2015 IPA TASMANIAN CONGRESS

EVERYTHING ATTENDEES NEED TO KNOW (AND MORE)

WHY TASMANIA?

 96% of Delegates and others attending business events here in Tasmania say they would recommend the island to friends and colleagues as a ‘must-see’ destination to visit. 64% say that they will return within 3 years for a holiday.  Tasmania delivers on all the important fronts – o A high appeal destination renowned for being off-beat and original o A beautiful place with scenic wilderness, unique wildlife, waterways and preserved heritage with a fascinating history o High standards of service, business event organisation and a can-do attitude o Travel, transport and accommodation at affordable prices o Internationally acclaimed food and beverage – think abalone, beef, cheese, chocolate, crayfish, honey, mushrooms, mussels, oysters, salmon, scallops, trout, truffles and tuna accompanied by the best cool climate wines, boutique beers and internationally acclaimed whiskies o The friendliness and hospitality of the locals – caring and sharing is our mantra

WHY LAUNCESTON?

 Launceston, Tasmania’s second largest city (pop. 110,000) and the Northern ‘capital’ has the largest collection of meticulously preserved 19th century buildings in Australia  Voted Australia’s most family friendly city  Josef Chromy voted Australia’s Top Cellar Door  Barnbougle Dunes and Lost Farm voted best public golf courses in Australia  Home to the world famous James Boags Brewery  Ten Tamar Valley vineyards all within 20-40 minutes drive. Another 10 vineyards only an hour away at Pipers River, home to internationally acclaimed Pipers Brook and Ninth Island, Bay of Fires, and Arras, Clover Hill and Jansz sparkling wines, Australia’s answer to French champagne.  Cataract Gorge, Launceston’s own scenic wilderness, is only 15 minutes walk from the CBD  Tamar River Cruises – see the majestic Cataract Gorge from the water  Ashgrove Cheese, Anvers Chocolates and Christmas Hill Raspberry Farm are all within half an hours drive from the airport  Gateway to the North-East – Bridport, Scottsdale, St Helens. Easily accessible from all Tasmanian ports of entry (see Travel and Transport Below)

WHY THE COUNTRY CLUB?

 The Country Club Resort is set amid 125 hectares of peaceful bush-land conveniently located just 10 mins from the city centre of Launceston and 15 minutes from the airport.  In addition to the state-of-the-art conference centre there is o An international standard 18-hole golf course o Nine restaurants and bars o An intimate boutique casino o Extensive onsite leisure activities including swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, mountain bike riding, horse riding and fly fishing o CC Resort offers 4.5 – 5 star accommodation rooms in King, Queen, Double and Twin room configurations priced from $144 - $210 per night booked through the Divisional Office o At the CC Villas, less than a 3 minute drive or 15 minute walk from the Resort there are 1, 2 or 3 BR Villas (4 star) from $119 - $175 per night and I BR Executive Suites (4.5 star) for $175.00 per night booked through the Divisional Office o Both the Resort and Villas offer delegates free car parking and complimentary Wi-Fi for the duration of their stay. WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

This is an event for IPA members and prospective members from all states and territories, of all ages (20 – 80 is our current age span), and both genders (the delegates who attend are split pretty much 50:50 M/F).

Around 40% of attendees are from Interstate with support particularly strong in Queensland and New South Wales. However, there are regulars from Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and ACT, and occasionally from Northern Territory and Overseas.

While the Program is designed to cater for all interests and tastes, there is no disputing that there is an emphasis on topics of interest to Public Practitioners for they make up the bulk of the Delegates. There will be ample coverage of the hot issues in taxation, superannuation and SMSFs and small business generally.

That is not to say that other areas will be neglected – on the contrary, with the capacity to run concurrent sessions (which was not the case at Strahan and other smaller venues) you may expect a broader coverage and a greater range of choice of topics relevant to your professional development

HOW DO I GET THERE?

