I’d like to thank GEMS.  Their tireless work and commitment to the franc conferences over the last three years has gone above and beyond their duty as an event management organisation. They have not only provided critical operational support to the conference, but have also been pivotal in re-imaging the Stormwater NSW conference, securing keynote speakers, managing concurrent speakers, sorting out the venue, cat-herding everyone at the conference, providing IT and audio, etc,.. not to mention securing an excellent level of sponsorship!  The list is endless.  Truth be told, without GEMS, we simply wouldn’t have a conference.  So, on behalf of the committee and the industry, my sincere thanks.