Experiential breakouts

2.00pm - 6.00pm

Wednesday 30 October 2024

Various locations

Afternoon Session: Breakouts

After the MP24 conference sessions at HOTA Surfers Paradise, delegates will depart for an afternoon of breakout sessions across the Gold Coast. The breakout program will be held in multiple venues broadly aligned with three destination showcase “themes” – theatre & the arts, food & drinks and the beach & indigenous culture. During the afternoon, delegates will enjoy two pre-assigned, rotating business sessions as well as interactive product experiences offered near or at the host venues. At the conclusion of the afternoon, delegates will be transferred to Miami Marketta for the Gala Finale. 

Breakouts Overview:

Breakout Option 1: Theatre & the Arts
Venue: Home Of The Arts (HOTA) (Surfers Paradise)

 

This breakout option will be held throughout the HOTA (Home of the Arts) precinct – with experiences offered throughout the afternoon to showcase the Gold Coast's premier arts, entertainment, culture and lifestyle precinct.  Delegates will also participate in two business breakout sessions – one with our expert demographer and social change keynote speaker Simon Keustenmacher on shifting consumer sentiment and the future of global travel. The other session, will unpack the future of distribution with Tourism Australia and travel & tourism sector leader, Adele Labine-Romaine.
          
Breakout Option 2: Food & Drinks
Venues: Granddad Jacks Distillery & Precinct Brewing (Miami)
 
This breakout option will be held in the edgy industrial precinct of Miami/Burleigh where several breweries, distilleries, a famous bakery and the UGG Factory are located. Experiences will incorporate food and drink tastings from local businesses. Delegates will also participate in two business breakout sessions – one with ATEC’s resident GenAi expert Christian Watts on how Ai is revolutionising tourism. The other will offer valuable insights on partnering with and leveraging online travel agents via an insightful discussion. Please note alcohol will be served at this option.
Breakout Option 3: The beach & local indigenous culture
Venues: Burleigh Pavilion & Sandfire Bar (Burleigh Beach)

This breakout option will be held in venues showcasing the Gold Coasts famous beaches. Experiences will incorporate food and beverage tastings from the local community plus an opportunity be inspired by the rich indigenous culture of the Gold Coast. Delegates will also participate in two business breakout sessions – one with our plenary keynote speaker Curtis McGrath on resilience and what it means to you, your business and community. The other will will be a panel session on ESG (environmental, social and corporate governance data) reporting and key steps to comply with global regulations. Please note alcohol will be served at this option


Description of Breakouts:

Breakout option 1: Theatre & the arts
Breakout topic one: The consumer and my business with Simon Keustenmacher

In this session Simon will guide the audience through what the big demographic shifts that he discussed in his keynote mean for your business. Simon leads the audience through a journey of discovery. Shifting consumer sentiments, new customer cohorts, and complex intergenerational interactions make it necessary for you to realign your business. Let’s find out which business practices you should keep, which you need to chuck, and what new tricks you should add to your repertoire.

Presented by:


Simon Keustenmacher
Co-Founder
The Demographics Group

Breakout Option 1: Theatre & the arts
Breakout topic 2: Unpacking the future of distribution

In an ever changing world where consumers are planning and booking travel across multiple channels, we unpack the current complexities of distribution. In this session we will discuss some of the distribution trends from the recent Future of Distribution report and opportunities for industry to reflect on their distribution strategies.

Presented by:


Jane Phillips
General Manager Distribution, Development & Partnerships
Tourism Australia

Adele Labine - Romaine   
Travel & Tourism
                                 Sector Leader                                                                               

Dominic Mehling
General Manager, Industry Relations
                  Tourism Australia                                                              
                                               


Breakout Option 2: food & drinks
Breakout Topic One: GenAI revolutionising tourism: practical case studies

This session highlights the transformative impact of "Generative AI" technologies on the tourism industry. Christian will explore how AI is changing tourism practices, using practical case studies to illustrate these innovations.

Presented by:


Christian Watts
 Founder & CEO
Magpie Travel
                                                                    

Rhona Stewart
Principal Project Officer
Industry Program & Design
Department of Tourism & Sport

Breakout Option 2: Food & Drinks
Breakout topic two: Partnering and leveraging online travel agents for market data insights 

In this session, we'll dive into how OTA's can become valuable partners in  sourcing market data and insights. This session will guide you through the various ways OTA's can provide rich, actionable information that can drive strategic decisions and conversion for the travel and tourism industry.

Presented by:

Alison Boyd
General Manager Corporate,
Big Red Group
                                                                                                                       


Deb Carr   
Regional Manager - 
WA, VIC & TAS
                                        ATEC                                                                     

JC Song
Country Head, Oceania
Head of Global Distribution
KKDay
                                                                                                                  
                                               

Breakout Option 3: Beach & indigenous culture
Breakout topic one: Resilience with Curtis McGrath

A chance to dig deeper with keynote and local hero Curtis McGrath, unpacking what resilience means to him and how we can apply his learnings to our own lives, businesses and communities. 

Presented by:


Curtis McGrath
Author & Paralympian

Breakout Option 3: Beach & local indigenous culture
Breakout topic two: Getting ready for ESG reporting: key steps to comply with global regulations

As global regulations around Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting continue to evolve, businesses must be prepared to meet new standards and expectations. In this session, we’ll explore the essential steps to get your organisation ESG-reporting ready, from understanding emerging global frameworks to implementing the right processes and tools. Learn how to align your strategies with sustainability goals, mitigate risks, and position your business for long-term success in an increasingly regulated environment.

Presented by:

Birgit Bourne
Managing Director, 
Insight Australia Travel & Australian Geographic Travel


Laura Aranjo   
Key Account Manager,
                                Leisure Pacific                                                                               

Nadine Schramm
Head of Sustainability, & Business Operations
                     Ecotourism Australia                                                  
                                            

Rachelle Uhlmann
Head of Product
JOOB Travel Company &
Intrepid DMC Australia

Gala Finale

From 6:00pm - Delegate transfers to Miami Marketta

6.30 -10.30pm: Celebration

From 8:30pm - 10:30pm: staggered transfers to Gold Coast hotels

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

© Australian Tourism Export Council 2024