2017 WA Regional Tourism Conference Program

The 2017 WA Regional Tourism Conference includes a range of social events, key speakers, panel sessions and networking opportunities across three days.

Please note, program is subject to change.

Monday, September 11

8.30am - 5.00pm

Training Workshops - Optional, additional fees apply.

6.00pm - 8.00pm

Welcome Cocktail Function - Complimentary for all conference delegates.
Venue: Garrison's Restaurant & Bar, 7 Forts Road, Mount Clarence

Join fellow delegates, invited guests and sponsors for a welcome function hosted by the City of Albany. Includes welcome address from City of Albany Mayor Dennis Wellington and Welcome to Country from local Aboriginal Elder Joey Williams.

Tuesday, September 12
Plenary day for all delegates followed by Conference Dinner (included for all delegates).

Venue: Centennial Park Stadium, 156 Lockyer Road, Albany

8.00amRegistrations commence - All delegates
9.00amIntroduction by Master of Ceremonies
Tourism Council WA CEO Evan Hall
9.05amOpening Address
Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA, Minister for Tourism
9.15am

Tourism WA Update
Steve Wood, Tourism WA, Acting CEO

9.35am

Consumer Trends and Key Observations for Tourism

  • Noel Richards, Deloitte Access Economics, Director
  • Matthew Donnelly, Deloitte Financial Advisory Partner
10.15amMorning Tea
10.45am

Innovation and Adaptation in Tourism Product - Meeting Modern Customer Expectations Panel

  • Laura Lotter, Tribe Perth Sales & Marketing Manager
  • Matt Norton, Margaret River Busselton Tourism Association Tourism Services Manager
  • Sally Hollins, Willie Creek Pearls CEO
11.15amTourism Australia Update
  • Kristy Carstairs, Industry Relations Manager - SA, TAS, VIC, WA & Youth
11.40am

The Importance of Online Marketing for Local Destinations

  • Damien Rossi, Urban List General Manager
12.15pmLunch
1.15pmKeynote Speaker
  • Patria Jafferies, Dome Cafes Founder
2.00pm

Developing a Unique Selling Point - Case Study

  • Mark Wilsdon, Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) Co-CEO
2.30pm

Eco, Cultural & Indigenous Experiences Panel

  • Duncan Ord, Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries Interim Director General
  • Renae Woodhams, Western Australian Museum Principal Project Officer - Communications & Public Engagement
  • Josh Whiteland, Koomal Dreaming Owner
  • Sonia Beckwith, Live Ningaloo Business Manager
3.10pmAfternoon Tea
3.30pm

Future Opportunities for Local Tourism Destinations

  • Tracey Cinavas-Prosser, Perth Convention Bureau Executive Director Stakeholder Relations
  • Julian Barry, Qantas Regional Manager WA
  • Mike McKenna, Perth Stadium CEO
4.30pm

Closing comments and day concludes

6.00pm - late

Conference Dinner - Pre-Dinner Drinks from 6.00pm

Venue: Albany Entertainment Centre, 2 Toll Place

Includes:

  • Master of Ceremonies - GWN7 News Presenter Noel Brunning
  • Presentation of GWN7 Top Tourism Town Awards
  • Entertainment from Jon Doust
  • Music from The Endearing Y's

Wednesday, September 13
Tour & Learn for delegates who have selected the Full Conference + Tour Option.

8.30am - 1.00pm

 

Tour & Learn - Limited Spaces Available! For delegates who select the Full Conference + Tour Option

Commences from Centennial Stadium, 156 Lockyer Avenue, Albany

Includes light breakfast and lunch.

This morning’s program is an opportunity to learn how local businesses and destinations can take a dynamic approach to building tourism community, developing hero experiences, and build their businesses through enhanced tourism distribution channels.

This Learning Tour uses the Amazing South Coast as a live case study.  Hear about how the National Anzac Centre is building sustainability through local community engagement; join Busy Blue Bus to learn about the growth of their business through new product development and visit Albany’s Historic Whaling Station to hear about their journey through brand re-positioning and event strategies. The tour finishes with a presentation from City of Albany on their latest developments, destination marketing and the development of the Amazing South Coast brand.

Delegates must select a stream for the Tour when registering.

Click here to register for the 2017 WA Regional Tourism Conference.