Caravan Industry National Conference 2023 kicks off

The 2023 Caravan Industry National Conference kicked off in style this week with a record number(over 1000) delegates registered for the sector’s event of the year, held at the RACV Royal Pines Resort, Gold Coast.

And AccomNews was there…

Once again, the industry association, Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) put together an extraordinary and fun-filled event with its principal sponsor Dometic Outdoor.

Beginning May 10 and ending May 12, 2023, attendees can enjoy a variety of social events, inspiring speakers, masterclasses, and a buzzing trade expo, the official opening day was attended by an epic number of delegates.

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AccomNews caught up with CIAA CEO, Stuart Lamont at the welcome event and he told us, we are here to celebrate our unique industry, one that continues to track along a positive trend.

He said he was pleased that a record number of attendees registered for the event this year, to meet up face-to-face to share insights, ideas, and knowledge.

Most of all he said he was looking forward to what the future holds for the “much loved, iconic Aussie caravan and camping industry”.

The National Conference is aimed at those seeking personal development, leaders looking for innovative solutions, and businesses keen to connect, and it offers an impressive array of innovative and inspiring speakers who will be taking to the stage throughout the event.

The vibe, as always is relaxed, and it’s not just about what this sector has achieved in the last three years but also about the future and all the exciting things that are around the corner for the industry.

A huge audience gathered for the welcome address given by Grant Wilckens Chair, Caravan Industry Association of Australia (CIAA) who said despite fires, floods, and COVID the “silver lining” has been the unprecedented commercial opportunity the caravan and camping industry had been given.

He said the sector had “an absolutely cracking time over the last few years”.

But he stressed, it hasn’t been an easy ride with economic pressures and staffing shortages. However, he said the sector had managed to attract new customers but “now was the time to keep and convert those customers and make sure they keep coming back”!

He reminded the audience of how important parks are to regions and said: “When parks thrive so do regional economies.

“But when the economy gets tough our industry thrives,” he added.

The conference continues for the rest of the week with a wide range of workshops and masterclasses, prizes, awards, and recognition for industry achievers, there is also a rock concert and gala dinner to follow.

What a week!

Mandy Clarke

Mandy has over 17 years of accommodation and tourism industry writing experience and is Editor of AccomNews & Resort News, Publisher of SchoolNews & Director of Multimedia Pty Ltd. She is a retired registered nurse with a 25-year NHS career that followed a few unforgettable years in hotel housekeeping.