AALARA 2023 Conference to focus on equity and marketing

Commencing today at Sofitel Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, the 2023 Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA) Conference has this year moved away from the focus on safety and risk management of recent programs to instead address equity and marketing matters.

Opening today, the Conference features a series of invitation only regulatory meetings, a committee member only meet of AALARA's Inflatables Subcommittee and an aquatics breakout session hosted by Jamberoo Action Park General Manager Matt George.

The main conference opens on Tuesday morning with a 'state of the industry' address by Jim Pattison, Jr, President of Ripley Entertainment and Chair of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions; followed by a session on ‘The Age Old Art of Business’ featuring Jamberoo Action Park Chief Executive, Jim Eddy; Riverlife Chief Executive, John Sharpe and Jamberoo Action Park Greg O'Neill, Director of Australian Leisure Consulting and AALARA acting President.

The program continues with the ‘Leading Women, Leading the Way’ forum, featuring  Jade McKellar, Chief Customer Officer at the Sydney Opera House; Anthea Hammon Chief Executive, Scenic World and Michelle Eramus, Operations Director, Dreamworld/WhiteWater World/Skypoint followed by an address on ‘Building, Branding and Your Business’ from Tourism Australia Chief Executive, Pip Harrison.

Before site tours on Thursday, including a visit to Ripley's Believe It or Not! Surfers Paradise, the Wednesday program will start with an address from incoming AALARA President, Ros Pullen, General Manager of Raging Waters Sydney.

Other sessions include ‘Human Behaviours and Business’, a panel on ‘The Future of Leisure and Amusements’, ‘Industry Technical Changes’ and a thinktank on ‘The Value of Food and Bev’.

Formal sessions conclude with Carlie Holt, Partner at Sparke Helmore Lawyers presenting on legal precedents in the attractions industry during which she will highlights important information that is pertinent to all operators.

Event also includes the Association’s AGM and social gatherings including the AALARA23 Gala Dinner.

Click here for more information on the AALARA 2023 in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Images: Ripley's Believe It or Not! Surfers Paradise (top, credit: Pico Play) and incoming AALARA President, Ros Pullen, General Manager of Raging Waters Sydney (below, credit: Raging Waters Sydney).