Dear Members,
Update on MIA National Conference
As you're all no doubt aware the COVID situation is currently concerning with increasing community infections throughout Sydney and beyond. The Board of Directors has agreed in principle that it would be unwise to continue with the physical event for this year's National MIA Conference scheduled for 14-15 October 2021. Accordingly and regrettably the Hobart conference venue will now be vacated.
The MIA National Conference will continue on 14-15 October 2021. However, it will now be delivered as a virtual conference. The 2021 MIA Annual General Meeting scheduled 13 October 2021 will also be delivered as a virtual AGM on 13 October.
Given the necessary changes that have been forced upon us as a result of deteriorating COVID conditions involving various states of lockdown throughout the country it is regrettable that we are vacating the physical Hobart event. However, we are now liaising with the venue provider in Hobart to secure alternative dates for a symposium event which will be held at the Hobart Crown Resort, hopefully in or about February 2022.
For members that have already registered and paid for the MIA's October 2021 conference we will be refunding all monies paid. Refreshed pricing for the replacement virtual National Conference in October 2021 and the proposed February 2022 Hobart symposium is still to be determined. We will be making further announcements shortly (and following confirmation from our Hobart venue provider) with respect to confirmed dates and pricing for the proposed February 2022 Hobart symposium and the virtual National Conference on 14-15 October 2021.
Given the circumstances I'm sure that you will all understand the decision was a difficult one but certainly made with the best intentions of ensuring the safety of our members.
I will update you again as soon as alternative dates are confirmed with respect to the 2022 Hobart symposium.
Finally, 2022 represents a significant milestone for the MIA as our 35th anniversary year providing professional support to our valued membership. We will therefore ensure the Hobart symposium is also a celebration of our 35th year as your professional peak body representing the interests of our members.
Stay safe and I look forward to providing an update shortly.
Kind regards,
Peter Vymys
Chief Executive Officer
29 July 2021