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APS' 18th Annual Client Conference

APS is pleased to announce the dates and venue for its 18th Annual Client Conference. This year's conference will take place in Fiji from 5th to 7th November and there are a number of steps we are taking to ensure that cost does not become a barrier to attendance in 2009 – because, as always, our aim is to encourage as many clients as possible to join us. To deliver an affordable and accessible conference in these turbulent times, we continue our focus on providing the very best value for clients. Accordingly we have trimmed back this year's conference, with a little less 'razzmatazz', but the essential practicality of the conference – the valuable content, learning, social and networking elements – will all remain.

The theme for this year's conference is "Thrive Now" This year the cost of attending the conference is considerably lower than in previous years, and we have ensured all the benefits of attending remain. This includes a full agenda with valuable information sessions, discussion groups and speakers, as well as the opportunity to network with your colleagues and peers. You will also see firsthand the roadmap to the next generation of APS software releases, and spend time with the people who build the software.

We have achieved this by not only trimming back on the extras, this year APS is subsidising the event to an even greater extent than previously. We have also looked at creative ways to lower the cost to attend. It's with this in mind that we decided to host the event in Fiji – amazingly it is the most cost effective destination of the three we considered (New Zealand, Australia & Fiji).

Location and VenueJust 20 minutes from Nadi Airport, but a world away from the stress of everyday life, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa is an excellent conference destination. The Sofitel provides one of Fiji's largest and most modern venue options, with all the facilities you would expect from an APS conference, and the added bonus of being set in classic Fijian surroundings with views extending across Nadi bay.

Of course, we are mindful of the fact that some firms can be reluctant to send staff to conferences at resort destinations, as it could be perceived as a 'junket'. However, while Fiji is of course a fantastic location, the content, learning and intensity of an APS conference will be the same as always, regardless of the destination. Consequently we believe you will agree that the reduction in registration fees, as well as the location itself, combine to make conference 2009 an absolute must!

In due course we will issue a conference registration package. In the meantime I urge you to reserve the dates in your firm's calendar now.