The LGAQ 124th Annual Conference- NextGen Councils is just 38 days away and registrations close in a fortnight! Don't forget to register - you can see the full program here.
This year's conference holds particular significance this year as it is the first Annual Conference of the new term and the first of the decade. The last few months have also presented unique challenges to councils and elected members in the wake of COVID-19.
Not only are the NextGen of elected members navigating the pandemic and managing natural disasters like floods and fires, but they have also, in parallel, been keeping an eye to the future with a focus on economic recovery, innovation, and community empowerment.
In response, this year's annual conference places a focus on preparing for a post-COVID Australia, the psychology and mindset of being productive, an outline for the future from our political leaders, and plenty of workshops and opportunities to learn and share throughout the three days.
What you can expect at this year's event
A post-COVID Australia
Our keynote speaker, Bernard Keane will give us an insight into what we can expect in a post-COVID Australia. Bernard Keane is Crikey’s political editor. He has also been Crikey’s Canberra press gallery correspondent, covering politics, national security, and economics.
Keynote speaker Bernard Keane will be speaking about a post-COVID Australia.
A productive mindset and how to get Sh**t done!
Principal leadership coach and psychologist Margie Ireland will provide us some key takeaways on getting sh*t done and what it takes to be our best productive selves.
Coach and psychologist Margie Ireland will give insight into being your best productive self.
Buiding resilient landscapes
Chris Norman, CEO of NRM Regions Queensland will be providing an overview of how to build resilient landscapes from planning to practice.
Learn about building resilient landscapes at the LGAQ Annual Conference.
A host of tailored workshops
Q Sport workshop
This year’s third annual QSport/LGAQ Forum will cover the delivery of sport at the community level, with a focus on spaces and places that are owned, leased, controlled and/or supported by local governments.
Living lab – intelligent insights to deliver digital dividends
This workshop will showcase the simple and practical steps councils can take to improve community engagement, communications, and business efficiency through the use of LGAQ’s growing library of analytical and digital member services
There is a variety of workshops to choose from at this year's annual conference.
Reputation building masterclass
This masterclass will cover topics such as: Why it’s vital to have community trust and buy-in The three pillars of reputation (sharing values, leading with integrity, and being competent) How internal culture helps build your external reputation with communities and stakeholders.
Business retention, expansion, and attraction workshop
This session is perfect for those seeking a more sophisticated understanding of the investment attraction market, as well as the practical skills needed for success. You will hear from a world-leading practitioner who will outline and demystify the investment trends and decision-making processes behind site selection. Obtain real-life insights into the world’s best practice in investment attraction, and how other leading investment promotion agencies are remaining competitive and successfully engaging with investors.
Council forums
Come and join with your council peers in one of three forums to discuss, share, and debate key issues. This is also your opportunity to talk with each other and your Policy Executive members about ways the LGAQ can help and support your council. The forums will be hosted by the LGAQ Policy Executive members Please register for the forum that you believe will most interest your council – if you can’t decide you are welcome to send delegates to separate forums. Delegates/observers are welcome to attend any one of the forums:
Small: Rural and remote councils
Medium: Resources and regional councils
Large: Coastal and SEQ councils
Council forums are an opportunity to discuss, share, and debate with your fellow councillors.
A note on safety
Considerable planning has taken place – and daily monitoring continues – to ensure our 124th Annual Conference is safe for delegates and exhibitors, as well as LGAQ and venue staff.
LGAQ’s Events Team has completed Infection Control Training for COVID-19 and is fully briefed and up to date on the mass gathering restrictions. They are also working very closely with the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCEC) to ensure all COVID-Safe guidelines are met.
In line with GCEC’s COVID-Safe plan we will ensure that all attendees adhere to the below:
enforcing the 1.5m social distancing rule
limiting numbers on trade exhibition stands
provision of hand sanitiser and handwashing stations throughout the venue
meals will come individually, pre-packed (no buffets).
We have also capped the total number of attendees able to attend.