In Review: The 2024 NESA Fall Leadership Conference & Gallery

“Leadership is about being present and sensing what is emerging. It’s about shifting from a place of reacting to a place of co-creating.” – Otto Scharmer

The NESA 2024 Fall Leadership Conference, held October 17-20 at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, UAE, brought together educational leaders for an in-depth exploration of this year’s theme: Sensing Our Systems. The tagline, “Sharing the Journey: Vantages and Viewpoints,” captured the spirit of discovery and reflection. The FLC invited delegates to explore diverse perspectives that shape our educational environments, focusing on four distinct lenses to foster new outlooks and growth.

Keynote presentations included Sophie Dummer & Joe Kay from The Table Group on “Facing Our Team: Introduction to Healthy, High-Performing Teams,” offering strategies to build high-performing teams. Nicole Furlonge presented “Facing Our Conflicts: Getting to Awe – Listening for Ways to Lead and Educate Amid Conflict,” emphasizing listening skills as a tool for leadership amid conflict, while Elin Kelsey and a panel featuring Ivy Yan, Rand Harrington, and ASD-Dubai student Karan Shroff led “Facing Our Earth: Educating for the Symbiocene – How Regenerative Schools Empower Future Leaders for a Sustainable World,” a conversation on regenerative education and sustainability. Finally, Kim Cofino presented “Facing Ourselves: Building a Coaching Culture: The Power of Reflection for Adult Learners,” discussing the power of reflection in building a coaching culture for educators.

In addition to keynotes, the conference featured diverse school-presented Sharing the Journey Workshops offering practical insights from experienced educators. Session topics included instructional coherence, student and staff well-being, professional growth strategies for student impact, school improvement through action research, fostering intellectual curiosity, college counseling and how AI can transform listening, questioning and building community.

With sessions addressing timely topics—from artificial intelligence, holistic experiential learning and resilient leadership teams, to cultivating a thriving coaching culture, inclusion, technology & school leadership, and student agency in deep learning — this year’s specialist-led Connect & Engage Workshops promoted a robust exchange of ideas, inspiring participants to implement transformative practices in their own schools.

Four Professional Strands were also offered for School Trustees (Governance), Human Resource Professionals, Admissions/Advancement Professionals, and Business/Finance Managers, as well as Pre-conference Sessions on 'Change Management in the New World of Digital Schools' and 'Data-Informed Decision Making'.

On Saturday and Sunday, NESA Affiliate Organizations presented 23 Learning Partner Sessions, where they shared resources, best practices, effective programs, and innovations, fostering collaboration across schools.

Leaders also enjoyed two memorable social gatherings. Thursday’s Welcome Reception at the JW Marriott Marquis’ Pool Terrace offered stunning views of Dubai, while Saturday's "Social Soiree” in the hotel ballroom featured a wonderful buffet dinner, live classical music, and of course, dancing!

More than just a series of sessions, the conference was a collective journey where delegates investigated perspectives, challenged viewpoints, and enriched their leadership practices. Attendees engaged actively with experts and peers alike, building deep connections and sharing insights with colleagues and friends. The event was a testament to the collaborative spirit that defines our NESA educational community.