HEALTHCARE TODAY: News and views from the Institute of Hospitality in Healthcare Ltd

Inspirational keynote speakers announced for September’s 39th Institute of Hospitality in Healthcare (IHHC) Conference

Since our last column, we have more exciting news to report on our upcoming conference scheduled for September 21-23 in Brisbane.

Firstly, the IHHC is delighted to announce our three inspirational keynote speakers:

On Wednesday September 22 five-time World Championship medallist and two-time 100m Freestyle World Champion swimmer James Magnussen will take to the podium to make his presentation.

One of the most recognised swimming athletes globally, James’ elite swimming journey has been defined by success over a long period. His success story is self-evident, and there is a refreshing realness to James which is rarely found in the lofty heights of elite sport. His career has brought him the highest highs and some confronting lows - all of which makes him ideally placed to speak on the personal challenges he’s faced and how he overcame them. We look forward to James sharing his inspirational story with us in his address.

Body language, voice and emotion expert Dr Louise Mahler, who recently won PSA Keynote Speaker of the Year, will speak on the evening of Tuesday September 21, giving us the benefit of her extensive experience and providing tips and strategies on dealing with difficult situations and improving communications in the workplace.

Our third keynote speaker will be Queensland Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young, who is also the State Health Incident Controller for the management of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joining our three keynote speakers as Master of Ceremonies will be Victoria Carthew, a familiar face at Seven Network Queensland and a regularly heard voice on talkback radio, most recently on 612 ABC Brisbane. Victoria is also a board director, committee chair, fundraiser and volunteer for various charities and kid wrangler.

The IHHC Conference is the premier hospitality in healthcare event in Australia, and that’s because it’s not allied to one specific health or support services role – instead we have a holistic focus, and as such the conference attracts not only chefs and managers but also dietitians, speech pathologists and operational and support services. As such the conference attracts a wide range of key decision makers for the provision of food, cleaning and other support services across both health and aged care, drawn from both the public and private sectors.

For that reason, the trade exhibition component of the Conference is a key drawcard for delegates and exhibitors alike. It provides an opportunity for suppliers and manufacturers to expose their new technologies and product/service innovations to those who are in the position to make purchase decisions on behalf of their employers.

As such, this year we are making the trade exhibition bigger and better than ever, so there will be plenty of product samplings, tastings and interactive displays to experience. A cocktail event to open the trade exhibition will follow Dr Louise Mahler’s presentation. This will be an awesome opportunity for people to catch up and network after more than 12 months of non-social contact due to COVID restrictions.

In addition to our regular Conference registrations, we will also be providing the opportunity for people to attend specific items on the event program, such as Workshops or Keynote Presentations. This flexibility will make it easier for those who can’t attend the entire Conference to still be part of those presentations or workshops which are of particular interest.

We can also announce that we will be holding a Culinary Competition during the Conference, on Wednesday September 22. Entrants can be either individuals or teams and the finalists’ cook-off will be held during our evening Cocktail Reception with the winners announced at the conclusion. This is sure to be a highlight of the Conference so make plans now to be part of it!

TROY LITZOW National Vice President IHHC