On behalf of Parks and Leisure Australia (PLA), we invite you to attend the 2008 National Conference in Melbourne.

This year represents the Association’s 10th Anniversary and promises to be a year with a difference. PLA’s first conference was held in Melbourne in 1998, so it is an appropriate location to celebrate what has been achieved over the past 10 years and to consider the challenges for the next 10.

This year’s conference, based at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, on the south side of the Yarra River promises to offer everyone from the policy maker to the on-ground professional, senior manager, practitioner and student, a host of challenges and innovative ideas to discuss and workshop during the conference and to utilize back in the workplace. Make sure you don’t miss this year’s number one professional development opportunity for parks and leisure professionals.

Last year’s conference in Townsville was over subscribed. The importance and relevance of the national conference continues to strengthen based on the array of speakers focussing on topics/issues of suitable substance, valuable technical tours and the opportunity to network in a stimulating environment .Be sure to register early to avoid disappointment.

The conference theme, “Creating a Sense of PLAce” will focus on the role of the parks and leisure industry in Australia and highlight the significance of PLAnning and creating special PLAces for PLAy (being mindful of the challenges we face with climate change), managing and maintaining the PLAce engaging people, promoting the PLAce and confirming its importance to our society.

Melbourne is well known for its sporting and cultural activities and facilities. There is so much to see and do. The MCG, Telstra Dome. Australian Open, Botanical Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens, Theatres, Galleries, laneways, restaurants and bars, etc are all within a few kilometres. The city is surrounded by more gardens, parks, bike paths, foreshore, playgrounds, sporting facilities and examples of positive urban planning that supports an active and healthy lifestyle. The organizing committee will show you the best of Melbourne. The conference will follow the Spring Racing Carnival and Melbourne Cup.
PS, Don’t worry about the weather!

What great value this conference will be!

Registration fees have again been kept low this year to allow for higher accommodation costs – the program will be innovative, forward thinking and guaranteed to provide you with much take home value.

We look forward to seeing you in Melbourne in November.

Steve Mason PLA National President	John Senior PLA Conference Convenor