Agenda

07:45am - 08:30am
Registration, Welcome Coffee and Tradeshow Open to Conference Delegates

Pick up your lanyard and name tag at the registration desk and enjoy a coffee while networking with other conference delegates. The exhibitor tradeshow will open to all conference delegates.

View bio

08:50am - 09:00am
Welcome Address

Adrian Caruso, Conference Organiser
Maximum Occupancy, Managing Director, Fastrack Group

A welcome introduction to Maximum Occupancy New Zealand 2022 by the conference MC and organiser, Adrian Caruso

Adrian Caruso's website Adrian Caruso's LinkedIn profile

09:00am - 09:30am
New Zealand Accommodation: The past, present and future

The opening conference presentation is a must-attend for it sets the basis for the entire day. Listen to two of New Zealand's best speakers on the New Zealand accommodation market, the past, present and future. Uncover how New Zealand markets are behaving in conjunction with supply as a growing factor. Listen to the outlook for accommodation operators 2022 and beyond from STR. A must attend session

Panellists

• 

  Stephen Hamilton, Director
  Horwath HTL

  Stephen Hamilton's website Stephen Hamilton's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Paul Hammond's biography

  Business Development Manager, Pacific
  STR

  Paul Hammond is the Business Development Manager, Pacific at STR, a global company who collects performance data from accommodation properties all over the world and provides aggregated reports and insights on market performance for accommodation providers and custom groups, which enables them to make better business decisions. Paul has over 20 years of experience in tourism & hospitality, and previously he worked for almost 10 years in the Online Travel (OTA) industry with global companies Orbitz, part of the Expedia Group, and Booking.com, as well as over 2 years in a major sports project with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) organising committee. Paul has also held several management and sales & marketing roles with numerous Hotels and Hotel Chains internationally and in Australia including Palazzo Versace, Hyatt, and Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG).

  Paul Hammond, Business Development Manager, Pacific
  STR

  Paul Hammond's website Paul Hammond's LinkedIn profile

09:30am - 10:00am
Reset, Revival and the Future - An Owner's Perspective

Listen to a panel of leading small, medium and large hotel owners, operators, investors and hotel brands on the current challenges facing them in a COVID world.

Panellists

• 

  Stephen Borcoskie's biography

  CEO
  TJK NZ Ltd

  From a chartered accounting background Stephen has worked across finance, hotel asset management and development roles and projects in NZ, Australia, Pacific Islands and Canada
  Stephen is a member of the of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ) and NZ Institute of Directors (IOD).
  He holds a Bachelor of Commerce obtained through the University of Canterbury and a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management through Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.

  TJK NZ is the ownership company of luxury boutique hotels The George, Christchurch www.thegeorge.com and Regent of Rotorua www.regentrotorua.co.nz and joint owner and developer of the next generation hotel, mi-pad Queenstown.
  These hotel properties are managed through subsidiary hotel management companies Brook Serene Hotel Management www.brookserene.com and MIPAD Hotel Management www.mipadhotels.com
  As well as hotels TJK NZ has New Zealand commercial office and land investments and is associated with Japan ski region accommodation properties, The Ridge Hakuba www.theridgehakuba.com and The Ridge Nozawa www.theridgenozawa.com
  
  

  Stephen Borcoskie, CEO
  TJK NZ Ltd

  Stephen Borcoskie's website Stephen Borcoskie's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Scott Kendall's biography

  CFO
  Waikato Regional Airport

  Although a qualified pilot, Scott has been responsible for Hamilton Airport’s non-aeronautical strategy since joining the business in the lead finance and commercial role four years ago.

  In addition to its on-airport property and infrastructure assets, Hamilton Airport has a diverse range of non-aeronautical properties adjacent to the airport, acquired over the last five years to mitigate historical volatility in its aeronautical business. These interests include the rapidly growing business park venture “Titanium Park”, multiple commercial properties, and a farm. The $200 million asset portfolio is rounded out by a 62 room hotel acquired in 2019. The hotel has since been extensively upgraded and is today operated under the management of Jet Park Hotels.

  Scott is a Chartered Accountant and was recognised by the New Zealand/Australia accounting body CAANZ in 2020 as one of its 20 emerging leaders, then as a finalist in both the NZ CFO Awards’ Finance Team of the Year and Finance Leader of the Year categories in 2021.

  Scott Kendall, CFO
  Waikato Regional Airport

  Scott Kendall's website Scott Kendall's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Brook Myers, Manager of Hotels and Commercial
  Auckland International Airport

Facilitator

• 

  Wim Ruepert's biography

  Director
  Horwath HTL

  Wim joined Horwath HTL in March 2016 with over 28 years’ experience in financial leadership and general management positions in international hotels and resorts. Prior to joining Horwath, Wim was Area General Manager responsible for the Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) portfolio in New Zealand.

  He specialises in hotel asset management, market demand, supply and feasibility analysis and has worked with a wide variety of owners and investors, from high net worth individuals, to institutional owners and private equity funds.

  His extensive international experience includes hotel management roles in Australasia, Europe, USA, China, Japan and the Caribbean.

  Wim Ruepert, Director
  Horwath HTL

  Wim Ruepert's website Wim Ruepert's LinkedIn profile

10:00am - 10:30am
Road to Recovery Post-COVID Initiatives, Insights & Opinions

An outside of the box panel discussion from 5 industry leaders that have found continued success and growth despite the pressures of covid. Hear how they have navigated the past 18 months, what stands them apart and what they see happening in the industry over the next 2 years.

