Will Chapman Article

Receiving the RIMPA Live Conference 2023 Scholarship: My Experience - Will Chapman

I had the privilege of attending the RIMPA Global Records Management Conference at the RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast in October 2023, thanks to RIMPA and the Marita Keenan Scholarship that I was fortunate enough to win. Once notified, I was immediately filled with excitement for attending the conference and engaging with others in the industry. Also having not been outside my own state of Victoria for quite some time, the change of scenery to a sunny Gold Coast was even more appealing!

Overall, the entire experience was nothing short of exceptional and well worth it.  

One of the most rewarding aspects of the conference was the opportunity to meet other professionals from diverse sectors within the industry, being all levels of Government and private sector employees and vendors. Engaging in conversations with people from different areas provided a unique perspective and added value to the overall experience which I could not have received elsewhere. What set this conference apart from others that I have attended, was the collaborative and friendly spirit that was obvious from the very moment I arrived at the registration desk. Informal networking sessions then seamlessly blending with the formal agenda in a pleasurable way where I felt completely at ease to participate.

In terms of the venue, the RACV Royal Pines Resort provided excellent facilities and a stunning backdrop for the conference. The poolside drinks were a highlight, offering a picturesque setting for networking and casual discussions. The overall ambiance added a touch of relaxation to the after the formalities of the day to build meaningful connections.

The culinary offerings at the conference were amazing! Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between, the food was not only delicious but also varied, catering to different tastes and preferences. The black-tie gala dinner was a standout event in this regard, and the attention to detail in all areas, created memorable moments of camaraderie among attendees with fantastic food, drinks, company and not to forget the opportunity to be there in person for the presentation of the awards.

The sessions throughout the four days were thoughtfully organized, covering a broad spectrum of topics relevant to records and information management, whilst also including discussions on areas relating to professional development such as making presentations. A particular standout for me was Nick Abrahams' presentation on AI and the metaverse. Nicks insights were not only fascinating and somewhat humorous at times, but also provided valuable foresight into the future of the industry. Overall the well thought out scheduling of different sessions and the diversity of topics kept the audience fully engaged, offering a well-rounded view of current trends and opportunities.

Attending the conference proved to be immensely valuable for me in being able to immediately implement things that I had learnt such as developing better working relationships with other relevant business areas and standardising processes. The real essence of the event lay not only in the formal presentations but also in the informal discussions and exchanges of ideas. The depth of insights and experiences shared by professionals in informal face-to-face interactions added a layer of understanding that virtual attendance would have undoubtedly missed. The conference showcased the importance of combining knowledge-sharing with personal connections, creating a holistic learning experience that extends beyond the confines of traditional conference settings and virtual seminars.

In summary, the RIMPA Live Conference 2023 exceeded my expectations. The combination of a well-chosen venue, excellent food, informative presentations, and the chance to network with industry peers makes it an event I would gladly attend again. The personal connections made during the conference were invaluable, highlighting the importance of in-person interactions in our digital age. Attending this conference was not just a learning experience; it was a platform for building relationships, sharing ideas, and creating a sense of community within the records management industry that can often seem lonely at times. The investment of time and resources was undoubtedly justified by the lasting impact that this conference has had on my knowledge, and experience but also that sense of connection.