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We would like you to join us as we make our first appearance in the “Land Down Under” for what we are calling a Regional Conference. This will be larger than a traditional Regional Clinic but smaller than our Annual Conference. We hope to bring the flavors of both these types of events to one place and do what we do best, share trade information.

Many have asked, why are we going to have a conference in Australia? First let me say, this does not replace NAPBIRT's Annual Conference. The 2012 Annual Conference is set for April 13-16 in NAPBIRT's home town of Normal, IL and will be a show like you have never seen before. Click here for more information: 2012 NAPBIRT Annual Conference.

We have chosen the location for this event very carefully and it is not the first time NAPBIRT has held an educational session outside of the US. We found that 60% of our members outside North America live within a reasonable flight to western Australia and the location, within Australia, is a popular and desirable location for travelers on holiday. In addition, this would not be possible without several other factors and key elements that have come together. First, our volunteer leader, Region 9 host Frans Philippens, has been the driving force behind this from the beginning and has worked countless hours to recruit and promote this event. On the ground, in Queensland, we have John & Lesley Morris who will be our hosts and have also spent lots of time to make this an event to remember.

Our home, for the two and a half days, will be in the heart of the Gold Coast area of Queensland in Surfer's Paradise. The name of the city, as well as the area, comes naturally, as the hotel is literally a block from the beach which stretches 70km (43 miles). When NAPBIRT convenes, May 25-27, it will be their fall and the weather is generally the most pleasant as this area can boast about 287 days of warm bright sunshine per year. The area inland also has the largest subtropical rainforest in the world with more than 100,000ha (247,105 acres) of nature reserves.

We hope to see you there!

Bill Mathews
Executive Director
NAPBIRT