The program has been developed around three pillars – curation, legacy and sustainability – all supporting a central theme of “foundations for the future”.
Session topics include your new AI event assistant, where to find it and how to use it; greenovation – crafting an eco-friendly event experience; uniting generations for event excellence; and human centered design.
The PCOA’s NSW councillor, Karen Sainsbury, led the advisory committee which delivered the program. She says it all started with selecting a varied group to guide the agenda.
“It was important to us that we embrace diversity in age, career tenure, and perspective when reviewing the EOI and we are thrilled to have an eclectic team of eight people on our committee.
“Our committee has come up with some really creative sessions to suit a diverse audience of event management professionals,” says Sainsbury.
“The presentations I am most looking forward to seeing are Dr Amy Imms talking about thriving beyond burnout, pertinent to many in the event industry right now!
“Also, Craig Rispin’s AI keynote and workshops – what an enormous impact this is going to have on all of us going forward, and a great opportunity to see how we can implement [artificial intelligence].”
She also highlighted the session by Rebecca Wessels from Ochre Dawn who will share insights for integrating First Nations peoples into the event planning and delivery process.
The program can be viewed on the PCOA conference website. Registrations to attend can also be completed via the website.
Alongside the program launch, the association has opened nominations for the inaugural Tim Birley Rising Star Award, to be presented at the conference in December.
The award, created in memory of Birley, from Pan Pacific Hotels Group, who died in March 2022, will recognise a young industry professional who emulates the dedication to customer service and professionalism, for which Birley was renowned.
A 300-word application, supported by a recommendation from the applicant’s employer must be submitted to the PCOA by September 30. Applicants must be under 30 and residents of Australia, with at least two or three years of experience in the events industry.
Full details can be found on the application portal.
