Xplor and QikKids
National Conference

Melbourne • 18 September

Xplor Horizons 2025

Welcome to Xplor Horizons 2025! Our all-new flagship conference is designed to inspire, empower and connect the passionate people of our Xplor and QikKids communities across Australia. If you are ready to dream bigger, lead bolder, and shape the future of early childhood education, register now and secure your spot at this must-attend event!

Event Details

Thursday, 18 Sept 2025

Q Events, 123 Queen Street, Melbourne, 3000

10:00 am - 5:30 pm (+ post event drinks!)

FREE

Who Should Attend?

This FREE conference is the must-attend event for

Service Owners
Directors
Admins
Educational Leaders

who currently utilise any Xplor Education or QikKids products, including Office, Playground, Home, Xplor Pay or MyWaitlist.

Looking for a new CMS provider? Then be part of the experience and discover first-hand how we'll elevate you and your service with our

Sector-leading product suite
In-house experts and thought leaders
In-house support and training teams
Unparalleled sector knowledge and experience

Speakers

Hear from visionary leaders who are shaping the future of early childhood education and care across the industry.

Clare Desira

Founder of Top Five Movement

Known for the “most refreshing take on mindset, resilience, and leadership”, International Coach of the Year, Clare Desira shares hacks to train your brain, strengthen resilience, navigate change and build motivation. Not a sugar rush of unrealistic motivation, peaking quickly but leaving you exhausted as soon as you’re faced with the daily grind.

Grace Hurley

Head of Partnerships & Growth at Care for Kids

Grace brings extensive expertise in Communication, Customer Service, Safeguarding and Social Media, with a Master’s in Business Management from the University of Limerick. She plays a key role at Care for Kids, Australia’s #1 and most comprehensive childcare comparison resource. Grace knows exactly what it takes for services to stand out, attract more families and boost engagement through practical, results-driven strategies.

Dr Melinda Miller

Director of Early Learning, First Five Early Learning

Early childhood education and care specialist with a demonstrated history working with providers, government and higher education. Specialist areas include child development, inclusive education, sustainability education and early childhood education pedagogy. An active member of the national and international early childhood education sector via publications, presentations, consultancy and committee membership.

Rebecca Seager

Head of Operations, First Five Early Learning

Highly experienced early childhood education and care professional who has owned her own centre previously and worked with large national providers in senior operational roles. Specialist areas include uplifting team culture, leading teams through change and employee engagement. Subject matter expert on Child Care Subsidy (CCS), Child Care Management System (CCMS), National Regulations and development of policy.

Jessica Buddle

Co-Founder & General Manager of Z Staffing

Jess brings over a decade of experience in recruitment and organizational change, having partnered with leading not-for-profits and childcare organizations across Australia. As Co-founder and General Manager of Z Staffing, she combines her background in psychology with practical leadership to build high-performing teams and drive transformational change through sustainable people strategies.

Richard North

Chief Commercial Officer

Harry Vamvakas

VP of Product

Shannon Gimpel

Head of Customer Success

Will Athanasakis

Head of Product

Kevin Kanji

Chief Security Office

Tracy Kilpady

Manager of Education

Tash Veiman

Senior Training Specialist

Candace Glover

Training Specialist

And many more amazing speakers to be announced!

Agenda

Our agenda delivers everything you love about a great conference—thought-provoking speakers, practical takeaways and real connections! It goes further with in-depth keynotes, hands-on breakouts and inspiring panel sessions. Every moment is designed to spark curiosity, ignite fresh ideas and connect you with like-minded leaders and services across the sector.

Please note: Agenda and timings are subject to change.

10:00

Exhibition

Attendee Arrival and Exhibition Opens

Kick off the day by grabbing your name badge, a hot drink and a tasty treat—then dive into the buzz of our exhibition, where Xplor and our amazing sponsors are ready to connect!

11:00

Welcome

Welcome and Xplor Education Leader Address

Welcome to Horizons! Hear from Xplor Education’s leaders as they set the tone for an inspiring day.

11:15

Keynote

Product Roadmap: Bright, Bold and Built for the Future

Step into the future with Xplor’s dynamic product roadmap. This exciting session takes you on a guided tour of our full product suite, revealing what’s new, what’s coming and how it all comes together to support and enhance your service and the sector.

11:50

Breakout Sessions

Rethinking Child Safety with Purposeful Technology

Software isn’t just a support tool—it’s a key contributor to creating safer spaces for children. Discover first hand how our digital solutions are being used to strengthen safety practices, from incidents and advanced head-count tracking to secure access controls, learn how our customer-led innovation is driving safer, more transparent practices across the sector.

Work Smarter, Not Harder! Take your Xplor expertise to new heights.

It’s time to unlock the full power of Xplor’s product suite and for you to level up. Learn how to take control with MyWaitlist, streamline admin with automation tools like CCS and EDDR forms, and save precious time with features like QuickView, Notifications and Bookings Manager. Packed with time-saving tips and clever customisations, this session will help you simplify the everyday and focus on what matters most.

12:30

Exhibition

Lunch

1:30

Live Conversation

The Superpower of Playful Learning (ECEC Conversations)

Join Dr Melinda Miller, Rebecca Seager, and Xplor Education’s own Tracy Kilpady for a powerful conversation on the universal language of play. Uncover how play-based pedagogy supports holistic child development, aligns with ECEC guiding frameworks and strengthens partnerships with families to extend learning beyond the classroom. This session will leave you inspired to harness the superpower of play in your everyday practice.

Learn More

2:30

Breakout Sessions

Little Feet, Big Reach—Marketing Magic for Your Service

Step up your marketing game and watch your foot traffic grow! In this breakout session, you'll learn how to build a strong online presence, master branding tips and create a thriving community around your service. You’ll leave with practical skills and fresh ideas to boost your visibility—both online and around your neighbourhood.

The Talent Journey—Recruitment to Retention

Struggling to find and keep great staff? Join Xplor and expert speakers as we unpack the full talent journey in ECEC. Discover practical strategies to attract, retain, and grow a strong, committed team that evolves alongside your service.