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 workshopsled by industry experts. See our 2019 agenda below and stay tuned for our 2020 conference agenda! 4th Apr Conference 3rd Apr Workshops 08:15am - 08:45am Registration and welcome coffee Enjoy coffee and tea while networking with other conference delegates before the workshops commence. 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. 08:45am - 09:30am Book Direct Blueprint 2019 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 digital marketing. Adrian will touch on all major digital channels and data practices and go in depth on how they should be applied to stay on top of the game in 2019 and beyond. Adrian Caruso's website Adrian Caruso's LinkedIn profile 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. With 50 000 followers on Instagram, Mauro Risch enjoys a highly engaged following and one of the most popular hotel and resort photographers on social media. 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, Accor, Wyndham, Radisson, Meriton and TFE. 09:30am - 10:15am The Art of Great Hotel Photography Mauro Risch, Hotel & Resort Photographer The Hotel Photographer Listen and learn from Mauro on what makes a great image and how to ensure your images are working for you by increasing leads and sales. With 50 000 followers on Instagram, Mauro Risch enjoys a highly engaged following and one of the most popular hotel and resort photographers on social media. Mauro is the preferred photographer for some of the top operators across the industry, including IHG, Accor, Wyndham, Radisson, Meriton and TFE. A workshop not to be missed! Mauro Risch's website Mauro Risch's LinkedIn profile 10:15am - 10:45am Morning Tea Grab a bite, take a break and unwind with our complimentary morning tea. View bio Pablo de la Vega 's biography Account Manager - New Zealand Google Pablo has worked with Google for six years, in their Dublin, Paris, Manila and Auckland offices. He has worked 3 years with Advertisers from the travel industry in Europe and is now looking after Financial Services advertisers in New Zealand. Pablo specializes in digital performance marketing or how to maximize his advertisers Return on investment with Google. 10:45am - 11:30am Google Search - Inside the Algorithm Pablo de la Vega , Account Manager - New Zealand Google Learn the magic behind how the Google Search auction works, and how your business can be present in the moments that matter. Understand the consumer trends Google is focussed on to develop stronger digital connections with consumers. Pablo de la Vega 's website 11:30am - 12:15pm Conversion Optimisation, Analytics and eCommerce Tracking 101 A wise man once said 'you can't manage what you can't measure’. In this session you will learn how to create the optimal eCommerce tracking set-up to track where your bookings are coming from, conversion goals and booking funnel visualisation (this is a must-have). You will also learn some conversion optimisation quick wins that you can implement on your own website straight away! Facilitator Essen Tsou's biography Digital Marketing Manager Fastrack Group Essen has a wealth of knowledge in digital marketing for the hotel and travel industry. Essen has over 5 years digital marketing experience in the hotel/travel industry, previously working within the Global Marketing Team at Expedia. Essen brings in her expertise across online acquisition channels, including paid media, remarketing and social direct response. Essen Tsou, Digital Marketing Manager Fastrack Group Essen Tsou's website Essen Tsou's LinkedIn profile Gerard Smith's biography Business Development Manager Fastrack Group A business development and relationship specialist, Gerard has held senior management roles in some of New Zealand’s leading digital agencies, before returning to Brisbane after 12+ years. More recently Gerard has held senior management roles with some of Australasia's leading digital agencies, where he focussed on building successful commercial partnerships with leading tourism organisations, including Tourism New Zealand, Real Journeys, Skyline Enterprises and Hobbiton, to name a few. Gerard Smith, Business Development Manager Fastrack Group Gerard Smith's website Gerard Smith's LinkedIn profile View bio AJ Shantiratnam's biography Senior Account Manager Tripadvisor AJ Shantiratnam is Senior Account Manager for TripAdvisor in Australia. AJ manages click-based advertising business for hotel chains and OTAs in Australia.With a blend of experience working for large OTA and hotel chains, AJ has over 10 years’ experience in the travel industry which he capitalises with his passion for data and business analysis. AJ has previously worked for Agoda.com and Frasers Hospitality leading account management and e-commerce performance. 12:15pm - 01:00pm Maximising Your Presence on TripAdvisor AJ Shantiratnam, Senior Account Manager Tripadvisor Want to reach 456 million monthly visitors on TripAdvisor and influence potential guests from around the globe?