Welcomed with open ARMS

The Australasian Research Management Society (ARMS) is host to more than 2,100 specialists in the management and administration of research from across Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Papua New Guinea & Singapore. In 2017, the most important date on the society’s calendar is the ARMS Conference, taking place in Wellington (26-29 September 2017).

Conference Convenor Chris Kroger, of GNS Science in Wellington, is expecting between 500-600 attendees. She believes the majority of delegates will be from Australia, which has the edge in the region in terms of professional development. “There is still some room for improvement here and New Zealanders will really benefit from getting our relevant agencies to see how the other countries do it,” Kroger notes.

“One thing that is unique to our profession in New Zealand, is there is no training for it; there is no university degree to be a research manager or administrator. Within Australia there is only one place to train in this field. Our members are predominantly research managers and administrators, mainly from publicly-funded research organisations, universities, research institutes, government departments, and some independent research arms. Health, biotech, or geoscience research - these are key areas and big questions to get right,” she says. “We deal with managing research; it involves securing funding, making sure research contracts are fulfilled, that they are ethical, within the law. All of these things are really important and a lot of damage can be done if getting it wrong. A lot of what is needed we learn on the job.

“So this conference is extremely valuable, to learn how other people are doing the job, and to get a bit of recognition for our profession. Ultimately, the things we learn at these conferences make the process more efficient and safe. It is also a very good opportunity to strengthen networks. Plus, all this knowledge inevitably makes people more employable, it's a real advantage.”

Solid support

Kroger notes that she has received outstanding support from Tourism New Zealand’s Business Events team in bringing the event to Wellington: “We received support from Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme in putting the proposal together in a really nice format, and help in putting a budget together. They provided funding to go over to Sydney to present the proposal, and paid for the ARMS executive and their PCO to fly over to Wellington to look at the venue and discuss a few things. What's also not to be sneezed at is all the insider advice - what do you think about this venue, how about this for social functions?” She is now working with Tourism New Zealand on marketing materials for distribution within New Zealand and at this year's international ARMS event in Melbourne, to increase attendance.

“The support has been above and beyond what I expected - I don’t think I would have taken on the role without that help.”

Wonderful Wellington

Having hosted the event in Auckland and Christchurch in previous rotations, Wellington was chosen for 2017 to tie in with the theme of securing funding and collaboration. “We hope to involve relevant government agencies and have them contribute, and the best opportunities are in Wellington,” Kroger says.

Initially concerns were raised that the destination might mean two flights for some overseas attendees, but Kroger points out that the new direct flight from Canberra to Wellington (starting this year) has helped in connecting the research hubs within both capitals.

Wellington’s compact layout and excellent network of venues and accommodation may also help in attracting attendees: “It is walkable. That's convenient - people like to have a bit of a stretch. Not having to take transport also contributes to costs, so research offices might send more than one person because it is cost-effective to come here.”

The wider appeal of the destination should also work as a draw for attracting delegates from Australia and further afield, says Kroger, who originally hails from Germany. “New Zealand is a beautiful country. People will have the opportunity to enjoy it. Wellington also has a lot of options, going south and going north.”

She adds: “Te Papa is a really good venue. It's big enough to hold all of us, and it's unique to have a museum and conference venue. You have the opportunity to clear your mind in the breaks and look at the exhibitions. We traditionally have a gala dinner and reception and we are looking at all the good options in Wellington for those. We are also working with Positively Wellington to see if there is potential to secure World of Wearable Art show tickets as a pre- or post-conference option for those interested. It should be a great event.”

For further information about Tourism New Zealand please visit 

www.businessevents.newzealand.com