2024 IHHC National Conference to be held in Perth this November

Plans are well underway for the IHHC’s 41st National Conference, which will now be held at Crown Perth in Burswood, WA across the new dates of 4 – 6 November 2024.

The theme for this year’s Conference is “compassionate hospitality – creating a culture of care through innovation” and this will be exemplified through the program of events which is currently being put together by our dedicated Conference Committee, who have been working closely with the IHHC Board to make our first Conference in Perth one to remember!

The Conference brings together delegates from a range of health, aged care and hospitality organisations, including foodservice managers, executive chefs, support service managers, cleaning, laundry and environmental services managers and other professionals engaged in service delivery to the sector.

As usual there will be an informative and inspiring program of speakers covering a wide range of topics, along with networking and business opportunities for delegates, supporters and exhibitors at the Conference’s Trade Expo component. Once again the Trade Expo will be configured so as to maximise foot traffic through the area, ensuring exhibitors and attendees get every opportunity to mingle. The opening night Welcome Party will also be held in the Trade Expo area making it easy for everyone to network.

The Conference will also host the annual IHHC Culinary Competition, which in a break from tradition is being held on opening night. We are pleased to announce that popular Alistair McLeod, who has done such a terrific job MCing the event in the past, will be returning to host his third Competition and we are currently in the process of securing judges for the event.

A full social program is also planned, culminating in Wednesday night’s Gala Dinner and presentation of the IHHC National Awards for Excellence. A theme is being planned for the dinner – more information will be released closer to the Conference date – so be prepared to dress up!

Early arrivals will be able to join us for pre-Conference mini golf on Sunday afternoon, followed by refreshments at The Camfield – both venues are at the Optus Stadium complex which is walking distance from Crown Perth.

Early bird registration is open until 12 July, so sign up now to attend and save! You can also find some great accommodation deals at Crown Perth on offer right now – so why not take advantage of them and enjoy an extended stay on the Swan River either side of the Conference? 

Two keynote speakers have been announced so far for the event:

Professor Fiona Wood will be keynote speaker on Monday 4 November. A burns surgeon and researcher for more than 30 years, Professor Wood is Director of the Burns Service of Western Australia (BSWA) and a consultant plastic surgeon at Fiona Stanley Hospital and Perth Children’s Hospital. She is also co-founder of the WA’s first skin cell laboratory, Winthrop Professor in the School of Surgery at the University of Western Australia and co-founder of the Fiona Wood Foundation (formerly the McComb Foundation). A pioneer of the spray-on skin technique to treat burns victims, Professor Wood will be speaking about “the journey to innovation”.

Rob Horstman will make his inspirational keynote speech on Tuesday 5 November. Rob is a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience in corporate, local government and community sectors. In addition to his role at EQ Minds where he works with companies such as eBay, TAFE, IAG and QMS Media, Rob is deputy president of the Shire of Northampton and founder of numerous community projects. Rob will be speaking on mindful leadership, the impact on mental wellbeing and building resilience.

The keynote speaker for Wednesday 6 November is yet to be confirmed so watch this space for an announcement next issue!

The Conference will also include industry tours, including of Optus Stadium – providing the chance to see behind the scenes of the amazing facilities there – and a room service implementation tour at one of the St John of God hospital sites. A major food manufacturer supplying to the healthcare sector has also agreed to open the doors of its brand new factory and demonstrate its innovative meal solutions equipment.

For those thinking of presenting at the Conference, abstract submissions have been extended to the end of June. “There have been some very topical abstracts submitted to date, but we’re always keen for people to share innovations that have worked for them, and those making a presentation receive free Conference registration, so we would encourage anyone interested to make a last-minute submission,” says Cheryl Hughes of the Conference Committee.

She adds, “We are certainly very excited to be hosting the Conference this year, and we are working very hard to make sure it’s a memorable event. We would encourage people to come a little bit earlier and spend a long weekend in WA – we have so much to offer culinary wise, from wineries to gin distilleries and wonderful gourmet foods. There are a lot of things to do within a short distance, including our beautiful beaches which are only about a 20 minute drive from the city centre.”