NEWS:   Provisional Programme available! please click here to view the 2010 Conference Programme

VET Research: Leading and Responding in Turbulent Times
AVETRA 2010
13th Annual Conference

Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise, QLD
Thursday, 8 April – Friday, 9 April 2010
Pre-conference workshops, Welcome Reception and First Keynote Address: Wednesday, 7 April 2010

INVITATION TO ATTEND
The 13th Annual Conference is expected to attract some 200 participants with an interest in vocational education and training (VET) – with practitioners and researchers presenting their research. This conference seeks to explore the way in which VET Research can lead or respond in turbulent times.

Two international and three Asutralian keynote speakers, some symposia, over 70 papers and a series of social networking events will be presented over two days. Workshops will also precede the conference and many opportunities  are available to networking, including the Welcome Reception, to be held on Wednesday, 7 April 2010 from 1800 – 2000 hours.

This year’s AVETRA Conference will be held ont he Gold Coast with its 70 kilometres of white sand beaches, world heritage listed rainforests and a diversity of activities like few other places.

Surfers Paradise is the jewel of Queensland’s Gold Coast and one of the most popular holidays destinations in Australia. Surfers Paradise is where you will find hte perfect fusion of city and beach lifestyles set amidst a spectacular skyline and brilliant stretch of coast.  

CONFERENCE SECRETARIAT
For all enquiries please contact:
Ms Aurélie Favennec
AVETRA 2010 Conference Secretariat
Conference Action Pty Ltd
PO Box 576, CROWS NEST NSW 1585 AUSTRALIA
Tel (switch): +61 2 9431 8699
Tel (direct): +61 2 9431 8632
Fax: +61 2 9431 8677
Email: avetra@conferenceaction.com.au

LOCAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE
• Josephine Balatti
• Fred Beven
• Stephen Billett
• Sarojni Choy
• Bobby Harreveld
• Ian James
• Ann Kelly
• Greg McMillan
• Janine Schubert
• Peter Skippington
• Raymond Smith
• Leesa Wheelahan

CONFERENCE VENUE
The AVETRA 2010 Conference will be held at:

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
• Ms Elaine Butler, National Coordinator at Wave – Women In Adult & Vocational Education, Australia and Dr Sue Shore, Senior Lecturer at the University of South Australia, Australia.
Elaine and Sue will be presenting a paper titled “(RE)CONFIGURATIONS: ARTICULATING VET KNOWLEDGE MAKING PRACTICES – A WORK IN PROGRESS”

• Ms Berwyn Clayton, Director, Work-Based Education Research Centre at Victoria University, Australia.
Berwyn’s presentation will be held during the Welcome Reception and her talk will be about “LEADING IN TURBULENT TIMES: VET INSTITUTION AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES”

• Dr Laurent Filliettaz, Associate Professor at the University of Geneva, Switzerland.
Laurent’s address will be on the topic “RESEARCHING WORKPLACE LEARNING FROM A LINGUISTIC PERSPECTIVE: EVIDENCE FROM THE SWISS VET SYSTEM”

• Professor Richard Lakes, Professor Of Educational Policy Studies at Georgia State University, USA
Richard will present his paper titled “GEOGRAPHY MATTERS: NOTES ON VET POLICY FUTURES”

Please click here for more information about the speakers and their presentations.

PROVISIONAL PROGRAMME
Please click here to view the provisional programme.

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Four pre-conference workshops will be run on Wednesday, 7 April 2010 at:
Ashmore Campus of Gold Coast Institute of TAFE (also called Benowa TAFE)
Corner Heeb Street & Benowa Road
Ashmore QLD 4217

Workshop 1 will be held from 1100 – 1300 hours and workshops 2, 3 and 4 will run concurrently from 1400 – 1700 hours.

Pre-conference workshops are not included in the conference registration fees and are limited to 30 participants per workshop. The cost will be $50.00 for workshop 1 and $80.00 for workshops 2, 3 and 4 (earlybird rates).

For newer researchers, workshops 1 and 3 form a day of activities, offering you the chance to learn useful skills and network with other newer researchers. Please log onto the website www.avetra.org.au for detailed workshop descriptions.

1100 – 1300 hours:
Workshop 1: Getting the Most Out of the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) Resources for VET Research and Writing
Nhi Nguyen, Miriam Saunders – NCVER

1400 – 1700 hours (running concurrently):
Workshop 2: Aligning Potential Projects with Current and Future NCVER Research Priorities
Mr Dan Tout – Victoria University, Dr Rob McCormack, Victoria University

Workshop 3: New Researchers in VET
Dr Llandis Barratt-Pugh – ECU, Dr Peter Smith – E&T Thinking, Ms Geri Pancini – Victoria University

Workshop 4: Raising the Bar on VET Teacher Education Qualifications
Ms Linda Simon - Secretary of the TAFE Teachers Association in NSW, Ms Annette Bonnici – A/Head Teacher Information Technology Northern Beaches TAFE, Prof Ros Brennan-Kemmis – Charles Sturt University

For more information about each workshop, please click here.

