The 2015 Rapid Solutions Risk Management Conference saw a great turnout from those in the industry.
The Rapid Solutions Risk Management Conference at Jupiters Hotel & Casino on the Gold Coast held during mid August, “Was the best attended conference we have organised, with 370 delegates registering and attending the event,” said Chris Murphy, marketing manager for Rapid Solutions.
“The conference is only held once every two years. So the fact that we had so many delegates attended is an indication of how much value pest manager’s place on being there – to take advantage of the depth and breadth of knowledge, information and experience that is available.
“It was a great success, and we would like to thank all our exhibitors and sponsors, particularly our Gold Sponsor, Ensystex, for their support.”
The conference was a great mix of networking, socialising and education, and commenced on the Thursday evening with a ‘Happy Hour’ around the pool area. Sponsored by Syngenta, the Happy Hour enabled delegates, exhibitors and presenters to mingle and talk in a relaxed atmosphere. “It was great to see people from our industry catching up, renewing acquaintances and making new friends,” said Mr Murphy.
The conference featured the biggest and best line up of speakers in the industry where all aspects of pest management were covered. More than forty speakers presented over the two days on the five presentation streams of Timber Pest, Urban Pest, Timber Inspection, Business Operations and New to the Industry. Delegates commented on the high quality of the speakers and the information presented.
Author and business leader, Bruce Sullivan, was the keynote speaker. With his great presentation style he was inspirational, and encouraged attendees to be the best they can in a competitive, and rapidly changing world.
The conference dinner on the Friday evening was sponsored by BASF where the AEPMA Pest Manager of the Year was announced. This year’s winner was Pestec Pty Ltd from NSW.
Comedian Dave Hughes also provided entertainment during the dinner. “With his unique dry sense of humour, he was thoroughly funny and at time hilarious,” added Mr Murphy. “He certainly was a crowd favourite.”
Pest managers commented that the exhibitors went to a great deal of effort with their stands, giveaways, special promotions, competitions and deals. There was a larger number of exhibitors than at previous conferences and there was a detectable ‘vibe’ throughout the exhibition hall.
Delegates and their partners also enjoyed the social program of golf, a ‘High Tea’ and barefoot bowls that ran alongside the formal conference program. The social program was a great way to do some more networking and relax.
Mr Murphy concluded by saying, “Thanks again to our sponsors, exhibitors and everyone who attended this year’s conference. We expect our next conference in 2017 to be even bigger and better. The success of this year’s event just reinforces how confident we are in the future, direction and progress of the Australian pest management industry.”
