President’s Update June 2019

Sharan Simmons, PAA President

Sharan Simmons, PAA President

Winter has definitely set in this week, I can really notice the change in temperature as I sit here at my computer all rugged up.

The Associations Forum National Conference is on again 15-16 July in Canberra. Three delegates will be attending to represent PAA -myself, Felicia Darbyshire Pirie and Systems Officer, Kerry Haywood. Over the two days we will participate in workshops on innovation and technology, membership communication and engagement, and government bureaucracy. There are also special interest groups in advocacy, membership and governance to discuss common issues for associations.

Over the past month I have sent letters to major health funds to open discussions on offering Pilates as an incentive. The Department of Health had pointed to this as an option for the health funds that did not go against its new rule. The letter was sent on behalf of PAA and APMA, however the response from the funds has not been positive so far.

We are in contact with the Health Minister’s office to determine when the new review will be conducted and what will be required for the submission. We continue to prepare as we await more details.

The finance team, Robyn Rix (Treasurer), myself as President and Kerry Haywood in her bookkeeper role, have been working on the 2019-20 budget for committee approval. Also as the conference draws near we are keeping an eye on event income and expenses on top of our usual accounts.

2019 Conference Update

The Conference planning is well in hand and the exhibition room is fully booked with a wide variety of interesting exhibitors and products. There are still sponsor opportunities, so if you know someone who would like to reach lots of amazing Pilates instructors and studio owners please let us know so we can send them a prospectus.

Once again, our equipment partners Pilates Designs, Align Pilates and Pilates Equip have generous presale offers on their conference equipment (see the conference website for links to their offers). It might be the perfect time to upgrade your equipment or add a few new options for classes. Have you investigated the ATO’s instant asset deduction rules?

If you have not yet booked your conference ticket, there are currently still places available in all workshops. Book before 30th June to claim the deduction in this year’s tax return. The new business stream of workshops has received keen interest and we are looking forward to extending this further in future events.

Join friends, colleagues and presenters at the Meet Greet Shop on Friday evening to kick off a great weekend of learning and fun. This year the event will be held at the ICC so you can leisurely shop and chat to exhibitors and sponsors over a drink.

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