School business managers keep Queensland state schools running behind the scenes. The 2025 School Business Managers’ Association Queensland (SBMAQ) State Conference gave our team an opportunity to listen to their priorities and discuss practical ways to make everyday operations easier.
Held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre from 4–7 August 2025, the conference brought delegates together around the theme “Inspire. Lead. Succeed.” ion attended as a Platinum Sponsor in partnership with Ricoh Australia, continuing three years of support for SBMAQ.
Print, workflows and support built around schools
At our joint exhibition stand, Hercules Venter, ion’s Head of Sales, and the Ricoh Australia team spoke with school business managers about their operational challenges and the technology available to support them.
Conversations included the Department of Education’s PIaaS updates at the time and what they meant for school print agreements. Meeting face-to-face helped us understand schools’ concerns and discuss how ion and Ricoh could support them in navigating those requirements.
The discussions also looked beyond printing: streamlining front-office processes, protecting sensitive information, improving classroom collaboration and reducing administrative workloads. Hercules and members of the Ricoh team took to the main stage to share how smarter technology can support more connected and productive school environments.
Good conversations over coffee and gelato
Our complimentary gelato station in the exhibition hall and sponsored barista-made coffees from the Kombi Café gave delegates a chance to recharge and chat with the team.
These informal conversations were just as valuable as the presentations. They helped us reconnect with familiar faces, meet new school business managers and hear firsthand about the pressures facing Queensland schools.
Supporting the people behind well-run schools
Alongside keynote presentations, leadership sessions and practical masterclasses, the disco-themed conference evening brought delegates and exhibitors together for a relaxed celebration.
Thank you to SBMAQ, Ricoh Australia and everyone who visited our stand, joined the presentation or stopped for a coffee or gelato. We valued the opportunity to listen, learn and strengthen our relationships with Queensland state schools.
Whether your school is reviewing its print environment or exploring smarter workflows and collaboration technology, our team can help you work through the next steps.