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
2/26/2025 - 2/28/2025
Where
35 Wharf Street Cairns, QLD 4870

Program

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

Description
Exhibit Hall Booth
Exhibit Hall Table
Exhibit Hall Hours - Day 1
Check out the vendors and sponsors in the Exhibit Hall!
Category
Exhibit
Track
Industry
Time
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
9:00 AM
Chairman's Breakfast
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
Effective Personnel Management
A discussion of the top ten tips in effective personnel management, and how to bring these best practices into your own workplace.
Category
AI
Track
Technology
Time
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
9:30 AM
Economic Issues and Trends Forum
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
Technology Exhibit
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
City Tour
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
Tips for Industry Success
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
Myths and Reality of Management
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
Combating Stress On the Job
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
Plenary Session 1
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
Hospitality Suite
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

Thursday, 27 February 2025

Description
Exhibit Hall Hours Day 2
Check out the vendors and sponsors in the Exhibit Hall!
Time
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
9:00 AM
Upcoming Legislation Report
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
Tips for Industry Success Part 2
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
Plenary Session 2
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
Global Alliances Luncheon
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
State of the Industry
This panel discussion will focus on the state of our industry and the challenges we face with the current economic conditions.
Category
Keynote
Track
Industry
Time
1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
1:30 PM
Best Practices
Is there a standard of Best Practices for our industry? Join our keynote speaker in an exploration of the reference documents and other resources that could be used to propose a Best Practices Standard.
Category
Session
Track
Industry
Time
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
2:00 PM
Upcoming Legislation Report
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
Gala Celebration
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

Friday, 28 February 2025

Description
Exhibit Hall Hours
Check out the vendors and sponsors in the Exhibit Hall!
Category
Exhibit
Track
Industry
State of the Industry
This panel discussion will focus on the state of our industry and the challenges we face with the current economic conditions.
Time
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM
8:00 AM
Exhibit Hall Hours - Day 3
Check out the vendors and sponsors in the Exhibit Hall!
Category
Exhibit
Track
Industry
Time
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
9:00 AM
Effective Personnel Management
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
Leadership Patterns
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
Golf Tournament
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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