2017 is now well on its way, kicked off by a great chapter conference and Copper Skillet competition in Melbourne. We were delighted to see 5 chefs join us to compete in the competition on Sunday evening and the junior chef winner was Daniel Heslewood from Cliftons Aukland and the senior chef winner was Paul Witherington from Lindenderry at Red Hill Victoria. For those joining us in Los Angeles for the global Copper Skillet competition, we look forward to see both chefs compete for the top prize!

We were delighted to see our membership at the conference, coming together, to “Share Ideas That Matter!”. We welceomed a great line-up of speakers with topics on technology, staff performance and sales.

Until recently, The AAP board has been small (but hard working!) and through the hard work of two who led the conference organisation this year, we are very thankful for their incredible efforts. I would like to welcome our new board members, who bring new energy and talent to our board this year, Craig Emmerson from the Grange Group, Marie-Claire Andrews from ShowGizmo, Martin Clapman and Stephen Cox both from Cliftons.

I am thrilled that we now have a full board, as this is the opportunity for us to role our sleeves up and make things happen for the chapter.

Looking ahead to our AAP conference next year, the conference will be in Auckland, New Zealand on the 12th and 13th of February. Please pencil in the dates, we will keep all IACC members posted with program details and registration opening.

Coincidentally Karstens just signed a lease to open a new venue in Auckland, soon to be evaluated for IACC membership and maybe one of the conference days will be at our new venue next year.

Wishing you all happiness and success.

Hendrik Karsten
IACC AAP Chapter President