2018 Aspire Program applications open

The Perth Convention Bureau’s (PCB) 2018 Aspire Program is now open to academics at four Western Australian universities, along with individuals involved with not-for-profit associations who are eligible to apply for the City of Perth Convention Scholarship and the Giving West Conference Scholarship. In addition, two further awards are available; the Telethon Kids Institute Aspire Conference Award is open to staff at the Telethon Kids Institute and the Australian Institute of Management WA (AIM WA) Aspire Conference Scholarship which is open to their Professional Members. The City of Mandurah Convention Scholarship will open in October and individuals from both academia and the not-for-profit sector in the Peel Region are invited to apply.

The aim of the Aspire Program is to assist the individual’s personal and professional development through attendance at a relevant international conference. The funding covers travel, accommodation and registration expenses to the maximum value of the award.

The awards and scholarships, funded by PCB under its Aspire Program, are awarded to individuals involved with not-for-profit associations, academia and researchers across a variety of industry sectors. The City of Perth is a founding member of PCB and continues to be a major stakeholder and sponsor of the City of Perth Convention Scholarship.

PCB’s Chief Executive Officer, Paul Beeson, said that the Aspire Program is a highly successful initiative of PCB which supports the aims of Western Australian academics and professionals. Mr. Beeson said, “Through the Aspire Program we’re delighted to be able to assist the professional development of our academic institutions, not-for-profit and research communities. The program allows the recruitment of potential Western Australian ‘local conveners’ who, with our support, may choose to pursue and secure the conferences of interest to their areas of expertise”.

The selection criteria for applications are now available at www.pcb.com.au/aspire with the deadline to receive applications being 29th March 2018. The deadline for the Telethon Kids Institute Aspire Conference Award is 15th December 2017. A wide range of information and support is available to help applicants, for assistance please contact Sophia Okeby, Communications Manager on +61 (0)8 9218 2921 or email aspire@pcb.com.au. A free workshop lunch will be hosted in February 2018, with more details to come at www.pcb.com.au/aspire-events.