APS 13th Annual Client Conference 7-9 October 2004, Auckland

Last year’s conference in Surfers Paradise was our biggest yet. The mix of Kiwis and Aussies was about 50-50, and one UK based delegate made the trip too. Increasing numbers of Advance users in Australia and New Zealand mean our annual conference represents a fantastic opportunity to establish (or renew) alliances with practitioners in other geographies.

What’s on the programme?
Advance development roadmap
Feedback and input from delegates on our intended product direction is critical to us, and to all clients. At this session, early in the program, we share our development plans for Advance over the next year, including release of XPA (Xcede Professional Accounting) version 8, revelation of Advance Fees v9 prototype, and other exciting initiatives, including a new collaboration project with other suppliers to the profession encompassing document & content management, benchmarking, practice procedures, websites development - and Advance in a hosted (ASP) environment.

Effective business communication
While most practices cite people management as one of their key issues, together with attracting and retaining qualified staff members, few understand how closely this is connected with the culture of the firm. This year’s main sessions will focus on effective communication in business, and its influence on your firm’s culture. Issues surrounding leadership & people management warrant regular revisiting in every business.

The session will be facilitated by Kim Chamberlain, principal of Successful Speaking. Kim is a professional speaker on communication and related topics, and is an author of several books and publications. All Kim’s training takes place in a supportive, non-threatening manner, so people can learn at their own pace.

Advance Workshops and Practice Discussion Groups
Comprehensive sessions will improve your use of Advance products, will elaborate on benefits you may be missing out on, and will offer opportunities to explore new features. Experts from the APS team will be on hand to assist you. In response to delegates’ requests, informal discussion groups, to assist practice development, are included in this year’s format.

Network and form international alliances
Last year’s conference saw over 100 practices represented by nearly 200 delegates. Many APS clients from all areas of Australia and New Zealand make the APS Conference an annual “must” in their calendars. Each year delegates make the most of the opportunity to network and learn from each other.

Accessibility to the APS team
One of the highlights of every conference for many of our delegates is the ready accessibility to the APS team. People from each of our offices, including consultants, business development, support, software development and APS executive are available for liaison throughout the conference. Ask questions at will and tell us what you think. We’re there to listen and improve our service to you.

Entertainment and fun
Thursday’s dinner, the evening prior to commencement of conference business, will take place on the sparkling Waitemata Harbour aboard Fullers Superflyte, a vessel well set up forsuch events. While on board you’ll have a great opportunity to get to know people before working with them over the coming days.

At Friday’s lunchtime session on 8 October, the comedy duo of Des and Les will drop by to entertain us. Previously known as the Golden Holdens, D & L have 16 years’ performing experience at a variety of events in NZ and Australia.

Our long standing Master of Ceremonies, Bruce Hopkins, again joins us to direct (in his inimitable fashion) all conference sessions. Bruce is an ex-fisherman, Limbs Dance Co. dancer, Mercury Theatre actor, currently a freelance actor (credits include "Gamling" in Lord of the Rings, Savage Honeymoon, Jubilee, Spin Doctors, Lawless 1, 2 & 3, Mercy Peak etc), voice artist, professional MC and father of three teenagers.

Cocktail events, dinners, and unique entertainment will complement the business side of your people’s stay in Auckland. In keeping with our 13th – lucky for some theme, we have an Appointment at Ascot on Saturday night. Fancy dress is encouraged. Please come along as anything associated with the racing industry – bookmaker, horse, jockey, trainer, owner, patron etc.

Book out 7 – 9 October in your diaries now and take advantage of favourable travel rates. AUS Registration form , NZ Registration form and a draft workshop summary are available, including explanatory notes on each of the sessions. Last year’s demand meant we had to close registrations early, so book your place NOW!

Delegates’ feedback consistently rates APS Conferences great value for money, hence the support for them each year. Take advantage of this unique learning opportunity and join the APS team in Auckland. We’re looking forward to working with you there.

Discounts apply for early registrations (until 21 September) don't delay.

Click here for a summary of Workshops and here for a Conference Programme.