Direct buses (Route 21 Surfers Paradise – Benowa TAFE about 15 minutes) are available to go to the Campus. Please click here for buses timetables and a map of the campus.

ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation has been reserved at two different properties, one being the conference venue itself and the other less just next door. Please note that each rate given is per room per night and includes the GST – however only bookings through the Conference Secretariat will obtain these rates. To secure your booking, the first night’s deposit is required with the registration form for the Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise but the full stay (minimum 2 nights) is required for the 2-bedroom apartments at BreakFree Moroccan. Please note that there are a limited number of rooms at each property and this is school holidays, so please book as early as possible.

Hotel Information
• Check-in time is 1400 hours.
• Check-out time is before 1000 hours.
• Late arrivals – if you plan to arrive after 1800 hours, please advise the Conference Secretariat to ensure the room is held for you and not released.
• Room types – Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise:
       Single – one bed in room
       Double – one large bed in room
       Twin – two separate beds in room
• Room types – BreakFree Moroccan – 2 Bedroom Apartment:
       Master bedroom – one queen bed
       Second bedroom – two single beds
       Sleep 4. Extra 5th person – $35.00 extra, on rollaway or sofa bed
• Rates given are per room per night and include the GST.
• Rates given are room only: they do NOT include breakfast.
• Cancellation policy – the deposit is non-refundable and will be forfeited if you do not arrive on the date specified on your registration form.

Please note
• Only bookings through the Conference Secretariat will obtain these rates.
• To secure your accommodation booking, the first night deposit is required for the Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise and the full stay for the BreakFree Moroccan 2-Bedroom Apartments.
• Accommodation will only be confirmed when the deposit is received.
• Deposits are non refundable and will be forfeited if you do not arrive on the date specified on the registration form or if accommodation is cancelled within 45 days of arrival.
• BreakFree Moroccan Apartments cannot be booked for 1 night only.
• Rates are correct at the time of printing and subject to availability at time of booking.
• All alterations and cancellations to accommodation bookings must be made in writing to the Conference Secretariat.

Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise
(Conference Venue)
22 View Avenue
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Tel: +61 7 5579 1056
Fax: +61 7 5579 1020

Cost: $145.00 per night
Standard single, double or twin room, room only (no breakfast included)

BreakFree Moroccan 2-Bedroom Apartments
(Next door from Conference Venue)
14 View Avenue
Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Tel: +61 7 5526 9400
Fax: +61 7 5526 9700

Cost: $230.00 per night for up to 4 people
Extra guest $35.00 each. Maximum of 5 people
(Apartments are furnished by owner and may vary from picture)

SOCIAL EVENTS
Welcome Reception & First Keynote Address
Room: Ballroom Pre-Function Area
Venue: Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise
Date: Wednesday, 7 April 2010
Time: 1800 – 2000 hours
Cost: Included in Full and One Day Registration Fees
Guests Tickets: $50.00 per person

It is hoped all delegates and partners will be able to attend this evening as this is a great opportunity for networking. The first keynote address will also be given by Ms Berwyn Clayton during the Welcome Reception and is titled: “LEADING IN TURBULENT TIMES: VET INSTITUTION AND MANAGEMENT PRATICES”. For the abstract, please click here

Conference Dinner
Room: Palm Ballroom
Venue: Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise
           22 View Avenue
           Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Date: Thursday, 8 April 2010
Time: 1900 – 2300 hours
Cost: $75.00 per person, including a 3-course menu and soft drinks. Alcoholic beverage will be available for purchase at the cash bar.

We hope all delegates and their guests will join us on this occasion to make it a memorable evening of the event. This is an occasion to catch up with friends, colleagues and acquaintances and meet with new people.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Registration Desk – the registration desk will be open as follows:
Wednesday, 7 April 2010: 1030 – 1430 hours for pre-conference workshops only Ashmore Campus of Gold Coast institute of TAFE
Wednesday, 7 April 2010: 1730 – 2000 hours for early conference registration Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise
Thursday, 8 April 2010: 0730 – 1700 hours for registration Holiday Inn surfers Paradise
Friday, 9 April 2010: 0800 – 1600 hours for registration Holiday Inn surfers Paradise
Staff at the registration desk will be happy to help with any queries.

Name Badges – all delegates will be given a name badge at registration. This badge will be the official pass to Conference sessions, teas, lunches and official social functions. It is necessary for delegates to wear their name badges at all times when on-site.

Messages – a message board will be located next to the registration desk throughout the Conference.

Smoking Policy – the Conference policy is that there will be “no smoking” inside the hotel – smoking is only permitted in the outdoor areas.

Credit Cards – credit cards accepted at the registration desk are Visa and MasterCards. Please note that Diners and American Express are NOT accepted. The majority of hotels, restaurants and shops will accept all major credit cards.

