The 2018 StarRez APSAA Conference held at the Marriott Resort & Spa on the Gold Coast from 14-17 May featured a packed program highlighting the progress and professional development of the industry, the association and its people. Thirty-four concurrent sessions, four facilitated networking sessions, seven keynote presentations and two Ignite 20:20 sessions ensured the 250 strong delegate crowd were engaged, enthused and at times – emotional as the conference was declared “the best ever”.
For the first time, the event featured a Pre-Con Summit Crisis Management workshop hosted by local expert Allan Briggs and international experts from ACUHO-I, President Deb Schmidt-Rogers and Bes Liebenberg from the University of Pretoria, South Africa. There was also an extensive four-day study tour prior to the conference and an additional one-day study tour for those short on time. At the Conference, APSAA also launched the Industry Guidelines which are available to members on APSAA’s website.
Each day commenced with an energetic group walk, run or yoga session from the team at ADES using their #MyMorningsMatter program to great effect on the delegates who embraced the Gold Coast weather and the stunning Surfer’s Paradise location.
Master of Ceremonies Tim Cox returned for the second year running and ensured the event ran smoothly. Highlights included Clare Madden as she enlightened us on how to connect with Gen Z, Keith Abraham showed us how to master the art of achieving our biggest goals and Mick Colliss inspired us with his hilarious take on how to represent your country on the world’s stage – even if it is the World Sudoku Championships!
But without a doubt, it was the presentations from our industry professionals that captivated, informed and educated. Many of these presentations were also award winners – and it’s easy to see why. APSAA members can access the conference presentations on the APSAA website.
Fran O’Brien Award for new professionals was awarded to Fiona Murray, University of New England.
Michael O’Leary Award for Innovation was awarded to Andrew Renfree, Federation University.
ACUHO-I New Professional Award went to Emily Green, Charles Sturt University.
Customer Service – Institution over 500 beds – Campus Living Villages.
Excellence in Student Experience – Institution over 500 beds – La Trobe University.
Excellence in Student Experience – Institution under 500 beds – Trinity College, UWA.
Excellence in Marketing & Communication – Institution under 500 beds – St Catherine’s College, UWA.
Excellence in Facilities Development & Management – Institution under 500 beds – University of Southern Queensland.
Business Partner of the Year Award – Nettleton Tribe
APSAA also highlighted the forthcoming inaugural Global Housing Training Institute (GHTI) for Australasia and the first training of its kind to be offered outside the USA and South Africa. GHTI is an incredibly powerful professional development experience for advancing professionals (3 to 7 years in the profession). We urge you to register now for this unique professional development experience. Register here http://www.apsaa.org.au/education/global-housing-training-institute/
APSAA also signed Affiliation Agreements with other industry associations including, NZATEAP, UCA, ANZSSA and ACUHO-I.
The APSAA AGM was held and we welcomed three new board members; Lynda Mathey (ANU), Areti Metuamate (UNE), and Andre Lee (Curtin Uni) and we thanked our outgoing board members for their hard work, Edwina Ellicott, Wade Hurst and Tara Holst.
You can read more about the APSAA Board Members here: http://www.apsaa.org.au/about-us/governance/apsaa-board/
APSAA Conference delegates are calling it the “best ever” conference and we agree! If you missed the event, you can read about it in the June Student Accommodation Journal and visit the APSAA website for a full pictorial review of the event. APSAA will announce the venue and dates for the 2019 conference soon. http://www.apsaa.org.au/conference/conference-daily-snapshots/