* At this workshop, get key insights on how to make the most of your presence on the world's largest travel site** by leveraging the latest data and insights, and managing your online reputation. In this workshop we will cover best practices for monitoring, managing and responding to guest reviews and tips on how to optimise the latest tools and features on TripAdvisor * Source: TripAdvisor log files, average monthly unique visitors, Q2 2018 ** Source: comScore Media Metrix for TripAdvisor Sites, worldwide, November 2017 AJ Shantiratnam's website 01:00pm - 02:00pm Lunch Network with other attendees over a delicious buffet lunch. 02:00pm - 03:00pm 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. 08:00am - 08:50am Registration and welcome coffee Pick up your lanyard and name tag at the registration desk and enjoy a coffee while networking with other conference delegates. View bio Adrian Caruso's biography Conference Organiser Maximum Occupancy 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. 08:50am - 09:00am Welcome to Maximum Occupancy 2019 Adrian Caruso, Conference Organiser Maximum Occupancy A welcome introduction to Maximum Occupancy 2019 by the conference MC and organiser, Adrian Caruso. Adrian Caruso's website Adrian Caruso's LinkedIn profile 09:00am - 09:25am State of the Nation Stephen Hamilton, Director Horwath HTL Big changes are taking place in the accommodation sector, with the next few years presenting new challenges for hoteliers. In this session, Stephen Hamilton, one of New Zealand's leading accommodation industry consultants shares the 'State of the Industry' in New Zealand and APAC. Listen to important insights including the investment forecast for the industry, shared economy rooms entering the market, increased Asian guest arrivals and the opportunities in this market, and issues with regional dispersal. Stephen Hamilton's website Stephen Hamilton's LinkedIn profile View bio 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). 09:25am - 09:50am What opportunities await thriving NZ? Paul Hammond, Business Development Manager, Pacific STR Paul from STR will provide you with an update on current performance for the New Zealand accommodation market and its sustained growth. Key topics covered include the continued rate of growth even with no big events, supply’s slow build as well as other tangible actions the data shows. Paul Hammond's website View bio Stuart Davidson's biography Territory Sales Manager Kentico Software Stuart Davidson is a Territory Sales Manager for Kentico Software, a fully integrated all-in-one ASP.NET CMS, E-commerce and Digital Experience platform. Kentico prides itself on enabling its customers to create cutting-edge and highly personalised digital experiences across web and other digital channels. Kentico is trusted by some of the most recognisable brands in Australia and across the world, including LJ Hooker, Twining’s, ME Bank and Red Cross.Stuart has a background in Financial Services and has over 6 years experience in the digital space. He has a Bachelor of International Business from LaTrobe University and Master of Diplomacy and Trade from Monash University. 09:50am - 10:10am Understanding travel’s personalization revolution Stuart Davidson, Territory Sales Manager Kentico Software Today, travel executives realize, building more relevant and personalized customer experiences are critical because it helps differentiate their brands in an increasingly competitive market. However many hotel brands still struggle to meet the personalization demands of consumers. Listen to how to better understand personalisation to drive more direct bookings Stuart Davidson's website Stuart Davidson's LinkedIn profile 10:10am - 10:40am Metasearch & Distribution in 2019 In this panel session listen to both Metasearch companies and hoteliers discuss how traditional metas are responding to Google's growth (and what it means for hotels). Listen to how to come out on top on OTAs and how much of your budget should be spending on this channel Panellists Hazel Rigler's biography Director of Marketing & eCommerce - Australia & New Zealand Grand Chancellor Hotels 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. Hazel Rigler, Director of Marketing & eCommerce - Australia & New Zealand Grand Chancellor Hotels Hazel Rigler's website Hazel Rigler's LinkedIn profile Renato Gualberto, Director of Revenue Management SKYCITY Hotels AJ Shantiratnam's biography Senior Account Manager Tripadvisor AJ Shantiratnam is Senior Account Manager for TripAdvisor in Australia. AJ manages click-based advertising business for hotel chains and OTAs in Australia.With a blend of experience working for large OTA and hotel chains, AJ has over 10 years’ experience in the travel industry which he capitalises with his passion for data and business analysis. AJ has previously worked for Agoda.com and Frasers Hospitality leading account management and e-commerce performance. AJ Shantiratnam, Senior Account Manager Tripadvisor AJ Shantiratnam's website 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 Adrian Caruso's website Adrian Caruso's LinkedIn profile 10:40am - 11:10am Morning Tea Break time! Enjoy a delicious pastry and tea or coffee with fellow delegates. View bio 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. 