Industry talking - continuing growth

I hope you had a happy and safe Christmas and have enjoyed some well-earned time off over the New Year’s break. This time of year brings people together to celebrate, and of course we have major sporting and cultural events happening all over the country. It is a great time to enjoy everything Australia has to offer and I do wish that we can get through this period without any of the natural disasters that we seem to have endured over the last few years.

The final major ARCIA event for 2013 was the Gala Dinner, and I extend my congratulations to the entire ARCIA team for achieving another hugely successful event. The result was a tribute to all the hard work put in by the team lead by Madeleine Cahill and Ian Miller. It was also a great pleasure again for ARCIA to be part of the concurrent Comms Connect show at the Melbourne Convention Centre. My impression was that both events continue to grow and give people two great reasons to come to Melbourne and immerse themselves in our industry. Having participated in both events, I have a new appreciation for both the ARCIA and Westwick-Farrow teams and the amount of work that goes into making the week really worthwhile.

ARCIA had a stand at Comms Connect and many members took time out of their busy schedules to spread the word and encourage those who are not already members to join up. I am reliably informed that members on the stand led passionate debates on the future of our industry - a big thank you goes out to you.

Planning for 2014 is well under way and this year looks to be very busy indeed with many events to be held, including a new satellite Comms Connect in Sydney in June. ARCIA will align its NSW event with this new addition to the calendar as we aim to have as many different industry participants getting together to further the interests of all groups. As the needs of major users such as governments unfold - along with the opportunities that new digital technologies bring - the workshops, trade show and networking events are a great way to participate in the process as it happens. The Sydney event is also ideal for those who, for one reason or another, just can’t get to Melbourne. So if you have an interest in radio communications, make sure you set time aside in June to attend.

ARCIA committee members will be conducting comprehensive planning sessions over 5-6 February in Melbourne. We aim to plan all our activities for 2014 and, importantly, focus our resources on areas that we believe can deliver maximum benefits to members and partners.

I am looking forward to the year ahead and wish you the best of luck with all your endeavours.

Australian Radio Communications Industry Association