It’s the countdown to CPA Congress 2008 – and the buzz is reaching fever pitch! We’re eagerly awaiting 4 action-packed days at our new, bigger venue, the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
In so many ways, this is CPA Congress as you’ve never seen it before – our President Alex Malley FCPA is an avatar in Second Life, we have an online community for members, a blog and much more.
This will be my third CPA Congress, and the diary is already packed full of sessions. So which ones will be the highlight for me?
At the top of the hit-list is Keynote 1 – Beyond the numbers – the value, challenge and future of non-financial reporting with Ernst Ligteringen, the Chief Executive of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). We’re bringing Ernst over from Amsterdam at a crucial stage of the public debate on environmental and sustainability issues.
I’m really excited about this particular session – not only because it’s the first time the GRI has visited Australia, but also because it’s a rare opportunity for our Queensland business leaders to hear more about business sustainability from a world leading authority. For more info on the GRI, check out: http://www.globalreporting.org/
I’m also heading to Keynote 3 – Wedged between local strength and global weakness – the economic outlook. International Economist Mark Vitner, one of the USA’s most prolific sources of wisdom on economic trends, will be joined by an outstanding panel of local economists and The Australian’s Peter Switzer, so this is a session not to miss.
One of the great things about this year’s event is the smorgasbord of topics on offer – if it’s relevant to our members, it’s probably on the menu!
As a non-accountant, one of my main interests is effectively managing my Queensland team. So I’m also focussing my attention on the management-skills topics in the concurrent sessions. I’ve registered for:
D3 – Reporting to Management – how to simplify management decisions
F4 – Managing and motivating finance teams
I2 – Powerful people profiling – understanding behaviour to drive performance
And for some general knowledge areas:
G3 – Climate Change and Business – the risks and opportunities
K3 – Superannuation Update – a must see for anyone in public practice or advisory or even for yourself
For our more ‘visual’ amongst us (me included!), the colour-coding guide makes it really simple to see what sessions are tailored especially for your area of work. Check it out on page 10 & 11 of the program.
Two of my favourite events are the Free Community Sessions and this year’s are possibly the best yet – and free to attend.
Watch this space for more information, or check out the program to book your seats now.
I’ll be hosting sessions too – and in-between all of this, out there meeting our members. If you have a chance, please say hello or drop by the CPA Australia stand and chat to our Queensland staff.
Until next time,
Judy McGrath
Director – Queensland
