itSMF Bulletin itSMF Bulletin - December 2017 | Page 3

FROM THE CHAIR

3

Dear Members

Conference Dates

For our all important 21st National Conference I’m excited to announce that we’re returning to Canberra, the site of our very successful 2013 event. Also, we’re looking at a new date – September 5th & 6th. We chose these later dates given the need to work around when Parliament is sitting (Canberra is pretty much a ‘no-go’ zone if our lawmakers are in session.)

We’ll have a newly updated venue for you at the ‘QT’ the perfect base for you and where I’m certain you’ll be looked after. We are also working with a new conference organiser in The Association Specialist, a company with vast experience in dealing with conferences and events for organisations like ours. Everything is pointing to another successful event at what is regarded as one of the world’s best Service Management conferences.

Seminar success

During the course of this year we had over 1,800 people register for our seminars, one of the most effective informal learning programs in the IT industry, and one driven by the enthusiasm and dedication of our members.

That last point is important, the National Office provides tremendous support to the seminar program, but their role is secondary to the hard work and dedication of what is really a ‘grass roots’ run and managed learning forum.

Well done everybody, you should give yourselves a hearty pat on the back! A special thanks of course to our State and Territory Committees where this hard work actually takes places – without their efforts and goodwill this wouldn’t happen.

Christmas & the New Year

For all of us I think, irrespective of our pattern of beliefs or backgrounds, these holidays and the festive season remain a special time. For myself, it is a very special time, I am looking forward to a short break and celebrating Christmas with my family and friends.

I’d like to extend my personal best wishes to each of you, to your immediate and extended families and I hope and trust that Christmas is a time of great joy for you. I also hope that you remain safe and come back to your forum in the New Year refreshed and eager for the challenges ahead.

Best wishes everyone, please have a happy and safe Christmas break and I’ll chat with you in 2018.