This very successful first congress was held in Moree in March, 2000. Phil Hawley & Associates was engaged by Moree Plains Shire Council to undertake the preliminary planning and project management of the congress.

Our involvement included:

• developing an outline of the format and programme for the congress for the client’s approval
• identifying various stakeholder groups and sourcing representatives from these various groups who could represent their views at the congress
• preparation of a detailed programme of activities and responsibilities that had to be addressed both in the planning and the conduct of the congress
• liaison with Council staff to ensure that actions were put in train in a timely fashion
• seeking sponsors for the congress
• investigating venues and accommodation
• establishing the delegates registration system

One of the activities that we arranged was a very successful meeting at Sydney airport between industry leaders, senior politicians and their advisors and professional associations. This meeting ultimately set the framework, objectives and agenda for the congress and its subsequent outcomes.

We were able to leave the detailed organization of the congress to the Council’s staff, confident in the knowledge that they had a sound framework and programme to follow.