Welcome to Melbourne

Despite the fact that 2009 has been an extraordinarily tough year for all of us in the industry, the difficult financial conditions will not preclude Melbourne from hosting what will once again prove to be an exceptional AILA national conference. This year I have had the good fortune to not only be the national president during the Melbourne event but also on the organising committee so I am well aware of all the hard work the committee have put into ensuring that 2009 will continue to maintain the high standards that we have all come to expect from our national conference. There is an excellent professional program allied to some wonderful entertainment throughout the days of the conference.

Having said that the success of the conference will in no small measure, be as a result of the outstanding support that we have received from all our sponsors and in this regard I wish to acknowledge and thank them one and all for their loyal support. Without our sponsors, there would be no event. But AILA 2009, now needs you and I encourage all our members and those considering membership to register. For our interstate and overseas members, enjoy the delights of Melbourne. Stay on a for a few days. The extended stay will be well worth it.

On behalf of the national board I look forward to meeting you all and welcoming you to Melbourne in October.

Chris Rodd
AILA National President

An Invitation

I look forward to welcoming you as a delegate to the AILA national conference to be held at Crown Promenade in Melbourne on Wednesday 14 to Friday 16 October 2009.

We have created an exciting and topical program, with key sessions relating to natural disasters.

We have also put together a strong social program so that the conference will provide a great opportunity for networking and enjoyment. We have obtained wonderful support from a wide range of sponsors and we look forward to attracting a large number of delegates.

We will have a particular focus this year on attracting younger members of the industry, so as to ensure the ongoing success of AILA.

See you in Melbourne in October.

Regards,
Peter Rashleigh
Chair, AILA Organising Committee