National Conference

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Conference Registration

Please select the days would like to attend plus your registration type...

	Conference Dates	Registrant Type	Standard Rate $	Early Bird Rate $	Early Bird Cut-off Date
	SKINSHIP CONFERENCE 29-30 Sept. 2012 (Saturday + Sunday)	Members & Supporters	$310.00	$260.00	30/07/2012
	SKINSHIP CONFERENCE 29-30 Sept. 2012 (Saturday + Sunday)	Public (not an IAIM member)	$410.00	$345.00	30/07/2012
	27-28 Sep: Workshop - Response-Ability Pathway Training for Working with Young Parents	IAIM Members and Supporters	$675.00	$625.00	30/07/2012
	27-28 Sep: Workshop - Response-Ability Pathway Training for Working with Young Parents	Public (not an IAIM Member)	$755.00	$705.00	30/07/2012
	27 Sep: Workshop - Infant Massage Refresher Day	CIMIs and Students Registered with IAIM Australia	$415.00	$365.00	30/07/2012
	27 Sep: Workshop - Infant Massage Refresher Day	CIMIs and Students Registered with an overseas Chapter of IAIM	$490.00	$450.00	30/07/2012
	28 Sep: FULL DAY Seminar with Robin Grille	IAIM Members and Supporters	$360.00	$310.00	30/07/2012
	28 Sep: FULL DAY Seminar with Robin Grille	Public (not an IAIM member or supporter)	$445.00	$395.00	30/07/2012
	28 Sep: MORNING Seminar with Robin Grille - Rock-A-Bye Baby...From Blues to Bliss	IAIM Members and Supporters	$235.00	$185.00	30/07/2012
	28 Sep: MORNING Seminar with Robin Grille - Rock-A-Bye Baby...From Blues to Bliss	Public (not an IAIM Member or Supporter)	$320.00	$270.00	30/07/2012
	28 Sep: AFTERNOON Seminar with Robin Grille - Connecting with Toddlers & Children	IAIM Members & Supporters	$235.00	$185.00	30/07/2012
	28 Sep: AFTERNOON Seminar with Robin Grille - Connecting with Toddlers & Children	Public (not an IAIM Member or Supporter)	$320.00	$270.00	30/07/2012

• 'Members & Supporters include': CIMIs, IAIM students, and registered community supporters. Prices include GST.

• If you would like to join IAIM and qualify for the discounted conference rate, please fill out our membership application form first, then return to this page and register for the conference. (If you experience any difficulties registering online, please contact us to register by email or phone.)

Skinship
Connecting Families, Communities and Cultures Through The Universal Language of Touch

The National Conference of IAIM Australia
27-30 Sept, 2012
Sea World Nara Resort, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia


Skin-to-skin contact and touch is now widely considered more than just a "good thing". It is increasingly recognised as playing a critical role in the establishment of breastfeeding, neurological development and regulation, building secure attachment relationships, immune system development and cognitive development. Many researchers now also consider it an essential foundation for social skills such as empathy and compassion. Touch and Skin-to-Skin is also recognised by the World Health Organisation as an essential practice in reducing neonatal mortality and morbidity in fragile and vulnerable babies.

Knowledge about touch and skin-to-skin contact immediately following birth, and also for premature babies ("kangaroo care"), is growing. However, given that touch is so widely recognised as important in many other contexts throughout the early years and in multiple situations, there are remarkably few opportunities for researchers, professionals and parents to engage in dialogue about this critical issue as it relates to family, child and social wellbeing.

This conference, hosted by IAIM Australia, seeks to fill this gap. Skinship 2012 will provide a setting for interested people to explore questions such as what is healthy touch? How (and why) does it work? And, in what ways can be it promoted, protected and restored not only in birth and neonatal nurseries, but in communities, homes, schools and beyond. The conference will also provide space for exploring other ways in which babies engage and interact with their parents, families, communities and cultures.