Panellists

• 

  Malcom Hazleton, Director of Sales
  Amadeus

  Malcom Hazleton's website Malcom Hazleton's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Clare Davies's biography

  Founder & Managing Director
  Capstone Hotels

  Clare is the Founder and Managing Director of Capstone Hotel Management; a 100% New Zealand owned  Hotel Management company, overseeing accommodation businesses in some of the most beautiful locations throughout New Zealand.

  Clare has been involved in the hospitality and tourism industry for over 30 years and has been privileged enough to have worked in a wide variety of locations both in New Zealand and overseas. Clare’s experience extends from running successful food & beverage operations, to hotel ownership and hands-on management. Extremely passionate about the tourism sector and the development within the industry and promotion of regional New Zealand,  Clare has been a major contributor to local and regional tourism throughout her career and held the role of National President forHospitality NZ after six years sitting on the National Board.

  Clare Davies, Founder & Managing Director
  Capstone Hotels

  Clare Davies's website Clare Davies's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Grant Colquhoun's biography

  Account Director
  Tomahawk

  With a career in travel spanning over 30+ years, in Travel Tech, Hospitality & Digital Marketing with such companies as Travelocity, and Tripadvisor & Grant has recently returned to New Zealand.  After living overseas in Sydney & Singapore for the last 25 years, Grant returned to Queenstown & has spent time exploring the country enjoying new experiences with his recent favourites being the Doubtful Sound overnight cruise, The Kepler track & Star Gazing in the Dark Sky Reserve near Lake Tekapo. Of late he has been working with some local Tourism Operators to kick-start their business post COVID. 

  Grant has a passion for discovering new places, with his wings clipped due to covid-19 he has been exploring the surrounds of his home town Queenstown & will soon venture back to Europe to explore North Eastern Greece. 

  Grant Colquhoun, Account Director
  Tomahawk

  Grant Colquhoun's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Elle Armon-Jones's biography

  Managing Director
  The Big Foody Food Tours

  Elle Armon-Jones started her hospitality career aged fourteen working in the kitchen of a local pub in her home town in the UK. Her mother ran a bed and breakfast hosting people from all around the world who went on to become lifelong friends. Whilst a young successful solicitor her father owned a wine bar on the outskirts of London and some of Elle's earliest memories were of people around her parents enjoying great hospitality. Before leaving for a six month trip around the world she had run numerous kitchens, bars and pubs and worked in all areas of the hospitality industry from supply chain to restaurant launches, hotel management and outside catering. Very much at home in the kitchen, after some formal training she decided commercial kitchens weren't her deepest passion but loved people and food. 

  Six months turned into nineteen years. When Elle arrived in New Zealand in 2003 she discovered a food culture and flavours so fresh that after a brief six year flirtation with the technology industry she was inspired to set up The Big Foody Food Tours. From 2009 until Covid 19 sent the company to the back of the successful business queue, Elle's mission was to showcase the very best of New Zealand ingredients and artisan produce. By 2020 she had 22 people working in the business around the country providing food tours from the Bay of Islands to Dunedin. 

   In 2016 Elle and husband Barry took over Vineyard Cottages as a complimentary business to The Big Foody and their first foray into hospitality and accommodation together. Built by Sauvignon Blanc pioneer Bill Spence and his wife Eileen, the property has seven cottages and a conference and wedding venue all set amongst the vines of the Kumeu wine region.  Elle alsoconsults to tourism and hospitality startups finding her niche in making businesses come to fruition and during the last two years poked her toes back into the tech world in the wine industry. If it's people or food and drink orientated, she's in her happy place. 

  Elle Armon-Jones, Managing Director
  The Big Foody Food Tours

  Elle Armon-Jones's LinkedIn profile

Facilitator

• 

  Troy Clarry's biography

  Owner/Director
  Katalyma Hotels & Hospitality - Whangaparaoa Lodge & Kerikeri Park Lodge

  After spending more than 20 years managing in some of Asia’s most exciting hotels for Hyatt International & Ritz-Carlton Hotels in Japan, Bali, China, New Zealand, Saipan and Taiwan, Troy decided to return home to New Zealand in 2013 to start his own hospitality management company – Katalyma Hotels and Hospitality.

   

  Subsequently, Troy and his wife Tomoko became the owners of Whangaparaoa Lodge in mid 2013 and added a second property Kerikeri Park Lodge from the beginning of 2017.

  “Owning and running our own business, creating our own path and destiny is a luxury earned from taking risks and working hard” Troy says.

   

  Troy spent the majority of his time in Hotels managing Food & Beverage operations working his way up through the Hotel hierarchy. He started as a Corporate Trainee for Hyatt International, moving through to restaurant management, Banquet and Catering, and divisional and hotel operations management. Troy’s last position was the General Manager of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts – Tokyo Restaurants, which oversaw the Japan operations of the luxury brand’s lifestyle operations.

   

  Additionally, passion for the industry and local community is also very important to Troy. He is a board member of the National Board, Hospitality New Zealand, chairs the Auckland accommodation sector group at branch level, and is an executive committee member of the local Whangaparaoa Business Association.

   

  Troy Clarry, Owner/Director
  Katalyma Hotels & Hospitality - Whangaparaoa Lodge & Kerikeri Park Lodge

  Troy Clarry's website Troy Clarry's LinkedIn profile

10:30am - 11:00am
Morning Tea

Grab a tea or coffee and discuss the morning sessions with your colleagues.

