About the Event
We’re thrilled to announce that the ACA Conference is making a significant change for 2024! Traditionally held in October, we’ve moved our annual conference to July, and we can’t wait for you to join us in the beautiful city of Cairns, at the Pullman Reef Hotel.
Discover the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Soar over the rainforest on a Skyrail adventure and weave through the jungle past gorges and waterfalls on a historic railway. Or just kick back and savour the relaxed lifestyle in Australia’s major tropical gateway.
Speakers & Sessions
Session Title(s):
Adjustment of the typical pronated foot (Saturday)
This 1.5 hour presentation will cover the basic neurology, indicators and adjustments for the typical foot. This course will be presented in a workshop/hands-on format and briefly cover stabilisation procedures.
Adjusting the typical wrist (Sunday)
This 1-hour presentation will cover the basic neurology, indicators and adjustments for the typical wrist. This course will be presented in a workshop/hands-on format and briefly cover stabilisation procedures.
Biography:
Dr Mark Charrette is a 1980 Summa Cum Laude graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. He is a frequent guest speaker at nine chiropractic colleges and has taught over 1,000 seminars worldwide on extremity adjusting, biomechanics, and spinal adjusting techniques. His seminars emphasise a practical, hands-on approach.
Mark is a former All-American swimmer, who has authored a book on extremity adjusting. Having developed successful practices in California, Nevada, and Iowa, Dr Charrette currently resides in Dallas, TX.
Session Title: Creating an indestructible clinic through culture
This session on ‘Practice Success’ will highlight:
Symptoms of a ‘sick’ culture
- “Something doesn’t feel right”
- Resistance to innovation
- No one has ‘initiative’
- Performance is always an issue
Myths about culture
- Great culture is fun all the time
- Everyone on the team is always comfortable
- Team building days = great culture
What is culture? The social psychological concept of BELONGING
- It’s a description of the attitudes, behaviours and interactions between the team, the clients, the environment and the systems
- It selects and deselects team members and clients
- It is felt/experienced rather than quantified
- It is linked to profitability and employee tenure
Values are the soil of your culture?
- You already have – perhaps just haven’t defined it
- Narratives and beliefs distill motivation which then informs behaviour
- Values contain a list of non-negotiable behaviour based expectations
Signs of a ‘healthy’ culture
- Your team is on-board, on-time and on-point
- The business takes care of itself
- It feels psychologically safe where people can share their challenges
- There is healthy debate about company matters regularly
Biography:
Dr Nick Papastamatis graduated as a chiropractor in 2010, became a clinic owner in 2013 and transitioned into coaching clinic owners in 2019. Throughout his journey, Nick has experienced everything from exponential growth, clinic expansions, collapses, downturns, plateaus, lawsuits, business partnerships and more.
Through these experiences, he developed a profound understanding that effective leadership involves a blend of evidence-based psychology, heartfelt dedication, and proficiency in fundamental business principles. In 2020, Nick furthered his education by completing a Graduate Certificate in Psychology of Business and Management at Curtin University. With a decade of coaching investment, he was honoured in 2023 with the Kerwin Rae “Unstoppable Award for a Never Give Up, Positive and Persistent Attitude”.
Session Title: How best to implement the contemporary brain model of chiropractic care in practice.
Emerging scientific research reveals that spinal dysfunction has a detrimental effect on brain function. Dr. Haavik will delve into the contemporary brain model of vertebral subluxation, elucidating how chiropractic adjustments can reverse maladaptive brain changes caused by spinal dysfunction. Specifically, she will highlight the impact of adjustments on the prefrontal cortex, crucial for intelligence, movement control, pain processing, mental health, and immune function. Attendees will learn practical strategies for integrating this cutting-edge understanding of brain function into their Australian chiropractic practice while navigating regulatory considerations. The intricate neurophysiology will be presented in a comprehensible and clinically relevant manner.
Biography:
Dr Heidi Haavik is the Vice President Research and Dean of Research at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic. She is a chiropractor and has a PhD in human neurophysiology from the University of Auckland. She is the author of the best-selling book ‘The Reality Check: A quest to Understand Chiropractic from the inside out’. This book describes in easy to understand language what happens in the brain when a chiropractor adjusts the spine. Dr Haavik runs a company with the mission of enlightening the world about the science of chiropractic (@www.therealitycheck.com), provides an online learning academy (@www.chirosacademy.com) and has an online shop (@www.heidihaavik.com) and is one of the most popular chiropractic speakers in the world today.
Session Title: That Little Known Marketing Secret
Discover how a single marketing tweak can attract ideal customers and boost your revenue.
