The Professional Conference Organisers Association Conference attracted a host of PCOs from around Australia and New Zealand, as well as local and international operators keen to talk all things events.

Queensland PCO Association director Peter Sugg said the response from attendees was positive, and the association membership had grown since the 2008 conference from 450 to more than 900. And exhibitors had grown to 60 from the previous years’ 22.

The two day event involved a host of seminars, with topics including delegate retention in tough times, release of the new venue contract and tips on strategic management. There was also a host of forums and panel sessions on industry issues that also proved popular.

Mr Sugg said he saw many happy faces coming out of the sessions. One of the more popular topics was the seminar on using social media as a marketing tool in business.

Victorian PCO Association director Suzanne Hart said the conference was an opportunity for PCOs and operators to get together and talk about the issues and topics relevant to them.

“Last year we promised to have a venue contract in place, and that’s been delivered, and for 2010 we’re promising to have a code of ethics,” she said.

“We’ve been talking to our members about topics that they’re keen to see at the 2010 conference and we’re working on that now.”

Some of the biggest news to come out of the PCO Association’s second annual conference was the development and release of a venue contract.
Mr Sugg said creating a venue contract is just the beginning in addressing a host of industry issues.
“Everyone said we were nuts, that it can’t be done, no one has ever done this sort of a contract before between the user and the principal, or the venue. And that it will never work and the hotels will never accept it. Well after 37 drafts and countless discussions with hotels, solicitors and PCOs we’ve made it happen,” he said.
“And now 12 months on, the first hotel chain has accepted it and have put their logo on it and will be using it throughout their hotels. And it looks like more hotels will be following suit and coming online soon too.”
This year’s PCO Association Conference will be hosted in Hobart and is expected to attract another record amount of members.

For more information about the PCO Association Conference 2010 go to www.pco.asn.au.

ABOVE RIGHT: Fun and games and plenty of education at the PCO conference in Canberra.

Top