The 2015 ATIA Conference, held in Melbourne in late April, was a great event bringing together more than 300 people from across the taxi industry. Representatives from authorised taxi booking companies, fleet operators and licence owners from all over Australia and New Zealand, along with key industry suppliers, joined together in a professional and collegiate environment.

The Business Program delivered a range of relevant and interesting speakers - Shaun Leane MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Transport in Victoria opened the event and Jeff Kennett was the Keynote speaker. Mike Fogarty shared the American taxi industry experience and delegates were treated to Rhod Ellis Jones on connecting with customers and who we are as an industry. Presentations on the future outlook of fuel and a legal perspective of the Victorian Taxi Industry Inquiry proved insightful. Graeme Innes discussed how and why good regulations produce public benefit, using the taxi industry as a case study.

The Social Program was well attended - participants were shown some of the best Melbourne has to offer. The tram car restaurant was a real delight, with many people already booking in to go again! Chadstone, the fashion capital, was a real highlight and High Tea at Sofi's Lounge at the Sofitel was a decadent way to finish off the week.

Dinner at the MCG on Monday night, sponsored by Rova was enjoyed by all. With the ground lit up, it was great to see the hallowed turf of the 'G. And those who took part in the guided tour saw some fascinating areas of the world renowned sporting ground. The Bollywood dancers who performed at the Gala Dinner, hosted by Cabcharge on Wednesday night, were amazing to watch, while the 5 piece band, Cloud Nine, really got the dance floor moving.

To wrap up the conference, over one hundred people enjoyed a leisurely day on Thursday touring some of the best Yarra Valley wineries. It was a picture perfect day to be out in the gorgeous Yarra Valley, and a great way to finish the 2015 ATIA Conference.