August 09 Around the States - South Australia

 

ALPMA (SA) continued the 2009 year with our April seminar by Michael Jenkin of Business Technology Partners on the use of technology and on-line social networking in the workplace by generation “Y”. Michael explored the extent to which workplaces ought or ought not allow their staff to engage in electronic social networking and the like. The presentation highlighted both the benefits and the risks of such on-line activity, and alerted us to the ways in which a business’s data could inadvertently be compromised as well as the steps that might be taken to address the risks. This session was well received by those who attended.

 

In May, Sharon Ferrier spoke to us about “PowerPoint Purgatory” – all of those ways in which over use of PowerPoint’s features could have the opposite effect on an audience than what was intended. We cringed as we recognised things that had annoyed us about presentations we had attended in the past – or worse, ones we had given!! Sharon’s engaging presentation gave us insights into how we could better employ a great tool to have the effect we sought.

 

In June, Chris Carpenter presented “Hello, and Then What?”. This intriguing title heralded a most entertaining session in which Chris showed how we could use networking events to the best advantage. He pointed out that when meeting people, it is important to convey what you can do for them – that your introduction should include your job description not just your title!

 

In the new year the SA Committee is planning more events which it is hoped will be as useful and stimulating as those in the past. In August we will have our annual review of the National Conference, in September, “Streamlining your Communications Services” (Daniel Cooper), in October, “ Corporate Social Responsibility” (Ian Berry), in November “ Understanding your Staff” (Scott Way), and on November 25 our Christmas Function.

 

The ALPMA SA Committee members for 2008-09 were:

 

Robert Gunn (Chair), Business Manager, Belperio Clark;
Julie Barry (Secretary), Office Manager, O’Loughlins Lawyers;
John Pederick (Treasurer), Practice Manager, Pederick Lawyers;
Shelley Dunstone, Legal Circles;
Trevor Stanbury, General Manager, Andersons;
Karen Lane, Precedents Manager, Piper Alderman;
Robyn Clissold, Office Manager, Camatta Lempens.

 

Unfortunately in the new year both Karen and Robyn have resigned from the Committee, as a result of changes to their roles, and we thank them for their contributions thus far. We are fortunate that Emily Mortimer from Piper Alderman has joined us, and we encourage other members to nominate for the new SA Branch Committee.

 

ALPMA SA was sponsored for 2008-09 by McArthur Management Services (Lawstaff), Complete Office Supplies and Lexis Nexis. In the new year, the SA Branch of ALPMA is supported by our Corporate Sponsors McArthur Management Services (Lawstaff), Complete Office Supplies and Business Technology Partners. As always, we thank our sponsors for their generous support in bringing seminars to our members. In the new year, we are also being supported by State Supporters Lexis Nexis and DX.