To our sponsors, exhibitors, presenters and participants,
The Organising Committee has made the decision to postpone the 2021 Bowen Basin Symposium for a second time. We are deeply disappointed that we cannot host this event later this month, however, attendance at the Symposium is critical for its success and the COVID-19 lockdowns in progress across the country (not just in Queensland) have jeopardised this. All parts of our technical programme, exhibition and networking opportunities have been impacted.We have confirmed the availability of the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC) and other key suppliers for the new dates: 28-30 March 2022 (note that this falls over a Monday to Wednesday, rather than a Tuesday to Thursday as had been scheduled previously). The Organising Committee will begin to transfer the extensive planning and preparations to the new dates, however, the Symposium will still be known as the 2021 Bowen Basin Symposium.
We understand that the postponement of the Symposium raises questions in regards to current registrations, sponsorships, exhibition, payments and accommodation bookings. We have prepared some responses to FAQs which can be seen below. If you cannot find the information you’re looking for below, please do not hesitate to email the Symposium Secretariat at info@2021bbs.com.au.
The Organising Committee hopes that you will be able to attend on the new dates and that the Australian Coal Mining community is able to remain healthy and safe during this time. We are looking forward to bringing together researchers and practitioners to share their knowledge and experience and continue the success of previous Bowen Basin Symposia.
Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to welcoming you to Mackay in March 2022 for the 2021 Bowen Basin Symposium.
Kind Regards,
2021 Bowen Basin Symposium Organising Committee
Why was the 2021 Bowen Basin Symposium postponed?
The impact of the lockdowns across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria caused by the spread of the COVID-19 Delta variant required an assessment of the viability of holding the Symposium in August 2021. The Organising Committee recognises it has a duty of care to ensure that our event does not provide a potential to spread the virus into the Mackay community and the mines. A survey of BBGG members showed that half of the respondents were not personally comfortable with travelling and congregating in large groups at this time; this is notwithstanding the restrictions imposed by some attendee/presenter organisations or the Queensland government. These restrictions impact the technical programme, exhibition and networking opportunities, with a large numbers of participants and presenters unable to attend.
When will the Symposium now be held?
The 2021 Bowen Basin Symposium will now take place on 28-30 March 2022, but will still be referred to as the 2021 Bowen Basin Symposium. The Symposium will still be at the Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre (MECC).
Upon postponement of the August 2021 dates, the only available date in 2021 was in December, however, this fell within school holidays and right before Christmas. March 2022 provides us with a date in a warmer month, is away from school holidays and it is hoped that the vaccine roll-out will be well-progressed in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and will allow events to proceed.
What happens to my registration?
All registrations for the 2021 BBS have been rolled over automatically to the March 2022 dates. Those already registered do not need to do anything to secure their attendance for 2022. All components of current registrations including Symposium dinner tickets will also roll over. Should there be any timing, date or scheduling updates to any of these components, you will be advised via email.
If you have not yet registered for the Symposium, please visit the Symposium website at www.2021bbs.com.au to secure your attendance.
What happens to my sponsorship entitlements?
All sponsorship entitlements for the 2021 BBS have been rolled over automatically to the March 2022 dates. Those already registered do not need to do anything to secure their attendance for 2022. Should there be any timing, date or scheduling updates to any of these components, you will be advised via email.
If you wish to be a sponsor of the Symposium, please visit the Symposium website at www.2021bbs.com.au for more information.
What happens to my exhibition entitlements?
All exhibition entitlements for the 2021 BBS have been rolled over automatically to the March 2022 dates. Those already registered do not need to do anything to secure their attendance for 2022. Should there be any timing, date or scheduling updates to any of these components, you will be advised via email.
If you wish to exhibit at the Symposium, please visit the Symposium website at www.2021bbs.com.au for more information.
What are the terms and conditions for registration, sponsorship & exhibition at the 2021BBS?
The full terms and conditions for registration, sponsorship & exhibition can be found on the Symposium website (www.2021bbs.com.au), including conditions around State Border closures, Symposium postponement and cancellations.
What happens to the accommodation booking I made for the 2021BBS?
If you booked accommodation through the Symposium Secretariat booking system you will receive an email from the Secretariat with the opportunity to select your new check in and check out dates. Your deposit payment credit is then applied to your new booking.
If you have not made your booking through the Symposium Secretariat, it is your responsibility to update these booking details.
Can I submit a new paper or poster or update my paper for the Symposium next year?
The Symposium Proceedings have been published and therefore we cannot accept any other contribution or addendums to the contributions. The Proceedings will be distributed at the Symposium via USB; only those who have ordered a physical hard-copy of the published papers will receive the Proceedings book.
Authors who were not invited to present their paper at the Symposium may still present their contribution as a poster. The Organising Committee will be in contact with these authors via email in due course.
I am a presenter / facilitator a breakout session or workshop / panel expert at the 2021BBS. What happens now?
There is no intention to change anything in the programme, therefore, your invitation still stands. Should there be any timing, date or scheduling updates to any of these components, you will be advised via email.
What will happen with the presentation of the 2021 Leichhardt Award?
The nomination process for the 2021 Leichhardt Award has concluded and the formal review of the nominations is in progress. It is still the intention to present the 2021 Leichhardt Award during the Symposium in March 2022, and it will still be named the 2021 Leichhardt Award.
