Agenda

We’re constantly looking to inspire, grow and improve year on year so we always up the ante by introducing different themes, new keynotes, more panel sessions and workshops led by industry experts.

  • 08:30am - 09:05am
    Registration, Coffee and Trade Exhibition Open

    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.

  • 09:15am - 09:30am
    Welcome | Mihi

    A traditional introduction to Maximum Occupancy and Hospitality New Zealand Conferences

  • 09:20am - 09:50am
    KEYNOTE SPEAKER

    Sam Egerton,
    Merivales

    Driving guest experiences, technology, and beyond, Keynote focusing on new openings, nuggets of gold, consumer trends (whats different/what are they doing different etc). What the guest experience looks like including technology advancements.

  • 09:50am - 10:10am
    FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP UPDATE

    Sally Attfield, Head of Services
    FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

  • 10:10am - 10:40am
    Keynote Presentation - The 'Big Challenge Guy' dedicated to energizing your team

    Kevin Biggar, Motivational Speaker/Author

    Listen to the bigger than life motivational speaker, author and TV personality, Kevin Biggar show you how to energize your team to achieve more.

  • 10:40am - 11:25am
    Morning Tea

    Break time! Enjoy a delicious pastry and tea or coffee with fellow delegates. Following the Morning Tea, the conference splits into the Maximum Occupancy stream and the Food & Beverage stream. Attendees are free to visit either stream and customise their conferencing experience.

  • 11:25am - 11:25am
    Dual Conference Stream Begins

    Following the Morning Tea, the conference splits into the Maximum Occupancy Accommodation stream and the Food & Beverage stream. Attendees are free to visit either stream and customise their conferencing experience.

    View Hospitality NZ Agenda https://www.hospitality.org.nz/s/conference/agenda

  • 11:30am - 12:00pm
    The State of the Nation

    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 2023 and beyond from STR. A must attend session

    Panellists

    • Stephen Hamilton, Director
      Horwath HTL

    • 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

  • 12:00pm - 12:30pm
    A Hotel Owner's Perspective on 2023 and Beyond

    Listen to a panel of leading small, medium and large hotel owners, operators and investors and hotel brands on the current state of the market and challenges facing them in 2023 and beyond.

    Panellists

    • John Thompson's biography

      Head of Commercial
      Minor Hotels

      John Thompson joined Minor Hotels as the Head of Commercial for Australia and New Zealand in November 2018. His role sees him responsible for leading the company’s business growth & commercial strategy, as well as driving key executive projects in these key markets where it currently operates over 60 properties. John is a dyed-in-the-wool commercial hotelier having spent more than 20 years in the hospitality sector holding leadership positions for global hotel brands including Hilton and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). John has a reputation as a savvy and respected commercial director having also owned and operated a successful consultancy business, where he provided bespoke commercial solutions through consultancy, training and coaching to leading organisations within the hospitality industry.

      John Thompson, Head of Commercial
      Minor Hotels

    • Michael Belanger's biography

      VP Commercial Strategy
      GCP Hospitality

      Michael Belanger is the Vice President Commercial Strategy at GCP Hospitality, which manages a growing portfolio of over 40 properties and 7,500+ keys around the world including the Regent Hong Kong, Four Seasons Bora Bora, Together Co-Living Melbourne, and 14 hostels in New Zealand. Under his guidance, the company is developing commercial best practices and processes for Hotels, Hostels, Serviced Apartments and Student Accommodations.

      Prior to joining GCP Hospitality, Michael worked over 15 years with InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in Canada, Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong, with his most recent role at the company’s flagship, InterContinental Hong Kong, as Director of Revenue Management.

      Michael graduated in Hospitality Management from l’Institut de Tourisme et d’Hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) in 2002 and Marketing Management at HÉC Montréal in 2004. He is also a member of HSMAI and involved in the Asia-Pacific Revenue Advisory Board and Chief Revenue Officers initiatives.

      Michael Belanger, VP Commercial Strategy
      GCP Hospitality

    • Karl Luxon, Chief Executive Officer
      Scenic Hotel Group

    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


  • View bio

    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. 

    12:30pm - 12:55pm
    The OTA Battle Has Begun....AGAIN - How to Win Back Direct Bookings

    Adrian Caruso, Founder, Managing Director
    Fastrack Group

    With statistics showing that OTAs have already taken a sizeable lead in bookings again, having a 'direct booking strategy' is now more vital than ever. Listen to one of APAC's leading direct booking strategists as he presents the 'real life examples' of the best direct booking strategies in the industry with some examples providing over 60% month-on-month direct bookings. Adrian will also show you the most important KPIs to know in your book direct strategy.


