FIRST NATIONAL CONVENTION ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
Chairman's Note
Welcome to our 2022 Convention in the majestic country of Thailand and its amazing capital Bangkok!
First National Conventions are renowned for excellence, magic, learning, and most importantly, lasting friendships and business relationships. If this is your first Convention, welcome and please take advantage of all the benefits of what we lovingly call – our fabric!
To all delegates, we thank you for your commitment to our network, your resilience and your strength in committing to our journey to Bangkok and, I can assure you that the entire team in our National Administration has a wonderful event planned for you.
This ‘eBook’ provides all the information you require to enjoy Convention 2022, and will be updated almost daily over the coming weeks.
All that is left to say, we all can’t wait to be together again in Bangkok.
See you there! "Sawasdee”
David Lovell
National Chairman - Australia
Your Convention Hotel
Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit
1 Sukhumvit 13 Road, Bangkok, Thailand
One of Bangkok’s newest 5 Star hotels, conveniently located in the heart of the vibrant area of Sukhumvit. Walking distance to great dining as well as some of the best shopping that Bangkok has to offer. With direct access to Nana Train station as well, getting to other parts of the city couldn’t be easier.
Bangkok 2022 Convention Photos
Here's What People Had to Say...
"What an amazing opportunity to be part of a fantastic brand leading the way and resuming international travel and events.
Incredible Speakers, Workshops, National Awards Night, Team Building , Networking and meeting new friends.
Thanks You."
Paul Land – First National Hills Direct
"I have to express my sincere gratitude to all FN Head Office Team as this was a truly professional and extremely enjoyable experience."
Terry Godde – First National Townsville
"Great job First National Team. Well done as always. Our motto “We Put You First” resonates strongly from top to bottom of the organisation."
Joseph Yap - First National Balwyn North
"Loved it – thank you so much."
Rebecca Dean – First National Port Stephens
"What a week! Left Bangkok making more friends, networking further, team building and soaking in the local culture. Thank you for all the planning, preparation and optimism over the last 12 months to get us all there!"
Natalee Wilson – First National Bonnici & Associates
"Fantastic work again by First National Head Office. You put us first & really do an amazing job. We are proud to be a part of this wonderful organisation."
Shane Candappa – First National Candappa
"Big Thanks to Ray and his team for putting on such an inspiring collection of workshops and convention content – the awards and 70’s night was so much fun."
David Kerr – First National Albany
"Outdid yourselves. Thank you so much you should be proud!"
Carmen Christie – First National Warragul
"Terrific effort! Still find it humbling the effort that the team put in preparing and looking after the show 24/7. We had a great time, thank you to all."
Patrick Barry – First National Southcoast
"THANK YOU for the BEST CONVENTION EVER!!!"
Shelly Bryant – First National Mercer Bryant
"Thank You Ray, and each and every one of your amazing team for another wonderful convention. Love my First National family."
Kay Alexander – First National Alexander’s
"As part of the Amazing Race we were asked to make a 1 minute video about why we loved First National. It’s because we love the fabric."
Karen Joseph – First National Manly
"It was so much fun seeing everyone again and spending time among friends. Thanks again for your energy and generosity."
Gina Croce-Yap – First National Balwyn North
"You all know how to throw a part. It’s been a fantastic experience and I can’t wait for Hobart."
Megan Hill – First National Copper Coast
"Congrats to you and your team on an outstanding conference. The venue and planning have been first class."
Chris Glass – Honan Insurance Group
"Thank you for yet another fantastic convention."
Meaghan Dolphin – First National Ranges
"Great job guys, you all deserve a big round of applause."
Mick Dolphin – First National Ranges
"Absolutely the best convention ever!!! Thank you so much to the amazing First National Team “YOU PUT US FIRST”."
Suzy Candappa – First National Candappa
"A sincere round of applause and well done to TEAM FN. We thoroughly appreciate and enjoyed the absolute attention to detail and end result."
David Doherty – First National Tamworth
"There’s a consistent 110% effort with this amazing group. Thank you for making your performance partners feel well and truly part of your fabric."
Sally Garner – HR Advice Online
"Great Job guys, raising the bar each time!"
Darryn O’Keefe – First National Tweed Sutherland
"Great job team, fantastic convention thank you all for your hard work."
Rob Stephens – First National Collie & Tierney
"An amazing convention from star to finish absolutely seamless."
