A key characteristic of Social Impact in the Regions conference is to get people out of the room and into the host community. Each year, this takes different forms designed to encourage new connections and support the local economy.
Lunch on Day 1 guided people outside into the park next to the Stanthorpe Art Gallery. Five local suppliers provided catering, curated by a local caterer working with a local bakery, cheese factory, greengrocer, and butcher. The team at the local Boomerang Bags provided blankets, and the local youth contingent supported volunteers. Rather than hand out individual boxes, delegates had to form groups of ten and go to the pick-up point to grab their meals.
Like the flavours of any good meal, the experience involved connection, collaboration, problem-solving, and a smattering of chaos and uncertainty. Over 200 delegates experienced this differently. More than change for change’s sake, the intent was to shift people into a novel environment, out of what would be a usual experience for most. Breaking bread on park benches, gazebos, blankets, and grass also broke down conventions and hierarchy, easing into conversations to be continued through the impact labs and the rest of the conference.
