The Rapid Solutions conference continues to grow in size and reputation and will be the largest in Australia this year. Attendees flock in from all around Australia and South-East Asia and in 2015 more than 380 business owners, technicians and support staff from the pest management and building inspection industries checked in. This was in addition to the 150 or so presenters, sponsors and exhibitors.
The 2017 conference is being held on 11-12 August at RACV Royal Pines on the spectacular Australian Gold Coast and is regarded as a “must do” for anyone in the industry.
Marketing Manager Chris Murphy says the conference team has been hard at work to ensure the event provides the best-possible value.
“Time is money, and Rapid Solutions understands any period away from your business has to be not only justified, but worthwhile,” Chris said.
“That’s why we have locked in more than 35 quality sessions. As has been the case in previous years, these 45-minute sessions will offer invaluable knowledge and expertise in their chosen areas, providing those in attendance with the latest and greatest that is on offer. Delegates will have the chance to pick the brains of university academics, industry experts and even the experienced team from Rapid Solutions.”
“The sessions will vary in content, from the everyday paperwork and standards to equipment maintenance, claims issues and more. Also, after lunch on Saturday, we will have a bonus session on fumigation. Conducted by our very own Keith Farrow , this will be a hands-on experience for all of those in attendance.”
“The Rapid Solutions 2017 Conference provides a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and keep up to date with the latest developments in the pest-management and building-inspection industries. It is also a great opportunity to make connections and share ideas with others in your field. The exhibition hall will be filled with the most exciting products available on the market, and we sincerely thank our many exhibitors and sponsors for their support in helping to create a truly exceptional event.”
Presentations over the two days will focus on several key streams of Pest Management, Building Inspections, Business Operations and Back to Basics. Presenters include Warwick Madden, Alison Carmichael, Dr Lizzy Lowe and Dr Cameron Webb. Dr Lowe from the University of Auckland is a postdoctoral fellow studying the impact of urbanisation on spiders. She has extensive knowledge of spider ecology and biology and is passionate about the conservation of beneficial spider species. The majority of her work has taken place in Sydney, and she has studied everything from inner-city backyards to the beautiful NSW national parks. Her session on beneficial spiders in gardens is on Friday afternoon.
Mr Madden’s Friday afternoon presentation will discuss consumer concerns and what the future might hold for chemicals and pest control. Mr Madden has been working as an independent research and development consultant for the past nine years. He is a graduate in Agricultural Science and worked in the cotton industry as an agronomist before joining the CSIRO as a researcher at Narrabri, in north-west NSW. In the mid-1990s he moved to Sydney to take up a specialist research and development role with Bayer. It was during this period he worked on the development of numerous pest control products including Premise Termiticide. In 2008 he left Bayer to start his own research consultancy, Further Research and Development, conducting product research trials for all the major pest control chemical manufacturers against the full range of pests.
Alison Carmichael is General Manager of Agsafe, a national not-for-profit organisation delivering product stewardship programs to the agricultural and veterinary chemical sector. Her presentation will discuss 10 essentials of safe storage and disposal. Ms Carmichael has been a senior executive, board director and consultant in agriculture, natural resource management and sustainability, with particular expertise in business, communications and industry development.
Dr Webb is the Principal Hospital Scientist for NSW Health Pathology and has more than 20 years’ experience in managing mosquitos and mosquito-borne disease. He provides advice to local, state and federal government agencies on assessing the risk of mosquitos associated with constructed and rehabilitated urban wetlands as well as assessing mosquito risks associated with new urban developments in coastal regions. A strong advocate for public health education, Dr Webb has assessed a wide range of mosquito repellents and provides recommendations to health authorities on the products to promote. A regular presence in the media each summer, Dr Webb is called on to discuss the implications to the wider community of new mosquito research breakthroughs or disease outbreaks. His session on Saturday morning will discuss managing emerging mosquito threats in Australia.
“We haven’t forgotten that attending a conference is not all about education,” Chris said.
“We’ve made sure to include some fun and our team believes it has delivered. The downtime line-up on offer this year can only be described as exceptional.”
“Those keen to kick off early can collect their conference ticket on Thursday afternoon, head on over to the Hydrate Bar and join the welcome reception proudly sponsored by Syngenta. Who doesn’t love to share a drink or two with mates, new and old?”
“For delegates seeking something a bit more sophisticated, don’t miss out on Friday evening’s conference dinner, proudly sponsored by BASF. The night incorporates the presentation of the annual Pest Manager of the Year Awards. Comedian Dave Thornton will provide entertainment and of course, there will be a chance to hit the dance floor once all the formalities have taken place.”
Partners can also take advantage of the discounted day spa rates or attend a decadent chocolate-cooking class with the in-house French dessert chef. Delegates can book an extra night, and attend the Saturday evening social event sponsored by FMC, and let the competitive juices flow. There’ll be Segway racing, laser clay target shooting and bumper ball soccer. Finally, why not add a round of golf to your Sunday, playing at an Australian PGA Championship course.
“There’s no doubt attending this year’s event will give pest managers a competitive advantage,” Chris said.
“All pest managers who work in the industry are invited, not just Rapid Solutions clients, and attendance is fully tax-deductable and contributes to CPD points.”
To register for the Rapid Solutions 2017 Conference go to www.rapidsolutions.com.au/conference.
Back to Newsletter