“The Special Places Symposium”
On the 25th and 26th of May

Regional Innovations Australia will host the Inaugural RIA Symposium in beautiful Hervey Bay, Queensland. This is the first in a series of annual symposiums that will focus on examples of regional excellence. The purpose of a symposium is not only to hear about matters, which may interest us, but to also have the opportunity for effective discourse, to learn, to be inspired and to inspire others.

Our first international guests to share their experience in striving for excellence will be a delegation from Vail Colorado brought to Australia by Regional Innovations Australia specifically for the Symposium. Vail is a small town that packs a considerable punch as one of the iconic ski areas in the world. But they are not here just to share their story but also to hear about your Special Place.

Along with the Vail guests will be Professor Andrew Beer, whose regional leadership research has an international audience and Professor John Cole, a sought after leader in sustainable regional economic development. Other speakers will join this select group.

Be prepared to be engaged and to take home valuable insights which can advance and enhance your business, community and region.

Places are limited and interest very high so please don’t delay and miss out on what will be a unique opportunity.

Due to the difficult circumstances regional Queensland faces we have reduced the Symposium fee to $550.00 (GST Inclusive).

Symposium Topics

• Big Ideas - The History of Vail
• Visionary Leadership
• Importance of Enduring and Resilient Partnerships between business/development and government entities
• Optimising Natural and Built Assets including regional airports
• Elements that Create Prosperous Regions
• Essential Ingredients for Creating Special Places
  • Culture of Excellence
  • Culture of Engagement
  • Culture of Value and Service
  • Culture of Creation and Retention of Unique and Enjoyable Environment
• Sustainability - Its Not Just Green 

Why the Town of Vail?

The planning for the “RIA Creating Special Places through Regional Leadership Symposium” began in Mid 2010. Little did we realise then that more than ever regional Australia would soon be asked to recreate its special places in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.

But notwithstanding the difficult circumstances that have occurred this summer this symposium will be more than a morale boost. It is an opportunity to hear from our specially invited guests from Vail Colorado with their positive message of how a town of 5000 residents can become one of the iconic destinations in North America.

The Vail vision, the leadership from the community and local government and the positive persistence in creating a welcoming culture despite setbacks are some of the essential elements to the Vail Success Story. There will be ample opportunity to not only hear the Vail story but discuss in depth how they have succeeded.

We each believe our town is special of course and this is true but we also share many similarities and the Town of Vail is no exception. Vail itself is a small rural town of 5000 permanent residents located in the Colorado mountains in the Vail Valley

• Approximately 2 hours drive from Denver.
• Vail receives up to 335 inches of snow a year and is constrained on both sides by steep mountains.
• It sits on the valley floor where it is frequently under threat from flooding during the snowmelt.
• Yet despite its constraints this small town copes with over 2.5 million guests a year,
• Up to 20,000 Corporate jet flights and 389 International flights per year,
• Is able to get 19,000 skiers on and off the mountain each day and
• Manage over $500 m worth of building investment last year.

This is all done with a small team of city employees (council) and the co-operation of the business community. The residents are fiercely protective of their unique lifestyle, culture and environment yet also are aware that they will need to be the stewards of change. The Vail experience in creating a Special Place is worth hearing and worth exploring.

Some of our speakers include:

• Mayor Dick Cleveland - Town of Vail, Colorado. America’s #1 ski destination
• Professor John Cole - University of Southern Queensland
• Professor Andrew Beer - University of Adelaide
• Rob Levine - CE Antlers Resort + Vail Economic Development Board Member and Vail symposium
• George Ruther - Town of Vail - Community Planning
• Kelly McDonald - Town of Vail - Economic Development
• Brian Stewart - CEO Urban Development Institute Australia, Queensland
• Will Marcus - MD, Argo Architects, Master Planners (water park specialists)

With more Special Guests to be announced soon!!

The Vail Guests are country people too and are in Queensland to learn more about some of their most popular guests - Australians. They are keen to discover more about us, how we are creatively making our regions better places to live, visit and do business in.

Our highly respected speakers, Prof Andrew Beer and Prof John Cole are both engaging and informative as well as challenging speakers who will bring their thought provoking experience and research to the Symposium discussions.

The RIA Associates will also be on hand to discuss regional planning and special places creation - literally from the ground up.

We also expect a number of highly sought after surprise guest speakers (to be announced when confirmed) and the opportunity for Symposium Delegates to explore some of the Special Places and Attractions in the Fraser Coast Region at the close of the Symposium.

Bonus Prize:

We are excited to announce that RIA is planning a trip to Vail during late September (16th to 24th) 2011 in order to keep the discussion and relationships going and to give you the opportunity to experience first hand what Vail can offer in the magical Aspen leaf change autumn. Rob LeVine, our special Symposium guest is generously offering Symposium guests the chance to win:

• 7 nights accommodation for two at Antlers Resort

All attendees at the Symposium will automatically go into the draw.

One time payment of $550 (icludes GST)

Connie Woodberry
Creating Special Places Symposium