Conference a hit with delegates

More than 70 delegates attended the Queensland Information Centres Association (QICA) conference at Sandstone Point this month, gaining insight into how visitor services are delivered in a regional context, directly from Moreton Bay’s operating information centres.

The conference was held from August 19-22 at Sandstone Point Hotel and included two study tours of the Moreton Bay region, visiting local operators – White Ridge Farm, Bribie Island Community Arts Centre, Seaside Museum, G’Day Adventure Tours, Bribie Island Surf Club, Strawberry View Café, Mathema Gallery and Ocean View Estates.

Delegates enjoyed a networking night where they met local tourism operators, a Phinsland themed trivia night and a gala awards night.

QICA President Vanida Petts says: “They took away practical strategies and tools, especially from onsite examples and shared experiences that they can immediately apply in their own roles.

“They gained fresh inspiration and collaborative ideas, such as innovative programming and regional partnerships, to bring back home.”

Vanida says delegates enjoyed the chance to immerse themselves in “Moreton Bay’s welcoming atmosphere and scenic surroundings, making the learning both enjoyable and rejuvenating”.

“Engaging in rich, peer-to-peer exchanges in a relaxed yet purposeful setting ... informal chats were just as valuable as formal sessions,” she explains.

“They also enjoyed visiting functional, real-world information centres, where the job realities sparked lively discussions and new perspectives.”

Vanida says the annual conferences build “valuable sector-wide connections, uniting professionals in a shared space for mutual support and knowledge-sharing”.

“They provide hands-on, immediately applicable learning, helping delegates stay current with emerging trends and service strategies,” she says.

“They rekindle passion and professional development, reminding attendees of the meaningful impact of their roles in serving communities.”

Next year’s QICA conference will be held at Mareeba.