Lisa Turner – First National Cleveland
"Best Ever!!! Well done team – terrific work. Thank you all."
Leanne Rayner – First National Rayner Bacchus Marsh
"Very shocked, surprised, humbled, but most of all, what an honour to have received the Kaye Heath Award at the Frist National Real Estate Awards in Bangkok last night."
Rob Stephens – First National Collie & Tierney
"Thanks to Ray and the whole team from head office for the best so far = Bangkok Convention. You were right “build it and they will come”."
Alison and Darren Mansell – First National Albion Park
"Another world class convention this time in Bangkok. A sensational and progressive network connecting members from across Australia and New Zealand."
Jeremy O’Donoghue – First National O’Donoghues
"Another great convention held in Bangkok. Lots of learning, lots of new friendships and just a bloody good time!"
Melissa Carlyle – Excel Australasia
"What a whirlwind the last few days were! Thank you First National for the opportunity to attend and do a presentation and the convention in Bangkok."
Melanie Poole – First National Daystar
Day 1
If you have extended your trip pre or post arrival, your personal itinerary may differ – The main group arrives on Sunday, May 15th
The following is only applicable to delegates arriving with the main group on specified First National flights:
DEPARTURE FROM AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
STEP 1:
ALL CORRECT PAPERWORK AND ONLINE REGISTRATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED PRIOR TO DEPARTURE FROM AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND
**This will be as per the Logistics and Legislation page
ARRIVAL IN BANGKOK
STEP 2:
Upon clearing customs and collecting your luggage you will exit to the Arrivals Hall where you will be met by First National staff. Look for the friendly faces and First National Logo.
STEP 3:
You will then be transferred by luxury coach to complete the arrival process into Bangkok.
STEP 4:
Upon arrival at Hyatt Regency Bangkok, your check in has been organised so that you will be able to go straight to your room.
STEP 5:
Sunday Evening May 15th is a FREE NIGHT for you to relax after the flight. Catch Up with friends or explore our beautiful hotel or it’s surrounds.
**Please note that Sunday, May 15th is: VISAKHA BUCHA DAY IN THAILAND
There are a number of important Buddhist holidays throughout the year, but the most significant in Thailand is Visakha Bucha Day. This day commemorates three defining events in the life of the Lord Buddha which all occurred on the full-moon day of the sixth lunar month (known as the Visakha month). It’s a day when most Thai Buddhists will visit their local temple to make merit.
Because it’s such an important Buddhist day in Thailand you may find that there are some restrictions at bars, clubs and restaurants in relation to the service of alcohol. These restrictions are for 24 hours only.
Day 2
MONDAY, MAY 16th
6:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast at your leisure in the Market Café from 6:00am
The Market Café is located on the Level 4 in the hotel
Kid Friendly
8:45 AM
The Convention Begins in the Regency Ballroom
The Regency Ballroom is located on Level 5 in the hotel
10:00 AM
Morning Tea & Sponsor Showcase
Kid Friendly
10:15 AM – 12:30 PM
Workshops
Located on Level 5 in the hotel
*Please refer to the Business Agenda
12:30 PM
Lunch & Sponsor Showcase – where all guests and delegates are welcome (Regency Ballroom Foyer, Level 5 in the hotel)
Kid Friendly
FREE AFTERNOON
6:00 PM
-
- Pre-Dinner Drinks
- Regency Ballroom Level 5
- FN Squad Event (By Invitation Only)
- Spectrum Lounge and Bar located on Level 29
- Pre-Dinner Drinks
7:30 PM
First National AWARDS Night
- Regency Ballroom Level 5
The tradition of our National Awards Night being a black-tie event will continue in Bangkok. Please ensure that you are dressed appropriately for what will be a spectacular night.
POST AWARDS AFTER PARTY
- Spectrum Lounge and Bar located on Level 29
Day 3
TUESDAY, MAY 17th
6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Breakfast at your leisure in the Market Café from 6:00am
The Market Café is located on the Level 4 in the hotel
Kid Friendly
8:45 AM – 10:00 AM
First National Showcase
-
- Regency Ballroom, Level 5
10:00 AM
Morning Tea & Sponsor Showcase
Kid Friendly
12:30 PM
Lunch & Sponsor Showcase – where all guests and delegates are welcome (Regency Ballroom Foyer, Level 5 in the hotel)
Kid Friendly
FREE AFTERNOON AND EVENING
Day 4
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18th
6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Breakfast at your leisure in the Market Café from 6:30am
The Market Café is located on the Level 4 of the Hyatt Regency Bangkok
Kid Friendly
9:00 AM
Meet in the Regency Ballroom, Level 5
As we may be racing through Royal Temples and or General Temples, there will be a general dress code:
You must make sure your shoulders, knees and ankles are covered and you must not wear leggings or any see-through or torn clothing. Wear comfortable walking shoes/runners NOT slides, sandals, thongs or some sort of slip-on shoes.
