We are very conscious of the commercial and personal challenge these last few months have demanded of each and all of us, and as well to the industry we collectively operate in and around. This has not only caused for us to need to be agile and strong in order to continue our respective work and roles, but also to need to draw very deeply as people to support those around us and for whom we care about. This is equally true in our work lives as it is in our personal lives, and we extend our offer of thoughts and support in any format that it may be valuable to any who are reading this.
While those at the 2020 event may be aware through the conversations at the conference and since, one of the things we had intended to work towards was positioning the event in calendar at the “end of construction season” over time, rather than at the busy period November presents with the weather and seasons we enjoy in Aotearoa New Zealand. This transition was intended to be made in years three and four, to allow for the second conference this year in November to provide an opportunity to build on the extraordinary and overwhelming interest generated in 2020 to set an annual event for our industry.
We doubt there will be any disagreement that with the ongoing environments and times we are operating in that there is a need to consider wellbeing and fatigue in context of providing a hub for our industry to be connected physically and to be exposed to the work that organisations and suppliers to industry continue to undertake in providing better and more effective tools and practices to continue the growth and effectiveness of the wider TTM industry.
The event planned for November was programmed to be able to operate without undue disruption in Level 2 conditions. Albeit that significant additional organisational considerations were required, this could still have allowed for us to enjoy a more controlled and less free connection with our friends, colleagues and those who seek to support our industry. At Level 3, the prospect of a meaningful experience retreats to almost impossible circumstances to operate an event that encourages discourse and human contact. We had made elementary plans to be able to hybridise the event and introduce a virtual element , however in reflecting on the feedback from 2020, have decided that would preclude many of the important aspects of people being together to share experiences and support within an industry context.
While it may seem disappointing, the reality is that a decision to postpone the event is on the balance of odds the best decision for the event, the supporters of the event and those who are excited to attend the event.
To this end we have secured dates at the same venue, and with no loss of intended program inputs.
We are able to operate the event on the 29th – 31st of March 2022. We trust the benefit and opportunity to work toward continuing to build on the momentum of the 2020 event being delayed by a few months is by far a better outcome than having to dilute the importance of human connection and interaction.
It is our hope that the relief in postponing is provided to all of you collectively at a time where triaging and regenerating our business and roles at a time of considerable collective fatigue will be welcomed and appreciated. We have of course taken the decision carefully with as much advice and factual insight as is available at this uncertain time.
We look forward to moving forward, and welcome any contacts, questions and enquires. Program will be re-confirmed and distributed to all over the next fortnight, as we confirm the availabilities of those addressing the Conference in respect of the altered dates.
We look forward to your continued support for the event, and particularly for all those who are looking forward to attending and being able to share time with colleagues, friends and counterparts from across the nation.