View bio

11:00am - 11:30am
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION - THE NEW TRAVELLER, TRENDS AND WANTS

Sarah Mathews, Group Head of Media Partnerships APAC
TripAdvisor

Beaming in LIVE from Hong Kong, hear from one of Asia Pacific's leading keynote speakers and travel trend spotters, Sarah Marthews, on the new traveller trends due to the impact of COVID 19. Listen to the lessons learned from global and localised research on how to drive revenue to your property.

Sarah Mathews's website Sarah Mathews's LinkedIn profile

11:30am - 11:55am
The Corporate Market - Gone Forever? Or Different?

We take a deep-dive look into this vitally important segment for hoteliers and the different impacts Covid-19 has had on it. From reduced inventory due to MIQ hotels, employers focus on duty of care, pressure on corporate rates to be lowered and locked in longer. To the importance of TMC's and how to best leverage their relationships.

Panellists

• 

  Nicole Dobson's biography

  Regional Vice President Australia New Zealand and Pacific
  Amadeus

  Nicole joined TravelClick now Amadeus in June 2002 and leads the ANZ and Pacific Sales and Customer Success team. She is responsible for new customer acquisition efforts, up-sell and cross-sell initiatives and ensuring strong customer retention. Nicole brings more than 30 years of experience in managing B2B businesses and distributors. Based in Melbourne Nicole’s previous remit included management of the Operations and Learning Services teams for the APAC region.  

  Before joining Amadeus, Nicole worked at IHG and Accor Hotels.

   

  Nicole Dobson, Regional Vice President Australia New Zealand and Pacific
  Amadeus

  Nicole Dobson's website Nicole Dobson's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Kelly Williamson's biography

  Area Director of Sales & Marketing - New Zealand
  IHG

  Kelly has been with IHG for over 12 years, ranging across numerous Commercial Roles both on and off property. A large portion of her experience was gathered during her tenure in the UK, overseeing the UK & Ireland Managed Estate portfolio and additionally leading their centralised London cluster of hotels which consisted of opening and launching new hotels and also enhancing the profitability of existing estate.

  Kelly has been back in New Zealand now for just under 6 years and is overseeing the Commercial performance of their IHG New Zealand Managed Estate portfolio, as they continue to grow their estate across the region and bringing key hotels back into market post pandemic.

  Kelly Williamson, Area Director of Sales & Marketing - New Zealand
  IHG

  Kelly Williamson's website Kelly Williamson's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Shweta Mhatre's biography

  Cluster Director of Sales
  Hilton New Zealand

  Shweta is an extremely high achieving and skilled business-to business sales professional with a talent for deploying research and organisational skills toward analysing, upgrading, and streamlining sales & marketing processes for improvement opportunities. Demonstrated history of developing strong, mutually beneficial professional relationships at all levels. Enthusiastic self-starter who can boost productivity, cut costs, foster efficiency, and ensures profitability.

  Shweta Mhatre, Cluster Director of Sales
  Hilton New Zealand

  Shweta Mhatre's website Shweta Mhatre's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Ali Mehdi's biography

  Commercial Director
  Revtrak

  Ali has been associated with hotel industry over 20 years with strong background in Hotels Opening and Revenue Management. Ali is currently the Director of REVTRAK Consulting providing consultancy and management of new hotel development projects, renovations scoping of existing properties and revenue management solutions to NZ lodging operators.  

  Ali Mehdi, Commercial Director
  Revtrak

  Ali Mehdi's website

Facilitator

• 

  Adrian Caruso's biography

  Conference Organiser
  Maximum Occupancy, Managing Director, Fastrack Group

  Adrian is founder and CEO of Australasia's leading travel, tourism and hospitality full-service digital marketing, media and technology firm, Fastrack Group.

  Adrian is a highly experienced and respected travel, tourism and hospitality digital marketing, media and communications expert with over 25 years in the industry. He is also a management consultant and strategist. 

  Adrian Caruso, Conference Organiser
  Maximum Occupancy, Managing Director, Fastrack Group

  Adrian Caruso's website Adrian Caruso's LinkedIn profile

11:55am - 12:25pm
CASHING IN ON BUSINESS EVENTS; INSIGHTS AND OPPORTUNITY DEEP DIVE

Business events are a catalyst which drives business into accommodation and hospitality, running counter to traditional tourism peak periods. Smart operators will understand how to maximise both. Hear this intriguing discussion as Lisa Hopkins facilitates a panel discussion to discuss the importance of business events to the country, community and how individual operators can maximise these opportunities.

Panellists

• 

  Lisa Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer
  Business Events Industry Aotearoa

  Lisa Hopkins's website Lisa Hopkins's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Richard Clarke's biography

  Head of Major & Business Events
  Tātaki Auckland Unlimited

  Richard Clarke is an experienced senior executive with a track record of management success on both sides of the Tasman.

  In January 2020, Richard joined ATEED as Head of Major Events, leading a team to deliver a
  world-class events portfolio to enhance Auckland's global reputation as a leading major
  events destination.

  
  Following the merger between ATEED and Regional Facilities Auckland, Richard was
  appointed Head of Major and Business Events for Auckland Unlimited in January 2021.

  Over more than a decade as General Manager and then CEO of the New Zealand Breakers,
  Richard oversaw the New Zealand Breakers’ rise to the Australian NBL title – the first New
  Zealand sporting franchise to win a trans-Tasman competition and going on to win four NBL
  Championships in five seasons – and under his leadership the club becoming one of the
  most respected sporting brands in New Zealand– an organisation known for its culture of
  professionalism and sustainable success.

  In 2016 he was appointed as General Manager to rebuild the Brisbane Bullets under the
  ownership of the Australian NBL, before returning to Auckland in January 2020.

