Annual Conference

Annual Conference
Our Annual Conference is an engaging, thought-provoking three-day event offering you multiple ways to network with others in the industry. Find a mentor, get a sneak preview of emerging technology, and hone your leadership skills. You'll have opportunities to help shape new certification requirements and to participate in continuing education. Whether you are an experienced industry professional or are new to the field, it's an event you won't want to miss! In addition, you can earn up to 24 CE units by attending all days of the conference.
When
2/26/2018 - 2/28/2018
Where
35 Wharf Street Cairns, QLD 4870

Program

   

Monday, 26 February 2018

 
Check out the vendors and sponsors in the Exhibit Hall!
Category
Exhibit
Track
Industry
Time
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
9:00 AM

Join us for a delicious breakfast and an opportunity for members to meet the Board of Directors face-to-face.Peter Bachman (chair), James Devon (vice-chair) and other leaders in the Board are eager to share the changes and developments that took place this year with you. This complimentary breakfast program provides members with the opportunity to learn about the Board’s vision for the coming year. Your Board of Directors is dedicated to the continued success of this industry, and are committed to being “the best leadership board.” This event is RSVP only due to limited seating. Please reserve your spot today!
Category
Keynote
Track
Social
Time
9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
9:00 AM

Our Chief Economist brings you the very latest trends and forecasts which you can use to shape your business plan. The program will also include perspectives from other industry experts.
Category
Session
Track
Management
Time
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
10:30 AM

This state of the art technology exhibit will give attendees a chance to get a sneak preview at the latest advances in hardware and software for our industry, as well as speak with partners about ways to maximize branding potential. The technology exhibit will be held in a separate hall from the conference presentations, allowing attendees to come in and look around at their convenience. Over 50 exhibitors will be on hand!
Category
Exhibit
Track
Industry
Time
10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
10:30 AM

For families and friends, the City Tour will be a wonderful guided tour of the beautiful city of Cairns. Participants will take a walking tour of the central business district and shopping areas and stop for lunch. We will then visit St. Monica's Cathedral before taking a boat tour of the harbor. Cost of tour does not include price of lunch at the restaurant.
Category
Guest
Track
Social
Time
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
11:00 AM

Join us for a working lunch where we will discuss tips for improving success in the industry, along with an in-depth review of new certification requirements. Lunch will be catered by the Tamarind restaurant in the hotel.
Category
Session
Track
Industry
Time
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
12:00 PM

Which of these myths of management are just that -- myths? Join a top executive in an exploration of stereotypes, mis-communication, and fabrications about what it's like to be a manager.
Category
Session
Track
Management
Time
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
1:30 PM

This session will discuss theories on causes of stress in the workplace and how to better balance professional and personal time. We will discuss several fast, simple relaxation techniques that you can practice in the office and also cover some ergonomic tips to reduce physical stress on your body.
Category
Session
Track
Management
Time
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
2:00 PM

The first plenary session of the conference will feature Anne Broussard as our keynote speaker. Anne is the incoming president of the association and will speak about her plans for the upcoming year and her views on recent trends and issues within the industry. With over 30 years in the business, Anne is engaging, funny, and a wealth of knowledge that is not to be missed.
Category
Keynote
Track
Industry
Time
4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
4:00 PM

Join us in the Main Bar for a wonderful opportunity to meet and mingle with other conference attendees in Versaton's hospitality suite. Wine, beer, and specialty martinis will be on hand--limit two complimentary tickets per attendee.
Category
Networking
Track
Social
Time
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
6:00 PM

Tuesday, 27 February 2018

 
Check out the vendors and sponsors in the Exhibit Hall!
Time
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
9:00 AM

Join us for an overview of upcoming legislation that could impact our industry. Policy experts will share insights and perspectives to help us understand the importance of these issues.
Category
Session
Track
Industry
Time
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
9:00 AM

Join us for the second session of this popular topic. This is one of our most-attended sessions every year, and is a wonderful opportunity for informal networking and finding a mentor in the industry.
Category
Session
Track
Industry
Time
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
10:00 AM

During our second plenary session we will have a panel of industry leaders and a roundtable discussion, with 30 minutes for audience questions at the end.
Category
Keynote
Track
Industry
Time
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
10:30 AM

A welcome session for international attendees and US attendees who are interested in improving your knowledge of international opportunities in your own market area! This session will be simultaneously translated into French, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese and Spanish.
Category
Networking
Track
Management
Time
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
11:30 AM

Join us for an overview of upcoming legislation that could impact our industry. Policy experts will share insights and perspectives to help us understand the importance of these issues.
Time
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
4:00 PM

This year's evening gala is a black-tie event in the grand ballroom. A sumptuous catered dinner featuring fresh seafood and an open bar will begin the evening, with blackjack, baccarat, and roulette provided by the casino. The John Chastain Jazz Band will provide entertainment for dancing and relaxing afterwards.
Track
Social
Time
7:30 PM - 11:30 PM
7:30 PM

Wednesday, 28 February 2018

 
Check out the vendors and sponsors in the Exhibit Hall!
Category
Exhibit
Track
Industry
Time
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
9:00 AM

A discussion of the top ten tips in effective personnel management, and how to bring these best practices into your own workplace. Bring all your unanswered questions--there will be ample time for open Q and A during this session.
Category
Session
Track
Management
Time
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
9:30 AM

Based on three decades of leadership consultation to business organizations, clinical psychologist, our speaker will discuss her leadership research and experiences working with senior leaders.
Category
Session
Track
Management
Time
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
10:00 AM

Registration for the Golf Tournament, benefiting the Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada, is limited to four per conference attendee.
Track
Social
Time
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
2:00 PM

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