2023 CPAQ Conference

Engaging & Informative Speakers

Gain practical tips and learn from the experience of others.

The 2023 CPAQ Conference, proudly brought to you by Bunnings Trade, will leave you with plenty of ‘take homes’ allowing you to continue to improve your own business.

Check out our Conference Program!

Bunnings Trade, more than you expect!

Our Naming Rights Sponsor Presentation

This year Bunnings Trade join us again as Naming Rights Sponsor of the CPAQ Conference. As (hopefully) you all know about Bunnings Trade and the great deals they offer for CPAQ Members, this year we have invited them to facilitate an introduction to some of their partners who can help save you money and provide products which you will love to use!

Navigating Economic Uncertainty

Caravan parks face a range of economic challenges, from fluctuations in consumer demand, rising costs of materials and labour, to changes in government policies and regulations. These challenges can create uncertainty in the market, making it difficult for operators to plan for the future and make sound business decisions.

In this session, we explore the current economic climate and trends affecting the industry, as well as potential challenges and opportunities that may arise in the future

Economic Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

Would you like to hear an analysis of current economic trends, as well as potential risks and opportunities for the caravan park industry? Join us for this economic update which will provide an understanding of the current economic climate, and how it may impact the caravan park industry.

Leveraging Data to Drive Business Success

Research and data can help you to inform decision-making and drive business success. Join this session to gain critical insights in to the caravan park sector in Queensland which will allow you to make informed decisions about marketing, pricing, product development and other areas of your business

Did you know this session will complement the Research breakfast being held as part of the National Conference? While our session will have a strong Queensland focus, attend the National Conference to understand these results in the National context!

Revolutionizing the Energy Landscape

The energy space is moving quickly, from conversations about renewable energy, energy storage, and smart grid technologies, through to rising electricity costs, this is a topic many caravan park operators are keen to learn more about. Hear what emerging technologies are on the horizon and how these will change the way we produce, distribute, and consume energy, and what this means for in Queensland.

Did you know this session will complement the EV & Future Fuels Forum being held as part of the National Conference? Make sure you stick around for the National Conference so you don't miss that session!

Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage

Lessons Learned and Best Practices from Industry Leaders

Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration for consumers, investors, and stakeholders, and businesses that prioritize sustainability can differentiate themselves from their competitors, attract new customers, and increase brand loyalty. Join us as we hear from industry leaders who have successfully integrated sustainability into their business strategies and operations to gain a competitive edge.

Interested in this topic? Don't forget to register for the National Conference so you can hear about a great new program which will allow you to benchmark your park against other tourism businesses across four categories, sustainable management, cultural impacts, environmental impacts and socio-economic impacts.

Navigating the Grant Application Process

Insights from a Successful Grant Applicant

Over the past twelve months there have been several grants for tourism businesses, one with a special focus on caravan parks. These programs are always heavily subscribed, so what lessons can we learn from someone who has been successful in applying for grants in the past? Join us as we hear from a Queensland park operator who has been successful in applying for grants over the past eighteen months.

Want to hear about some of the innovative projects which received funding under the Federal Government Caravan Park Grant? Stick around for the National Conference to hear three case studies.

Risk Management for Caravan Parks

Over the past decade, Queensland has experienced 80 significant natural disasters that have resulted in over AUD$15 billion in damages to public infrastructure. The caravan park industry is particularly vulnerable to such disasters, and as the effects of climate change worsen, it is critical that we strengthen local capacities to improve community preparedness and create a more resilient and sustainable caravan park industry.

This session promises to be an informative and practical event, offering attendees valuable insights and strategies for managing crisis situations in their own properties.

Lessons from crisis situations an industry case study

Hear from an industry leader who has successfully navigated a crisis situation in their property. In this case study you will hear about their experience, including what they learnt through their own risk assessment, communication, and contingency planning process.

Preparing for and Responding to Crisis Situations

This session aims to provide attendees with practical knowledge and best practices for preparing for and responding to crisis situations. Whether it's a natural disaster, a public health emergency, or some other emergency, being prepared and having effective response plans in place can be critical to minimizing damage and ensuring safety. Our speaker will offer insights into risk assessment, crisis planning, and communication strategies, and discuss the importance of leadership and coordination in responding to crisis situations. We will also launch a new program in partnership with EarthCheck in this session!

Embracing accessibility and inclusivity

The Year of Accessible Tourism is an initiative aimed at promoting accessibility and inclusivity in tourism experiences for people of all abilities. In 2023, Queensland is recognizing the importance of accessible tourism by celebrating the Year of Accessible Tourism. This presents an opportunity for tourism businesses in Queensland to embrace accessibility and inclusivity, and to create opportunities for all visitors to experience the best that the state has to offer.

To help businesses make the most of this initiative, our conference offers two sessions focused on embracing accessibility and inclusivity.

What does Year of Accessible Tourism mean?

Our first session will provide an overview of the Year of Accessible Tourism and its key initiatives. This session will provide you with a better understanding of what it means to be part of the Year of Accessible Tourism, and how you can benefit from this important program.

Making travel and accommodation accessible to all

In this session you will learn valuable insights into the accessible tourism market, hear a case study on a business that has successfully embraced accessibility, and five practical tips that you can implement to become more accessible and inclusive. This session promises to be an informative and engaging event that will provide you with valuable insights and strategies for making your caravan park more accessible and inclusive for all visitors.

