An APE (Rod) did a reconnaissance trip to SilverStar 14-18 August, 2017 .  This had a number of goals but most important were:

1. Discuss logistics and options for winter (January) conferences, and
2. Investigate summer (August) conference options

After discussion with the SilverStar experts, we’ve put together a 1 minute survey. It’d be great if you could give it a go here.

The Okanagan is a beautiful place in summer.  It’s easy to get around, warm and with abundant ways to enjoy being outside.  Being there in the quiet relaxed mood of summer also provided an opportunity to think about how to make APE fresh and relevant – January 2018 is going to be great!

Don’t forget to register!

We are starting to get some fabulous delegates and presenters expressing interest in APE 2018. Registration before June 30 is a great way to go…

Robert Pirsig died recently. His classic Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was rejected by 121 publishers before the 122nd agreed to publish with very low expectations. Vision is obviously a scarce commodity among publishers! It is good to reflect on how Robert Pirsig changed our relationship with technology. Images of Zen sometimes come to me just when yelling at the computer.

A guy who has something in common with Pirsig  is Phil Weber.  He started sending out bills for his wife’s anaesthetic practice around when his first son was born nearly three decades ago. He has  grown it into a successful and customer focussed medical billing company.

At APE 2018 we can share past and future visions! Less than 250 sleeps – now that is a vision to keep in mind.

2017 was great! 
To see how great it was, have a look at the summary proceedings.

The APE conferences continue to attract wonderful delegates. Without their contributions, there really would be no meeting. The wisdom shared in a convivial atmosphere creates a platform for the working year ahead.

It is good to look forward to the next conference knowing that you will reconnect with old friends and make new ones.

Thanks for your participation and interest!

For 2018

We have selected dates (3-5 and 8-12 Jan) and proposed some themes for next year.

A survey of 2017 participants (see figure below) showed a preference for Vision over other proposed themes. We can expect great contributions from ophthalmologists, futurologists (utopians and dystopians), leaders of all stripes, policy developers, forecasters, planners – in fact any professional!

We look forward to sharing your vision!

What an exhilarating, exhausting and educational three weeks!

The APE team of Jo, Vida and Rod got back to Australia this morning and have started the process of synthesising 2017 and preparing 2018.

For those who weren’t there for the announcements, the dates for 2018 are 3-5 January and 8-12 January in Silver Star.  It’s not too soon to start planning travel and accommodation!

Download a copy of the preliminary program here for the very briefest summary of what’s on offer at APE Silver Star in 2017. Behind the names and times, there is a very serious amount of technical expertise and fascinating content addressing the conference theme of Flow.

Don’t forget to register if you haven’t already.

(Kiroro program to follow soon)