Conference Program

8.30am - 1.00pm

Wednesday 30 October 2024

Theatre 1, Home of the Arts (HOTA), Surfers Paradise

The final day of Meeting Place 2024 (MP24) will feature the ever popular conference, breakout and gala finale program. The day will be split into three interlinked sessions:

Part 1 - The conference and plenary program with standout keynote speakers plus ATEC’s Awards for Excellence. This will be held at HOTA (Home of the Arts), Surfers Paradise followed by lunch proudly supported by Austrade (8.30am - 2.00pm)
Part 2 - Experiential breakouts will be held at multiple venues across the Gold Coast – each chosen to highlight the diversity of experiences available across our host destination (2pm – 6pm)
Part 3 - The MP24 Gala Finale which will follow the breakouts at Miami Marketta, Miami (6.30pm – 10pm)

Transfers will be provided for all delegates from HOTA to/from breakout venues and Miami Marketta.  Following is an outline of the conference and plenary program. Keep an eye on the website for more information about the Experiential Breakouts that will follow the conference and plenary program.

Morning Session: Conference and Plenary

8:30am: Conference to commence

A warm welcome to MP24 by

Our MP24 Master of Ceremonies - Jennifer Bruce
ATEC's Managing Director, Peter Shelley
Senator The Hon. Don Farrell, Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism

Presented by:

Jennifer Bruce
Master of Ceremonies
ATEC

Peter Shelley
Managing Director
ATEC

Senator The Hon. Don Farrell
Minister for Trade and Tourism

9:05 am: Driving demand in an evolving distribution landscape

As Australian tourism readies for the next phase of growth, hear from Tourism Australia about the job ahead, including some new insights into the future of distribution.

Presented by:

Phillipa Harrison
Managing Director
Tourism Australia

Nick Henderson
Country Manager, China
Tourism Australia

Andrew Boxall
Country Manager, UK
Tourism Australia

9:40am: Fight to quality

Demographer and social change expert Simon Kuestenmacher explores the shifting demographics of the global traveller marketplace. Analysing global trends and the evolving market landscape, he offers insights into how tourism businesses can adapt to these consumer shifts and social changes, focusing on quality to successfully navigate the future of inbound travel.

Presented by:

Simon Keustenmacher

The Demographics Group

10.30am: Morning Tea

11.00am: Unlocking Growth: Exciting Market Diversification Opportunities in Southeast Asia

Dive into the potential of Southeast Asia, this session will explore how market diversification into Southeast Asia presents opportunities for inbound. The discussion will focus on key trends, emerging markets, and actionable strategies to leverage this vibrant region for sustainable growth.

Presented by:

Andrew Hogg
Executive General Manager, Eastern Markets & Aviation
Tourism Australia

Ryan Both
Executive General Manager Aviation 
Brisbane Airport Corporation

Janene Rees
 Founder & Director
Rees International

Simon Williamson 
Director
Business Development Australian Attractions

Cam Hong Tang
Managing Director
E.C Travel

12:25pm: Curtis McGrath, Paralympian and hero: triumph over adversity

Local Gold Coast hero Curtis McGrath takes us on a journey from the dust and dangers of Afghanistan, through rehabilitation and recovery using the power of sport, all the way to the pinnacle of the Paralympic Games.

Presented by:

Curtis McGrath

Paralympian and Author

Destination Photo Credits: Experience Gold Coast and Tourism & Events Queensland