Speak Out August 2019 Digital Edition

Joint conference

Conference of cultural exchange

THE CONFERENCE PLANNING COMMITTEE (CPC) WAS DELIGHTED TO WELCOME 975 ATTENDEES TO BRISBANE FOR THE JOINT SPA AND NZSTA 2019 CONFERENCE IN JUNE.

During the afternoon Professor Susan Rvachew presented a masterclass on “Input-oriented approach to phonological intervention. Why? When? How?” to a packed audience. Like her other presentations that followed later in the conference the masterclass offered attendees a lot that was practical to take away, including knowledge of evidence-based practical considerations for target selection and key therapy principles. With Susan’s main take home message for attendees focusing on the importance of clinicians considering the What? and the How? of their phonological interventions to make a difference. During pre-registration delegates took the opportunity to register, collect their satchel, sip a mocktail and catch up with friends and colleagues while visiting the exhibitors’ stands. From there it was

The conference offered many papers and workshops of significant interest but more importantly was a wonderful cultural exchange with delegates learning a lot about what makes us the same and also what is different and where we can learn from other practitioners. The conference theme was reflected in many ways including the engagement of delegates, the collaboration in many papers and workshops as well as the areas they told us about. All were empowered to innovate and think outside their regular box! Twitter at conference extended globally, with the hashtag #NZSPAconf reaching over 10 million+ impressions, 7,375 tweets and 632 participants from Sunday to Wednesday. A good result considering the change of hashtag. A quick snapshot of all that occurred during the conference is to follow. We will highlight the keynote and invited speakers and main social events as it’s impossible to cover everything that was shared, learnt, discussed, debated, challenged and inspired. We would like to acknowledge and thank the presenters of the quality presentations in the concurrent oral, presented e-poster and workshop sessions, paper posters and lunchtime sessions that gave breadth to the conference program and also offered much to take back to the workplace or study. How lucky are we that we have significant local expertise and leadership, stepping up to fill a significant and unexpected program gap – now that is collaboration! Sunday The conference program kicked off in the morning with the private practice workshop entitled, “Good for business: Collaboration and support in private practice”. This was a timely topic with the growth and ongoing changes in the private practice space.

a short walk or bus ride to the Welcome Reception at Brisbane City Hall, which is one of Queensland’s most significant heritage and cultural icons and has social and historical importance for locals, particularly those whose families

helped in its design and construction. Delegates continued catching up and networking while enjoying delicious finger food and drinks.

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August 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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