2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards website

Talking Tourism business Forum



The Australian Tourism Industry Council are excited to hold their inaugural conference: The Talking Tourism Business Forum.

The Talking Tourism Business Forum brings tourism business operators together to enable effective peer-to-peer learning and development. The purpose of the Business Forum is to engage and inspire those operating businesses within the tourism industry, support connections across sectors and the country. The Business Forum is thoughtfully curated so that each attendee should be able to take away some valuable learnings that they can implement into their tourism business to continue to grow and elevate their offerings.

Expect engaging talks and be prepared to be immersed in a learning environment where you’ll hear from the best of the best to uncover new ways to grow and elevate your business that will drive your business’ success.

The day will focus on three key topics:

1. Journey to Inclusivity – how adapting their tourism product to the accessible and inclusive market has helped grow their business.

2. Digital Best Practices – how the Digital space can be utilized along with safety being a key theme for all

3. Leveraging your Success – how to maximise your accreditation and how to make your awards shine brighter and work for you.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to revitalise your outlook and shape the future of your tourism business. 


Talking Tourism Business Forum is proudly sponsored by: 

            

             

   


Program


Speakers

We are delighted to acknowledge the speakers, who will be presenting at the Talking Tourism Business Forum!

Master of Ceremonies

Kate Dinning


Kate Dinning is a Communications professional based in the North of Australia, but she's frequently everywhere else! 

Throughout her almost decade-long PR career, Kate has had the privilege of working on communications, brand strategy, media and social media management across an exciting range of clients and projects - including International PR & media for Tourism NT, on-ground media and publicity for major events across Australia, Social Media management for events, festivals and tourism operators, hosting seminars and workshops - and of course, owning a Darwin City Guide! 

One of her greatest strengths is her ability to get excited about a story, and share it with the level of excitement it deserves - and there’s plenty to get excited about in tourism! 


Keynote Speaker

Stuart Gregor

Co-founder, trade director and chief ambassador of Four Pillars



Stuart Gregor is the co-founder, trade director and chief ambassador of Four Pillars, Australia’s No.1 gin and a craft distilling success story. Renowned world-wide, Four Pillars is now sold in more than 30 markets.

Stuart Gregor is one of Australia’s better-known professional drinkers and talkers. Following a 20- year career working with many leading drinks, travel and food brands, Stu co-founded Aussie gin distillery Four Pillars in 2013. Four Pillars has become one of the distilling world’s recent success stories, becoming Australia’s No.1 craft spirit and in 2019 collecting the industry’s ultimate accolade, the International Gin Producer of the Year at the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London.

Four Pillars is widely recognized as having revolutionized the gin market in Australia and in 2019 LION, part of the global KIRIN Group, took a 50% ownership stake in the business. Stu remains the leader of the Four Pillars global commercial team and its leading ambassador. He also remains the President of the Australian Distillers Association, a position he has held since 2014.


Session Speakers

Kristy Bailey

Kristy Bailey has over 20 years of experience in strategy, digital marketing, communications, PR, and business management within the tourism industry. She maintains her involvement in the industry in her capacity as the Founder and Director of both One Eighty Marketing and Swan River Seaplanes.

Throughout her career, Kristy has served as a representative for businesses spanning all facets of the tourism sector, including retail and wholesale travel companies, conference and incentive houses, cruise operators, tour operators, and luxury resorts.  She has served as a judge for the WA Tourism Awards for four years and represented Western Australia as a national tourism awards judge for three years.

Kristy holds a variety of qualifications, including a Diploma in Tourism and a Masters of Marketing. Additionally, she is affiliated with several professional organizations, including the CEO Institute and is a board director at the Tourism Council of WA.


Avril Carter

As Sales Director for Asia Pacific at Shiji ReviewPro, Avril’s passion is Guest Intelligence in the APAC hospitality industry. She is committed to helping her clients deliver exceptional guest experiences, and ultimately boost revenue.

Responsible for leading and developing the sales and growth of Shiji ReviewPro in Asia Pacific, Avril works with accommodation and tourism brands to help them gain and act upon the unique insights provided via ReviewPro’s Guest Experience Platform.

Avril has more than 20 years’ experience in hospitality and travel in Australia and Europe, including strategic roles at TripAdvisor, Orbitz, and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.


Dane Cross

Dane Cross is a seasoned Access Consultant with over two decades of lived experience with disability, deeply committed to fostering accessibility and inclusion for individuals of all abilities in every community facet.

As a leading voice in Accessible Tourism, Dane has shared his insights at various forums, media outlets and industry workshops. His contributions to the field are further evidenced by his successful execution of initiatives like the Access Accelerator and EnAbled Business Programs in the Brisbane and Sunshine Coast regions and his pivotal role in the development of regional Accessible Tourism Reviews across Queensland.