For those Congress attendees who have been challenged to reach far-flung locations like Strahan, Cradle Mountain, Smithton and Freycinet Peninsula, you will be pleased to hear that Launceston is a comparative ‘doddle’ – arguably more accessible for Interstate arrivals than Hobart.

The Country Club and the Launceston City Centre are just 15 minutes (15 km) from the Airport which is serviced by Qantas, Virgin and Jetstar with a limited number of daily direct flights from Melbourne (1hr), Sydney (2 hrs) and Brisbane (2.5 hrs). Passengers from Adelaide and the Gold Coast have to factor in at least 1 stopover, but the journey can still be made in around 4 hours, somewhat longer from Perth, Townsville and other regional centres in Queensland and New South Wales.

Airport transfers via shuttle bus, coach, taxi, chauffeured car or limousine are reasonably priced and readily available.

There are 3 other commercial Airports that can serve as the point of entry/exit for Interstate attendees:-

o Hobart – serviced by all 4 major Airlines with some direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane . A 2.5 hour leisurely road journey via the Midland Highway will have you in Launceston. A more scenic route is available via the Tasman Highway which takes in seaside townships such as Orford, Swansea, Bicheno and St Helens – allow 4.5 – 6 hours travel time. o Burnie/Wynyard – this regional Airport is serviced by Rex, with direct flights to and from Melbourne only. It is a good starting point to explore Stanley, Smithton, Woolnorth, Cape Grim and the Tarkine Wilderness, all within 45 minutes – 1.5 hours by road, heading west. . To reach Launceston it is necessary to head east from the Airport, and travel through townships such as Devonport, Ulverstone and Deloraine. Allow 1.5 – 2 hours to reach Launceston o Devonport – another regional Airport, this one is serviced by Qantaslink from Melbourne only. The Country Club is 1 hour – 1.25 hours drive along the Bass Highway. . Cradle Mountain is an interesting inland diversion on the way to or back from Launceston – 1.25 hours from Devonport, 1.75 hours from Burnie, 2 hours from Launceston

Also arriving/departing Devonport/Melbourne daily is the Spirit of Tasmania, with a night-time departure in May/June of 7.30pm and a day-time arrival of 6.00am. Fares are around $162 per adult for a Twin berth cabin, $77 for a standard vehicle. Again, rolling off the ferry at 6.00am you would be well and truly in Launceston by 8.00am, even with a couple of stops along the way. Recommended for those who plan to explore the island before or after Congress or for those who enjoy the ‘romance’ of the sea and the independence of having their own vehicle at the front door of where they are staying.

WHEN SHOULD I ARRIVE?

That depends on a number of factors and will vary for each attendee, according to place of normal residence, whether the primary goal is to get in and get out as quickly as possible (collecting CPE hours along the way) or whether there is an interest in not only in what the Congress has to offer, but also to experience a small (or large) slice of Tasmanian scenery and hospitality before and/or after the event.

For Interstate attendees – arrival Wednesday is preferable and necessary for most if they choose to register for a pre-Congress Masterclass on Thursday. Otherwise, by early afternoon Thursday, is desirable. Sunday departure from Launceston Airport can be as early as 6-30am. If leaving from other ports you would be well-advised to schedule flights for Sunday afternoon or evening, or on the days following.

For Intrastate attendees – Pre-Congress Masterclasses and recreational activities will not start before 10am Thursday so it will be possible to travel, even from Hobart on Thursday morning (if you are an early riser). The first official function is the visit to a local vineyard and restaurant (either Josef Chromy or Velo) departing the Country Club at around 4.00pm.

For Launceston residents – while some will prefer to stay at home and commute to the Country Club each day we would like to think that most will say “hang the expense” and book into a room at the Resort or Villas for Friday and/or Saturday nights at least.

WHAT DOES THE PROGRAM LOOK LIKE?

The Tasmanian Congress has developed an enviable reputation of integrating a full-on educational program (up to 24 hours CPE in 2.5 days) with a tried and proven social and recreational agenda that facilitates interaction between delegates, speakers, sponsors and staff and encourages participation by the partners of all categories of attendees.