  Richard Clarke, Head of Major & Business Events
  Tātaki Auckland Unlimited

  Richard Clarke's website Richard Clarke's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Ross Steele's biography

  General Manager
  Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre

  Ross was appointed general manager in early 2019, and is responsible for successfully marketing the centre to the national and international convention market. He brings more than 20 years’ convention centre business experience to the role. Prior to joining Te Pae Christchurch, Ross managed the Cairns Convention Centre in Queensland for 12 years. Cairns Convention Centre was regularly voted amongst the top convention centre’s in the world (AIPC World’s Best Congress Centre’s Awards, including World’s Best Congress Centre in 2014).

  Ross Steele, General Manager
  Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre

  Ross Steele's website Ross Steele's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Bjoern Spreitzer, General Manager New Zealand & Business Events
  Tourism New Zealand

  Bjoern Spreitzer's website Bjoern Spreitzer's LinkedIn profile

12:25pm - 12:55pm
The Future of the Industry

Panellists

• 

  Julie White's biography

  Chief Executive
  Hospitality New Zealand

  Julie White, is Chief Executive of Hospitality New Zealand which represents some 3,000 hospitality and accommodation businesses across Aotearoa.  Julie's experience expanses across two decades working within the travel and hospitality sectors and has expertise in sales, marketing and revenue management.

  Julie White, Chief Executive
  Hospitality New Zealand

  Julie White's website Julie White's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Tim Blake, General Counsel
  Hospitality New Zealand

  Tim Blake's website

• 

  Tori Calver's biography

  Head of Strategy & Impact
  Sustainable Business Network

  Tori is passionate about promoting a culture where people are supported, celebrated and innovative ideas are allowed to flourish. Her strong corporate background and sustainable ethos immediately connected her with SBN’s mission to help bring about systems change in business. Previously Tori was at Expedia where she established the NZ office and managed the strategy for the NZ market.

  Tori Calver, Head of Strategy & Impact
  Sustainable Business Network

  Tori Calver's website

12:55pm - 01:55pm
Lunch - Brought to you by Book Me Bob

Enjoy delicious lunch brought to you by our lunch sponsor, Book Me Bob.

02:00pm - 02:30pm
Hotel Leader & CEO Meet-Up

In this session, listen to some of New Zealand's and APAC hotel leaders and CEOs discuss the latest trends, issues and opportunities facing the accommodation industry in New Zealand and abroad. This panel session will be facilitated by one of New Zealand's leading accommodation stalwarts, Sally Attfield from Hospitality New Zealand

Panellists

• 

  Craig Hooley's biography

  Chief Operating Officer
  Minor Hotels

  With over two decades of extensive industry experience working with some of the globe’s most prestigious leading hotel and hospitality brands, Craig Hooley is Minor Hotels’ Chief Operating Officer for Australia and New Zealand - where it currently boasts a portfolio of over 50 properties under its Oaks Hotels, Resorts & Suites and Avani Hotels & Resorts brands.
  
  Since joining Minor Hotels in 2018, Mr Hooley has guided the brand’s strategic direction, while delivering the day-to-day management of operations with overseeing sales, marketing, all revenue focused strategies and activities, as well as crafting bespoke forward growth plans for the hotelier, and providing leadership across various corporate factions to convey continued business excellence.

  Prior to this, Craig Hooley held a number of key leadership positions with major international industry front-runners including recently finishing a successful three-year tenure at Shangri-La International Hotel in Australia and Hong Kong, as well as spending seven and a half years at Mirvac Hotel & Resorts, and seven and half years at the InterContinental Hotels Group both in Australia and United Kingdom. As a recruit straight out of university studying an Engineering degree, Craig started his career in the Royal Australian Navy’s food, beverage and housekeeping operations for ten and a half years.
  
  Mr Hooley is based in Minor Hotels’ head office in Maroochydore on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. He is a long-term member of Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA).

  Craig Hooley, Chief Operating Officer
  Minor Hotels

  Craig Hooley's website Craig Hooley's LinkedIn profile

• 

  David Ovendale , CEO
  TOP 10 Holiday Parks

  David Ovendale 's website David Ovendale 's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Gavin Faull's biography

  Chairman and President
  Swiss-Belhotel International

  Gavin has over 35 years experience in hotel management and operations under his belt. He started his career as an accountant for The Peninsula Group, Hong Kong. In 1983, he was made chief executive of Kingsgate International Corporate Limited, a publicly listed company that owned several hotels in Australia and New Zealand.

  He worked for a start-up hotel management company Swiss-Belhotel group in 1990, before taking over the ownership of the company in 1999. Apart from his illustrious career in the hospitality industry, he also runs a number of agricultural companies in his native New Zealand. Gavin holds hold a Bachelor Degree in Accounting from Victoria University of Wellington.

  Gavin Faull, Chairman and President
  Swiss-Belhotel International

  Gavin Faull's website Gavin Faull's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Graham Perry's biography

  Managing Director
  BWH Hotel Group Australasia

  Graham is a seasoned executive leader with experience working across the global travel, tourism, media and hospitality sectors.  The thread that flows through his career is his passion for marketing and the ever-evolving travel distribution and technology landscape.

  From 2016 Graham has worked with a number of successful travel start-ups including eRoam who are applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to transform travel distribution. He was appointed Managing Director, Australasia for BWH Hotel Group in May 2018.

  Graham Perry, Managing Director
  BWH Hotel Group Australasia

  Graham Perry's website

Facilitator

• 

  Rebecca Ingram's biography

  Chief Executive
  Tourism Industry Aotearoa

  Rebecca Ingram was appointed to the role of Chief Executive at Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) in March 2022.

