Gold Coast Conference Shines Bright
The 2024 TAB ARMA Conference held on the Gold Coast this August was a resounding success, attracting over 200 delegates from racing clubs, principal racing authorities, industry suppliers, and sponsors across Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong.
Hosted at the Gold Coast Turf Club, the conference offered a comprehensive program, including technical presentations, networking opportunities through various Trade Shows, the prestigious ARMA Awards Dinner, and the highly anticipated TAB ARMA Race Day.
ARMA Chairman Lindsay Murphy praised the venue, stating, "The Gold Coast Turf Club was the perfect setting for our conference. The facilities, service, and hospitality were absolutely first-class. The club has made significant strides through its Master Plan, and we’re excited to see racing under lights here later this year."
Murphy also highlighted the continued growth of the conference, saying, "This event continues to expand every year. We’re often overwhelmed by the incredible support we receive from our members and sponsors, which has been instrumental in driving this growth."
With a record 40 sponsors backing the conference, Murphy expressed his appreciation: "The level of sponsorship this year is truly remarkable. It not only amazes us but also validates the work we’ve done and the direction we’re heading."
A notable change for 2024 was the transformation of the traditional Thursday Conference Dinner into the ARMA Awards Dinner. Held in the Corporate Suite overlooking a stunning track light show, the event brought together 220 guests to celebrate outstanding achievements within the industry.
The awards presented included:
- Toro Australia Industry Services Award – David Anderson, Illawarra Turf Club
- Metro Racecourse Manager of the Year – Greg Groves, Melbourne Racing Club (Sandown)
- Regional Racecourse Manager of the Year – Mark Hart, Murrumbidgee Turf Club
- Steriline Racing Award – Jake Carlaw, Australian Turf Club
- Evergreen Turf & VRC Spring Internships – Angus Templeton (Moe Racing Club) and Thomas Howle (Illawarra Turf Club)
Reflecting on the event's success, Murphy noted, "This was the second year with Tabcorp as our naming rights partner, and their support has been sensational. The presentation by Dave Beirne (Tabcorp GM – Trading) alongside Paul Joice and Kayla Nisbet (Sky Racing) was brilliant. The insights they provided into wagering data related to track conditions, rail movements, and more, equip our racecourse managers with the knowledge to make informed, data-driven decisions."
Another highlight of the conference was the powerful presentation by Gold and Silver Olympic Medalist, Brooke Hanson. Her moving speech on mental wellbeing resonated deeply with the audience, leaving a lasting impression with the message, 'Pressure is a privilege.'
As the 2024 TAB ARMA Conference draws to a close, attention is already turning to the 2025 event. "At our Annual General Meeting on Friday, it was decided that next year’s conference will be held in Melbourne," Murphy announced. "We’ll begin working with the Metropolitan Racing Club in Victoria after the Spring Carnival, with plans to host different events at Moonee Valley, Flemington, and Caulfield."
The 2024 TAB ARMA Conference not only celebrated the achievements of the past year but also set the stage for the future, promising even greater opportunities and experiences for the industry in 2025.