ideal base for exploring the majestic Great Barrier Reef and the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. Whether you're diving into crystal-clear waters, sailing through the Whitsunday Islands, or simply relaxing on the beach, Hamilton Island promises an unforgettable experience of natural beauty and adventure.

25th March 2025

Hunter Valley Wine Country - Optional Day Trip

The Hunter Valley, the birthplace of Australian wines, is famous for its exquisite semillon and shiraz varieties. Renowned globally as a gourmet getaway, this region offers a remarkable culinary and wine-tasting experience.

Post-Conference

30th March - 1st April 2025

Uluru - Optional | 2 Nights Getaway

Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a massive monolith in the heart of Australia. Unlike any other, including the nearby Kata Tjuta, this World Heritage site is unique in its composition and attracts thousands of tourists annually with its iconic status and natural beauty.

Booking the Optional Activities

To book or for any information on these activities, please contact Paula Bastos [email protected]

Environmental Sustainability

We are delighted to have the opportunity to meet our friends and colleagues at this wonderful face-to-face IH Directors' Conference. At the same time we can’t ignore the negative environmental impact that travelling to and gathering in Sydney will have. 

We will be considering various other initiatives as we prepare for the conference. As delegates, you can contribute in the following ways:

• If you fly, consider carbon offsetting your flight.
• Please bring your own water bottle, re-useable coffee cups and pens to eliminate disposable single-use plastic waste.

Sponsorship Opportunities

If you would like to sponsor this event for a chance to reach the International House community of CEOs, Directors and Senior Management, please contact Giuliana Faldetta via email: [email protected]

 See what you can expect from the Directors' Conference. Here are a few photos from the 2024 Directors' Conference in Split, Croatia. You can also find out more through our blog.

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