Monday 12 May 2025
Session 1 (8:30am – 10:20am) Setting the Scene: Where We Are & What’s Ahead
We’ll kick off the conference with a big-picture look at the current state of play for Queensland’s caravan parks. You’ll gain valuable insights into guest behaviour, performance benchmarks, and emerging trends—based on real data that reflects what’s happening on the ground. We’ll also take you on a global tour of what’s influencing the broader caravan and camping world, from innovations in the US to challenges in NZ and beyond. To top it off, we’ll explore the current state of Queensland’s international visitor market and what it means for your business. This session is designed to spark ideas, fuel conversations, and set the tone for two days of learning, connection, and inspiration.
Morning Tea 10:20am
Session 2 (11:05am – 12:30pm) Tourism Trends, Sustainability & Inclusive Design
In this session, we’ll dive deeper into what’s shaping the future of caravan parks, starting with a closer look at the return of international travellers. With global tourism back on the rise, you’ll get up-to-date intel on who’s coming, what they’re seeking, and how you can make your park a top choice for overseas visitors. Next, we’ll shift focus to sustainability—not just as a buzzword, but as a real driver of business growth. Our industry panel will share practical ways to implement eco-friendly changes that save money, attract values-driven guests, and help future-proof your business. To round things out, you’ll hear a powerful accessibility case study from a park operator who’s walking the talk. It’s a reminder that small changes can make a big difference—for your guests and your reputation.
Lunch 12:30pm
Session 3 (1:30pm – 3:20pm) Protect, Partner, Prosper: Risk & Collaboration in Focus
This session zooms in on risk management—starting with a close look at the often-overlooked issue of tree maintenance. Learn how to manage this natural asset safely and responsibly, minimising risk while maintaining the beauty of your park. We’ll also explore a second risk-related topic (details to come) that will provide further insight into managing challenges that keep park operators up at night. From risk, we move into reward—with an industry panel all about collaboration for business success. Whether it’s teaming up with local tourism bodies, working closely with suppliers, or sharing resources with other operators, this session will show you how collaboration can drive real, measurable growth. Get ready for practical examples and ideas you can take straight back to your park.
Afternoon tea 3:20pm
Session 4 (4:05pm – 5:00pm) Challenge Assumptions & Embrace Innovation
We’re finishing Monday with a focus on fresh thinking—challenging assumptions, exploring new opportunities, and putting innovation into action. Kicking things off with a paid presentation is a high-energy, insight-packed session with Hipcamp’s Head of Partnerships, Kristen Vasan, and @AussieBrooke, who’s grown a community of over 1 million followers without a traditional marketing team—just by leaning into the power of authentic storytelling and the natural beauty of the outdoors. You’ll walk away with smart, actionable ideas for reaching today’s digital-first, experience-hungry camper. Plus, you’ll learn how Hipcamp is supporting CPAQ members in promoting their sites and meeting the evolving needs of modern travelers. Next, you’ll hear a real-life innovation case study from a park operator who’s doing things differently—and getting results. From small tweaks to game-changing strategies, it’s proof that innovation comes in many forms. We’ll wrap up the day with a hands-on Innovation Workshop—an interactive session designed to help you think creatively, explore new ideas, and walk away with practical solutions you can start testing in your park.
CPAQ Awards Dinner
Pre-Dinner Drinks: 7:00pm | Seated by: 7:30pm
Join us for an evening of celebration, connection, and a touch of sparkle at the CPAQ Awards Dinner. We’ll kick off with pre-dinner drinks from 7:00pm, giving you time to mingle and toast the day’s insights before being seated for a 7:30pm start. Then it’s time to shine a spotlight on the incredible individuals and parks making waves in our industry. Enjoy an evening of exceptional food, terrific company, and well-deserved recognition as we announce the winners of the 2025 CPAQ Awards. Whether you’re a finalist, a proud supporter, or just love a good celebration—this is a night you won’t want to miss.
Dress code: Casual cocktail – Dress to impress… but leave the tie at home.
CPAQ After Party (Kicks off straight after the Awards Dinner)
The celebrations don’t stop when the awards are announced—keep the good vibes going at the official CPAQ After Party, proudly sponsored by Ingenia Holidays! We’ll head straight from the dinner into a night of dancing, laughs, and letting your hair down with your fellow parkies. With a live DJ spinning crowd favourites and a complimentary cocktail for the first 50 people through the door, this is your chance to celebrate, connect, and make some unforgettable conference memories. No speeches. No formalities. Just music, good company, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass.
