Speak Out August 2017

National conference

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Sydney conference success

of different ways; review information you provide frequently to ensure it is up to date; and seek support, advice or assistance early. Speech Pathology Australia wishes to thank Guild Insurance for their sponsorship of this event which allowed conference delegates to attend the workshop free of charge. The masterclass and workshops were very well received with discussions continuing on into the conference week. Opening address In formally opening the conference, The Hon Ray Williams MP, NSW Minister for Disability Services, spoke about the important role speech pathologists are already playing in society today and how this is set to only increase with the rollout of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. The Minister was proud and excited that Speech Pathology Australia had chosen to meet in the new Sydney International Convention Centre – a venue of world-class standard. He wished the assembled delegates a productive and successful time at conference.

28–31 May 2017 ICC Sydney, NSW, Australia The Conference Planning Committee was delighted to welcome 1,124 attendees to Sydney for WiFi. The Conference was a busy hive of activity in Sydney, with amazing weather and spectacular views day and night! Delegates had attended keynote, clinical and research presentations and workshops across a large range of practice areas. While the quality of the presentations was exceptional, delegates were also challenged to constantly think about how they are working and investing in the future of our profession and the innovative opportunities available. The social media hashtag for the conference, #SPAconf, trended on Twitter from day 1 of the conference. With over half the registered number of delegates tweeting, people from across the world were able to be part of the sharing of knowledge and innovation being shared by presenters at the conference. Huge thanks to our top tweeters: @lissbee_ cpsp, @fox_leanna, @shaunziegenfusz, @haleytanc, @speechbloke, @nathanielrswain, @suze_freogirl, @bronwynhemsley and @tricmc who even tweeted while she was presenting her keynote address! Masterclass and workshops Masterclass: Professor Emily Plowman started the Conference week by presenting ‘Critical thinking in dysphagia management’ to a packed room. Participants were challenged to think about their work and investments in dysphagia practice from an innovative world leader in the field. Workshop : Introduction to culturally responsive practice Participants found the workshop challenging at times, but extremely thought-provoking and valuable, as well as immediately applicable to their professional practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients and their families. Workshop: Managing and dealing with the “I wish that hadn’t happened to me moments” in private practice! Registrants for the Sunday workshop were very appreciative of the knowledge and experience shared by the workshop panel members who included Kellie Dell’Oro from Meridian Lawyers, Christie Boucher from Guild Insurance and Trish Johnson from Speech Pathology Australia. Key take-home messages included: ensure communication is comprehensive and conveyed in a

Keynote and invited presenters Delegates from diverse backgrounds packed the Pyrmont Theatre on day one of the conference with coffee in hand and twitter at the fingertips. Professor Emily Plowman opened with her keynote presentation ‘Harnessing principles of plasticity in speech and swallowing rehabilitation’ to an expectant room of enthusiastic delegates. Professor Plowman inspired us to exploit the principles of plasticity in our practice regardless of what we are working on. Dr Patricia (Tricia) McCabe was invited to present the 2017 Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture titled ‘How do we change our clinical practice?’. This keynote was littered with inspiration, innovation and plenty of photos of adorable rabbits and classic cars. Dr McCabe started with reference to the landmark work from the Speech Pathology 2030 project which inspired delegates to look towards the future and imagine what innovations lie ahead of us. She shared with us the aspiration closest to her heart: all speech pathologists confidently and consistently use and contribute to the rapidly growing evidence base. Dr Laura Justice’s keynote address was ‘Conceptualising “Dose” in speech-language interventions: Current findings and future directions’. Members may remember that Dr Justice presented a keynote address at the SPA conference in Adelaide 2009, and was so well received that the CPC decided to invite her back again to inspire further innovation fitting with the 2017 theme: Working and investing in Future innovation.

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August 2017 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speak Out