The Conference Planning Board is a GA Communication Board and sub-group of the Education Group and subject to the statutes and standing orders of the GA. The Board meets twice per year (typically June and September) during which members provide feedback on session proposals, programme, planning and delivery of the GA Annual Conference and Exhibition.

Purpose and functions

The GA Conference Planning Board, in collaboration with the GA CPD and events team, is responsible for overseeing the planning and delivery of the GA Conference.

This involves:

• providing feedback on the planning and delivery of each Conference
• reviewing evidence and feedback
• proposing invited speakers and providing external contacts
• providing feedback on individual session proposals as well as on the design and balance of the overall programme
• advising on social events and awards
• advising on the overall Conference programme.

Membership

The Board has up to five members. These are:

• GA President
• GA Vice President
• GA Past President
• Two additional members with relevant interest and expertise in geography education (serving a three-year term).

Conference Board meetings are also attended and facilitated by GA staff, typically the:

• Chief Executive
• Head of Professional Development
• Primary Curriculum Leader
• Events co-ordinator

Current members

• Fiona Sheriff – Vice President
• Catherine Owen – President
• Hina Robinson – Immediate Past President
• Steve Brace – Chief Executive
• Becky Kitchen – Head of Professional Development
• Jon Cannell – Primary Curriculum Lead
• Liam Byrne – Events co-ordinator
• Chantal Mayo-Hollaway – Co-founder of ‘The Voices Project’ and geography subject lead at the David Ross Education Trust
• Vicki Pountney – PGCE geography subject lead at Sheffield Hallam University with research interests in primary geography professional development and curriculum leadership

Meetings

The Conference Planning Board normally meet two times a year, May/June and September/October. Additional meetings, as and when required or for specific tasks or sub-committees, may be arranged.