Independent Audiologists Australia (IAA) will run its Business Bootcamp 2025 online this Saturday 22 March with two half-day streams offering maximum flexibility for attendees.
The event is designed to equip independent audiology professionals with essential skills, strategies, and insights to thrive in an evolving healthcare landscape.
It is open to all, with discounted registration for IAA members, subscribers, and students.
Stream one goes from 9.45am to 2pm AEDT and stream two from 2.30pm to 6.45pm AEDT.
Ms Julie Watts, IAA executive officer, said the virtual format ensured that delegates could join from anywhere without the need to take time off work or travel.
“A key benefit of this format is that professionals considering opening an independent practice can attend anonymously, allowing them to gather crucial business insights without alerting their current employer or colleagues to their future plans,” she said.
“Our members are passionate about providing the highest quality, patient-centred hearing care.
“Business Bootcamp 2025 is about empowering independent audiologists with the tools they need to grow their businesses in a competitive landscape, while upholding the highest professional standards.”
Dr Greg Butcher, IAA events chair, said: “Independent audiologists wear multiple hats – as clinicians, business owners, and advocates for patient care. Business Bootcamp 2025 is designed to give them the confidence and skills to navigate these roles successfully.”
The event is endorsed by Audiology Australia for eight CPD points (four per stream), and by ACAud inc HAASA for up to eight CEP points.
Dynamic speaker line-up
The event will feature industry leaders sharing their expertise across key business topics, including:
- Mr Oli Luke (marketing strategist, co-director Orange & Gray) will cover the eight effective yet low/no cost marketing strategies to become well known and attract patients in your community. He will also discuss the baby boomer transition – what the data teaches us about the next generation of patients, how their preferences differ, and the most effective marketing approach to attract them.
- Ms Anusha Menon (Assistant Director, Voucher Operations Section, Department of Health and Aged Care) will discuss starting strong with the Hearing Services Program, and HSP: Your questions answered.
- Dr Tegan Keogh and Mr Grant Collins (IAA executive members) will run a Medicare masterclass: Need to know for 2025.
- Dr Signe Steers (Director/audiologist, The Audiology Place) will cover her recent journey into independent practice, with thanks to A.T. Still University.
- Mr Will Mendoza (Peninsula HR) will talk about your small business HR gameplan, expecting the unexpected and HR policies for when things go sideways.
- Ms Heidi Modrovich (CEO, Ability Hearing and Balance) will cover conquering the art of the to-do list.
- Dr Brian Urban (president, CounselEAR) will discuss endless solutions; CounselEAR for your clinic’s everything.
- Ms Erica Caiuby (Clinical services manager, MED-EL Australasia) will tackle funding and billing confidence for your independent hearing implant program.
- Associate Professor Melanie Ferguson and Kat Penno will introduce HearChoice digital decision aid to educate, engage and empower adult clients.
Key themes and takeaways
Participants will gain practical strategies on:
- Marketing and branding: Attracting and retaining patients in a competitive marketplace.
- Compliance and Medicare updates: Understanding regulatory changes and optimising claims processes.
- Business growth, efficiency, and understanding risk: Enhancing practice management through streamlined systems and intentional HR strategies.
- Hearing Services Program guidance: Ensuring compliance and navigating program updates.
- Technology and Innovation: Leveraging digital tools for improved patient engagement.
