Quality education requires planning, hard work and the support of major sponsors and delegates.
O Vic
Pete Haydon
Taking large events to new venues always involves a lot of planning and hard work from dedicated staff and volunteers. It also involves a bit of crossing fingers. I’ve never moved an event without what are commonly called ‘teething problems’ – operational issues and communications problems with the new venue that can impact amenity for attendees.
As I’ve travelled over the last year I’ve seen a couple of my Optometry Australia colleagues experience these issues. Certainly in 2016 SRC was not immune as we took Australia’s largest optometric conference to the Pullman and Mercure in Albert Park. I was disappointed with the result, as quite rightly, were many delegates.
We’ve left no stone unturned to deliver…
Over the last year we’ve been working closely with the venue to make sure delegate amenity is first class in 2017. I’m assured that issues with climate control and parking logistics will be solved. I’m told the trade show floor plan – not drawn to scale in 2016 – will be fixed by the new suppliers, allowing for larger and more comfortable circulation spaces around catering stations. We’ve also increased the size of the trade show floor space itself. We’ve combined last year’s two main theatres into one – increasing capacity significantly – and shifted our second stream to another part of the complex, which will make seating much more comfortable.
Add those changes to last year’s successes – the wonderful and revered education program, the revamped and revitalised gala dinner, and our most successful ever student expo – and I’m confident we’ll have a return to form in 2017. SRC delegates and Optometry Victoria members demand high standards and it’s certainly what they deserve. We’ve left no stone unturned to deliver the best event. I hope to see you there: SRC at the Pullman and Mercure Hotel, Albert Park, 27–28 May 2017.
O Tas
Jonathan Jones
Optometry Tasmania has had a busy few months with the introduction of a new membership system, which enables members to activate their accounts and update their personal details online. The transition to this improved system has been relatively painless to the relief of many.
Our new system has an events module which will be used to manage this year’s Tasmanian Lifestyle Congress (TLC). TLC is a boutique conference that enables delegates to gain valuable training, view exhibitors and experience Hobart in the crisp cooler months. This year the Congress will be held from 25–27 August at the Hobart Grand Chancellor. One of the highlights will be the Congress dinner at the well-known MONA museum. Full delegate registration for TLC includes the dinner package with return ferry transport from Hobart to the museum, a private museum tour and of course, the Congress dinner. MONA is an internationally renowned museum and well worth the visit with its many confronting exhibitions.
This year’s TLC speakers will match the high calibre of prior presenters, including well regarded Professor Joseph Sowka and Dr. Lori Vollmer from the United States. The Australian Low Vision Seminar will continue on as part of the conference and complimentary optional online assessment for CPD points will be available. The conference will include a dedicated exhibition allowing delegates to view and meet with suppliers of the latest optometry equipment, lenses, frames and business finance.
Please note TLC in your diary as online registration will open soon. Accommodation is available at the Hobart Grand Chancellor at competitive rates, however last year the hotel was fully booked and many delegates chose to stay at nearby hotels. The Congress is only possible with the support of our major sponsors; MyHealth 1st, CooperVision and Alcon Laboratories. We look forward to seeing delegates at TLC where you can experience all Hobart has to offer in August.