The praise that we have received for achieving these objectives year on year would fill a small book and bears testament to our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.

The inaugural IPA National Congress held at Sanctuary Cove in November 2013 and the 2014 National Congress in the Hunter Valley were based on the Tasmanian model and proved to be outstanding successes. The format is very similar to what you will experience in Launceston in May 2015, but with plenty of different speakers and topics, and unique activities of course.

Here’s a rough outline of what to expect:

Wed 27 May Advance arrivals – Informal dinner gathering

Thur 28 May 10am – 3.30pm Pre-Congress Masterclasses (at least 2, possibly 3). Topics to be determined but SMSF and Property Investment are likely. Optional recreational activities – e.g. Golf, Tamar River Cruise, Scenic Walks (Cataract Gorge) 4.00pm Buses depart CC Resort for local vineyard and restaurant. 7.15pm Buses return to Country Club 7.45pm Own arrangements. There are several dining options at the CC Resort and many in the Launceston city district itself Fri 29 May 8.30am – 5.30pm Education sessions for Delegates 9.00am – 5.00pm Optional activities for partners and others 7.00pm – 10.30pm Official Dinner with guest speaker and music Sat 30 May 9.00am – 5.00pm Education sessions for Delegates 9.30am – 4.30pm Optional activities for partners and others 7.00pm – 12.00am Farewell Dinner Dance

Sun 31 May 11.00am Check out of hotel and head home or sign up for a guided tour of Tamar Valley Vineyards or Tamar River Cruise ARE PARTNERS WELCOME AND WHAT CAN THEY DO?

Sure are! (around a a quarter of all attendees are accompanied)

There are any number of optional activities that we will be asking partners and other attendees not committed to the education sessions whether they would like to participate in. (Some are free, others require payment). For example:

On the premises:-

. Golf . Fly fishing . Tennis . Squash . Horse riding . Mountain bike riding . Gaming

Off premises:-

. Pipers Brook and Bridport . Barnbougles/Lost Farm golf course . Tamar River Cruise . Boags Brewery Factory and Beer Tasting . Cataract Gorge scenic walk . Tamar Valley Wine Route . Ashgrove Cheese, Christmas Hills or Hillwood Raspberry Farms, Anvers Chocolates

Of course, Partners are welcome to attend all evening functions and even take daytime meals with Delegates, Sponsors, Speakers etc. (separately priced).

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE IN MAY?

Tasmania enjoys a temperate maritime climate with an average summer temperature of 21 degrees and a winter average of 12. In Launceston, in the last week of May you can expect an average of 14 during the day and a coolish 5 overnight. Your accommodation will be well-heated but do bring your winter woolies for night-time and the brisk, often frosty but also sunny mornings. Remember too, it will be close to dark by 5.00pm.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Obviously dress for comfort and warmth both indoors and outdoors. We don’t stand on ceremony for either daytime or evening events, so neat, casual is both the order of the day and night. It’s optional but it’s nice to see some “dressing up” for the Official Dinner. Dancing gear is the uniform for Saturday night.

WHO ARE THE MAIN SPEAKERS?

It is too early to finalise the Education Program but we can say that we will remain true to our perennial aim to present contemporary issues in accounting, business, public practice, superannuation and taxation.

In 2015 we will be offering several concurrent sessions as well as plenary sessions.