Download the 2012 Conference Social Program

Keynote Speakers:

Prof. Sandra Weiss holds the Robert C. and Delphine Wentland Eschbach Endowed Chair in Mental Health Nursing, at the University of California. Her research and clinical focus is on identifying the factors that impede or support the psychological development and mental health of high risk infants and children. The people with whom Sandra works include children who are born preterm or low birth weight, who are drug exposed in utero, who have experienced traumatic stress or adversity, or who have parents challenged by depression, substance abuse, domestic violence or poverty. Sandra is perhaps most well-known in the infant massage community for her extensive, pioneering research in the subtle and complex ways in which infants and mothers use touch, and the impact of this form of communication and regulation on long-term psychological, mental health and neurological development.

Robin Grille Robin Grille is a well-known, internationally respected Psychologist, Counsellor, and Author. He is a strong advocate for supporting parents in their task of raising the next generation of compassionate, confident and happy citizens. His articles on parenting and child development have been widely published in Australia and overseas. Robin's first book: Parenting for a Peaceful World (2005) has received international acclaim and led to speaking engagements around Australia, USA, UK and New Zealand. Heart to Heart Parenting (ABC Books) is Robin's second book. Robin is a passionate speaker and social change activist. His research and experience has led him to feel that improved attention to the emotional needs of parents, babies and children is the most powerful way to move societies toward sustainability and peace.

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Conference Program


The conference is held from 29-30, September at Sea World Nara Resort on the stunning Queensland Gold Coast. Our full conference program will be available from 25 April 2012. Please check back on this page then, or - to be notfied by email when the full program is available, please subscribe to our newsletter (at the top-right hand of this page).

Some of the confirmed papers & topics include:
~ Patterns of touch between high-risk infants and mothers.
~ Touch and the baby's developing brain.
~ Connecting babies & parents together: What the attachment books aren't telling us about attachment.
~ Evaluation results of the pilot First Touch Program with families experiencing risk factors for infant mental health difficulties.
~ Maintining the worker's connection: Managing compassion fatigue in early intervention work.

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The Social Program

Download the 2012 Conference Social Program

With our 2012 conference being held at one of Australia's preimer tourist destinations, we are able to offer a social program that will excite, uplift and rejuvinate you and any of your family or friends who accompany you over the four days.

This year we've made it easy for you, with a wide range of activities that you can pick & choose from. There really is something to suit all tastes, timetables and budgets, including several free events. And, because we're all on a tight budget these days, events that cost money can be paid off in installments - ensuring that this year's program is accessible as well as enjoyable.

Our two showcase events include:

An exclusive movie screening of "The Babies"



Saturday, 29 September, 2011, 6:30pm

Join us at the Greater Union Cinema at Pacific Fair on the Gold Coast, for a screening of the delightful documentary “The Babies”, exclusively for our conference delegates, friends, family & supporters. Celebrating parents & babies and filmed with exquisite photography, this documentary follows the first year of life for four babies: Ponijao, Marie, Bayar and Hattie. Joyful, sometimes challenging, and always uplifting, this film reminds us that whether we live in Tokyo, San Francisco, Namibia or Mongolia, there are some things we all share in common: a great love for our babies. All welcome – but places are limited, so early booking is advisable.

For more information about The Babies Movie, and our other social events, download our 2012 Conference Social Program

Or book now, using our online Social Program Booking Form.

The Australian Outback Spectacular - 3 Course Dinner & Show


Friday, 29 September, 2011, approx. 6:00pm (exact time tbc)

There is no place on earth like the Australian outback... and no show on earth like Australian Outback Spectacular’s ‘Spirit of the Horse’. Featuring real stock horses with incredible stunt riders and handlers, our country's most legendary stories are retold as Australian Outback Spectacular celebrates the courageous spirit of the Australian horse and our national legends. The show is set to a stirring musical score as well as popular music composed and written by country music legend Lee Kernaghan, performed by a 52-piece orchestra.

