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Occupancy New Zealand's Leading Accommodation Industry Conference

Haley Purdon leads Expedia Lodging Partner Services in New Zealand and Pacific Islands, responsible for developing the strategies for the Group’s lodging supply business in the region.

With more than 12 years’ experience with Expedia Group, she leads the team to establish and develop strong partner relationships with hotel partners, helping to maximise their exposure to the Group’s 200+ travel booking websites. 

Prior to her role as Director of Market Management, Haley held various roles at the company. She started out as a Senior Market Manager for Orbitz Worldwide, where she was responsible for building a team on the ground, developing the brand awareness and expanding its presence to New Zealand and Pacific Islands region.

Haley brings valued knowledge of the online travel landscape to her role. Her passion for leading and developing people is instrumental to the rapid expansion of the NZPI team over the past four years.

Hazel Rigler has established a strong career within the Hotel industry, specifically in the complex field of Marketing, Sales and e-Commerce. She has been employed for the past ten years at the Wellington based Head Office for Grand Chancellor Hotels, Australia and New Zealand; a role which she has brought a wealth of international experience and expertise to from her management positions in Dublin and London. Her drive and tenacity has seen her go above and beyond for the company, and her ability to keep the Group ahead of change secured her status as a finalist for the Senior Executive category in the prestigious New Zealand Hotel Industry Awards in 2018.

Edwin has over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry. His career spans two continents with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts and Stamford Hotel & Resorts. Having worn multiple hats, Edwin has a deep-rooted knowledge of hospitality operations, revenue management, marketing and distribution technology.

Edwin has spoken at the following events: 80 Twenty Hotel Conference, Bali Hotel Summit, Auckland University of Technology(AUT), Griffith University, Otago Polytechnic, Motel Association of New Zealand, ARA Christchurch and Holiday Parks Association of New Zealand. 

Kerrie leads the sales and marketing, distribution direction for all Accor Hotels brands and hotels within New Zealand, Fiji and French Polynesia, responsible for the development and execution of strategic business plans to achieve the company’s regional and global objectives. Spanning an impressive career with the Accor Hotels global network, Kerrie began her career with AccorHotels in 2005. In 2007 Kerrie was appointed to head of Sales, Distribution & Revenue Management for Australia, where she oversaw 150 hotels and was a lead in the implementation of strategic business initiatives that effectively developed and promoted the network. In 2013 Kerrie was promoted to Senior Vice President where her role was expanded to cover the management of Central America and the Caribbean Hotels in addition to USA & Canada. This position was based in Florida where she led a team of more than 54 global and regional team members. After 7 years in the region, Kerrie & her family then made the decision to return home to the Pacific in June 2017.

Kerrie continues to be involved in the global business travel community and has served as Chairperson of the Industry advisory council of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and is an active member of ACTE. Kerrie is also involved in the local business community in New Zealand where she currently sits on the ATEED Advisory Council - Destination Auckland 2025, and TIA committee for the New Zealand Hotel Investment Conference.

Georgina is a passionate expert with honed sales and marketing skills in the hotel, tourism, events and hospitality sectors.

Experience in the hotel industry spans more than 15 years from multi-national chains to boutique luxury brands, Georgina brings a wealth of knowledge with a keen understanding of current trends to this panel.

Georgina has been focused on:

• Strategic thinking with tactical planning
• Digital, social and brand management
• Events and PR
• Sales with CRM campaign design and delivery

With a quick wit and inclusive management style, George develops significant relationships to help grow the Brook Serene Hotel business.

Hospitality Lead for Fr@nk, Jackie specializes in delivering Hospitality Technology for  hotels across New Zealand as well as holding a role as, IT Manager at Millbrook Resort.

Jackie has worked in IT for 30 years and now focuses on delivering technology in retail and hotels.

Jackie was instrumental in the planning of the systems for the New Zealand International Convention Centre and SKYCITYs five-star hotels in Auckland and Adelaide in 2018 and now consults to hotels throughout New Zealand planning technology roadmaps and assisting with change.

At Millbrook Resort, Jackie is currently implementing all facets of infrastructure and interfaces on a roadmap for a world class digital customer experience.  This will strengthen the direct mobile engagement with their guests and bring quantifiable benefits to the Resort.