Small business owners in the amusement, leisure, recreation and tourism industries are set to reap the benefits of a one day workshop where industry professionals will share their secrets to success.

The Australian Amusement, Leisure and Recreation Association (AALARA Inc.) are conducting a series of ‘One Day’ Business Skills development workshops for the amusement, leisure and recreation industries in an effort to provide new skills to small business owners (particularly focusing on young entrepreneurs 35 years and under) wanting to grow a more profitable, safe and sustainable business.

The workshops stand out from others by being tailored specifically to the industry, with case studies based entirely on relevant scenarios for amusement, leisure, recreation and tourism industries developed by qualified industry consultants.

Conducted throughout Australia commencing in March 2008 (program attached) over a variety of dates and locations, attendees can expect to learn about business planning and strategy, human resource management, marketing and safety and risk management.

AALARA is a not-for-profit national organization with particular responsibilities regarding the promotion and education of best practice in the areas of profitability, safety, operations and management of the amusement, leisure and recreation industry businesses, and has proven to be a highly proactive national body.

AALARA president-elect Rob Bradley says the workshops are an excellent opportunity for both new and existing small business owners.

“AALARA is constantly looking for ways to proactively educate and inform those involved in the amusement, leisure and recreation industries, and these workshops are a wonderful opportunity for small business owners,” said Mr Bradley.

“Basically, we are aiming to provide a practical and informative way to elevate your business and profits to exciting new levels.”

Director of the consulting division for Webb Group Pty Ltd, Tony Hood will be speaking at the workshops for the business planning and strategy module, covering everything from PAYG and GST compliance, to the strategic choices available for every business.

“No punches are pulled as the practicalities of obtaining equipment finance in this sector are discussed along with current examples of lending ratios and the exploration of the consequences of over capitalising a business," said Mr Hood.

"This is business planning 301, working on the assumption that all attendees have survived the perils of establishing a business in this sector and are now exploring strategic options for growth."

Mr Hood says the workshop aims at providing the framework to allow industry players to more readily identify areas that create value within their business, and give a practical understanding of the business planning process and a comprehensive workbook to enable a business plan to be written.

“Most importantly, the workshops draw from the experiences of peers and relevant professionals and deal with the practicalities of the business environment,” he said.

As well as being educational, the workshop provides invaluable networking opportunities for small business owners with morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea to meet with other professionals in the industry.

At only AUS$45 per person (including morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea), places are limited and will be filled quickly.

‘This is an Australian Government funded initiative under the Building Entrepreneurship in Small Business Program’.

For further information about the workshop see below or contact:

Kim Hackwood

General Manager p: 07 3807 3508

f: 07 3807 0931 m: 0419 737 178

e: [email protected] w: www.aalara.com.au

e: [email protected] w: www.entertainmenthouse.com.au

Register now- limited numbers so don’t miss out!

WORKSHOP REGISTRATION FEE: $45.00 per person

(Including morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and workshop work book)

What you will learn and take away from this workshop are skills relevant to:

Module 1: Business Planning and Strategic Analysis

Capital Raising and Financial Management Legal/Legislative

IT Technology and E Commerce

Module 2: Marketing Planning and Market Analysis

Innovative Marketing and Promotional Strategies Protecting your Brand and Intellectual Property

Module 3:

Human Resource Management Duty Statements

Employment Contracts Staff Recruitment and Training

Module 4:

Safety and Risk Management Occupational Health and Safety (Relevant Australian Standards)

Developing Your Emergency Management Plan Litigation Management

Crisis Management

A one day investment that could lift your business and profits to exciting new levels

LOCATIONS AND DATES: QLD

Gold Coast, Monday 12th May 2008, Conrad Jupiters Hotel & Casino Mackay, Thursday 12th June 2008, Grand Mercure Suites

Mooloolaba, Tuesday 17th June 2008, Mantra Resort Mooloolaba Cairns, Thursday 10th July 2008, Rydges Esplanade Resort

Gold Coast, Monday 11th May 2009, Conrad Jupiters Hotel & Casino

NSW Sydney, Wednesday 12th March 2008, Novotel Olympic Park

Penrith, Wednesday 12th November 2008, Panther’s League Club Newcastle, Tuesday 10th March 2009, Noah’s On The Beach

VIC

Melbourne, Tuesday 14th October 2008, Rydges North Melbourne Wodonga/Albury, Monday 27th October 2008, Country Comfort Albury

TAS

Hobart, Monday 20th October 2008, Rydges Hobart

SA Adelaide, Thursday 28th August 2008, Rydges South Park Adelaide

WA

Fremantle, Wednesday 24th September 2008, TradeWinds Hotel