Tuesday 13 May 2025
Session 1 (8:30am – 10:15am) Tech That Works + Planning for the Unexpected
We’re kicking off Tuesday with a dynamic session focused on technology that delivers real results. You’ll hear from three companies offering practical tools that can drive efficiency, reduce costs, and take pressure off your team—regardless of how tech-savvy you are. Plus, a forward-thinking tourism operator will share how using technology and data has made a real difference in her business. Then we’ll shift gears with Expect the Unexpected, a down-to-earth look at why every caravan park needs a Business Continuity Plan. This session will give you the knowledge and confidence to prepare for the unexpected—from storms to system outages—so you can keep your park running no matter what’s thrown your way.
Morning tea (10:15am)
Session 2 (11:00am – 12:30pm) Choose Your Stream: Tailored Breakouts for Real Results
In this session block, you’ll pick between two themed streams designed to match your focus—Park Life & People or Profit & Protection. Each stream offers practical, hands-on content to help you improve how you run your business, support your team, and plan for the future.
Operational Realities: Dealing with Difficult People
Whether it’s a grumpy guest, a team member having a tough day, or a conversation you’ve been avoiding, dealing with difficult people is just part of park life. This session is packed with simple, effective techniques to help you keep calm, set clear boundaries, and turn tense moments into positive outcomes—without sacrificing your customer service standards.
Profit & Protection: Insightful Conversations
This stream is all about building a stronger, more resilient business. You’ll explore how benchmarking can help you understand your numbers, compare key costs, and make confident, data-driven decisions that improve your bottom line. Then we’ll unpack strategies for working more effectively with local councils, from smoothing out planning approvals to building lasting partnerships. Finally, we’ll discuss the tough but critical issue of insurability. With insurance continuing to challenge park operators, this session offers expert insights and practical steps to reduce risk and improve how your business is assessed by insurers.
Pick your path, bring your questions, and get ready to walk away with tools you can put into action straight away.
Lunch (12:30pm)
Session 3 (1:30pm – 2:30pm) Choose Your Focus: Tailored Sessions for Your Park Type
This session block lets you tailor your afternoon to match your business model—whether you’re managing residential tenancies, overseeing a manufactured home park, or focused on tourism. Each stream offers direct updates from key government departments/regulatory bodies, along with practical sessions to help you navigate real-world challenges.
Residential Tenancies Stream
If your park includes long-term tenants, this session is for you. You’ll hear directly from the Residential Tenancies Authority, with updates on current initiatives, regulatory changes, and ways to connect with support. Then, we’ll shift to the human side of park management—looking at how to support vulnerable residents in challenging situations, without compromising your wellbeing or operations. It’s a balanced mix of policy insight and people-focused practice.
Manufactured Homes Stream
For parks operating under the Manufactured Homes Act, this stream explores how to create stronger communities and smoother operations. You’ll hear from the Department of Housing about what’s happening at a government level and gain practical tips on building a sense of belonging and improving resident satisfaction. Expect useful insights and examples you can take straight back to your park.
Tourism-Focused Parks Stream
If your park is driven by guests on the move, this session will focus on the tools and insights you need to stay ahead. You’ll receive an update from the Department of Tourism, then dive into two practical sessions: one focused on managing guest complaints with professionalism and calm, and another exploring CPAQ’s brand-new Recovery Marketing Toolkit—designed to help you bounce back quickly after disruption. Think communication strategies, ready-made templates, and proven messaging tips.
Afternoon tea (2:30pm)
Session 4 (3:15pm – 5:00pm) Looking Ahead: Vision, Leadership & Inspiration
We’re wrapping up the 2025 CPAQ Conference with a powerful final session focused on what’s next—for CPAQ, for your business, and for the industry.
We’ll start by unveiling CPAQ’s brand-new Strategic Plan, developed in response to member feedback and designed to support and grow Queensland’s caravan park sector over the years ahead. Learn about our priorities, our path forward, and how you can be part of this exciting new chapter. Then it’s time to ask the big questions. In our open forum, you’ll have the chance to engage directly with the CPAQ Board—ask questions, raise concerns, and be part of a real, unfiltered conversation with the people representing you. To close the conference, we’ll hear from a standout tourism operator who’s turned bold vision into business success. Their keynote will blend lessons learned, tough calls made, and moments of magic—all designed to inspire and energise you for the journey ahead.
And of course, we’ll finish with a bang—don’t miss the final draw of the CPAQ Conference Raffle. You must be in the room to win!