The marketing landscape has evolved rapidly in recent months, providing unparalleled opportunities for business owners and marketers like you. With Tim Reid, renowned radio personality, host of Australia’s top business marketing podcast – The Small Business Big Marketing Show, and author of The Boomerang Effect, learn a straightforward yet potent marketing strategy that positions you as a standout, attracts quality customers, and drives profitability. Hint: It’s all about telling, not selling.
Biography:
Tim Reid, a seasoned marketing professional, has held senior marketing roles in corporate Australia, including Marketing Manager for Flight Centre and tenure in Australia’s largest advertising agency. Notably, he supported AFL legend Jim Stynes in raising $1M for his youth charity, Reach. Tim is now renowned as the founder and host of Australia’s #1 and longest-running business marketing podcast, ‘The Small Business Big Marketing Show.’ With over 13 years of experience, Tim shares valuable marketing insights weekly, empowering business owners to transform their ventures into thriving enterprises.
Session Title: Tissue Targeted Taping:
The only fully integrated taping methodology
Paul Haas is a well-known Australian Sports Physiotherapist and the Founder of Strapit Sports Tapes. Paul has catapulted Strapit into over 30 countries worldwide and the key to Strapit’s success is the fully integrated taping methodology.
With no bias on any one taping category (rigid / kinesiology / mechanical), Paul will take you through the various tapes and their mechanical capacities, and how they align with the various tissues we try to influence on a daily basis (muscle/tendon/bone/skin)
Attendees will leave with a greater understanding of the various taping methods and the profound effect the applications can have on their patients. Attendees will immediately have new tools to create better change and outcomes for their patients.
Biography:
Paul Haas is a Melbourne based Sports Physiotherapist with over 18 years of experience. His work with elite gymnasts, basketballers and TAC cup footballers ensures Paul is a leader in his approach to athlete diagnosis and management. Over the last five years, he has spearheaded the development of elite sports taping programs in collaboration with Strapit Sports Tapes and Gripit KTAPES. Paul is not only recognised for his leadership in lecturing and training but also for his contributions to research with published works in the field.
Dr Lauren Kinnane graduated as a chiropractor from RMIT University in 2012 and has since completed a 2 year Diplomat in Neurodevelopmental Paediatrics as well as attending other courses and seminars. Previously, Lauren worked as a qualified Myotherapist before finding her passion for chiropractic, in particular, the care of babies, children and families. Owning and working in a family based practice outside of Geelong for the past 7 years, Lauren has developed a keen interest in the care of children of all ages.
Session Title: Ethical Elevation: Modern Marketing Strategies for Chiropractors to Stand Out
‘Ethical Elevation: Modern Marketing Strategies for Chiropractors to Stand Out’ is all about finding smart, simple ways to make your practice more visible without crossing any lines or breaking the bank. Imagine we’re sitting down over a coffee, and I’m sharing some insider tips on navigating the marketing maze with AHPRA in mind. It’s tough out there, but you don’t have to shout to be heard or spend a fortune to get noticed. We’ll explore how to use what makes you unique, connect with your community online and off, and share knowledge that matters to your patients. This is for any chiropractor who wants to up their marketing game without compromising on ethics or investing tons of time and money. Let’s make your practice stand out, the right way.
Biography:
Dr Angus Pyke is a seasoned chiropractor and the host of the ‘Marketing Your Practice Podcast.’ With a knack for simplifying complex marketing and mindset concepts, Angus is committed to helping chiropractors grow their practices. His approach is hands-on, insightful, and deeply rooted in real-world experience.
Session Title: Communicating to Improve Patient Results
Attendees will learn:
- That improving patient care requires communication strategies based on engagement rather than persuasion.
- How to present chiropractic in a way that will help people see the value of chiropractic care beyond pain relief.
Do you find it frustrating that people seem to “get it” early on in care only to drop out before they have the results they need? Do you feel like you’re having to persuade people as to why they need care? Attend the Communicating to Improve Patient Results Session, presented by Dr Martin Harvey, and you will learn concept and communication templates to upgrade your communication skills so you can help patients more and help more patients. They are based in the social science literature, are patient-centred and ethical, and are easy and quick to use in a chiropractic practice.
Biography:
Dr Martin Harvey is inspired by the potential chiropractic care has to transform the health of our communities. He believes that it is critical that chiropractors learn to document the results that they achieve in a way that is consistent with both the chiropractic paradigm and the expected regulatory standards.
Session Title: Fighting for the Future of Chiropractic
In this 45-minute session, Bharon Hoag from the Chiropractic Defense Council will be share the aftermath of COVID mandates and the current efforts being taken to break the ties of censorship. He will share what is happening with Chiropractic around the world and the bright future our profession has if we are able to organise. Grab some lunch and join Bharon in the Michaelmas Cay room. You don’t want to miss this session!
