The fireworks were passed, it was back to the working week and Tuesday is only marginally better than Monday, so maybe not the best timing ever for our Annual Conference!

Fortunately, as our feedback survey proved, it didn’t really matter, with 100% recommendation to others to attend and all 8 speakers getting excellent feedback: ‘This was my first PMAS Conference and I found it to be extremely beneficial from start to finish’.

We started the day with a hot cuppa at 9.30am, then our host, Sarah Mack – Scottish TV Presenter, kicked things off as we launched into our theme of ‘Past, Present and Future’.  The first 3 speakers covered the history of Property Maintenance in Scotland – what has been done legislatively to help us (or not), followed by our current reality within the Property Factors Act, then looking to what PMAS believes is needed next. If you didn’t get the chance to come to Conference, see our infographic video below and a highlights video of the event will be coming soon.

The overview of the Under One Roof Website explained how it can help Factors as well as homeowners, in clearing up some of the mysteries of property maintenance when your home has common parts: ‘engaging and a useful tool to recommend to homeowners going forward’

The Drone presentation excited a lot of interest in this new technology, and our presenter brought one along so that we could see it up close. Unfortunately, concerns about the potential of a drone hitting a water sprinkler and bringing wet weather indoors, meant we couldn’t fly it, denying us the chance to channel our inner boy with a toy, but the videos of the flying marvels in action were great.

In the wake of Grenfell, a relevant and important insurance presentation was followed by an engaging insight into ways to improve utility services.  The day rounded off with an uplifting talk from the well known motivational speaker, Gavin Oattes, who helped attendees channel their ‘inner Mary Poppins’. This was a popular way to conclude, with 100% approval rating in our survey: ‘My mission is to start every day like an excited 5 year old raring to get to first day of school’ (you maybe had to be there, but you get a sense of the impact!).

Sponsors are a great support, helping keep conference costs to a minimum for attendees. It’s not often you see them mentioned in feedback quotes, so this one could not go without passing along: ‘a great opportunity to meet with current and future contractors, and businesses, and to talk with them about the services that they provide’

If you were a Conference attendee, you’ll remember the fun and informative boards being drawn at the corner of the stage – have a look at them below to remind you of the content of the day and help you pass on useful information from it to your colleagues. If you are thinking you should come along next year, these will give you a flavour of what a great opportunity PMAS Annual Conference is. You can also get a copy of the conference brochure here.

INFORMATIVE BOARD 1: (click to enlarge)

INFORMATIVE BOARD 2: (click to enlarge)