The excitement was contagious this April 25-27th at Hangzhou International School (HIS) where the 2024 Spring Leadership Conference for the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS) took place. Director of Consulting Services George Entwistle, who joined nearly 700 guests at for the event, says,
People at this conference collectively demonstrated a high level of optimism about the recovery of international schools in China. There was an energy there that was palpable…All and all a highly active and productive conference!
The conference—whose theme was Opportunities to Build: Futures, Leaders, Spaces & Lives—featured two dynamic keynote speakers. Author of nine books, advisor, and thought leader Rosalind Wiseman presented “Raising Our Village: Leading with Courage, Principles, and Equanimity No Matter What Comes Your Way.” The second Keynote was by multi-award-winning speaker, trend forecaster, and bestselling author of ten books, Michael McQueen whose focus has been to help successful organizations and brands maintain momentum and navigate disruption.
High traffic at the Search Associates (SEARCH) exhibitor’s table kept George planted there. But when three HIS students dropped by and invited him to their presentation, George slipped away to see it. “And I am glad that I did!” he exclaims.
Back at the SEARCH table, George met “so many people: teachers/former teachers/leaders/ACAMIS staff/Hangzhou International School leaders & teachers—looking for guidance about their career growth.” He was also delighted to chat with Director ISS Global Recruitment, Business Strategy, and Development Pauleen O’Brien; Executive Director of ACAMIS Tom Ulfers; and Moreland University partners Tom Wang and Sean Armstrong who dropped by, wishing to learn more.
The “very, very active conference” already has George excited to attend next year’s ACAMIS Spring Leadership Conference. In addition to connecting with school heads and leaders in the region, and at HIS, wanting to know more about SEARCH, he loved meeting “many individuals with great stories of appreciation for their connection with SEARCH. It has been very positive, indeed!”