Biography:
Bharon Hoag serves as the Executive Director of OneChiropractic, a disruptive advocacy organisation challenging the status quo in chiropractic. With over 24 years of experience in the profession, he brings expertise in clinic ownership, management, and consulting, particularly in coding, documentation, and compliance. Known for his dynamic speaking style, he has addressed numerous events, earning recognition as the “most entertaining but educational speaker in the profession.” Previously, Bharon served as the Executive Director of The Ohio State Chiropractic Association (OSCA), where he implemented innovative strategies resulting in increased membership, revenue, and influence. Through OneChiropractic, he aims to protect chiropractors’ rights worldwide and elevate chiropractic as the primary healthcare choice.
Session Title: Australasian Institute of Chiropractic Education (AICE) 2024 Update
This presentation will describe the latest developments in the Australasian Institute of Chiropractic Education (AICE) including recent developments in the Clinical Practice Groups (formerly known as SIG or councils). It will present important information on: the clinical practice groups (CPGs) and their leadership, recent changes to AICE, improving standards, reduced fees, benefits of membership and where we are moving in the next year.
Biography:
Dr Henry Pollard BSc, Grad DC, Grad Dip SportSc, MSportSc, PhD, ICSSD, FICC, FAICE (2019) is a practicing Sports & Exercise Chiropractor and clinical scientist based in Sydney, Australia. He is owner and director of a chiropractic clinic located in the Southern Sydney suburb of Cronulla and has a special interest in sports chiropractic. He is also Head, Australasian Institute of Chiropractic Education (AICE), a business unit of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA). He is also the Editor of the Chiropractic Journal of Australia. Prof Pollard has been in private clinical practice for the last 38 years, has been an Independent Chiropractic Consultant for State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) (Formerly known as: WorkCover Authority of NSW) for 21 years and has taught for 30+ years in the areas of orthopedics, sport medicine, clinical management and research at several universities. He currently holds adjunct professorial positions at Durbin University of Technology, South Africa and Camara Institute of Chiropractic Sciences, Philippines. He has lectured at numerous conferences nationally and internationally in the fields of Chiropractic, Sports Medicine and Research and has published 140+ peer-reviewed manuscripts in medical and chiropractic peer reviewed journals. His research interests include: clinical & sports chiropractic, epidemiology of injury, sports medicine, and psychosocial factors in chronic pain. He has had 9 PhD and 3 MSc research student completions. Additionally, he has helped raise over $1 million dollars for chiropractic research. In a career that has spanned 38 years and three distinct phases: clinical / working with teams (collision and non-collision sports); academic/research and clinical/regulatory.
Session Title: Caring for women’s health – Journey of the mother (preconception, pregnancy, matrescence and postpartum)
In this session, Dr Anthea Todd will address common inquiries around preconception care. Dr Julie Uren will underscore the significance of informed decision-making during pregnancy and childbirth for long-term health and wellbeing. Dr Andrea Huddleston will delve into matrescence – the journey into motherhood and the postnatal period. Dr Alice Evans will conclude the session by empowering new mothers with safe and sustainable exercise strategies for returning to fitness. Following this, Drs Anthea Todd, Andrea Huddleston, and Julie Uren will each present compelling case studies, followed by a Q&A session. Dr Alice Evans will then lead practical exercises tailored for postpartum women.
Dr Anthea ToddDr Julie Uren
Dr Julie Uren completed her nursing training in Sydney in 1985, followed by midwifery and certifications in child and family health and childbirth education. After working in both hospital and community settings in Sydney, she shifted to chiropractic, earning her degree from Macquarie University in 2005. Based in Lane Cove, she educates chiropractors on the profound influence of pregnancy and birth decisions on maternal, child, and family health, highlighting their relevance to contemporary chiropractic practice.
Dr Andrea Huddleston
Dr Andrea Huddleston is a women’s health, natural fertility specialist and integrative chiropractor practising in Perth, Australia. She is the co-host of the award winning podcast ‘Wellness Women Radio’. In addition to her chiropractic degrees, Dr Andrea holds two post-graduate, Masters degrees in Women’s Health Medicine and Reproductive Medicine. She is also trained in nutritional and functional medicine. Dr Andrea is a global leader in women’s health as well as an educator and sought after presenter.
Dr Alice Evans
Dr Alice Evans is a leader, chiropractor, and Pilates instructor, who brings over 20 years of experience in health promotion and e-learning. As the founder of Evidence for Exercise, she has developed 45+ hours of online content, training over 3,000 practitioners worldwide. As a chiropractor, Alice has a special interest in low back pain and is also a featured speaker at the Virtual Neurology Summit. Additionally, Alice is a former national gymnastics champion and coach and has established a multidisciplinary clinic in 2006, with 80,000+ consults.
