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NatRoads – Conference 2012

This article was posted on Tuesday, November 13, 2012

“We go the distance”

At a conference the delegates should

experience the unforgettable
be educated … take home value
be entertained
be encouraged to come back next year

Not only did ‘we go the distance’ this year at the NatRoads Conference 2012, Sanctuary Cove, but we will travel next year to attend … so valuable was the content presented. NatRoad opened the bowling with a leg spinner extra-ordinaire … a smiling verbal assassin … who laughs loudly and often before he delivers the spin. Kerry O’Keefe is a unique Australian voice … outwardly hilarious, inwardly he runs very deep. I roomed with “Skull” on tours to the Caribbean and New Zealand whilst playing Test cricket for Australia. A very funny man. What a breakfast to ‘engage’ the attendees – sponsored by BP. Thanks to Pat Brunet The ‘official welcome’ and vision of Nat Road 2012 was beautifully articulated by President, Mr Geoff Crouch, and reinforced by the CEO, Mr Chris Melham’s, words.

My role was to be the bus driver (MC) for the duration, to make sure everyone was picked up (introduced) and dropped off (thanked) at the correct times along the route (programme). A verbal GPS tracker that energized proceedings!

Major question: What is a conference without a good coffee?

Answer: A major challenge!

Tucked away at one end of the compelling trade exhibit area was the tell-tale aroma of a master barista at work pulling lattes, double espressos, cappacinos and long blacks. This bartender of fine coffee became my new best friend … I literally ‘flew’ out the door … with several ‘double’ espressos on board. Thanks mate.

Apart from the impressive line up of plenary or platform speakers we listened to, there was the chance to meet many wonderful people ‘manning’ the display booths and describing their businesses and services. After coffee I was inspecting the big rigs in the car park … so much chrome … so many wheels … and sitting so high in the saddle.

Special awards were made and digitally captured in the shadows of an awesome mega truck.

I love photography .. I carry my camera with me always. The geometry and colour was difficult to ignore. So too reflections … so too, reflections.

Next, interview the winners .. for articles, magazines and/or radio. Spread the word … educate and enthuse a wider audience. I’m not shy. I like to have my photo snapped with ‘super stars’ … like this big rig.

Ok, back to the real reason for attending NatRoad 2012 – to learn.

More rich content … many notes. As Master of Ceremonies I take notes on every speaker … a real privilege to sit in the engine rooms of amazing companies and associations and listen to discussions on the likely impact of strategy … and concepts created for a successful future outcomes.

A lot like attending university – the take home ideas are always of value. I have an insatiable appetite for what makes people, businesses and teams tick. A legacy from my father, Big Max. He would often say … “the faintest pencil is better than the best memory in the world”. And, he is right. Write it down. Happy Hour was not negotiable each day – a ‘must attend’. A chance to relax, network and listen to stories … make new friends.

Bill Madden of Beaurepaires, the major breakfast sponsor, shares my love of photography.

The extra-ordinary woman who was charged with co-ordinating the whole event was Ms Danielle Abou-Takka Congratulations, Danielle … your eye for attention to detail made the event so memorable and user friendly for everyone. AWESOME!!!

Another day … a chance to ask questions … discuss … what is next?

Back to collecting coloured dots and meeting more people … discussing business and services …

More coffee … More people to meet … More stories … More exhibits … More laughs … More photos …

Now back to the formal platform speakers … Gary Hodge, Director of the Pacific Institute, closed the conference …

The Gala Dinner … sponsored by PACCAR, PACCAR Dealers and Cummins was a sensational end to some brilliant time shared.

Grainy film of the “Waltzing Matilda” attempt on the world land speed record on a gravel road in Queensland was memorable footage. See more here>

Country and Western singer, Tania Kernaghan, in honour of her famous dad, Ray, sang one of his favorite songs … “Keep truckin’, Sue” .