Tickets include a full 3-course, mouth-watering Aussie dinner that is served during the show - plus unlimited beer, wine or soft drinks. Starting with a home grown bush spinach and ricotta tart & camp fire roasted capsicum, bush tomato chutney and pesto infused oil...followed by barbecue tenderloin beef steak with rich gravy, seasoned with Kakadu plum sauce and served with garden vegetables, then it’s finished off with traditional baked Pavlova with Queensland berries and country cream and Bush Billy Tea! There are equally tantalising choices for vegetarians, and a children's menu to choose from.

This is more than a night out – it’s an experience steeped in courage, tradition, a daring spirit and a unique, laconic sense of humour - and an experience you'll never forget. All are welcome - but bookings are essential.

For more information about The Australian Outback Spectacular Show & Dinner , and our other social events, download our 2012 Conference Social Program

Or book now, using our online Social Program Booking Form.

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Pre-Conference Workshops

This year we are, once again, thrilled to be able to bring you an exciting program of pre-conference workshops, seminars and trainings. Our pre-conference program is open to anyone, and you are welcome to attend these events "on their own" if you can't make it to the conference as well.

This year's offerings include in-depth, interactive and informative workshops focusing on the needs of very young parents; approaches to supporting the early emotional development of babies, toddlers and children; a refresher & update program for Infant Massage Instructors, and also a fascinating workshop exploring the use of movement & the body in working with families.

Scroll down for more details...

Workshop: Response Ability Pathway Training - Working with Young People Who are Parents
Presented by Tim Moore and Dr. Di Boswell

Thursday 27th & Friday 28th September, 9am - 5pm both days

Suitable for - Anyone working with, mentoring, or supporting young people who are marginalised or at-risk, and particularly for workers supporting young people who are parents.


Summary:This two-day training is particularly focused on the needs of young people who are parents and will offer valuable skills - for engaging with young people and for helping to restore their connections to community...and to the children they are parenting.

The acclaimed Response-Ability Pathway (RAP) Training Program reflects a belief that all children are important, and there are no "disposable" kids. This experiential and interactive training provides practical tools for engaging with young people, using the relationship-based approach of the Circle of Courage: a model developed by Indigenous Elders and Researchers, drawing from North American traditional wisdom, and now utilised all over the world in work with young people - particularly those who are "at risk".

The RAP Approach is based on the idea that children and young people need supportive adults and peers who respond to their needs rather than react to their problems. RAP trains for these response-abilities to enable adults to guide young people on their path to responsibility. This training builds skills in enabling young parents to connect to others for support, to clarify challenging problems, and to restore harmony and respect. Utilising RAP methods and strategies, adults can disengage from adversarial encounters, connect with adult-wary young people, and restore bonds of respect. RAP methods are grounded in research evidence on resilience, neuroscience, attachment, and positive youth development. RAP translates the latest research into practical methods for building strengths in all young people, even those in very difficult circumstances.

Download the full workshop details here

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Workshop: Rock-a-bye baby: From baby blues to baby bliss
Friday 28th September, 9:30am - 12:30pm (with lunch served at 12:30)

Workshop: Connecting with toddlers and young children...and how to set boundaries without punishment, shame or manipulation
Friday 28th September, 1:30pm - 4:30pm (with lunch seved at 12:30)

Presented by Robin Grille

Suitable for - Parents, early childhood workers, family support workers, parenting volunteers/ mentors, and other people working with families. You are welcome to attend either the morning or afternoon session - or both.


Summary: Over the past decade or so, many parents and workers have become interested in “attachment” and many have begun using more gentle, compassionate and respectful ways of caring for babies and toddlers. However, “doing attachment” can be a monumental expectation if we feel isolated, under pressure, stress or we are simply trying to juggle several priorities at once. Being gentle and responsive with our children also becomes increasingly complex as our babies transform into vibrant, strong-willed and busy toddlers. Therefore, many parents feel “let down” by the promise of attachment and a growing number of us feel guilty, anxious, frustrated or exhausted from our attempts to “do it right”.

