World-class experts share their knowledge in sunny Brisbane

The 2017 APS College of Clinical Psychologists Conference was held from 30 June to 2 July at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Queensland. The Clinical Conference, the fifth in as many years, boasted more than 600 delegates.

Two renowned international keynote speakers, Dr Stan Tatkin and Professor Carla Sharp from the United States delivered their addresses to packed auditoriums. Dr Tatkin’s keynote address ‘Secure functioning: A therapeutic stance for all couple therapists’ was highly relevant to anyone working with couples and relationship issues, while Professor Sharp’s keynote address ‘Bridging the GAP: The assessment and treatment of adolescent borderline personality disorder (BPD)’ was equally relevant to anyone working with children and BPD. Both speakers also presented sold-out full-day workshops during the conference.

In addition to the international keynote addresses, Professor Peter Norton from Monash University delivered a highly regarded address entitled, ‘Beyond DSM: Transdiagnostic approaches to understanding and treating emotional disorders’. Sixteen full-day and 17 half-day workshops were presented by leading experts on a wide range of topics including transdiagnostic and CBT approaches, third wave therapies, diagnosis and assessment, and relationship and family therapy.

This conference hosted an unprecedented number of exhibitors and provided conference delegates with excellent opportunities to build relationships with a range of industry and professional suppliers.

The social program provided multiple networking opportunities, especially the Welcome Reception held at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, and the Conference Dinner. The formal dinner was a particular highlight with delegates and presenters enjoying the elegance and atmosphere of historic Customs House. The Committee is especially grateful to AON for generously supporting the dinner.

On behalf of the Conference Committee I would like to extend a special thank you to our conference presenters whose expertise was reflected in the workshops, and to the enthusiastic student volunteers who assisted at the sessions and helped each day to run smoothly.

For this conference, like all professional conferences, there was an enormous amount of behind-the-scenes work that occurred in the year leading up to the event. I am especially grateful to my colleagues on the Conference Organising Committee, Ros Knight, Diane Whiting, Kathryn Nicholson Perry, and Karen Weiss for their consistent support, dedication and effort. It was a privilege to collaborate with such skilled and committed clinicians and academics.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the expertise of the APS Events team. The guidance, technical and administrative support, and outstanding organisational skill of this very professional team were fundamental to the success of the conference.