In late 2010 CAUTHE and ANZALS (Australian New Zealand Association of Leisure Studies) signed an MOU with the intention of building closer relations and stronger networks between allied fields. In 2011 SMAANZ (Sport Management Association of Australia and New Zealand) and CAUTHE commenced discussions about how to build closer relationships between the two organisations.

2012 Inaugural Joint Symposium

Bringing these discussions to fruition, the inaugural joint symposium was held at UTS on 26 November 2012 Making a difference in Leisure, sport, tourism and hospitality. The organizing team includes Carmel Foley (UTS), Simone Fullagar (GU) and Jennie Small (UTS). The Symposium was a great success in terms of achieving the above objectives. Jennie Small contributed the following report:

I am happy to report that we had a successful Symposium with pleasing attendance. We originally envisaged a small group of about 12 -15 but we had 38 in attendance and around 20 who attended the dinner in the evening. We had 12 presentations on a range of topics fitting the theme (running  2 streams in the afternoon) and two very interesting keynote speakers. Cain Beckett from the NSW Disability Council set the scene by talking about diversity , inclusion and disability. Professor Gordon Waitt from the University of Wollongong discussed his very interesting research on ‘Sweat’ – a memorable presentation!! The feedback I have received has been positive.

2013 Joint Symposium

The second symposium, to be scheduled in November 2013, will seek to address the interests of CAUTHE, SMAANZ and ANZALS members in the areas of sport, events and tourism. The opportunity provided by the 2018 Commonwealth Games will provide the focus for guest speakers and developing a research agenda. The Events SIG leaders, Judith Mair and Michelle Whitford, will represent CAUTHE in the development of this joint symposium.

Future Developments

The joint symposia series is intended to provide opportunities for shared dialogue, cross-pollination of ideas and the formation of a robust and vibrant intellectual landscape in the fields of sport, leisure, tourism and hospitality studies. It is intended that each symposium will have a different theme drawing upon the common interests of ANZALS, CAUTHE and SMAANZ members and that it will be broadly reflective of the host institution’s interests and expertise. Members with an interest in hosting or helping to organize future symposia should contact the secretariat or the relevant SIG leader.