Wow, what an IDPE conference! This week development managers from across the land (and some from over the Irish sea), congregated in the middle of the English countryside for an annual shindig.

A two-day agenda packed with interesting speakers, gentle networking, a few drinks and plenty of laughter, the IDPE event was a great opportunity for the ToucanTech team to meet lots of schools, including some of our lovely customers.

It was also the 1st year for the IDPE to host an Awards ceremony to recognise some of the best achievements in the world of school fundraising.

For a bit of Friday fun, we thought we’d share some of our own alternative Award nominations – and in true Oscar-speech style – apologies we can’t feature everyone!

Best dressed
Well this was hotly contested – there was a sea of dapper gentlemen and swish ladies sauntering around the exhibition hall!  Our short list: Mark Coleman (SDS) with his sharp pinstripe suit and floral tie, Simon Mills (Robert Gordon’s College) with his kilt and cheeky smile and of course the radiant Jo Beckett in her white and blue dresses.

Best Blue Steel impression
Sean Davey from Reigate Grammar pulled an epic blue steal downward pout as he posed for his award photo. And did he mention Newcastle FC – we weren’t sure?

Funniest laugh-out-loud moment
Michael Buerk doing a Birmingham accent.

Most tear-jerking moment
Elisabeth Anderson telling her daughter that she makes her proud every day.

Most thought-provoking speaker
Also hotly contested – we didn’t see the full range of workshops but John Timpson and John Rux-Burton stood out as power-houses on stage. John T’s cartoon chart on how to hire people and John RB’s challenge to herd-thinking about opt-in consents, have definitely left us mulling things over this week.

Calmest person
Hands down Fiona Youngman from IDPE – how did she look so chilled and smiley in the chaos of those corridors?

Best tan
Gosh a lot of sun-kissed beauties in attendance! We jointly award Andy Whittall (Tonbridge School) hot off a plane from Zambia and Frank Keenan (Hampton School), just back from the French Riviera.

Smoothest accents
Jesse Elzinga (Reading Blue Coat) and Peter Anderson (Royal Belfast Academical)

Youngest conference attendee
Alex Morley-Smith – the littlest Toucan who in hindsight we should have positioned as a mascot on our stand all day and charged for cuddles.

Nicest co-exhibitor
Well everyone was pretty nice, but Ed Lang from Buffalo Consulting was particularly charming as always.

A few phone pics below!