  Rebecca joined TIA from seven years at Tourism New Zealand (TNZ), where she held various roles including General Manager of New Zealand and Government Relations.  She was previously responsible for TNZ’s PR and Major Events, leading a global team across 10 markets in showcasing the best of what New Zealand has to offer to visitors.

  Rebecca has 20 years of leadership, marketing and communications expertise, with proven experience delivering successful business strategies, engagement, and advocacy programmes and leading complex transformations in her time at both Spark (then Telecom) and Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand.

  Rebecca is excited to be joining TIA at a critical time in the tourism industry’s history and is looking forward to playing an active role in the re-emergence of tourism for the benefit of Aotearoa.  

  Rebecca Ingram, Chief Executive
  Tourism Industry Aotearoa

  Rebecca Ingram's website Rebecca Ingram's LinkedIn profile

02:30pm - 03:00pm
Revenue Management - How's its all changed. The Dangers of a Quick Win

Hear from leading revenue specialists as they discuss the new wild west of forecasting post-pandemic and their tips for navigating the changes in customer behaviour. Learn what type of quick wins have worked versus the impact on longer-term strategies and whether traditional tactics still work

Panellists

• 

  Haley Purdon's biography

  Director of Market Management - New Zealand & Pacific Islands
  Expedia

  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.

   

  Haley Purdon, Director of Market Management - New Zealand & Pacific Islands
  Expedia

  Haley Purdon's website Haley Purdon's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Stephanie Bickers, Revenue Manager
  James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor & Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland City

  Stephanie Bickers's website Stephanie Bickers's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Kristy Edwards's biography

  Director of Revenue Optimisation
  BWH Hotel Group

  Kristy Edwards | Director of Revenue Optimisation, BWH Hotel Group Australasia

   

  Kristy is based in Sydney as the current Director of Revenue Optimisation for BWH Hotel Group Australasia, leading the Revenue Management team to optimise distribution channels, drive revenue performance and educate hotel owners in effectively implementing revenue management strategies. She is a highly experienced and respected revenue analysis expert with nearly 20 years of experience in delivering technology-led solutions across the Australasia hospitality sector. As a strong supporter of revenue enhancement, Kristy works closely with each hotel in the BWH portfolio to support them in making smarter revenue and distribution decisions. With a strong commercial awareness and implementation of successful system projects, she plays an integral role in contributing to BWH hotels surpassing their financial targets.

  Kristy Edwards, Director of Revenue Optimisation
  BWH Hotel Group

  Kristy Edwards's website Kristy Edwards's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Amit Peshawaria's biography

  Head of Sales, Asia Pacific & Oceania
  OTA Insight

  Amit is based in Brisbane as the current Head of Asia Pacific & Oceania for OTA Insight, leading the regional team in sales, strategy and development for the region. He has 20 years of experience in operational, commercial and pre-opening assignments within hospitality across Asia, Middle East and Australia. Prior to joining OTA Insight, Amit has worked with global companies such as Hilton, MINOR Hotels, Accor, Belmond and Taj Group. As a strong supporter of revenue enhancement, Amit works with key hospitality partners, regional hoteliers and asset management companies in Asia-Pacific to enable and support in making smarter revenue and distribution decisions. Amit frequently presents the latest market trends and updates at industry events in the Asia Pacific region.

   

  Amit Peshawaria, Head of Sales, Asia Pacific & Oceania
  OTA Insight

  Amit Peshawaria's website Amit Peshawaria's LinkedIn profile

Facilitator

• 

  Hazel Rigler's biography

  Chief Commercial Officer
  Motive Group

  Hazel has established a strong career within the hospitality industry, joining Motive Group / Village Accommodation Group at the end of 2019 as Chief Commercial Director, managing all operations and strategy across the 7 properties within the portfolio. Prior to joining, Hazel worked in senior management roles within hospitality in the UK and Ireland, with her previous role being Director of Marketing & eCommerce Australia/New Zealand at Grand Chancellor Hotels.  She has knowledge in a diverse range of hospitality systems and processes, from ecommerce, data integration, revenue, sales, loyalty, brand management and is also a Chartered Marketer through the Marketing Association NZ.

  Hazel Rigler, Chief Commercial Officer
  Motive Group

  Hazel Rigler's website Hazel Rigler's LinkedIn profile

View bio

03:05pm - 03:25pm
KEYNOTE: The changes to consumer behaviour that are here to stay

Michelle Allen, Head of Travel
Google

Listen to Google APC's Head of Travel, Michelle Allen on how consumer behaviours and expectations have changed since COVID and how these behaviours have stuck. Listen to some of the latest in consumer trends and insights (both search and sentiment data) related to travel to give insight into what consumers are thinking when it comes to travelling.

Michelle Allen's website Michelle Allen's LinkedIn profile

03:30pm - 04:00pm
The Employment Landscape: Are we moving towards a talent war

With reports of 80% of accommodation industry employees being severely impacted by the impacts of Covid-19 on the industry, we are either at a crisis point or have the opportunity to reimagine our future as employers. With this massive loss of experience across the industry, hear from a vastly experienced panel with 4 very different perspectives but one joint goal of being best prepared for what lays ahead.

Panellists

• 

  Ronnie Ronalde's biography

  Group Operations Manager
  CPG Hotels

  Industry icon Ronnie Ronalde has devoted 30 years of his life to the New Zealand hotel industry, and is renowned for his contributions to industry issues and events, legislation and representing the hotel sector on international event committees.

