Conference Program

The conference program will feature engaging keynote speakers, industry thought leaders and topical breakout sessions that aim to foster thought provoking discussions and solutions. Please see a breakdown of the conference program below.

The MP23 conference program will be held on Wednesday 1st November and the day will be split into three interlinked sessions.

The first session, for conference and plenary will be held at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
The second session will be the breakouts to be held at four venues in the Adelaide Hills. Delegates will be pre-assigned to a breakout venue.
The third and final session is the Gala Finale, Awards and ELITE Graduation which will follow the breakouts at Lot 100, in the Adelaide Hills.
Transfers will be provided for all delegates from the Adelaide Convention Centre to the Adelaide Hills and return.

Click here to review the full program along with transfer instructions.

Morning Session: Conference and Plenary

8:30am: Conference to commence

Opening video
Acknowledgement of Country - Mark Koolmatrie, Business Owner, Kool Tours
Conference Welcome - Peter Shelley, Managing Director, ATEC
South Australian Tourism Minister Welcome - Hon. Zoe Bettison, Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs

Presented by:

Mark Koolmatrie
Owner
Kool Tours

Peter Shelley
Managing Director
ATEC

Hon. Zoe Bettison
Minister for Tourism and Multicultural Affairs

9:15am: Marketing Australia - the past 50 years and into the future

For more than 50 years Australia’s national tourism agency has been marketing the country’s world-class tourism experiences across the globe, inspiring millions of travellers to visit our shores. Hear from Tourism Australia’s Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison, how Australian tourism emerged from a small-scale grassroots industry to a super sector of the economy. And, how as an industry that has experienced its fair share of shocks and setbacks over five decades, it continues to rebound and rebuild with remarkable resilience that is testimony to the people, landscapes and destinations that shape Australia’s visitor economy.

Presented by: Phillipa Harrison

Managing Director, Tourism Australia

9:40am: The AI Revolution: What is it, and why should I care?

Generative AI arrived onto the scene at the end of 2022, with the launch of ChatGPT. This technology is going to change our lives. Find out how we got here, how this advance in AI affects us today, and maybe get some glimpses into the future to see what’s coming.

Presented by: Christian Watts

Founder

Magpie Travel

10:45am: Industry leaders discussing the challenges of restarting distribution post pandemic & what we need to get it right

The pandemic had a significant impact on the trade distribution channel, with many experienced staff lost and long-term trusted trade relationships broken. With the return of inbound, the industry is experiencing some 'teething' problems with both buyers and sellers short staffed and in many cases new staff. This session will revisit some of the fundamentals of 'best practice distribution' which will help drive distribution efficiencies moving forward.

Presented by:

Kathy Turner
General Manager
Goway Inbound

Richard Doyle
General Manager, Global Sales & Distribution 
SeaLink Marine & Tourism

Shahnaz Bakhshay
 Global Sales Officer
TFE Hotels

Gary Paterson 
Group General Manager
Inbound, AOT Inbound
Experience Tours Australia

Carol Ru
General Manager
PTC Express Travel

11:25am: 'Til its done': The Magic of the Matildas

The performance by the Matildas in the recent FIFA World Cup captured the imagination and adoration of a nation. Hear the backstory of the Matildas, the expectations of a nation, the resilience of the athletes and that nail-biting penalty shootout that propelled the Matildas into the semifinal against England.

Click here to read official media release.

Presented by: Elise Kellond-Knight

Olympian & Matilda's Star

Afternoon Session: Breakouts

At the conclusion of the conference sessions at the Adelaide Convention Centre, delegates will depart for an afternoon and evening in the Adelaide Hills. Delegates will be pre-assigned to one of four breakout groups and spend the afternoon in one of four amazing Adelaide Hills tourism products. During the afternoon, delegates will enjoy lunch, a total of three rotating breakout sessions as well as interactive product experiences (including tastings) offered by the host venue. At the conclusion of the afternoon, delegates will be transferred to Lot 100, in the Adelaide Hills for the Gala Finale, Awards and ELITE presentations.

12:30pm - 5:00pm: Four theme based breakouts (40min sessions x repeated three times during the afternoon)

Breakout Topic One: Practical AI - Tips and Tools to use today

There are already thousands of tools available touting the latest in AI technology. Learn some of the best tools to use today, which to avoid, and some best practices to help you get the most out of this amazing technology.

Presented by:

Christian Watts

Founder

Magpie Travel

Moderator: Dave Atherton

Regional Manager - SA, NT & NTH QLD, ATEC

Breakout Topic Two: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander's Heritage - Whose stories are they?

“Unveiling the Tapestry: Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Heritage – Whose Stories Are They?” is an immersive session designed to explore the complexities surrounding the narrative ownership and representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage in tourism. Participants will engage in thought-provoking discussions, hear from Indigenous tourism leaders, and delve into a case study that challenges conventional perspectives. This session aims to empower attendees to understand the significance of storytelling within the Indigenous tourism sector and how to share these tales in a broader context respectfully.

Presented by:

Robert Taylor
CEO
WAITOC

Mark Koolmatrie
Owner
Kool Tours

Rosie Sandover
Director
Kingfisher Tours

Moderator: Deb Carr

Regional Manager - WA, VIC & TAS, ATEC

Breakout Topic Three: The Return of the International Markets

A discussion on qualifying the opportunity with industry leaders recently returned from the international markets. Covering current status, trends, and barriers; key considerations, and key adjustments: this session looks at how to assess the gap between the opportunity and the business.

Presented by:

Phillip Hele, OAM
 Owner
Hunter Valley Resort & Farm

Graziella Caruso
Head of Product
Goway Travel

Scott Alderson
Director of Sales
Crown Perth Hotels & Conferencing

Moderator: Richard Beere

Managing Director, Fastrak Asian Solutions

Breakout Topic Four: The Innovators: Key players kicking goals in Sustainability, Accessibility and Story Telling

This session will highlight the stories of industry leaders in each field and their valuable tips for creating a better experience for your business, your visitors, your stakeholders and your environment.

Presented by:

Craig 'Hassie' Haslam
Chief Storyteller/Owner
Untamed Escapes

Peter Graham
Director of Sales & Partnerships Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia

Tiffany Callaghan
Senior Global Sales Manager
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Brett Mitchell
Managing Director ANZ
Intrepid Travel

Moderator: Ben Woodward
Director of Sales & Marketing
CaPTA Group

Gala Finale, Awards & Elite Graduation

5:00pm - Delegate transfers to Lot 100, Adelaide Hills

5:45 - 7:00pm:

Marking the 50th Anniversary of ATEC
Training Graduates recognition roll call
ELITE Graduation
ATEC Excellence Awards
Announce Host Destination MP24

7:00pm - 10:00pm: Celebration

From 9:00pm - 10:00pm there will be staggered return transfers to Adelaide CBD