A joint survey of members from all three organisationsin the summer showed overwhelming support for acollaborative event, with many commenting that it waslong overdue.

The joint event be held at the Hilton Hotel in Leeds on7 February. A committee made up of representativesfrom BSHAA, BSA and BAA is now working on theevent programme, driven by the survey feedback fromover 600 members from across the three organisations.Comments were diverse but there were common themesthat members would like to see covered at the jointevent: change in healthcare landscapes, research andimpact on patient pathways; emerging technology andaudiological tools, and best practice; impacts on theprofessional and the future of the profession.

Michelle Booth, BAA President, said: “This is a historic event asthe three organisations come together to stage a jointevent for the first time. We are busy planning themes,format and securing speakers and our aim is to deliveran informative, participative day.”

Sarah Vokes, BSHAAPresident, said: “There is a growing appetite for greatercollaboration in our profession and we’re delightedto be working with BSA and BAA on this event. It willprovide an exciting opportunity for members of all threeorganisations to come together for the first time.”

ElizabethMidgley, BSA Chair, said: “The results of the joint surveyshowed overwhelming feedback from the members ofall organisations for us to work collaboratively on a jointprofessional development event. The benefits of this forall members are numerous.”

Sources: BAA and BSHAA