Being a new member of the FTMA as well as introducing a new product to the Australian Frame and Truss industry it was with exciting anticipation that I attended the FTMA Conference at the RACV Royal Pines in March.
Driving up the concourse to the Royal Pines with the many flags welcoming attendees then seeing our TuffPlans® Logo on many of the flags was definitely a bonus.
After rising at 3.30am to catch an early flight to Australia, arriving at Gold Coast Airport with our booked shuttle nowhere to be seen, catching a Cab to Royal Pines, then standing on the 7th Tee ready to play 18 holes in 32 degrees was a daunting challenge.
In fact, the golf was enjoyable, we were paired in the Ambrose format with two friendly Aussies and had a great fun as well as some good golf, time, Robert Armour one of our group won the longest drive prize and our team came in third although only first won a prize!
The Icebreaker event on Monday evening was a fun event although my stamina started to waver at 9pm after being awake for more than 21 hours, the heat plus numerous after golf beers. The organisation of the Icebreaker was superb with unlimited food options and fun events, it was great opportunity for us to meet other attendees.
L-R: Dale Leggett (CQ Building Supplies), Rob Armour (Framequip), Peter Haszard & Allan Bethell (TuffPlans)
The one-day Trade Show was excellent with Conference attendees making the most of the breaks to visit trade booths while drinking tea or coffee and consuming the yummy food provided. Our TuffPlans® booth had lots of visitors and I was lucky to have my wife Susan and friend Allan Bethell to assist in answering questions and taking details.
The National Conference Dinner was a superb evening, once again great food and conviviality.
Overall the FTMA Conference and Trade Show was a very worthwhile experience, well organised by the ‘pocket rocket’ Kersten, friendly and definitely a great launch event for TuffPlans®.