   

  Ronnie has realised the vision of positioning CPG Hotels as an enviable group while driving up to triple digit increases in revenue year on year, overseeing multi-million dollar refurbishments and leading an exceptional team, including a pivotal role in the creation and establishment of the CPG Hotels new luxury brand, Fable Hotels & Resorts.

   

  His commitment to introducing initiatives that bring to life values that guide guest experience, environmental awareness and social purpose are signature actions that reinforce Ronnie’s unwavering focus on excellence across the group.

   

  Ronnie Ronalde, Group Operations Manager
  CPG Hotels

  Ronnie Ronalde's website Ronnie Ronalde's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Heidi Gillingham's biography

  Program Director
  Go With Tourism

  Heidi Gillingham is one of New Zealand’s up-and-coming tourism leaders.

  Having been in the industry in one way or another since leaving high school, it’s no surprise that her path in life led her to the adventure capital of the world. Originally from the UK, Queenstown was her home for seven years before relocating to Auckland in 2022.

  Heidi progressed to the role of Programme Director for Go with Tourism after spending 18 months as a regional coordinator for the initiative, managing the Education Programme and other youth-oriented initiatives. Her previous work experience includes human resource management, and training and development with Taco Medic, AJ Hackett Bungy and Queenstown Resort College. In 2019, she won the HR New Zealand Emerging Practitioner of the Year Award.

  Heidi’s motto is “work hard, play hard”. While she is a strong believer that good results come directly from hard work, she is equally adamant that success is found when one can switch off at the end of the day and enjoy life outside of the ‘office’.

  Heidi Gillingham, Program Director
  Go With Tourism

  Heidi Gillingham's website Heidi Gillingham's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Graham Perry's biography

  Managing Director
  BWH Hotel Group Australasia

  Graham is a seasoned executive leader with experience working across the global travel, tourism, media and hospitality sectors.  The thread that flows through his career is his passion for marketing and the ever-evolving travel distribution and technology landscape.

  From 2016 Graham has worked with a number of successful travel start-ups including eRoam who are applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to transform travel distribution. He was appointed Managing Director, Australasia for BWH Hotel Group in May 2018.

  Graham Perry, Managing Director
  BWH Hotel Group Australasia

  Graham Perry's website

Facilitator

• 

  Jason Hill's biography

  Managing Partner
  Tourism Talent

  Jason Hill is passionate about changing the way our industry recruits and develops talent.  Tourism Talent are experienced tourism professionals focused on connecting great businesses with outstanding people. Jason has an extensive network in tourism having held a variety of senior roles within the New Zealand industry over 25 years and is also Managing Director of Meneth Consulting. Until late 2017 he was Head of Tourism at Auckland Tourism, Event and Economic Development (ATEED) for six years, responsible for the international and domestic marketing of Auckland, as well as new product development and destination management.

  Jason Hill, Managing Partner
  Tourism Talent

  Jason Hill's website Jason Hill's LinkedIn profile

04:00pm - 04:30pm
Afternoon Tea

Sample the delicious array of cakes, biscuits and beverages on offer while networking with conference delegates.

04:30pm - 05:00pm
Hotel technology in 2022 and Beyond

Panellists

• 

  Suresh Subramaniam, Managing Director
  RevM8

  Suresh Subramaniam's website Suresh Subramaniam's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Justin De Lille, Group Chief Executive Officer
  Liverton Technology Group

  Justin De Lille's website Justin De Lille's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Edwin Saldanha , Regional Manager - Oceania
  Head of Marketing - STAAH

  Edwin Saldanha 's website Edwin Saldanha 's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Benjamin Krieg's biography

  Vice President Operations
  FutureLog Oceania

  Benjamin Krieg currently holds the position of Vice President Operations, FutureLog Oceania. Having established FutureLog’s Sydney-based entity in 2021, Benjamin is responsible for leading and supporting the portfolio growth of customers using FutureLog’s procure-to-pay software across the Oceania region. 

  
  With a focus on the hospitality and gastronomy industries, FutureLog Oceania has already experienced rapid expansion under his stewardship, with hotels, pubs and restaurant venues coming onboard across Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Auckland, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart and Perth are among the new markets joining throughout the remainder of 2022. Oceania’s expansion is in keeping with the organisation’s global growth trajectory, as in addition to Sydney, FutureLog has opened two other regional offices in Böblingen and Paris and has doubled its global headcount within the last 18 months.

   

  Passionate about the efficiencies that technology can bring to the hospitality industry, Benjamin’s background has afforded him the opportunity to view eprocurement from multiple perspectives. A seasoned hospitality executive, Benjamin has over 20 years of experience in Asia Pacific, primarily in Thailand and Australia. Prior to joining FutureLog, he held dual roles as Cluster General Manager for two Bangkok downtown hotels and Area General Manager for Accor Thailand, a portfolio of 12 hotels. 
  
  

  Benjamin holds an advanced Diploma in International Hotel Management from the Swiss Hotel Association, International College of Hotel Management and a Diplôme Culinaire d’Hôtelier from Le Cordon Bleu. He remains committed to developing programs to enhance the interaction and engagement between hotel schools, high school graduates and the hotel industry in the communities where he has worked throughout his career. 

   

  Benjamin Krieg, Vice President Operations
  FutureLog Oceania

  Benjamin Krieg's website Benjamin Krieg's LinkedIn profile

Facilitator

• 

  Jackie Leat's biography

  Hospitality Lead
  Fr@nk Innovation & Transformation

  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 is currently overseeing the IT technology implementation for the Te Arai Links luxury golf resort development north of Auckland having worked on the planning of systems for Pacifica Towers, the New Zealand International Convention Centre and SKYCITY’s Horizon hotel in Auckland and eOS by SKYCITY in Adelaide in 2018. 