  • View bio

    Jessica Small's biography

    Head of Media - Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands
    Tripadvisor

    Jessica is the Head of Media at Tripadvisor, covering the South Pacific region including Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

    Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel guidance platform, helps hundreds of millions of people each month become better travelers, from planning to booking to taking a trip. Travelers across the globe use the Tripadvisor site and app to discover where to stay, what to do and where to eat based on guidance from those who have been there before.

    Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Jessica began her career in tourism at the Australian Tourism Export Council, the peak industry body for the inbound tourism sector. In 2012, Jessica moved to Amsterdam, Netherlands to join the World Youth Student Educational Travel Confederation as the Events Coordinator, an association dedicated to promoting and developing opportunities for the youth, student and educational travel industry. Jessica was involved in assisting with the global portfolio of events in countries such as USA, Australia, UK, Ireland, Italy and Hungary. With a passion for the promotion and development of the Pacific Asia Region, Jessica moved to Thailand and joined the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and began a role in Marketing and Communications.

    Jessica's role at Tripadvisor involves working directly with partners to assist with developing strategic partnerships including marketing, education, insights and communication, to promote brands and destinations to the vast Tripadvisor audience.

    12:55pm - 01:25pm
    The New Traveller, Trends and Wants

    Jessica Small, Head of Media - Australia, New Zealand & Pacific Islands
    Tripadvisor

    KEYNOTE SPEAKER
    Jessica will do a deep dive into global travel trends from Tripadvisor and how travel behaviours are evolving in a post-pandemic world. She will outline key business opportunities for the industry by marrying travel trends and customer analytics whilst also outlining how to leverage digital platforms and big data to promote the right destinations globally and efficiently.

  • 01:30pm - 02:15pm
    Lunch

    Enjoy a delicious lunch and network with fellow conference delegates.

  • 02:15pm - 02:45pm
    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.

    Panellists

    • David Ovendale , CEO
      TOP 10 Holiday Parks

    • John Thompson's biography

      Head of Commercial
      Minor Hotels

      John Thompson joined Minor Hotels as the Head of Commercial for Australia and New Zealand in November 2018. His role sees him responsible for leading the company’s business growth & commercial strategy, as well as driving key executive projects in these key markets where it currently operates over 60 properties. John is a dyed-in-the-wool commercial hotelier having spent more than 20 years in the hospitality sector holding leadership positions for global hotel brands including Hilton and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). John has a reputation as a savvy and respected commercial director having also owned and operated a successful consultancy business, where he provided bespoke commercial solutions through consultancy, training and coaching to leading organisations within the hospitality industry.

      John Thompson, Head of Commercial
      Minor Hotels

    • 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

    • Trent Fraser's biography

      CEO
      Choice Hotels Asia-Pac

      Trent Fraser began his career in 1990 and by 2002, had held several senior management roles in a number of hotels across the Asia Pacific region. Mr. Fraser joined Choice Hotels in 2002, heading up the development side of Choice Hotels’ business and a short time later, was overseeing both Development and Franchise Services. In 2012, Mr. Fraser was appointed CEO of Choice Hotels Asia-Pac.

      Mr. Fraser has been at the forefront of property growth for Choice Hotels throughout his 15-year tenure and has developed and implemented strategic, growth-focused business plans, leading to substantial increases in group RevPAR and business delivery.

      Mr. Fraser led the launch and implementation of the Econo Lodge brand in Australia and New Zealand in 2009, and in 2013 he launched the upscale Ascend Hotel Collection spanning unique/boutique properties across Australia.

      Mr. Fraser lives in Melbourne with his wife Michelle and their three daughters. When he’s not in the office or travelling he enjoys playing golf or getting out to cheer on the mighty St Kilda Football Club. He also serves on the national board of AAoA and is a passionate supporter of Choice Hotels Asia-Pac’s charity partner, Kids Under Cover. 

       

      Trent Fraser, CEO
      Choice Hotels Asia-Pac

    Facilitator

    • 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


  • View bio

    Michelle Allen's biography

    Head of Travel
    Google

    Michelle is Head of Travel for Google Australia. She joined Google in 2011 and has 14 years experience in the travel industry in France, Spain and Australia having previously worked for Amadeus. Michelle is passionate about understanding consumer behaviour and how the travel path to purchase has been impacted by digital transformation.

    02:55pm - 03:15pm
    Driving Value Beyond Price

    Michelle Allen, Head of Travel
    Google

    KEYNOTE PRESENTATION

    We are honoured to have once again as our keynote Michelle Allen, Head of Travel & Financial Services for Google present. In her presentation, Michelle will look at the path to purchase and how travel sellers can influence consumers purchase decisions through behavioural science principles. A must attend presentation.

