Conference Program

2.00pm - 5.15pm

Tuesday 28 October & Wednesday 29 October 2025

Astral Ballrooms 2 & 3, Crown Perth

The Meeting Place 2025 (MP25) Conference will take place across two afternoons in Perth/Boorloo on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 October. This years' conference will bring together industry leaders, keynote speakers and panels to explore the future of Australia’s inbound tourism sector.

Across inspiring sessions, practical discussions and celebrations, delegates will gain fresh insights into global visitor trends, AI and social commerce, while also recognising the achievements of ATEC’s ELITE graduates and the 2025 Tourism Export Award winners.

Tuesday Afternoon Session 1

2:00pm: Conference to commence

Welcome to Country
A warm welcome to MP25 by

Our MP25 Master of Ceremonies - Jennifer Bruce
ATEC's Managing Director, Peter Shelley

Presented by:

Jennifer Bruce
Master of Ceremonies
ATEC

Peter Shelley
Managing Director
ATEC

2:30pm: Big Picture Thinking for Australia's Visitor Economy

Paul Bloxham, Chief Economist and Managing Director HSBC will provide a timely economic lens on the global forces shaping Australia’s inbound tourism sector. Covering themes such as the transition to a net-zero economy, shifting global trade dynamics, and the rise of AI and evolving consumer behaviours, this session will offer strategic insights for tourism operators navigating a rapidly changing world.

Presented by:

Paul Bloxham

Chief Economist (Australia, New Zealand and Global Commodities) and Managing Director

HSBC Global Investment Research | HSBC Australia

3:15pm: Afternoon Tea

Tuesday Afternoon Session 2

3:50pm: Charting the Course: Australia's Inbound Recovery and Market Forces

Australia continues to be one of the most desired destinations on earth, and this is reflected in the steady growth of inbound tourism in a post pandemic world. Hear from Tourism Australia about its work to drive demand for Australia’s tourism experiences as well as the latest insights from key markets overseas and possible ‘headwinds and tailwinds’ affecting global travel in the next 12 months.

Presented by:

Robin Mack

Acting Managing Director

Tourism Australia

4:30pm: Presentation & Celebration - ATEC's Class of 2025 ELITE Graduates

Get a front-row seat to the future of inbound tourism. The 2025 ELITE Program has challenged Australia’s brightest emerging leaders to tackle real world tourism business problems in collaboration with industry clients.

In this fast-paced showcase session, ELITE participants present high level elevator pitches from their client projects, offering bold ideas, practical solutions and a fresh perspective on the future of our visitor economy.

Expect creative thinking, sharp strategy, and a glimpse into how tomorrow’s tourism leaders are solving today’s challenges. Each team will pitch in front of the broader industry audience, with clients and mentors also in the room.

Come along to support the next generation and leave inspired by the talent, insight and professionalism that ELITE brings to our sector.

Presented by:

ATEC Emerging Leaders of Inbound Tourism Excellence (ELITE) Cohort 2025

5:15pm Onwards: Evening Activities (including Networking Drinks, Chairman's Dinner (invitation only) & YATEC 'Netwalking')

Note* transfers for Chairman's Dinner and YATEC 'Netwalking' depart at approx. 6:00pm from Crown, Perth.

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Wednesday Afternoon Session 1

2:00pm: From Trial to Tool: How AI is Reshaping Tourism

Generative AI in tourism has moved from theory to practice. In this session, Christian will unpack how AI is already enhancing efficiency and streamlining operations across the industry. He will then be joined by a panel of Australian tourism leaders to share actionable insights and firsthand accounts from their own AI implementations.

Presentation by:

Christian Watts

Founder & CEO

Magpie Travel

Panel by:

Christian Watts
Founder & CEO
Magpie Travel
Q&A

Lisa Chambers
CMO
Cairns Adventure Group

Tahlia Kommer
Marketing & Business
Development Manager
Australia One

Dave Atherton
Regional Manager -
SA, NT & NQ
ATEC
Panel Moderator

2:45pm: Inspiration, Influence & Integration: Socials in the sales mix

In this moderated panel, we explore the rise of social commerce in inbound tourism — unpacking how content inspires, how platforms convert, and where trade fits in the modern customer journey. Hear from operators, marketers, and platforms who are turning digital attention into real-world arrivals, while still leveraging the power of the distribution ecosystem.

Presented by:

Luke Ashall
Senior Manager
Business Development
Oceania
Klook

Kathy Turner
General Manager
Across Australia

Laura Aranjo
Key Account Manager,
Leisure - Pacific
Accor

Meg Coffey
Founder
Coffey & Tea
Panel Moderator

3:25pm: Afternoon Tea

Wednesday Afternoon Session 2

4:00pm: Celebrate the 2025 Tourism Export Awards

Who will take home the trophy for our 8 Tourism Export Award categories?

5:00pm: Announcement of Meeting Place 2026 Host Destination

5:15pm: MP25 Gala Finale to commence