2010 QICA Conference
Townsvillewas the host for the 2010 QICA Conference.
The conference was held from the 24th to the 26th of February 2010,
with a meet and greet on the evening of Tuesday the 23rd.
The Meet and Greet was held at one of Townsville’s leading attractions, Reef HQ Aquarium.
The 2 ½ day conference was held at the Leisure Inn Plaza Townsville with approximately 70 delegates attending.
DAY 1
We commenced the conference with a networking breakfast hosted by Rydges Southbank Townsville followed by a group photo. We then bussed to the conference venue to get down to business.
Nicky Young (President of QICA) opened the conference and introduced the Mayor of Townsville, Les Tyrell, who welcomed the delegates.
Presentations were given by the following:
- Andrew Millward (Executive Manager of RACQ) for RAQC
- Sharon Bullock (Jasons Advertising Sales Executive) for Jasons Travel Media
- Anthony Hayes (CEO Tourism Queensland) for Tourism Queensland
- Jasmin Rouw (Bookeasy)
In previous years Tourism Queensland has sponsored a motivational speaker for the conference, however, this year we decided on a different format. A “Conversations with TQ” presentation was given which provided an overview of the different roles within TQ. Speakers included Emma Dixon (International Operations), Bruce Wallace (Market Activation and Publicity), Courtney Adamson (Digital Marketing), Simone Bennett (Research), Carmen Smith & Vanessa Whitelaw (Industry Innovation & VIC Secretariat) and Mark Kelso (Aviation).
The AGM and Election of Executive 2010 were held in the afternoon. The new executive:
- President: Greg Realf
- Vice President: Narelle Burns
- Secretary: Steve Caught
- Treasurer: Katrina Hughes
- Membership Coordinator: Juanita Bloomfield
- Meetings Coordinator: Sally Eales
- Webmaster/Conference Convener: Michael Willams
- Newsletter Editor: Ross Tutin
Our Social Dinner was an “Island Theme” so we caught the ferry over to Magnetic Island. Peppers Blue on Blue Resort was our host with a BBQ on their boardwalk.
DAY 2
The morning session was a presentation by Laurie Kelly (Mindworks Train the Trainer).
After lunch we split into 2 groups for a famil to our major attractions around town. Both groups visited the same locations: The Cultural Centre, the Museum of Tropical Queensland, Billabong Sanctuary and a drive along The Strand.
Mercure Inn Townsville hosted the Gala Dinner. The 2010 QICA VIC of the Year Awards were presented throughout the dinner and the next conference host, Ipswich, was announced. Local band “Attori” provided the after dinner entertainment.
DAY 3
Presentation by:
- Professor Phillip Pearce (James Cook University Head of Tourism, Events and Sports)
- Ben Jackson Presentation (Tourabout)
Open forum and question time.
Donation of cheque to Reef HQ Turtle Hospital.
Conference wrap up and finish 11.30am.
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