There have been many mixed responses to the building of the Glasshouse. In 2008, whilst the building was under construction, the Major Events Officer, Ms Sarah Davidson, approached the Australian Photographic Society seeking their interest in holding a convention in Port Macquarie. After careful consideration, the Society decided that the Glasshouse was a suitable venue and Port Macquarie offered the necessary accommodation and other facilities needed for APSCON 2011. Throughout the planning process, local businesses were used in preparation, including the production of merchandise and the printing of program books.
Over 250 delegates, along with families from all over Australia, attended this week-long event, some arriving up to two weeks before and others staying on in Port Macquarie after the convention.  The Glasshouse facilities proved to be ideal for such a convention. The Theatre was used for lectures daily, meeting rooms for workshops and meetings, the Regional Gallery housed the APS National Exhibition of Photography and over 300 photographs were displayed on the Mezzanine level throughout the week. Morning and afternoon teas were catered for by the Glasshouse along with the Welcome Function Cocktail Party. Other dinners were held at Panthers and Westport Clubs.
These people stayed in commercial accommodation, ate in the many restaurants around Port Macquarie for both lunch and dinners. They visited many attractions Port has to offer, took advantage of the Port By Night Tours and the chartered Sunset and Sunrise trips on the Chinese Junk Cruises.
Conferences, such as this, bring a huge amount of income into Port Macquarie and the Glasshouse is becoming known as the venue for many conferences and conventions.  We are extremely fortunate to have some very qualified and experienced staff employed by the Glasshouse to support the facility and offer first class advice and support.  APSCON 2011 would certainly not have been held in Port Macquarie had that initial approach not been made by the Glasshouse.
APSCON 2012 is to be held in Canberra to celebrate the Australian Photographic Society’s 50th year. The organisers of that convention, in their announcement and presentation of that event, told the audience not to expect the same quality and standard that they experienced last week next year, because Canberra just does not have a venue to compare to the Glasshouse. I feel residents of Port Macquarie should hold their heads high and embrace this magnificent asset.
I would like to thank the many people who hosted events,
welcomed delegates to accom-modation and restaurants and
generally just made people welcome.
Robyn Mussett
Chair APSCON 2011 Planning Committee
Port Macquarie