Lessons from a Workforce Advisor

Attracting, Retaining, and Developing Talent in Today's Labour Market

We hear you, staffing is one of the biggest challenges facing caravan parks at present. In late 2022, QTIC appointed Adam Stephen as a Workforce Advisor to assist tourism businesses develop a tailored workforce plan, access new labour channels, expand recruitment strategies, as well as connecting participating businesses with grants and initiatives. Now six months into his role, we have invited Adam to share with us, the lessons he has learnt along the way and the programs he is connecting tourism businesses with.

Assistance Animals and caravan parks

Understanding your rights and obligations

In recent months we have received several enquiries from parks relating to assistance animals, particularly in instances where the guest has not been able/willing to provide evidence that the animal is certified as an assistance animal. To assist CPAQ members we have called on HopgoodGanim Lawyers to prepare some advice and a templated agreement which can be used by parks. Join this session to better understand your rights and obligations.

Shaping Tomorrow - A Young Achievers' view of the world

In this session, we will be exploring the future of tourism through the eyes of a young achiever who is shaping the industry. Hear their insights on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in tourism, and how these will shape the industry in the years to come. This young achiever will provide a fresh perspective on how tourism can evolve to meet the changing needs of travellers and communities. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to hear from the next generation of tourism leaders!

Hear from an industry leader on how they stay ahead of the curve

In this session, we will be joined by a renowned industry leader who will be sharing their secrets on how they stay ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving market. With decades of experience and a proven track record of success, our speaker will provide insights into the latest trends and strategies that are driving growth and innovation in their business. Our speaker will cover a wide range of topics that are relevant to businesses of all sizes and industries. Whether you are an entrepreneur, executive, or manager, this session is a must-attend for anyone looking to gain a competitive edge in today's dynamic business environment.

Breakouts

Working on your business

Maximising the Value of Your Banking Relationships: Best Practices and Strategies

Establishing strong banking relationships is critical for any business to succeed. In this session, attendees will learn best practices and strategies for maximizing the value of their banking relationships. An expert in the banking industry will share insights on how to effectively communicate with banking partners, negotiate favourable terms and rates, and leverage banking relationships to achieve business goals. This session promises to provide attendees with actionable insights and real-world examples of successful banking relationship management.

Maximising Tax Savings: Tips and Tricks for Saving Money with Good Accounting

Proper accounting is essential for any business, and can be especially crucial when it comes to tax time. In this session, we will explore the best practices and strategies for maximizing tax efficiency and saving money through good accounting practices, specific to the caravan park industry. This session is a must-attend for anyone looking to financial success through good accounting practices.

Electricity Market Trends and Predictions: Impacts on operations and strategies

With the ever-changing energy market, it is important to understand the current and predicted trends in the electricity market and how they can impact your business operations and strategies. Our expert speaker will share insights into how you can reduce costs and maximize your use of technology to stay competitive in this ever-changing landscape. We will also discuss the role of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, in driving down costs and improving sustainability. This session will provide you with valuable information on how to navigate the electricity market and make the most of the latest trends and predictions.

Risk Management Strategies to Improve Insurability: Best Practices and Insights

In this breakout we aim to offer insights and best practices for managing risk in a way that improves insurability. Hear from an expert who will share their experiences and best practices for identifying and managing risks with insights into risk assessment, risk mitigation, and risk transfer strategies so attendees can gain insights into the best practices for managing risk and improving insurability.

Data Governance and Security: Protecting Sensitive Information and Ensuring Compliance

In today's digital age, data governance and security have become crucial issues for businesses of all sizes. With the increasing amount of sensitive information being stored and processed online, it's important to ensure that proper data governance and security measures are in place to protect against cyber threats and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. This session will explore the impact of data breaches on businesses, and the importance of building a culture of data security across the organization.

On the Ground

The Future of Workforce Retention: Trends, Innovations, and Emerging Best Practices

In this session, we will be discussing the future of workforce retention and exploring the latest trends, innovations, and emerging best practices in this space. With a tight labour market and increasing competition for talent, businesses need to think strategically about how they can attract and retain top performers.

Recognizing and Addressing Burnout: Strategies for Supporting Employee Mental Health and Well-being

The modern work environment can be demanding and stressful, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. Employers have a responsibility to recognize and address burnout and promote employee mental health and well-being. In this session, attendees will learn strategies for identifying burnout in employees, addressing its causes, and creating a supportive work environment that promotes mental health and well-being.

The Art of Responding to Reviews: the Good, the Bad and the challenging

In the age of online reviews, businesses cannot afford to ignore customer feedback. Reviews can impact a caravan park, and it is essential to handle them with care. This session focuses on the art of responding to reviews, both positive and negative. We will hear how to craft thoughtful and effective responses that showcase a brand's values. The session will also address how to handle challenging reviews and negative feedback, turning them into an opportunity to improve the business's performance and reputation.

Strategies for managing expenses and maximizing profitability at a park level

This session will focus on providing strategies and best practices for managing expenses and maximizing profitability for caravan parks. An industry expert will share insights on various aspects of expense management, including cost analysis, and expense reduction. Attendees will learn practical tips and tools for financial management that can help improve their park's bottom line.

Preparing for and Managing Emergencies and incidents on Your Property

This session will focus on how to effectively prepare for and manage incidents that may occur on your property. Our speaker will share their experiences and insights on how to minimise the impact of an incident on your business and effectively manage the aftermath. Whether you are a seasoned park operator or new to the industry, this session will provide valuable strategies to help you ensure the safety of your guests and employees while protecting your business interests.

Book your spot today to ensure you benefit of the lowest possible price for the 2023 National Conference held at the RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast.

In order to ensure your attendance, complete the online registration.

*While every effort has been made to develop this program and confirm speakers, the program maybe subject to change without notice