FAQs

Where is the conference held?

The 2023 SPA National Conference is being held at The Hotel Grand Chancellor, home of the Hobart Convention and Exhibition Centre (HCEC)

Address: 1 Davey St, Hobart TAS 7000
Phone: +613 6235 4535
Website: https://www.grandchancellorhotels.com/hotel-grand-chancellor-hobart

How do I get to the venue?

Hobart Airport is located approximately 18km from the Hotel Grand Chancellor. Hobart is a compact city. You will find Hobart easy to navigate with range of transport options:

Taxis
Taxis are available in the taxi ranks, which are located directly out the front of the terminal building. If you need a special taxi, please ask on of the kerbside attendants who will radio this through. An access fee of $3.85 applies.

Rideshare
Uber is available at Hobart Airport. To request a ride, use the Uber app and meet your driver at the designated pick-up area in the pickup/drop off lane. A rideshare access fee of $3.85 per trip applies to those using Uber services at Hobart Airport.

SkyBus
SkyBus provides fast, frequent and low-cost airport transfers to Hobart City via the Hobart express service. The average trip time is 25 minutes to Stop 1, the designated Hotel Grand Chancellor stop. For ticket prices and further information, please visit the SkyBus website.

Car Rental
A range of car rental service are available at Hobart Airport, please refer to the Hobart Airport website for further information.

Public Transport
For information on public transport options and journey planning in Hobart please visit Metro Tas website.

Is there parking?

The Hotel Grand Chancellor offers value parking which attracts the following rates:

Valet Parking
In-house guests are welcome to park at a rate of $26 per vehicle, per day.

Self Parking
In-house guests are welcome to park at a rate of $15 per vehicles, per day Ticketed hourly rates start from $3 per hour Overnight fee of $15 applies from 6.30pm (maximum overnight rate $28) $14 early bird rate available (Entry before 9am / exit before 6.30pm) There are other CBD parking options available close to the venue - refer to the Hotel Grand Chancellor Parking guide for more options.

Can I register to attend the conference onsite?

Unfortunately, we are unable to facilitate on-site registration. All attendees must register in advance through our online registration system.

Upon arrival at the conference venue, where do I register and get my name badge?

The conference registration desk is located on the Mezzanine Level of the Hotel Grand Chancellor.

Registration desk open hours:
Sunday 21 May: 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Monday 22 May: 7.30am - 6:00pm
Tuesday 23 May: 7.30am - 6:00pm
Wednesday 24 May: 7:15am - 4.30pm

What should I wear?

Business casual attire is appropriate for all conference sessions and social functions. Get prepared for packing with the latest weather updates.

The dress-code for the Conference Dinner is evening wear. Feel free to dress up in the spirit of the theme ‘Be a Devil in Tasmania’!

Can I store my bag somewhere?

Please refrain from bringing your personal belongings to the conference venue where possible; only bring minimal items in a small bag. Attendees are responsible for their own personal possessions and must not leave bags or possessions unattended in any of the session rooms or at registration desk at any time; any items left will be treated as lost property and handed to the venue. If required, coats can be stored with hotel concierge.

How can I access the conference program?

Refer the conference website for full details of the conference program.

All conference attendees will receive online access to the Conference mobile app which will provide the most up to date conference program. Attendees who requested a hard copy of the A5 conference handbook during the registration process will receive this when they register on arrival at the conference. The handbook will include an overview of the conference program, exhibitors, and sponsors.

How do I access the Conference mobile app?

Maximize your conference experience by downloading the conference mobile app on your smartphone or tablet before arriving at the conference. You'll have access to important conference information such as presentation summaries, presenter biographies, as well as enjoy real-time updates, personal scheduling functionality, note-taking capabilities during sessions, and much more.

Our conference mobile app is powered by The Events App by EventsAir.

Install “The Events App by EventsAIR” from your device’s app store.

Event Code: SPA2023

You'll find your login details printed on the back of your name badge for quick reference.

If you encounter any issues with downloading, navigating, or using the app, our friendly student volunteers will be available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

What information can I access via the Conference mobile app?

The Conference app will enable you to enjoy real-time conference updates, personal scheduling functionality, note-taking capabilities in sessions, and much more.

To get the most out of the app’s features, ensure you log in using your email address and app pin which will be printed on the back of your name badge.

You can still view the Conference mobile app without downloading via your web browser.

To view session materials via the app on your device;

Click on the program icon
Click on the session you wish to attend
If the presenter has supplied any resources they will be accessible by clicking on the presenter, then scroll down and under their bio, resources will be displayed.

What is the Conference Challenge?

Get ready to showcase your competitive spirit and win big! Join our thrilling Conference Challenge and earn valuable points by completing various tasks within the conference app. The more points you earn, the higher your chances of winning an exciting prize. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to make the most of your conference experience. Let the games begin!

Which concurrent sessions can I attend?

Based on previous attendee feedback, you were not be required to select concurrent sessions to attend during the registration process. Rather, you were asked to indicate your areas of professional interest to assist us in managing room capacity limits during concurrent sessions.

Note: Room capacity limits apply for concurrent sessions and some of the popular sessions may reach capacity. We ask that you make your way to sessions early to avoid disappointment. Access to a room will be closed once room capacities have been reached. We thank you for your understanding.

How do I access session resources?

Digital resources will be accessible via the conference mobile app. Please note, not all presenters will supply pre reading or additional resources. If resources have been supplied, they can be accessed via the conference app or via the link we have sent to all conference attendees. 

To view session materials via the app on your device;

Click on the program icon
Click on the session you wish to attend
If the presenter has supplied any resources they will be accessible by clicking on the presenter, then scroll down and under their bio, resources will be displayed.