  • 03:15pm - 03:45pm
    Revenue Management, Distribution & Rate Parity - What to Expect in 2023

    Panellists

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

    • Cícero Guimarães's biography

      Business Development Manager ANZ & Pacific
      OTA Insights

      With over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Cícero Guimarães has held key leadership positions with a strong track record of successfully developing and executing strategic initiatives to drive business growth and revenue. Currently a Business Development Manager - ANZ at OTA Insight, Cícero works closely with hoteliers and key stakeholders to understand their needs and develop customized solutions that help them optimize their revenue and increase profitability.

      Cícero Guimarães, Business Development Manager ANZ & Pacific
      OTA Insights

    • 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

    • Jass SIDHU's biography

      GROUP DIRECTOR OF REVENUE
      CPG Hotels

      I am currently part of CPG hotels as the Group Director of Revenue, leading the Revenue Management team to drive revenue and maximize the profitability for the Group. I have Industry experience of 14 years with Variety of roles from Housekeeping to FO to F&B, Sales, and Revenue, giving me in depth knowledge from business acquisition to operations in hotels. I work closely with the properties, Owners, and distribution partners to implement the optimized revenue and distribution strategies with clear understanding of the impacts on underlining profits. I believe in dynamic and diverse approach of revenue management where all the revenue generating streams (F&B, Valet, Spa, etc.) in hotels come together to deliver the growth centric results.

      Jass SIDHU, GROUP DIRECTOR OF REVENUE
      CPG Hotels

    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

  • 03:50pm - 04:20pm
    Branded vs. Non-Branded, Marketing & Loyalty Programs A deep dive.

    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

    • Kari Hunter, General Manager, Marketing
      Choice Hotels Asia-Pac

    • Georgina Torrington's biography

      Director of Sales & Marketing
      Brook Serene Boutique Hotels

      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.

      Georgina Torrington, Director of Sales & Marketing
      Brook Serene Boutique Hotels

    • Stephanie Bickers, Group Sales & Marketing Manager
      Grand Chancellor Hotels

    • Brad Watts's biography

      General Manager Operations & Development of Independent Brands
      Mitchell Corp

      Brad’s is a highly accomplished professional with over 35 years of experience in the hotel and tourism sector, specializing in the development of Independent brands. With a proven track record of managing 4 to 5-star hotels in Australia and New Zealand, Brad has established himself as a respected industry expert. 

      Throughout his career, Brad has gained extensive knowledge and experience in management and operations, making him a valuable resource in revenue management, particularly in the online environment. His strategic decision-making skills and comprehensive understanding of the industry have consistently contributed to optimizing revenue and enhancing operational efficiency.

      Recognized for his exceptional leadership and management abilities, Brad thrives in tackling diverse challenges and consistently achieving outstanding results. He has built strong relationships with stakeholders and is committed to providing exceptional service.

      Brad's wealth of knowledge and experience in management and operations positions him as a valuable source of guidance for independent owner operators. His expertise in the industry equips him with valuable insights and strategies to support the success of independent operators in the competitive accommodation & tourism sector.

      Brad Watts, General Manager Operations & Development of Independent Brands
      Mitchell Corp

    Facilitator

    • 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

  • 04:15pm - 06:00pm
    Networking Drinks in the Trade Show

  • 09:00am - 09:30am
    Welcome to Day 2 and Arrival Coffee

    Welcome to day 2 of the conference whereby presentations are more workshop style learning sessions, so grab a coffee and get ready for lots of learning from the experts.


  • View bio

    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. 

    09:30am - 10:10am
    Book Direct Blueprint

    Adrian Caruso, Founder, Managing Director
    Fastrack Group

    In this highly interactive presentation 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 2023/24 and beyond. A not to be missed hands-presentation.


  • View bio

    James Donald's biography

    Co-Founder
    Yonder

    Founder and product manager of Yonder HQ.  Leading tourism businesses are using their chatGPT powered AI chatbots and review management to save time and win more direct bookings.

    10:15am - 10:40am
    How can Hoteliers become superpowered with chatGPT and where disruption may loom

    James Donald, Co-Founder
    Yonder

    ChatGPT is a once in a decade transformative technology impacting many industries including tourism. We'll look at what it is, how it works, how individuals are using it today and how marketing teams can harness its powers. We'll also look at hotel-tech products utilizing its engine and the disruption it may create for marketing activities.

