National Conference 2024

The Destination

The National Conference 2024 is being held in Sydney, NSW. Home to must-see icons Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Bondi Beach, Sydney is a bustling, vibrant city offering the best of sightseeing, food and dining and nightlife. With things to see and do at every corner, Sydney offers a wide range of cultures and experiences to enjoy from rooftop bars, to theatre, beautiful beaches and everything in between. We are thrilled to bring the 2024 National Conference to such a fantastic destination.

The Conference Venue – Sofitel Wentworth Sydney

A heritage-listed 5-star hotel set in the heart of Sydney’s shopping and business district, Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is a renowned architectural icon. Expect warm personal service when you choose to stay at the Sofitel Wentworth. The accommodation rooms will have been recently refurbished and most overlook a central Garden Courtyard.

The hotel has extensive meeting and conference facilities that are open and spacious with easy access by escalators or lifts from the reception area. The one level conference floor offers a relaxed atmosphere for delegates with plenty of space to wander the Trade Exhibition.

Sofitel Sydney Wentworth is only a 20-minute drive from Sydney Airport or a short walk from Martin Place Station and close to a variety of public transport options.

Some of Sydney’s iconic attractions are only a short stroll from the hotel, including the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, along with restaurants, bars, and shops. The Sofitel Wentworth offers a great base to explore, indulge, relax and embrace the hotel’s charm.

Conference Accommodation

Special conference rates have been secured at the Sofitel Wentworth, as well as a range of off-site hotel and apartments offering a range of rates to suit all budgets.

A list of the accommodation options with specific details is available here.

A limited number of accommodation rooms will be held at each property. To ensure you secure the conference rates, it is recommended to book your preferred accommodation alongside your conference registration.

Conference Highlights

Informative concurrent workshops

There will be three concurrent workshops that will be run on the Thursday program. These workshops will form an integral element of the conference program and presentations will focus around the conference themes ‘Resilience, ‘Revitalise’ and ‘Reimagine’. Delegates will have the opportunity to select one stream topic over the two session times. The workshops will be highly informative with dynamic presenters providing delegates with a wealth of knowledge.

Trade Exhibition

The Trade Exhibition is an important element of the conference as it provides delegates and exhibitors with the opportunity to meet during refreshment breaks and the Welcome Function to build ongoing relationships with current suppliers or develop new business opportunities. The National Conference is the only platform where delegates can interact with suppliers, so take the time to visit the trade booths during the allocated times.

Welcome Function – to be held at the Sofitel Wentworth (included in full delegate registration)

Wednesday 24 July: 5:00pm – 6:30pm

The Welcome Function will be held within the Trade Exhibition in the pre-function area. It will include substantial finger food and beverages and concludes at 6:30pm, so delegates may still head out and enjoy local restaurants.

Dress code is casual.

Conference Dinner (Optional at $145 per person)

The Conference Dinner will be held on Thursday 25 July.
Pre dinner drinks at 7:00pm, dinner seating at 7:30pm to conclude at 10:00pm.

We will be celebrating a 70’s funk theme in line with Meals on Wheels’ 70^th birthday. So, grab your love beads and dress up in your best bell bottoms or a groovy dress and come along and shake the night away. You need to ensure you head over to the photo booth for the chance to dress up with bold hair and sparkly beads and have your photograph taken.

Enjoy great entertainment with a unique and dynamic saxophonist and a DJ who will provide an innovative approach to music.

If you forget your 70’s gear, don’t worry there will be some available at the dinner. To secure your seat, book your ticket when you register.

Conference Registration: Wednesday 24 July – 12:00pm to 12:55pm

Please note that there will be pastries and juices provided with arrival tea and coffee on Thursday and Friday mornings.

Registration Desk

The Registration Desk will be located near the top of the escalators or lift as you head up to the conference floor from the reception area. Directional signage will be visible on your arrival. We do appreciate that you collect your name tag and conference satchel before heading into the Trade Exhibition where a light lunch is provided for all delegates.

The Conference will commence at 1.00pm sharp, so please make your way through to the conference room to be seated before the start of the opening formalities. The registration team will assist with directions and are always available at the registration desk to answer any queries, should you need any assistance.

Conference Program/Times

VIEW THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED PROGRAM HERE.

Wednesday 24 July – 12pm – 5pm (Welcome Function commences at 5pm)
Thursday 25 July – 8am – 5pm (Conference Dinner commences at 7pm)
Friday 26 July – 8am – 2pm

Registration Fees and Inclusions

Registrations can be made using this hardcopy form. This year the registration will be more streamlined and easy to complete. You will receive a confirmation email to ensure that your registration has been received. The system also offers a secure site should you take the option to provide a credit card to guarantee your accommodation.

Simply download the registration form, complete and return via email to the Conference Secretariat. Separate registrations must be made for individual delegates.

Payment for conference registrations and pre-payment for accommodation may only be made via EFT. Once received, you will then be provided a confirmation letter with bank details for payment. Delegates will also have the option to just provide credit card details to guarantee accommodation bookings. Depending on your choice of hotel, final payment will either be taken 30 days prior to the conference or on check-out at the hotel.

The first 200 delegates that register for the conference will receive a bottle of wine, generously donated by Casella. Simply collect this at the registration desk on day 1 of the conference.

Payment Details

Payment for conference registrations and pre-payment for accommodation may only be made via EFT. Once received, you will then be provided a confirmation letter with bank details for payment. You will have the option to pay for your registration in full and provide credit card details to guarantee your accommodation booking. Depending on your choice of hotel, final payment will either be taken 30 days prior to the conference or on check-out at the hotel.

Registrations received before 12 June 2024 will be eligible to receive the Early Bird discount rate. Registrations received from this date will be at the full Registration rate. Delegates must be a Meals on Wheels Member to receive the discounted rates.

	Early Bird registration (ends 12 June 2024)	Full registration rate (from 13 June 2024)
Early Bird Full Registration (member)	$660	$760
Early Bird Full Registration (non-member)	$760	$860
Half Day Delegate Registration- Wednesday (includes Welcome Dinner)	$500	$570
Day Delegate Registration – Thursday	$500	$570
Half Day Delegate Registration – Friday	$450	$520
Welcome Function (additional partner)	$110	$110
Conference Dinner Ticket (optional cost)	$145	$145

Registration Cancellation Policy

Registration cancellations must be advised in writing to the Conference Secretariat.
– A full refund is applicable for cancellations made before 22 May 2024 (less administration fee of $75)
– For cancellations made from 22 May 2024 to 26 June 2024 a 50% refund is applicable (less administration fee of $75)
– For cancellations made from 26 June 2024 no refund is applicable (name substitution accepted up till 3 July 2024)

Privacy Act

When you complete your registration for the Meals on Wheels™ Australia 2024 National Conference, your details will be recorded on a database which will be used for conference administration purposes only. Information provided during your registration may be made available on request to sponsors of the conference. If you include details of any other person in your registration, we encourage you to inform them of the above. Please be advised that photographs may be taken during the conference and associated activities and may be used for marketing purpose. Should you not wish your photo to be taken, please advise the photographer at the time. Disclaimer participation is an acknowledgement that no blame, liability, or responsibility can be attributed to the conference committee or DCI staff or agents for any loss, damage or injury resulting from failure to carry out any undertakings or provision or from substitution of any undertaking or provision.

Insurance

Registration of the conference does not include personal insurance of any kind. It is recommended that delegates take out their own travel insurance prior to attending the conference. The policy should include loss of fees/deposit through cancellation of your participation, medical expenses, loss or damage to personal property and any other additional expenses.