Behind the scenes at Conference 2023

November 2023

Take 24 volunteers and several AITPM staff and combine with hundreds of emails, phone calls, meetings, and hours of research and what do you get? 

One amazing conference! 

The hugely successful 2023 AITPM National Conference was the result of outstanding work from the conference organising committee and led by co-conveners Mike Willson and Emily Coldbeck, who are both based in Melbourne. 

From sourcing and arranging keynote speakers and sorting through presentations to booking venues and organising registration and catering companies, the time and effort put in by the volunteers – who all have day jobs as well – is extraordinary. 

Director of Amber and civil engineer Mike, who is AITPM Victorian and Tasmanian branch president, decided to give back to the industry by volunteering after last year’s Sydney conference.  

“You make great connections and very good friends, but you also see the bigger, broader picture of the transport industry because you’re interacting with people you would not normally meet,” he says.  

Co-convener Emily, who is an area manager with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning, agrees, saying that industry support was the key to the success of the conference.  

“It was an opportunity to give back to an industry that has given me a career,” she says. “We need to come together to talk about the challenges we're facing and it was so fulfilling and exciting to see the conference come to life.” 

The 2024 conference will be held in Perth. Co-Coonvenor Fiona Goodbody is part of the Active Transport Branch with the WA Department of Transport.  

“We’re in that early rapid planning phase now – looking at potential themes and conference structure, as well as listening to AITPM members about what they are interested in sharing,” Fiona says. “We’re hoping to formalise that soon and put out a call for abstracts. 

“Perth is a great city for conferences, and the venue is very central, and surrounded by great activities and places to visit.” 

“We’re keen to hear from members with great ideas and anyone who’d be interested in volunteering their time. I warmly invite any AITPM members in Western Australia to be in touch.” 

Conference Co-Convenor -
Mike Willson

Conference Co-Convenor -
Emily Coldbeck