Goods & Services Tax (GST) – please note that all prices quoted throughout this information (registration fees, social events, etc) are inclusive of GST. On the conference tax invoice receipt, accommodation costs do not show GST as the Conference Secretariat operates as an agent. For a tax invoice on accommodation showing GST, please request one from the hotel upon departure.

Insurance – Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that you take out an insurance policy of your choice when booking your travel arrangements.

Disclaimer of Liability – the Organising Committee, including the Conference Secretariat and AVETRA, will not accept liability for damages of any nature sustained by participants or their accompanying persons or loss of or damage to their personal property as a result of the Conference or related events.

 AIR TRAVEL and HOW TO GET TO THERE
For the best airfares to the Gold Coast, please book online at the following web sites:
• www.virginblue.com.au
• www.qantas.com.au
• www.jetstar.com

The Gold Coast is served by two major airports: Brisbane Domestic & International Airport and Gold Coast Airport (or Coolnagatta Airport).
• Brisbane Domestic and International Airport is about a one hour drive away from Surfers Paradise. Taxis are available at the front terminal road for domestic flights or at Arrivals, level 2 for international flights. A Trip to Surfers Paradise will cost approximately $250.00
• Gold Coast Airport is 30 minutes drive from the centre of Surfers Paradise. Taxis are available outside the Terminal and a trip to Surfers Paradise will cost approximately $60.00

Alternatively, both airports give access to public transport (trains and buses) to Surfers Paradise.
You can book a seat in a shuttle bus going to the airport via the concierge at the Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise. Please give your flight details to the concierge.  It is advised you book the day before. Ticket’s price (about $22.00) can be put against your room incidentals to settle at check out or are payable via credit card when booking on the phone (no payment given to the driver).

For more information on these airports, please visit:
• www.goldcoastairport.com.au
• www.brisbaneairport.com.au

REGISTRATION FEES
Your registration fee includes:

All Full Delegates
~ Entry to all Conference sessions
~ Welcome tea and coffee, morning/afternoon teas and lunches during the Conference
~ Welcome Reception with First Keynote Address
~ Satchel
~ Final Programme & Abstract Book

One Day Delegates
~ Entry to all Conference sessions on the day of registration
~ Welcome tea and coffee, morning/afternoon tea and lunch on that day
~ Welcome Reception with First Keynote Address
~ Satchel
~ Final Programme and Abstract Book

Tickets for the Welcome Reception are available for guests at the rate of $50.00 per person. This includes canapes and soft drinks. Alcohol beverages will be available for purchase at the cash bar.
Tickets for the Conference Dinner are available for all delegates to purchase at the rate of $75.00 per person. This includes a 3-course menu and soft drinks. Alcohol beverages will be available for purchase at the cash bar.

Fees

	Before or On 5 March 2010	On or After 6 March 2010
Full Conference
AVETRA members	$600.00	$780.00
Non members~	$780.00	$980.00
Students*	$195.00	$245.00
One day
AVETRA members	$365.00	$440.00
Non members~	$465.00	$540.00
Students*	$140.00	$160.00
Pre-conference Workshops
Workshop 1	$50.00	$70.00
Workshop 2 or 3 or 4	$80.00	$100.00

*Student registrations must provide a copy of their student identification with their completed registration form.
~To become a member or renew your membership and benefit from the AVETRA member rate, please click here.

You can register to the AVETRA 2010 Conference online (credit card required) or by fax or email. Please click here to register.

Acknowledgement
Registrations will be acknowledged via email with confirmation of your requirements according to your registration form, together with a tax invoice receipt. Bookings will only be confirmed when payment is received.

Method of Payment
• Payment of fees must accompany all registration forms.
• All cheques, international bank drafts, money orders must be made payable to “AVETRA”.
• Bank cheques and drafts must be drawn on a major branch of an Australian Bank in Australian dollars.
• Register online at http://avetra.org.au/annual-conference if you are paying by credit card.
• Credit cards accepted are MasterCard and Visa (please note Diners and American Express are NOT accepted).

CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations or alterations (Conference, Social Events or Acommodation) should be put in writing to the Conference Secretariat.

Conference Registrations Cancellations:
If cancellation is received in writing:
• By 19 February 2010 – $100.00 cancellation fee will apply
• By 15 March 2010 – 50% of monies paid
• From 16 March 2010 – no refund of monies paid

Accommodation Cancellations:
Holiday Inn Surfers Paradise can be booked for one night or more. Only 1 night’s deposit is requested to secure the booking, however, you can pay for the full stay if you wish to.
Cancellation within 30 days of arrival will forfeit the deposit only.

BreakFree Moroccan 2 Bedroom Apartments must be booked for a minimum of 2 nights. The full stay is requested to secure the apartment.
Cancellation between 45 and 31 days of arrival will forfeit one night stay. Cancellation within 30 days of arrival will forfeit the entire payment.