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

  Jackie consults to hotels throughout New Zealand planning their technology roadmap, assisting with systems selection, implementation and assisting with change in the evolving technology environment.

  Jackie Leat, Hospitality Lead
  Fr@nk Innovation & Transformation

  Jackie Leat's website Jackie Leat's LinkedIn profile

05:00pm - 05:30pm
Positioning Brands, Marketing, Loyalty & Customer Focus For Future Tourism

During this panel discussion, listen to five of the industry's leaders share their views on the importance of your brand.com in a post COVID world. Listen to their views on how it has changed, what now makes guests loyal to you, why customer service is more important than ever before and the relevance of your brand.com in the current environment and into the future.

Panellists

• 

  Clinton Farley's biography

  General Manager
  The Hotel Britomart

  After two decades in hotels across New Zealand and Australia, Clinton Farley has come home to Auckland to open The Hotel Britomart as its general manager. Awarded Australian Hotel General Manager of the Year 2017 (HM Awards), Clinton is a skilled strategic Business Leader and Board Director. He holds a wealth of experience in tourism and hospitality having worked within hotels, luxury lodges and resorts across New Zealand and Australia. 

  Clinton is a firm believer in a hotel being a core part of its surrounding community which is a key aspect of his role at the Hotel Britomart. It has also led him to be on boards for tourism destination bodies in Taupo, Melbourne, and Alice Springs. He is also a director of Soap Aid, a non-profit organization that reprocesses hotel soap across New Zealand, Australia and North America to save lives globally by improving hygiene in some of the most impoverished regions in the world.

  Clinton Farley, General Manager
  The Hotel Britomart

  Clinton Farley's website Clinton Farley's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Daron Gray, General Manager
  Waipuna Hotel & Conference Centre

  Daron Gray's website Daron Gray's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Carl Amos, General Manager
  mi-pad Queenstown Hotel

  Carl Amos's website Carl Amos's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Michael Anderson, Director of Sales & Marketing
  QT Auckland

  Michael Anderson's website Michael Anderson's LinkedIn profile

Facilitator

• 

  Tim Alpe, Managing Director
  JUCY Snooze

  Tim Alpe's website Tim Alpe's LinkedIn profile

05:30pm - 07:00pm
Networking Drinks - Sponsored by Fastrack Digital New Zealand

Join us for a drink and canapes sponsored by Fastrack Digital New Zealand while you network with other attendees and exhibitors.

08:00am - 08:55am
Registration and Welcome Coffee

Workshops day is full of one-on-one style learning sessions, so grab a coffee and get ready for lots of learning from the experts.

View bio

09:00am - 09:55am
Book Direct Blueprint

Adrian Caruso, Founder, Managing Director
Fastrack Group

In this highly interactive workshop you will learn how to formulate or improve your hotel's 'Direct Booking Strategy' through proven 'real-life' techniques and strategies. Learn from one of APAC's leading 'Direct Booking Strategists' as he looks at all major digital channels and data practices and how to make them work for you. Walk away with a blueprint to drive more direct bookings in 2022/23 and beyond. A not to be missed hands-on workshop.

Adrian Caruso's website Adrian Caruso's LinkedIn profile

View bio

10:00am - 10:45am
KEYNOTE - How to design a guest and employee experience strategy to reignite your business, brand, and culture

Shane Green, President & Founder
Shane Green

Our guests are coming back but our employees are not and the ones that are, are burnt out. What can you do now to re-energise your brand and culture to move your business forward? It starts with having a strategy. Shane Green has been working with brands globally for the past 20 years to develop GX (guest experience) and EX (employee experience) strategies to build successful hospitality businesses. Learn his framework for building a GX to support your brand and an EX to build a culture that delivers on the promises your brand makes. Learn how hotels in Las Vegas reinvent themselves after each global crisis to deliver what their guests want at the highest level. Hear about the best practices that some of the best hotels in the world are using to attract, engage, and retain the right people to deliver the desired guest experience.

10:50am - 11:15am
Morning Tea

Break time! Enjoy a delicious pastry and tea or coffee with fellow delegates.

11:15am - 11:40am
Major and Business Events to grow your business

Lisa Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer
Business Events Industry Aotearoa

Business Events delivered $1.5BN to New Zealand’s economy in 2019. COVID impacted this number, but the sector is starting to come back, thanks largely to a strong and loyal domestic customer base. With a long lead time and borders opening, how can you ensure your hotel is BE ready, what are the expectations of the international and domestic client and what should you expect from them?

Lisa Hopkins's website Lisa Hopkins's LinkedIn profile

View bio

11:40am - 12:10pm
Impact of your Employer Brand

Jason Hill, Managing Partner
Tourism Talent

Do you know what your employer brand is and what impact it can potentially have on your ability to find and retain good staff?

Jason Hill's website Jason Hill's LinkedIn profile

12:15pm - 12:40pm
How to increase Your Cash Flow and Drive Additional Revenue by Using Vouchers

Edwin Saldanha , Regional Manager - Oceania
Head of Marketing - STAAH

Vouchers have the potential to drive incredible growth in your business. Creating “experiences” that you can sell to your customers is a wonderful way of showcasing what you can offer, and the knock-on benefits are plentiful. Increase cash flow, retain and delight customers, improve loyalty, protect at-risk revenue from cancellations, and widen your target market.

