ARCIA mid-year update: conferences, dinners and awards

The ARCIA mid-year update starts with a thank you to all our members and partners. The last financial year has seen growth in terms of memberships, partners and engagement, and it has been fantastic to see our industry community come together around the country. Whether it be for training, conferences, sundowners or dinners, the community is thirsty for information and to get together as often as possible.

The Sydney conference was well attended and the topics discussed were current, with newer technologies like satellite making a big impact in a short period of time. There are, as there always have been, challenges getting end users to these events, despite the best efforts of our team, given everyone is so busy, but I do encourage you to get along when you can, as the benefits are varied and valuable. The NSW state networking dinner was very enjoyable, and where we recognised Peter Maggill, from Parkes NSW, for his very long-term commitment and operation as a regional radio dealer, with the NSW State Professional of the Year award. Congratulations to Peter, a very worthy winner of the 2026 award.

As you may have seen, the committee has made the decision, based on market feedback, to add a Victoria dinner this year, having been asked over the last couple of years to have a dinner similar in format to the other states. It will also give the association a platform to present the State Professional of the Year Award in Victoria, with worthy recognition of such an honour for the recipient. So, add 5 August to your events calendar, as we hope to see as many locals there as possible, taking advantage of this additional networking opportunity.

The next major event will be Brisbane on 30 July, with our Queensland Conference and State Dinner, where I’m sure the ARCIA team will once again organise a terrific program for both the day and night events. I am told we will have a special guest for the conference discussing the 2032 Olympics and how local business can become as engaged as possible. Bookings are open, so head to the ARCIA website and secure your team’s places in the coming days, if you haven’t already, as time is running out. Hamish Duff President (Hon) ARCIA — Australia's Radio & Critical Communications Association

Top image credit: iStock.com/photoman