2016 Institute of Mercantile Agents National Conference: Connect, Learn and Enjoy

2016 Institute of Mercantile Agents National Conference: Connect, Learn and Enjoy

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Hi, my name is Adam Stewart, Debt Collection Expert and owner of Debt Recoveries Australia.

Last week, I had a great time at the annual Institute of Mercantile Agents National Conference held at the beautiful Henry Jones Arts Hotel, right on the water in downtown Hobart.

Institute of Mercantile Agents National Conference

The Institute of Mercantile Agents Ltd or IMA is the main advocacy body, representing collectors, investigators, process servers and repossession agents here in Australia. Established in 1961, the Institute of Mercantile Agents Ltd’s elected members network across Australia to work on matters of licensing, privacy, training and ethics affecting members. Members generally work as agents for principals such as banks, financiers, lawyers, insurers and the business community. In my case, working for insurers.

2016 Institute of Mercantile Agents National Conference Connect, Learn and Enjoy

Alex Caruana, one of the Directors of Express Mercantile, was the master of ceremonies during the Institute of Mercantile Agents National Conference. He is also one of the past presidents of the Institute of Mercantile Agents Ltd.

Over the years, I have found the IMA conferences invaluable and informative, especially on information about licensing issues, updates on the ACCC guidelines and the various government bodies that interact with our industry.

This year’s conference was well attended, considering it was a long way for most of us to travel, but it was worth the trip. Hobart is the perfect spot for a conference.

2016 Institute of Mercantile Agents National Conference Connect, Learn and Enjoy

Hobart is the perfect spot for a conference.

 

2016 Institute of Mercantile Agents National Conference Connect, Learn and Enjoy

Hobart Museum and Art Gallery

A great calibre of speakers were present for this year’s national conference. For me, I was mostly interested in information relating to debt collection, specifically the opening address by The Agent Magazine Editor Alan Harries. His address was informative and invaluable as a catch up on what is happening within the industry. Alan presented a snapshot of how he sees the industry in terms of regulations, compliance and opportunities. It would be great to see more content like this at future IMA conferences.

Another session that stood out for me was NDA Tasmania’s Nigel Davies. Nigel shared tips on how to be efficient in managing competing time and work demands. Great work, Nigel.

There are also some great supporters of the IMA at the conference. A stand out for me is DebtCol, which is the debt collection software that we use for all our debt collection and litigation work.

The Institute of Mercantile Agents National Conference is a great opportunity to network with others in my industry and for me to find out more about how other companies are coping with the changing debt collection landscape. Socially, it was great to catch up with some of the other members of the IMA. Thanks to Bruce Pasetti of Debt Collection Legal in Brisbane, for an enjoyable catch up around the fireplace at Henry Jones Art Hotel.

2016 Institute of Mercantile Agents National Conference Connect, Learn and Enjoy

Thanks to Bruce Pasetti of Debt Collection Legal in Brisbane, for an enjoyable catch up around the fireplace at Henry Jones Art Hotel. Also in the photo is Bruce’s daughter, Kensey.

Looking forward to next year’s IMA National Conference already.

To learn more about the Institute for Mercantile Agents Ltd, visit their website here.

Contact me at Debt Recoveries Australia on 1300 799 511. You may also email me at email@debtrecoveries.com.au or Skype at debtrecoveries.

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