FROM
THE CHAIR
3
Dear members
I can’t believe it’s been a month since we gathered in Brisbane for our 23rd National Conference.
It was the first time we’d been together in two and a half years, and what a fantastic event it was, full of learning, fun and community.
We delivered over 30 speakers selected from across the itSMF community via our community lead submission process. I am absolutely delighted to report that the feedback on the speakers told us that, overall, the calibre of presenters was fantastic. This year we covered a lot of topics ranging from ITIL 4 through to Cyber Security and Intelligent Swarming. We also explored how organisations adapted to the pandemic, and delivering services and managing teams from home.
Our Conference Director and MC (MC JHo) did an amazing job keeping us on track and added a little pizzazz and an enormous amount of fun and humour to the event. Rumour has it she is currently in negotiations with Dr. Dre for a hip-hop deal. Stay tuned!
A quick word on our two Keynote presenters, Dr Gill Hicks AM and Mark Bunn.
Gill, founder of M.A.D. for Peace, gave us an insight into real hardship, struck down in a senseless terrorist attack on the London ‘Tube’. But she turned this experience into one of great emotional learning and the depth of her humanity shone through for everyone who was lucky enough to hear her speak, and to see her too of course.
Mark Bunn took us on a different journey – one based on ancient wisdoms reinterpreted for the modern age with all its attendant stresses and
distractions. It was refreshing to learn how we can work to re-establish a more grounded
approach to living in an age where the demands on our time, and attention, have never been greater.
As I mentioned in my Chair’s address at Conference, the organisation of the event this year was particularly difficult; in particular not knowing when, or even if, it would go ahead – and with speakers flying in from all around the country and from overseas, whether they would be allowed to travel to and from Brisbane. Janet and her conference committee, supported by the team in the National Office, did a magnificent job getting it over the line!
A wonderful team effort. “Thanks guys!”
Our conference was remarkable for the huge sponsor support it generated and I know some of those sponsors have already started to talk to us about signing up for next year. That in itself is remarkable, and what a vote of confidence in the team – and our future!
Our National Awards continued to showcase the best of the Service Management community and, by the way, congratulations to everyone concerned; in particular the winners of course, but also to all of the people and enterprises who put their hand up – “Well done!".
Next year, I look forward to welcoming you to my hometown of Adelaide for the 2023 National Conference. This will be the first time that Adelaide has hosted an itSMF Conference and the Conference Committee and the local SA Branch have already started preparations. We are determined to make it another event to be remembered.
Enjoy the magazine.
Brendan Cullen - Chair
itSMF Australia