Currently, as the Chief Operating Officer of Sporting Wheelies, Queensland's premier organisation for para sports, Dane continues to champion the cause of inclusivity in sports and beyond. His dedication to the cause is matched only by his passion for exploring the world through Accessible Tourism alongside his wife and three children, further enriching his advocacy with personal experience and a global perspective.


Annabel Curtain

Growing up on her family’s beef farm south of Perth, Annabel has always had a passion for agriculture and rural towns, becoming an Urban Planner in the private sector for some of WA's leading Urban Planning Consultancies.

Her career was put aside when the opportunity arose to take on a new adventure, running 'Katherine Outback Experience’ in outback Northern Territory, which was founded by her husband Tom Curtain.

The national award-winning Katherine Outback Experience (KOE) celebrates life on the land through real horse training and working dog demonstrations, farm experiences and live music. With Annabel managing the business side of KOE – she and Tom stay busy year-round operating in Katherine, NT from April to October during the Top End Dry Season and then touring the show through rural and regional Australia during the summer months.

Annabel also sits on the Board of Tourism Top End, represents tourism on the Big Rivers Region Economic Growth Committee and is an advisor for the Katherine Region Development Consent Authority.


Simon Currant

Simon Currant AM, a visionary Tasmanian entrepreneur, has played a pivotal role in transforming Tasmania into one of Australia's premier destinations over the past four decades. Through his innovative projects including Cradle Mountain Lodge, Peppermint Bay, and Pumphouse Point, Simon has contributed significantly to the region's growth and appeal, showcasing Tasmania's quality, unique character and natural beauty.

Simon’s hands on experience in tourism ranges from product concept development through to design, construction and operation. He also runs a tourism consultancy business, consulting world-wide for clients including private entities, governments and industry organisations.

Simon has won national and state Best Business awards, been awarded a Churchill Fellowship, was state winner and national finalist in the Entrepreneur of the Year awards and was recognised as Tasmanian of the Year. Additionally, Simon was honoured as Member of the Order of Australia Award, for service to the community and the Tasmanian tourism industry.


Anita Kane

Anita has a career spanning 25 years in the UK and Australian travel industry, excelling in Sales and Marketing leadership roles across retail travel, aviation, and the TUI Group.

In 2015, she relocated to Western Australia, settling in Mandurah. Anita joined the Mandurah and Peel Tourism Organisation as Business Development Manager and was promoted to General Manager in 2018. In a transformative year, Anita steered the organisation through a change in focus and orchestrated the rebranding to Visit Mandurah, dedicated to driving Mandurah's tourism success.

Her proudest career moment came in 2023 when Mandurah clinched Australia's Top Tourism Town award.


Despina Karatzias

Despina Karatzias is renowned in the tourism and small business sectors and is known for her innovative training solutions in quality tourism development in customer service, tourism online and international readiness, social media, and digital marketing.

With over two decades of experience, she is a Certified Trainer, qualified business coach, and author of the book "Adventures of a Balloon Girl." As the founder of the Institute of Excellence and Institute of Tourism, Despina has shaped the skills of numerous professionals. Her leadership roles as the former Chief Navigator of Navii Digital and Tourism Tribe and CEO of Global Ballooning Australia demonstrate her expertise in business and tourism operations management.

Recognised for her outstanding contributions, Despina received the 'Outstanding Contribution by an Individual' award at the 2022 Victorian Tourism Awards. Despina's passion for excellence and commitment to continuous learning make her a transformative force in the industry.


Tara Macleod

With a background in events, project management and operations, Tara has over 13 years’ experience in General Management, having previously worked at the Port Adelaide Football Club and Adelaide Film Festival, before her current role overseeing Adelaide Fringe’s operations and finance department.

Over the past 3 years, Tara has led the establishment of the Adelaide Fringe Reconciliation Action Plan, Sustainability Action Plan and Disability Access and Inclusion Plan, with a Multicultural Inclusion Action Plan in the works.

With a mission to make Adelaide Fringe the most inclusive festival in the world, Tara has championed diversity and inclusion at Adelaide Fringe, working with First Nations leaders and Disability consultants to achieve outcomes to make the arts accessible to all.


Julie Telford

Julie Telford and her husband, Asher Telford, founded Red Cat Adventures, a four-time National Gold Award-winning tourism company in the Whitsunday Islands, in 2015. The company now operates five custom-built vessels, offering on-water experiences, guided jet ski tours, and a waterfall bus tour. They lead an incredible team of 75 staff.

With a background in advertising, marketing, and journalism, Julie is passionate about preserving the environment and is proud to be a Climate Action Leader. Her business purpose is to provide unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experiences for every guest.





This event was made possible through grant funding from the Australian Government.

Event Organisers

AA&P Events 
(08) 8942 3388
atic2023@associatedadvertising.com.au

Australian Tourism Awards

(03) 9046 2339
ngillies@qualitytourismaustralia.com