11:10am - 11:30am Beyond bookings: engaging travellers throughout their journey Haley Purdon, Director of Market Management - New Zealand & Pacific Islands Expedia Listen to Expedia's Haley Purdon as she shares Expedia's key insights on how consumers research, shop and book and then importantly, bridge each insight with how hoteliers can influence them at every step of their travellers journey. Have a deeper understanding of the activities and decisions travellers participate in throughout the journey, and utilize the tools to help you provide a better guest experience, attract more guests, and be more competitive. A not to be missed presentation! Haley Purdon's website Haley Purdon's LinkedIn profile View bio AJ Shantiratnam's biography Senior Account Manager Tripadvisor AJ Shantiratnam is Senior Account Manager for TripAdvisor in Australia. AJ manages click-based advertising business for hotel chains and OTAs in Australia.With a blend of experience working for large OTA and hotel chains, AJ has over 10 years’ experience in the travel industry which he capitalises with his passion for data and business analysis. AJ has previously worked for Agoda.com and Frasers Hospitality leading account management and e-commerce performance. 11:30am - 11:50am Telling your Digital Story on TripAdvisor AJ Shantiratnam, Senior Account Manager Tripadvisor With the rise of the internet and the ubiquity of mobile devices, stories have gone digital. Digital storytelling cuts through marketing clutter, engages travelers, and allows you to connect with them on an emotional level. Find out about the psychological power of digital storytelling — and actions you can take on TripAdvisor to influence potential guests' booking decisions. AJ Shantiratnam's website 11:50am - 12:30pm CEO Viewpoints In this session, listen to APAC hotel leaders and CEOs discuss the latest trends, issues and opportunities facing the accommodation industry in New Zealand. This panel session will be facilitated by Sally Attfield, Hotel Sector Manager at TIA - the only independent association that represents all sectors of New Zealand's large and diverse tourism industry. Panellists David Ovendale , CEO TOP 10 Holiday Parks David Ovendale 's website David Ovendale 's LinkedIn profile Les Morgan's biography Chief Operating Officer Sudima Hotels/ Hind Management Les Morgan is the Chief Operating Officer of Sudima Hotels and Hind Management. The Group has an annual turnover in excess of $50m and employs over 450 people. Sudima Hotels is currently is undergoing a significant expansion phase with numerous new Hotels under development, and is contracted to have 1,600+ rooms under management by 2021.Les recognises that whilst commercial success is a primary function of any business; strong organisational values and community empathy are vital ingredients to a healthy prosperous company. Les is a previous recipient of a Westpac Excellence in Leadership Award, was the 2018 Winner of NZ Hotel - Industry Senior Hotel Executive Award and recently received the Tourism Industry Aotearoa, Tourism Industry Champion Award.Originally from Rotorua, he now resides in Auckland. He holds a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do and is a Sommelier by trade. His background includes experience in 3 to 5 Star Hotels from boutique to substantial in both the UK and New Zealand with several of the World’s leading Hotel Brands. Les Morgan, Chief Operating Officer Sudima Hotels/ Hind Management Les Morgan's website Les Morgan's LinkedIn profile Graham Perry's biography Managing Director, Australasia Best Western Hotels & Resorts 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 Best Western Hotels & Resorts in May 2018. Graham Perry, Managing Director, Australasia Best Western Hotels & Resorts Graham Perry's website Facilitator Sally Attfield, Hotel Sector Manager Tourism Industry Aotearoa Sally Attfield's website 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 - 01:10pm Winning The Direct Booking Battle in 2019 Adrian Caruso, Founder, Managing Director Fastrack Group Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) and hotels still seem to be in a never-ending battle for direct bookings according to many hoteliers. OTAs generally still call the shots with their billion dollar d budgets, take the rewards, and leave hoteliers shaking with little power to win. Join direct booking expert, Adrian Caruso and listen to what you need to do to instantly regain market share from OTAs and win more clients via direct channels. Adrian Caruso's website Adrian Caruso's LinkedIn profile 01:10pm - 02:10pm Lunch Network with other attendees over a delicious buffet lunch. 