4th October, 2024
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to photograph the Planning Institute Australia (PIA) NSW Conference at the Novotel Wollongong Northbeach. As a Wollongong local, it was exciting to see our city host such an important event. This three-day conference, spanning from September 18 to 20, 2024, was a whirlwind of activity, ideas, and connections. From the moment I arrived, I could feel the buzz of excitement. Planners, policymakers, and industry experts from all over NSW had gathered to discuss the future of our communities under the theme of “Transformation”. I found myself constantly on the move, darting between conference rooms, trying to capture every significant moment. Note to self: next time, wear more comfortable shoes!
Fueling Creativity: Coffee and Catering
One of the unexpected highlights of the conference was the catering, provided by ‘Patch’. The food was not only delicious but also beautifully presented, making for some great photo opportunities. Attendees (myself included) also enjoyed free barista-made coffee between sessions.
Capturing the Unexpected
While there were plenty of serious discussions and presentations to photograph, some of the most memorable moments came from the more lighthearted sessions. On the last day, I had the pleasure of capturing a hilarious role-play exercise during one of the final panel sessions. Each panel member took on a persona in a made-up place, disputing developments based on their character’s demographic. Laughter filled the room, and capturing the genuine smiles and engagement of the attendees brought joy. The conference was a lot more entertaining than you might think. I suppose urban planners overlap with performers more often than we expect.
The Challenge of Varied Hours
This conference was an enormous job, with varied hours over the three days. As a photographer, it was both challenging and exciting to adapt to the different lighting conditions and atmospheres throughout the day. From early morning sessions to evening networking events, each part of the day brought its own unique photographic opportunities. As someone who works multiple jobs – this also meant re-arranging my whole week. It was a great exercise in time management and adaptability.
Reflections: Lessons Learned
This conference was a reminder of why I love what I do. Yes, my feet were sore by the end of each day, and yes, I probably took way too many photos (sorting through them was a monster task in itself!). But being able to document these moments of collaboration, innovation, and even laughter is truly a privilege. I learned that capturing a conference is about more than just taking pictures of speakers at podiums. It’s about finding those small moments of connection, those flashes of inspiration, and the quiet determination of professionals working to improve our communities.
Wollongong: A Fitting Backdrop
Throughout the conference, I couldn’t help but feel proud of Wollongong. A lot of the attendees were not locals, and they seemed in absolute awe, distracted by the ocean views out the window. Wollongong’s rich history of transformation from an industrial centre to a vibrant, diverse city provided the perfect backdrop for these discussions about the future of planning in NSW. To all the planners, speakers, and organisers who made this event possible – thank you for letting me be a part of it. Your passion for creating better, more sustainable communities is truly inspiring.
If you’re interested in seeing more photos from the PIA NSW Conference or other events, check out the photos below, or my portfolio page. And if you’re planning an event and need a photographer who understands the importance of capturing not just the moments, but the energy and ideas behind them, let’s chat!
