“It’s an extremely rewarding experience. Grasp the opportunity with both hands, you and your station will be richly rewarded” – Cheryl Clayton, 7LTN

“A wonderful opportunity to network and exchange news, views and ideas with others” – Bob Rau, 3NOW

“Get ready to be inspired and know you are making a valuable and much needed contribution through community broadcasting” – Sandra Lubke, 6TCR

The theme of the 2007 CBAA Conference, ‘taking community media to the next level’ was fitting considering the focus for conference sessions involved the sector’s direction for the future and ways stations could boost their services, effectiveness and expertise. The driving force of the close to 40 innovative workshops and plenaries was to continue the amazing developments achieved by the sector in the last three decades and in doing so increase the speed at which stations embrace new technologies, engage with their communities of interest and undertake practices to keep their stations relevant, independent and up-to-date on industry developments.

The value of the CBAA Conference in bringing together broadcasters and sector representatives was characterised by the first get together of the conference, the ‘Gathering of Like Minds’. Seven station types shared their success stories and challenges over a cup of tea on the Thursday of the conference. This valuable catch-up established relationships and partnerships, which continued to flourish for the remainder of the conference.

We were lucky to have special guests give thought provoking presentations during the opening plenary, including the now Communications Minister, Stephen Conroy, the chair of AICA and Radio Manager for CAAMA, Jim Remedio, the Deputy Chair of ACMA and the Vice President of AMARC Asia-Pacific, to name just a few.

Inspiration continued during the Saturday plenary with discussions on the next step for broadcasters with the introduction of Digital radio in a year’s time. This was followed by The Licence Is Right! game show, where the brain capacity of sector representatives was put to the test. Our host, Cameron Woods surprised us with his flawless channelling of Larry Emdur, but with a much snazzier gold sequinned outfit.

The diversity of the conference workshops illustrated the multitude of areas the sector encompasses. From sessions on emergency services, managing volunteers, creating interesting content, digital radio, generating revenue for your station, CBF grants and youth and new media, workshops catered to those new to the sector and individuals with a wealth of knowledge. Delegates viewed the amount of preparation presenters displayed and the standard of the workshops as a highlight of their conference experience, exemplifying the sectors dedication and growth. If you missed a session don’t forget to have a look at the CBAA website for session handouts and presentation material.

The social events kicked off with welcome drinks at The Sebel on Thursday evening, which were great for greeting old and new friends. Back by popular demand, we ran station visits on a larger and more comprehensive scale than we ever have. On Friday evening delegates observed the operation of three diverse stations including – a television station, a recently renovated classical music station and a well established generalist station, which became the envy of many. Over 100 delegates toured C31, 3MBS and Triple R. The station tours concluded with relaxed drinks at Triple R with local DJ’s and refreshments served by the always fun dance-a-holic CBAA staff.

Saturday’s Gala Awards Dinner recognised the amazing achievements of stations and producers over the past 12 months. One half of the evenings hosting duo, Bryce Ives, made his mark by wearing a garish Hawaiian t-shirt, breaking a glass award and falling ill all in the first 10 minutes, leaving Danny Chifley to rise to the occasion, with the assistance of Barry Melville. They picked up the reigns and successfully entertained, presented awards and provided election coverage – a top notch juggling act.

I would like to extend a big thank you to our conference sponsors and exhibitors, as well as CBAA staff members, workshop/plenary presenters, Board members, in particular Bryce Ives and all our many friends of the CBAA who were always happy to lend a hand.

We hope you will join us at the 2008 CBAA Conference that will be held in Alice Springs from the 13 – 16 November. It is set to be another exciting event with informative sessions, a diverse trade expo and many enjoyable social events. The added bonus of this year’s conference is of course holding it within the amazing landscape of the Northern Territory. Be sure to start planning your travelling adventures for before and after the conference, as it sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Congratulations to Terry Mather from 7THE who won two free registrations to the 2008 CBAA Conference by completing a feedback form at last years conference.

“I was pleasantly surprised as I have never won anything before in my life. I always believe in filling out “feed back forms” as I feel they help the organiser improve events… I have certainly seen the CBAA conference grow and improve beyond comparison since the first one I attended back in 1995 when they were held on university campuses and in that instance was held at Monash University in Melbourne.”

This year’s CBAA Conference will be held in Alice Springs from the 13 – 16 November 2008.