All the speakers who went to Strahan were keen to return to Launceston and we will have quite a few of them back for the 2015 Program, including:-

. Petris Lapis (consistently the most highly rated Presenter at not only Tasmanian Congresses these past four years but also the National Congress) . Professor Kevin Davis (Murray financial services enquiry) . Professor Michael Dirkis (Taxation) . Professor Christine Brown (Financial decision-making) . Dir Michael Schaper (ACCC) . Dr Craig Latham (Small Business Commission) . Aaron Dunn and Ashley Course (Superannuation and SMSF Masterclass) . David Sauer (Audit and Accounting standards)

New or returning speakers include:-

. Steve Vesperman, Vlad Dugandzic, Nicola Black (ATO) . John Price (ASIC) . Michael Ford (Cash-flow forecasting)

In negotiations with or still under consideration for this year are:-

. Nicola Roxon (APES Board) . Steve Kugel (Bankruptcy) . Brooke Pendlebury (Workplace law) . Toni Fitzgerald (Marketing) . Matthew Hill (SMEs) . Peter Adams (GST, BAS etc) . Sholto Macpherson (Cloud software) . Bob Neill (Succession planning) . Sam Allert (Accounting technology) . Curt Rendell (Board of Taxation) . Ron Winter, Stu Cross, Kel Spencer (Property and Investment Masterclass) . Daryl Koch (Risk Management)

We aim to have the Education Program bedded down before 31 January.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

Delegates who pre-register before 31 January and meet the full registration costs before 31 March will pay no more than $990 in total which includes all CPE sessions on Fri/Sat, accompanying notes, slides etc, all food, entertainment and most beverages from Thursday evening to closure at mid-night on Saturday. The full registration fee after 31 March is $1210.

If you attended the National Congress in 2013 and/or 2014 you are entitled to a $110 reduction as a loyalty discount. The same principle applies if you also attend the Victorian Congress at Healesville, Yarra Valley 10-11 March.

If you are attending a Tasmanian Congress for the first time (but haven’t yet attended a National Congress) you will be entitled to a $55 discount. There are other special incentive discounts available e.g. for husband and wife (or partners) both attending as delegates, multiple attendees from the one practice, business organisation or discussion group, students, hardship cases etc.

If you feel your circumstances warrant special consideration, you are welcome to enquire about a concession.

WHY SHOULD I PRE-REGISTER?

The obvious reason is to qualify for the Early Bird pricing (you must pre-register and pay a deposit by 31 January, complete the registration form proper and pay the remaining fee by 31 March to be eligible).

The second reason is to secure a registration place and accommodation at the venue, in the event of a sell-out. While this is less likely in Launceston than when we go to far-flung places like Strahan, Cradle Mountain and Freycinet, there is a limit to the number of rooms we have been allocated at the Country Club and how long we can hold them for.

Finally, if you pre-register you will be automatically entered into a monthly draw where you stand a chance of winning your $110 deposit back.

The Registration form with the various categories of registration and the pricing for delegates and partners is expected to be available early February.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE I DECIDE WHETHER TO ATTEND?

Still not convinced whether to take the plunge?

Then we would invite you to seek out the opinion of any colleague, speaker, sponsor or staff member who has been to a Tasmanian Congress in the past 15 years. Any amount of written testimonials can also be provided to attest to the thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhile nature of the event.

Tasmania has been running an annual Congress for almost 3 decades. The team of Andrew Colrain (MC) and Jon Burns (Manager) has been together since 2003. They have been ably assisted and supported by a succession of Office-bearers including the Immediate Past National President, Jason Parker and Divisional President, Denis Laing. Sophia Fitzgerald joined the team in 2013 and as well as a qualified Accountant she is the Division’s Member Services and Events Co-ordinator.

Petris Lapis, a Queenslander who made her name in Tasmania and who has now transferred successfully to the National stage, will join forces with Andrew Colrain in the MC role as well as delivering her inspiring life survival skills presentations.

Off to the side, Phil Manser (winetasting), Merv Hill (recreational walks) and band members Barry Woodruff and Lyn Thomas from the Mighty Kravats (est 1957!) have become regular educators and entertainers

It is often said that there is a real feel of a family re-union about a Tasmanian Congress with many local and interstate delegates and presenters returning year after year. That said, ‘the family’ is always on the look-out for new members, new topics and new ideas, so essential for growth and regeneration. And the best thing is that first-time attendees are treated even better and receive more attention then the returning faithful.

DON’T DELAY! PRE-REGISTER TODAY!

CLICK HERE FOR FORM