From the 22-25 November, the CBAA will host the largest and most exciting event in the community broadcasting calendar, the CBAA National Conference.

Being held in the stunning city of Melbourne, where community broadcasting has a long history and remains a strong part of the sector, it is a not to be missed opportunity for anyone involved in community broadcasting.

Workshops

Workshops will cater to new members of the sector, as well as the ‘black belts’, who see conference as a great way to continue building their expertise. Session highlights include; Radiothons, Emergency Services, Sharing Digital Content, Empowering Women in the Workplace, Managing the Finances, Community Media 2.0, Managing Music Mayhem, Youth & New Media, and Creating Interesting Content.

A high tech computer lab will be available at conference, offering a wider selection of computer workshops than ever before. These include; free software, a trial of learning resources and the practical steps in creating a podcast. In addition, we will be offering the always popular Adobe Audition workshops for beginner and advanced users.

Plenary’s

This years plenary’s will be informative and useful, remaining relevant to current sector issues. A code of practice update will be featured, along with a CBOnline report, an insight into community media in South East Asia, information on Griffith University’s Community Media Matters report, and a look at digital broadcasting following recent policy developments. The final plenary session enables member station representatives to propose and discuss motions put to the floor regarding CBAA activities, creating a productive forum for members to have their say.

Professional Development Day

This years training day before conference will focus on Governance - the role of a Board of Management, governance responsibilities, constitutional obligations and running effective meetings. It will be a forum for discussion, debate and networking. Contact CBAA to arrange your $30 registration, which includes a facilitator, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea. Numbers are limited so register now through OzAccom!

Social Events

This years conference highlights don’t just include the fantastic plenary's and workshops, but extend to the social events. On Thursday 22nd, a Gathering of Like Minds informal meeting will be held at The Sebel, which gives delegates a chance to share ideas with representatives from stations just like theirs. Groups include Metro, Sub-Metro, Rural/Regional, Christian, Indigenous, Ethnic, RPH and Youth. At 7pm that evening, Welcome Drinks will be held in The Sebel's Grand Waldorf Lobby. Attendance is free and it’s a great way to catch up with friends, old and new alike.

If you enjoy mingling with friends in a relaxed, fun atmosphere while listening to great local music you cant miss the Friday night drinks event being held at Triple R in East Brunswick. Triple R DJ’s and live entertainment will be available all night. To make the night a breeze after your jam-packed day at conference we have organised coaches to and from the event free of charge! Two of the coaches will undertake station visits to C31 and 3MBS before ending the tour at Triple R. You must put your name down at the registration desk to secure a place, numbers are limited.

The key conference social event, the Gala Awards Dinner, is set to be unforgettable, with special guests and a new addition to the always-hilarious MC line-up. Plenty of entertainment will be provided, with a Community Television Antenna Awards presentation, as well as a sneak peek into the 2008 CBAA Conference.

As always the Gala Dinner enables the sectors achievements to be recognised through the CBAA Awards presentation. This years categories are new and improved, ensuring the night is an illustration of the sectors continuous growth and success!

Register for conference online here before 21st October to avoid the $50 late fee.

Hope to see you in Melbourne!