Edwin Saldanha 's website Edwin Saldanha 's LinkedIn profile

12:45pm - 01:10pm
Maximising the GDS & Distribution

Malcom Hazleton, Director of Sales
Amadeus

The questions often asked by hoteliers… When will corporate travel resume? What will it look like? How do I maximise any opportunities? What new technology has been accelerated recently? Find out the answers to these and more as we take a look at the ever-evolving distribution landscape.

Malcom Hazleton's website Malcom Hazleton's LinkedIn profile

01:15pm - 02:00pm
Lunch

Network with other attendees over a delicious lunch.

View bio

02:05pm - 02:25pm
The Impact of Your Photos in a COVID World

Mauro Risch, Hotel & Resort Photographer
The Hotel Photographer

“One great photo is worth a thousand bookings”

Listen and learn from Mauro on how to produce the best visual content to help you increase your bookings. What to look for and what to avoid. He will show you the way to get what you need out of your photoshoot. A workshop not to be missed!

Mauro Risch's website Mauro Risch's LinkedIn profile

02:30pm - 03:00pm
Leverage OTA tools to understand and attract the right customers

In this workshop, spend 1:1 time with Expedia consultants to uncover the tools you have at your fingertips to target your ideal customer. How are customers making their travel decisions in today's environment? Discover our interactive and forward-looking data to help you strategize in uncertain times.

Facilitator

• 

  Sarah Mulholland, Market Manager
  Expedia

  Sarah Mulholland's website

• 

  Stuart Milne, Market Manager
  Expedia

  Stuart Milne's website

03:00pm - 03:25pm
Best bang for buck: Marketing Spend Strategies for Small Operators

Listen to two of New Zealand's leading hotel and travel marketing specialists, Adrian Caruso and Katie Ho of Fastrack Digital New Zealand show you how you can market your accommodation business for not much at all. Learn how to get more bang for your buck by correctly leveraging under utilised channels that can heavily influence your business.

Facilitator

• 

  Katie Ho, Digital Marketing Assistant
  Fastrack Digital New Zealand

  Katie Ho's website

• 

  Adrian Caruso's biography

  Founder, Managing Director
  Fastrack Group

  Adrian is founder and CEO of Australasia's leading travel, tourism and hospitality full-service marketing and communications firm, Fastrack Group.

  Adrian is a highly experienced and respected travel, tourism and hospitality digital marketing, media and communications expert with over 25 years in the industry. He is also a management consultant and strategist. 

  Adrian Caruso, Founder, Managing Director
  Fastrack Group

  Adrian Caruso's website Adrian Caruso's LinkedIn profile

03:30pm - 03:55pm
Afternoon Tea

Take a break and grab something to eat before our final sessions of the day.

03:55pm - 05:00pm
Ask anything round tables

Delegates often say this is the best session of the entire conference. This is your opportunity to sit down with the experts and gain answers and insights for your hotel in a consultation style format.

ROUND TABLE 1
Direct Booking Strategy

ROUND TABLE 2
Revenue Management

ROUND TABLE 3
OTA's - Learning How to Best Use them hosted by Expedia

ROUND TABLE 4
Social Media, Email Marketing, SEO, Paid Advertising Strategies

ROUND TABLE 5
Growing your Business with Conference & Events

Panellists

• 

  Haley Purdon's biography

  Director of Market Management - New Zealand & Pacific Islands
  Expedia

  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.

   

  Haley Purdon, Director of Market Management - New Zealand & Pacific Islands
  Expedia

  Haley Purdon's website Haley Purdon's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Katie Ho, Digital Marketing Assistant
  Fastrack Digital New Zealand

  Katie Ho's website

• 

  Jason Hill's biography

  Managing Partner
  Tourism Talent

  Jason Hill is passionate about changing the way our industry recruits and develops talent.  Tourism Talent are experienced tourism professionals focused on connecting great businesses with outstanding people. Jason has an extensive network in tourism having held a variety of senior roles within the New Zealand industry over 25 years and is also Managing Director of Meneth Consulting. Until late 2017 he was Head of Tourism at Auckland Tourism, Event and Economic Development (ATEED) for six years, responsible for the international and domestic marketing of Auckland, as well as new product development and destination management.

  Jason Hill, Managing Partner
  Tourism Talent

  Jason Hill's website Jason Hill's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Hazel Rigler's biography

  Chief Commercial Officer
  Motive Group

  Hazel has established a strong career within the hospitality industry, joining Motive Group / Village Accommodation Group at the end of 2019 as Chief Commercial Director, managing all operations and strategy across the 7 properties within the portfolio. Prior to joining, Hazel worked in senior management roles within hospitality in the UK and Ireland, with her previous role being Director of Marketing & eCommerce Australia/New Zealand at Grand Chancellor Hotels.  She has knowledge in a diverse range of hospitality systems and processes, from ecommerce, data integration, revenue, sales, loyalty, brand management and is also a Chartered Marketer through the Marketing Association NZ.

  Hazel Rigler, Chief Commercial Officer
  Motive Group

  Hazel Rigler's website Hazel Rigler's LinkedIn profile

• 

  Adrian Caruso's biography

  Founder, Managing Director
  Fastrack Group

  Adrian is founder and CEO of Australasia's leading travel, tourism and hospitality full-service marketing and communications firm, Fastrack Group.

  Adrian is a highly experienced and respected travel, tourism and hospitality digital marketing, media and communications expert with over 25 years in the industry. He is also a management consultant and strategist. 

  Adrian Caruso, Founder, Managing Director
  Fastrack Group

  Adrian Caruso's website Adrian Caruso's LinkedIn profile

05:00pm - 05:00pm
Conference End