Session Title: Patient Complaints and Insurance Claims – Demystifying the Process
We’d all like to think it’ll never happen to us. But then that dreaded email appears – an Ahpra notification or solicitor demand. What happens next? Where do you turn for support and advice? How will this impact your career and registration?
This session will provide an overview of common complaints and the claims process from an insurer’s perspective, as well as tips for reducing the likelihood of complaints occurring.
Claire JenkinsClaire Jenkins is a skilled and accomplished insurance industry professional with over 26 years’ experience working in legal, technical, claims, and leadership roles within CTP, workers’ compensation, public liability, life & superannuation and professional indemnity insurance. She is also an avid yoga, pilates, and barre instructor, and personal trainer, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Exercise Physiology to further her knowledge of sport and exercise science.
Christie Boucher
Christie Boucher is the Client Risk and Development Executive at Guild Insurance, developing risk management education resources and programs for various professionals. Christie has a keen interest in the role education can play in managing risk by raising awareness and changing behaviour.
Get up to speed with the latest updates and ask that burning question.
Join Alex Malley CEO of the ACA in conversation with Dr Wayne Minter AM chair of the CBA. Discover ‘the human side’ of the regulator, the changing landscape of the chiropractic profession globally and the newest developments in regulation and policy. Don’t miss out on being part of this insightful discussion!
Program
Delve into an enriching experience spanning two full days. Our Conference Program offers a diverse array of topics and discussions, meticulously designed to cater to various interests and professional specialties. Don’t miss out on this invaluable opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of learning and networking. Download the Conference Program now.
Registration
Early bird pricing ends on Sunday 12 May 2024.
ACA Member
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$1,200.00 (regular pricing)
ACA Student
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$350.00 (regular pricing)
AICE Member
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$1,200.00 (regular pricing)
AICE Student
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$350.00 (regular pricing)
Non-Member
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$1,550.00 (regular pricing)
CA/Partner
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Email events@chiropractors.org.au for discount code
ACA Conference Dinner
Experience an Enchanting Tropical Evening at the ACA Conference Dinner!
After a day brimming with insights and learning, take a leisurely stroll along the breathtaking Esplanade and make your way to the prestigious Hilton Cairns. Here, an unforgettable night awaits you!
Immerse yourself in an evening filled with exquisite flavours, refreshing beverages, and heartwarming company. The Hilton Cairns sets the stage for this extraordinary dinner, encapsulating the essence of a tropical paradise with your friends and colleagues.
Dress casually and join us in celebrating camaraderie and professional growth. The Hilton Cairns transforms into our private oasis for the ACA Conference Dinner on Saturday 27 July, starting at 6:30 pm. Be entertained by Acoustic Duo and Band – Andrea and the Fly Guys. From pop and easy listening acoustic during canapes, to Soul, RnB & Jazz during dinner or cocktail hour to dance floor favourites – both classics, contemporary and Top 40 – Andrea can build the tempo through the evening from a relaxed and classy vibe into a fun, full party atmosphere.
Reserve Your Ticket to a Night to Remember
Secure your spot for an evening of gastronomic delights, engaging conversations, and tropical ambiance.
Tickets are available at $130.00 each and can be purchased at time of registration.
Don’t miss this highlight of the ACA Conference – an evening where professional networking meets tropical elegance. We can’t wait to see you there!
Accommodation Discounts
We’ve negotiated accommodation discounts and secured a limited number of reduced-rate hotel rooms to make your trip to Cairns cost affordable. Through the travel experts at Accommodation Link, rooms at the group rate are limited and available on a first come, first-served basis.
These reduced contracted rates will expire 30 days prior to the event – Book early for best selection and price.
Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities
With extensive sponsorship opportunities and a large exhibition display, ACA Conference 2024 will enable your organisation to showcase your products and services at what is Australia’s leading chiropractic professional conference.
Learn more about sponsorship and exhibition opportunities by downloading the ACA Conference 2024 Sponsorship & Exhibition Prospectus.
Ready to secure your exhibition space? Complete the ACA Conference 2024 Exhibition Form.
Sponsors
Exhibitors
ACA Conference 2024 Terms and Conditions
Before you proceed with registration and participation, please take a moment to review the terms and conditions outlined below. These terms and conditions govern your attendance at the ACA Conference 2024, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants. By registering for the conference, you agree to abide by these terms. For a detailed and comprehensive understanding of our conference policies, please refer to the full Terms and Conditions page.