At the conclusion of the Amazing Race there will be a magnificent riverside lunch (this may be a clue? 😊)
If you have not yet registered, please contact amy.zhao@firstnational.com.au to confirm your participation.
FREE AFTERNOON
6:30 PM
Pre-dinner drinks & Prize Giveaway
Regency Ballroom, Level 5
7:30 PM
STUDIO 54: A Salute to the 70’s
Regency Ballroom, Level 5
Day 5
THURSDAY, MAY 19th
DEPARTURE FROM THE HOTEL TO THE AIRPORT = the times will be displayed in the hotel Lobby at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok from Wednesday.
Business Agenda
Monday
8:45 am
Welcome to Convention
Chief Executive, Ray Ellis.
10:00 am - Morning Tea
10:15 am - BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Managing a Very Large Business; the How, What & Why
General Manager Hyatt Regency Bangkok, Sammy Carolus
BALLROOM III & IV
The World of Commercial Real Estate
Wendy Thomson
REGENCY II
The Economy & Future
Ray Ellis
REGENCY III & IV
Learn Strategies From Other Industries and Think Different. Explode Your Profits By Not Thinking Like a Real Estate Agent
Jamie Buttigieg
BALLROOM I
12:00 pm - Lunch
Tuesday
8:45 am
First National Showcase
10:00 am - Morning Tea & Sponsor Showcase
10:15 am - BREAKOUT SESSION 1
Learn Strategies From Other Industries and Think Different. Explode Your Profits By Not Thinking Like a Real Estate Agent (REPEAT SESSION)
Jamie Buttigieg - REGENCY I
Proptech; Why the Future of Real Estate Should Be Simple
Daniel Bignold - REGENCY II
Use The Tools at Your Disposal To Do Better Business
Ed, Stacey, Scott, Maria & Kim - REGENCY III
A Lifetime of Legal Experience
Alan Read - REGENCY IV
11:00 am - BREAKOUT SESSION 2
Social Media Continues to Grow & How Reels Help Connect Your Story with Customers
Melanie Poole & Hannah Trevilyan - REGENCY I
Unite & Maximise the Value of Your Personal Brand with First National's Assets & Capital
Nadia Benussi - REGENCY II
Investor Relations & Gearing for Growth
Karen Joseph & Alexandra Haggarty - REGENCY III
Managing, Retaining & Recruiting Staff for the New World of HR
HR Advice Online - REGENCY IV
11:45 am - BREAKOUT SESSION 3
Auction = Bigger Profile, Committed Vendors & Faster Results
James Bateman - REGENCY I
Increasing Sales Using the Power of your Point of Difference
Katina Giannos - REGENCY II
Is your online reputation an accurate reflection on who you are? How & Why to Take Control
Stewart Bunn - REGENCY III
Make your website great again!
Zenu & Suzi Cowperthwaite - REGENCY IV
12:30 pm - Lunch & Sponsor Showcase
Sharing Your Social Media
#FNconvention
Sharing your social media plays a big role in YOUR business as well as exposure for the First National Real Estate brand. It shows who we are as a network, which is what we call 'Our Fabric'.
At this year's convention use #FNconvention and you can also be a WINNER. Have the BEST SOCIAL MEDIA GAME at this year's convention and win your FREE trip to next year's convention. Just ask Jade Carberry or Melanie Poole, who are both here in Bangkok as a result of their awesome social media in Canberra.
Examples from Canberra Convention 2021
Thank you to our Sponsors
Lisa Grey
Bradley Beer
Rafael Niesten and Paul Findlay
Ash Goldman
Simon Cashman
Ken Williams, Dan Williams, and Melissa Carlyle
Chris Glass, Teighan Carr, and Shannon Wiseman
Kerrie Canning and Sally Garner
Porscha Epiha
Will Hume-Humphreys and Ryan Norrish
Daniel Bignold and Jono King
Evan Davis, Declan Lynch, Mark Millington, and Shannon Madjer
