RFUANZ report: from NZ to Melbourne and back again

Following on from the successful conference and gala dinner held in Christchurch in June 2022, RFUANZ used the opportunity to leverage the MOU that was signed between RFUANZ and ARCIA in 2021.

I and two of our committee members, Graham Markson (Summit Radio Solutions Ltd) and Carl Garner (Ashley Communications Ltd), attended the Comms Connect Melbourne conference in October. This was the first time I had attended a Westwick-Farrow flagship event and I was not disappointed.

We planned to make the most of the short time we spent in Melbourne and it was very interesting for us to see how things work on the other side of the ditch. From federal government to state government to local territories, the constant push for investment in critical communications and the way the interstate relationships work was very interesting.

On Day 1 we attended the pre-conference training sessions. The sessions were very informative, with a well-poised narrative of the global situation with regards to critical communications being clearly evident.

On Day 2 we had an early start to get around to the 50 exhibitors, two full streams and 30-plus speakers. In the evening we attended the ARCIA Industry Awards and Gala Dinner. The local entertainment was on point, being entertained with some local comedy.

On Day 3 we were invested around advertising for Comms Connect Christchurch 2023. All the vendors that we didn’t have in 2022 were on our radar to meet with and promote the NZ conference.

Overall, our time was well spent and connections were made. We achieved our objectives as a committee to highlight our event in June 2023 with existing and new exhibitors, so come one come all to Te Pae Comms Connect and the RFUANZ Annual Gala Dinner on 13 June 2023, in Christchurch.