  • 10:45am - 11:00am
    Morning Tea

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

  • 11:05am - 11:35am
    Metasearch, OTAs, GDS and New Trends in Distribution and Accommodation

    Panellists

    • Malcom Hazelton, Director of Sales
      Amadeus

    • Kelly Dodd's biography

      Area Manager
      Expedia Group

      Kelly Dodd is a strategic leader in the tech-travel industry with over a decade of experience in hospitality. Currently serving as an Area Manager at Expedia Group, Kelly coaches a team of consultants in providing results-driven advice to lodging partners in New Zealand. She is passionate about optimizing revenue,

      delivering high-impact business solutions, and simplifying complex strategies for her team and partners. With her strong analytical skills and deep understanding of the industry, Kelly is dedicated to improving the lives of others through her work

      Kelly Dodd, Area Manager
      Expedia Group

    • Tracey Foxall, General Manager
      Bachcare

    Facilitator

    • Adrian Caruso's biography

      Group 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, Group Managing Director,
      Fastrack Group

  • 11:35am - 12:15pm
    The Chinese Traveller - Where are they, have they changed and how to re-engage with them

    KEYNOTE
    In this keynote presentation, Tourism New Zealand’s General Manager - International, Angela Blair, and Trip.com Group’s Market Manager - New Zealand, Naomi Bolton, will provide an in-depth presentation on the current situation on the ever-so-valuable Chinese tourist, including where they are, where NZ fits into their travel plans, what has changed since the pandemic, and how to re-engage them.

    Panellists

    • Angela Blair, General Manager - International
      Tourism New Zealand

    • Naomi Bolton's biography

      Market Manager – New Zealand
      Trip.com

      As Trip.com Group’s first NZ-based Market Manager, Naomi established the company’s Auckland office in August 2021, initially from her home on Waiheke Island. With a Hospitality & Tourism career spanning over 20 years, Naomi's hotel distribution journey began in London in 2004, where she first collaborated with online travel agencies (OTAs) from the hotel side. In probably one of the industry’s first international remote employment arrangements, Naomi moved to New Zealand in 2006, while continuing her role as eCommerce Executive for the Royal Lancaster Hotel and K West Hotel & Spa in London. 

      Various roles since have included Accommodation Management in Northland and Hamilton, Restaurant Marketing, and leading the Careers Team for Hospitality students at NZMA. Drawing on a deep understanding of the OTA landscape, honed during Naomi’s time at Expedia (where she joined as the second-ever Auckland-based Market Manager in 2012), a major focus for the past 18 months has been to increase local awareness of Trip’s global scale. 

      As Trip.com Group is China's largest travel provider, recent weeks have seen Naomi immersed in a realm of captivating data and unique insights from the dynamic source market. The avid traveller and self-confessed data nerd enjoys fostering meaningful relationships with Trip’s accommodation partners, leveraging relevant analytics and market trends

      Naomi Bolton, Market Manager – New Zealand
      Trip.com

  • 12:30pm - 01:00pm
    Lunch

    Network with other attendees over a delicious lunch.

  • 01:00pm - 01:25pm
    Corporate Travel - Why it Hasn't Bounced Back to Pre-COVID Levels

    Once the star performer for many hotels pre-COViD, the corporate travel market is still not at the levels it once was. Listen to a panel of corporate travel market experts, leading DOSM's and corporate travel agents discus why the market isn't the same post-COVID and what the new corporate travellers expects.

    Panellists

    • Michael Anderson's biography

      Director of Hotel Operations
      SkyCity Auckland

      Michael is a highly motivated and strategically minded hospitality professional who has consistently delivered results through a consultative and collaborative leadership style. Currently serving as the Director of Hotel Operations for SkyCity Group he has extensive experience in both Australia and New Zealand across sales, marketing, guest experience, loyalty, distribution and operations.

      Michael Anderson, Director of Hotel Operations
      SkyCity Auckland

    • Kristy Edwards's biography

      Director of Revenue Optimisation
      BWH Hotels

      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 Hotels

    Facilitator

    • Adrian Caruso's biography

      Group 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, Group Managing Director,
      Fastrack Group


  • View bio

    Mauro Risch's biography

    Hotel & Resort Photographer
    The Hotel Photographer

    Over the last decade, Mauro Risch has become known simply as The Hotel Photographer. He travels around the Asia Pacific region creating visual content that brings brand awareness and most importantly, improves bookings. He is trusted by PR and marketing teams, hotel managers and executive brand teams right across the Asia Pacific region. Mauro is the preferred photographer for some of the top operators across the industry, including IHG, Wyndham and Meriton.

    01:30pm - 02:00pm
    The Impact of Your Photos On Direct Bookings

    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!

  • 02:00pm - 02:30pm
    Ask Us Anything Session

    This is your opportunity to ask your fellow industry colleagues in the room anything about your business that will help you reach your business goals. Many say this is the most popular session of the conference as together, we discuss and answer your most pressing questions.

  • 02:30pm - 02:30pm
    Afternoon Tea + Conference End

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