Will I receive a printed copy of resources at the conference?

At Speech Pathology Australia we are focused on reducing the environmental impact of our events. Printed resources will not be provided to attendees in 2023. 

By reducing our printed collateral at this event, we hope to not only reduce our carbon footprint, but also to set an example to all attendees, sponsors and other important stakeholders.

This is just the first step in an important journey to reduce the environmental impact of these events. We invite you to join us in our efforts by providing your feedback and sharing ideas for other ways we can go green.

Where do I go for morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea?

Catering will be provided each day in the conference Exhibition Hall, located in the Federation Ballroom.

We suggest bringing a water bottle, but tea and coffee will be available during breaks.

What if I've indicated that I have a dietary requirement?

If you have specified any special dietary needs during registration, kindly approach a staff member at the venue for assistance. They will guide you to the dietary table positioned at the rear of the exhibition hall. Every effort will be made to accommodate your requests.

Where can I get a coffee?

Starting from 7:55am each morning, visit our two Barista carts in the Exhibition Hall for your caffeine fix. Proudly sponsored by Department of Education Victoria.

When will the Exhibition Hall be open?

During session breaks, take time to visit the exhibition displays of over 60 companies and organisations in the Exhibition Hall (Federation Ballroom) and Mezzanine foyer. The Exhibition Hall will be open each day of the Conference from 8:00am.

See the Conference mobile app for further details about each of our sponsors and exhibitors.

Hint: Speak with our sponsors and exhibitors to complete your Conference Challenge tasks.

Is there a quiet room available?

Yes, we have designated Chancellor Room 4 as a quiet space for our attendees. This room is specifically designed to provide a calm sanctuary for relaxation, meditation, prayer, or simply a moment of solitude. It offers a peaceful environment away from the noise and activity of the main areas, allowing you to find respite, reflect, or recharge as needed.

Is there Wi-Fi?

Wireless internet will be available for conference attendees throughout the conference venue.

Can you help me find the closest pharmacy?

The nearest pharmacy is the Good Price Pharmacy located at Wellington Centre, 42/44 Argyle St, Hobart. It's just an 8-minute walk away from the conference venue, providing convenient access to any necessary medical supplies or assistance. Don't forget to check their operating hours before your visit.

What about a supermarket?

The nearest supermarket is Woolworths Hobart CBD, located at 44 Argyle St, Hobart. It's just an 8-minute walk away from the conference venue, ensuring easy access to a wide range of grocery items and supplies. Don't forget to check their operating hours before your visit.

What is the conference hashtag?

Don't forget to tag Speech Pathology Australia when posting your content on social media!

Facebook: @SpeechPathologyAustralia
LinkedIn: Speech Pathology Australia
Twitter: @SpeechPathAus
Hashtag: #SPAConf

What is the location for the various social functions?

As part of your registration, you had the opportunity to indicate your intention to attend the following social functions.

If you are still planning to attend, we look forward to seeing you there.

However, if your plans have changed and you will no longer be attending, please contact the Conference team ASAP.

Welcome Drinks – Sunday 21 May - Exhibition Hall, Hotel Grand Chancellor
Networking Reception – Sunday 21 May - Taste of Tasmania, Brooke Street Pier, 12 Franklin Wharf, Hobart
University Reception – Tuesday 23 May – Hotel Grand Chancellor
Early Career Session – Tuesday 23 May – Hotel Grand Chancellor
Conference Dinner ‘Be a Devil in Tasmania’ – Wednesday 24 May - Wrest Point, 410 Sandy Bay Rd, Sandy Bay. Proudly sponsored by Guild Insurance.

What is the best way to get to the Networking Reception?

The Networking Reception will take place at Taste of Tasmania, Brooke Street Pier, 12 Franklin Wharf, Hobart, located 550 metres away from The Hotel Grand Chancellor, approximately a 7-minute walk or a 2-minute drive. .

Guests attending the Networking Reception are invited to mingle and network as they make their way along the beautiful waterfront en-route to the venue.

What is the best way to get to the Conference Dinner?

The Conference Dinner will take place at Wrest Point Casino, 410 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay. Wrest point is a 7-minute drive from the Hotel Grand Chancellor.

Bus transfers to the dinner venue will depart from Hotel Grand Chancellor from 6:35pm. Guests are requested to make their own arrangements for transport home.

What is the deal with pre-conference workshops?

Attendees were required to register and pay for the pre-conference workshops as part of their conference registration. Only attendees who have received confirmation of registration for a Sunday workshop are eligible to attend.

Pre-conference workshops will be held at the Medical Science Precinct, University of Tasmania Hobart City campus, located on the corner of Campbell and Liverpool Streets, a 5-minute walk from the conference venue.

Note: Catering will not be supplied for pre-conference workshops.

Are presentations recorded?

The 2023 Speech Pathology Australia National Conference is a LIVE event. The keynote presentations will be recorded and made available for registered attendees following the Conference. Concurrent sessions and workshops will not be recorded.

How many CPD hours will I obtain from attending the conference?

Speech Pathology Australia's learning programs contain discretionary learning opportunities in addition to prescribed learning. As such, we ask members to self-assign their CPD hours of learning for each event attended. More information about the Certification Program requirements is available on the Speech Pathology Australia website.

When will I get my conference certificate of attendance?

A certificate of attendance will be available to download or print via your Speech Pathology Australia member profile. You can access your certificate in the ‘my events’ tab of your account.

Where can I go for assistance and information?

The SPA Conference & Events Team will be available at the Registration Desk to answer your questions and provide any assistance and information you may require. Team members will also be out and about on the Conference floor.

Also, keep an eye out for our student volunteers who are proudly sponsored by the University of Tasmania.