Conference 2024 – That’s a Wrap!

Thank you for joining us at the 2024 Caravan Industry National Conference!  We’re delighted to report that we’ve set a new record – with 1086 delegates registered.  The event was teeming with enthusiasm, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the future of the caravan industry. 

This year’s conference was earmarked with many standout moments, including the presentation of the Eric Hayman OAM Award for Excellence, the industry’s highest honour, to Grant Wilckens CEO of G’Day Group and current Chair of Caravan Industry Association of Australia.   

Grant has been instrumental in providing confidence for institutional capital to invest in our industry, raising the profile of our industry amongst mainstream media and tourism agencies, and leading the national body and the industry through some of the most significant challenges we have ever faced.  

Wednesday’s proceedings could not have teed off better, with the K-mac Powerheads and Thetford Golf Day. This also featured a guest appearance by Usman Khawaja – Australian cricketing legend – courtesy of ModnPods.  The morning also included a series of masterclasses, factory tours, sales and first aid courses, and even a cocktail-making class.

The program got off to an inspiring start that afternoon, with a stirring Welcome to Country from Uncle John and a moving keynote address from our Chair, Grant Wilckens.  Steve Sammartino, our opening keynote speaker, then set the tone for a conference full of engaging and enlightening discussions.  That evening, attendees enjoyed our traditional opening cocktail function before heading upstairs for some “Rockaoke” fun. 

Thursday’s events began with a morning yoga session followed by an Investment Breakfast from Australian Retirement Trust’s Head of Investment Strategy, Andrew Fisher.  The day was filled to the brim with plenary sessions, keynote speakers, and panels, on topics including the usage of lithium-ion batteries, cyber security, state association activities, insurance, technology, labour, and many more. 

That evening the Casual Dinner was held offsite at the Miami Marketta and proved to be nothing short of amazing – filled with great food, wine, conversations, and laughter and the atmosphere hummed with excitement, culminating when the Blues Brothers tribute band came on and rocked the stage. 

Friday started with the Research Breakfast, a comprehensive overview of the state of the industry, by our very own General Manager for Insights, Peter Clay.  Following a full day of plenary sessions and speakers, we finally bid farewell to the conference’s education sessions, with a keynote from Thankyou’s Daniel Flynn who discussed the value of innovation and applying ethics to business.  The afternoon wound down with a relaxed barbecue on the lawn, leading into the Gala Dinner. 

This year’s Gala Dinner was a night to remember!  Fireworks, elegant attire, an exciting performance from Dami Im, and the announcement of the prestigious industry awards created an atmosphere of celebration. 

For an added piece of excitement, David Rundell, from Suncamper Motorhomes, turned down the opportunity to win $1 million for a one in 25 chance to win $100,000; unfortunately, he was off by only two keys. 

On behalf of the whole team, we would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to all delegates, speakers, and everyone else who contributed to the success of the 2024 Caravan Industry National Conference. 

Your participation and dedication are the lifeblood of this event, and we eagerly look forward to seeing you next year, where we hope to crack 1,200 delegates.