What do you want out of a conference experience?

That is the question we have been asking of ourselves and our people as we have been planning our 2016 conference. Looking at the feedback we have had from our previous conference, it is clear people want great keynote speakers, stimulating mixing the practical with the ‘big picture’ issues as well as the real stories and compassion for those we work with, as well as the chance to network and have fun.

Registrations for the conference will open at the end of January in the meantime make sure you have the dates in your diary. Here is a little bit more information about the programme as it comes together.

Great Keynote speakers

“fantastic conference very thought provoking, great speakers loved the actual client/carers presenting”

Over the two days of the conference there will be six keynote speakers as well as plenary sessions and workshops. Keynote will be looking at themes such ethics and business, balancing money and mission in not-for-profit services, science and innovation  – what this can bring to our sector, and what the latest research has to offer to help us in providing better support for older people. We are aiming also to hear the perspective of kaumatua through the voice of prominent leaders and researchers as well as delving into the opportunities and risks of new ways of funding services such as social bonds and learning more about where the major Government health strategies currently under review are heading.

We are delighted that our confirmed keynote speakers include prominent business leader Mark Powell, CEO of The Warehouse Group, leading social researcher and former Director of the Institute for Research on Ageing Dr Judith Davey, and aged care sector leader Selwyn Foundation CEO Garry Smith.

Well-balanced and stimulating programme

“It was a good mix of professional, practising and political (system) conversations.”

The three workshop streams are designed so that both those in management and in more front-line roles can find useful insights and professional development. The streams will cover topics relevant to those working in home based and community support settings as well as those working in aged residential care and retirement living.

Topics in the mix include dementia pathways and dementia friendly environments, caring for the whole family, working with Pacific matua and kaumatua, innovations in housing for older people, respite and relief for carers, working with culturally diverse communities, measuring performance, palliative care, individualised funding, the Eden Alternative, designing great spaces, workforce development issues, and latest research findings.

“Excellent conference very stimulating and well targeted balanced with the real stories and compassion for those we serve.”

Social Events and Networking

The conference dinner is once again the centrepiece of the social programme and this will be a great evening of good food, entertainment and great company. Our conference sponsors and exhibitors will be hosting pre-dinner drinks so you can have the chance to learn more about their organisations, products and services and there will also be opportunities for site visits in also planned where organisations showcase their work.

Business Partnership Opportunities

There are still great opportunities for business partners to support our conference. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your agency and its work through the wide range of sponsorship, exhibit and display options. Check out the options on the conference website and talk to our great conference organisation team at DCMS about what works best for you or check out our conference website.

If there are organisations you are working with who you think should be at our conference, please let them know about this and put them in touch with the conference team.