In this seminar series, acclaimed Australian father, author and Psychologist, Robin Grille will help explain some of the issues that are not usually included in the books and literature about attachment. Starting with a baby’s birth, through the primary years, Robin will take us on a fascinating journey examining several “Rites of Passage” that a child passes through on their journey to an intelligent, emotional maturity. During the morning session, we will focus on infants – what science actually says are the key experiences needed during the first 12-18 months of life. In the afternoon, Robin will follow on to explore the Rites of Passage of toddlers and children, and in particular how their needs from their “attachment relationships” begin to change (often in ways we can feel unprepared for). Throughout the afternoon we will explore the relationship ingredients that toddlers and growing children need – with a particular focus on how we can connect with our children while at the same time also meet their emerging need for boundaries, without relying on punishment, shaming or manipulation.

Download the full workshop details here

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Workshop: Infant Massage Refresher Day
Presented by Glenda Chapman & Alice Campbell

Thursday 27th September, 9:30am - 4:30pm

Suitable for IAM Certified Infant Massage Instructors and Students.


Summary: This one-day refresher program is designed for IAIM Certified Infant Massage Instructors and Students, who wish to revise and update their knowledge and skills and who would like to gain a more in-depth knowledge on using the resources of IAIM to promote nurturing touch and infant massage programs in their workplaces and communities.

The workshop is only open to IAIM Certified Infant Massage Instructors and Students, and is suitable both for those who are currently practising, as well as CIMIs and Students who are returning to infant massage education after time off.

The one-day program will be interactive and practical, with topics including:
~ Overview of the updated Compendium (including new, fully referenced sections on Attachment Theory, Relationship-Based Practice, and Touch Research)
~ In-depth Review of the IAIM Infant Massage Strokes and Sequences
~ The First Touch Program...Gaining an Advanced Understanding of the Guidelines, Protocols and Adaptations
~ Working With Human Service Managers...Knowing how to approach and gain support for your program from people who run organisations
~ To Demonstrate or Not to Demonstrate? Dealing with requests to run short or demonstration workshops, and other tricky situations.
~ Where on earth is this heading? An update on new IAIM resources and policies: the CIMI Code of Conduct, Complaints, and Constitution.

Download the full workshop details here

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Conference Venue & Accomodation

To celebrate the growth of IAIM Australia, and our 18th Birthday, we are holding our 2012 Annual Conference at Sea World Nara Resort.


Four-and-a-half star accommodation at the conference venue will be offered at a special discounted rate for conference delegates and their families. Room facilities include air conditioning, broadband, tea & coffee making facilities, movies, private balconies and many other little comforts. Upgraded rooms with additional facilities such as kitchenettes, etc. are also available. Please note, the number of discounted rooms available for conference delegates is limited, so early booking is advisable.

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Download the accomodation booking form

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The Sea World Nara Resort boasts a number of world-class restaurants serving award-winning cuisine. Kids clubs, activities and babysitting is also available. And of course, Sea World, Movie World and the Sea World Water Park are on the door step. More information about the Conference Venue, Sea World Nara Resort, Specials for Conference Guests, as well as alternative accomodation options can be found in our 2012 Conference Accomodation & Social Program

Booking and Cancellations

1. IAIM endeavours to ensure all information about the conference and program is accurate. However, changes to the program and conference events may be made. Please continue to check back at the website for the latest updates and developments.

2. Member and supporter discounts can only be provided if you are a member at the time of registering. No discounts can be applied (i.e. part refunds issued) if you become a member after you have registered for any conference event.

3. Pre-conference workshops are subject to a minimum number of registrations. If insufficient numbers of people register for a pre-conference workshop and the workshop is cancelled, your fees for that workshop will be refunded in full.

4. IAIM accepts no liability for other costs incurred in the unlikely event that your workshop is cancelled (e.g. airfares, accomodation, etc). We strongly recommend you use appropriate travel insurance if you wish to be covered for this eventuality.

5. Once payment is received, your regsitration is confirmed. Cancellation of your registration for either the conference or the pre-conference workshops will incur a cancellation fee. These fees are:
~ Cancellation more than 6 weeks before the event - 20% of registration fees paid.
~ Cancellation more than 2 weeks before the event, but less than 6 weeks - 50% of registration fees paid.
~ Cancellation less than 2 weeks before the event - 90% of registration fees paid.