02:10pm - 02:50pm How can independent hotels compete against large chains? Join us for this interactive panel session with some of the industry's leading independent hoteliers and how they are winning against the large hotel brands and chains. Panellists 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 Georgina Torrington's website Georgina Torrington's LinkedIn profile Troy Clarry's biography Owner/Director Katalyma Hotels & Hospitality - Whangaparaoa Lodge & Kerikeri Park Lodge Troy has 20 years experience working for Hyatt International and Marriott (Ritz-Carlton and Bulgari Hotels & Resorts) overseas and moved back to New Zealand in 2013 to operate his own accommodation business - Whangaparaoa Lodge. Troy purchased Kerikeri Park Lodge 2 years later while assisting two new owners of the properties to set up and rebrand their small accommodation businesses. Whangaparaoa Lodge won HNZ Best Motel and Supreme Award in 2017. Troy is also the chair of the HNZ Auckland branch accommodation sector group, and a member of Destination Committee, a sub group representing accommodation in Auckland reporting to ATEED. Troy Clarry, Owner/Director Katalyma Hotels & Hospitality - Whangaparaoa Lodge & Kerikeri Park Lodge Troy Clarry's website Troy Clarry's LinkedIn profile Andrew Belsham's biography Regional Manager For New Zealand & Pacific Best Western Hotels & Resorts A skilled tourism and hospitality specialist, Andrew Belsham heads up Best Western Hotels & Resorts’ New Zealand and Pacific Islands presence. With over 16 years’ tourism industry experience including senior management and director roles with the Flight Centre Group UK, Ten Lifestyle Management UK and Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Andrew’s real passion is the people behind the business and partnering with them for a mutually successful future. He has broad of international accommodation and tourism sector knowledge, gained through visiting and consulting with over 250 properties worldwide ranging from the top end luxurious to mid-scale accommodation. Andrew Belsham, Regional Manager For New Zealand & Pacific Best Western Hotels & Resorts Andrew Belsham's website Frazer King's biography Revenue Manager Wairakei Resort and Chateau Tongariro Frazer is the Revenue Manager for both Chateau Tongariro and Wairakei Resort Taupo. Working closely with the BI team in Singapore both hotels have undergone a radical change in their on-line presence and approach to how the hotels are sold. Frazer has worked in all areas of the hospitality industry starting his career at the Regent Auckland in the 80’s – being the second hotel in NZ to install Fidelio. During his 18 years as Regional Director of IT at the Four Seasons Sydney, Frazer introduced many key IT solutions and interfaces we now consider business essentials on a daily basis. Frazer returned to NZ in 2013 working as Rooms Division Manager at Chateau Tongariro. Frazer King, Revenue Manager Wairakei Resort and Chateau Tongariro Frazer King's website Facilitator Adam Cunningham's biography Managing Director Motive World Adam is the owner of several service related businesses throughout New Zealand, including a multi-site hotel and serviced apartment provider, urban backpacker, conference centre, online marketing group and business development consulting company. He has written training material for the service sector for 20 years and facilitated more than 10,000 people in the art of soft skills. Adam Cunningham, Managing Director Motive World Adam Cunningham's LinkedIn profile View bio Claire Thomson's biography Account Manager - New Zealand Google Claire has worked with Google for over seven years, in their Sydney, Toronto and Auckland offices, returning home a few years ago to raise a family in rural Auckland (yes that does still exist). Claire is passionate about sharing how technology can future proof and grow businesses, and especially keen to increase New Zealand's digital literacy. 02:50pm - 03:20pm The Future of Customer Experience Claire Thomson, Account Manager - New Zealand Google Consumer expectations have never been higher than they are today. Technology and innovation are accelerating the pace of change, and consumers now expect a fast, seamless experience and greater assistance from the brands they interact with. In this presentation, Google's Claire Thomson will share insights and best practices when it comes to winning today's travel consumer and what should remain top of mind when thinking about the future. 03:20pm - 03:50pm Afternoon Tea Sample the delicious array of cakes, biscuits and beverages on offer while networking with conference delegates. 03:50pm - 04:20pm Coming soon to your hotel: The integrated revenue generation team With many hoteliers facing a downward trend in net room revenue, one main reason can be attributed to the lack of integration, coordination and singular focus and purpose among the core revenue management teams being the Revenue Management (S&M), Marketing Team (MT) and CRM teams. Quite often, these teams function in a rather disjointed fashion, leading to missed revenue opportunities, over dependency on the OTAs, alienated loyalty programs and worsened profitability. Listen to some of the country's top RMs and Marketing Managers on how they have started to work as one team. Panellists Todd Simms, Director of Revenue AccorHotels Todd Simms's website Todd Simms's LinkedIn profile Edwin Saldanha's biography Regional Manager - Oceania STAAH 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. Edwin Saldanha, Regional Manager - Oceania STAAH Edwin Saldanha's website Harriet Tompson, Director Account Management, New Zealand and Australia IDeaS Revenue Solutions Harriet Tompson's website Roma Patel's biography National Reservations and Yield Manager Sudima Hotels Roma is the National Reservations & Yield Manager for Sudima Hotels where she leads the Central Reservations team and is responsible for strategic rate distribution and optimisation to maximise revenue through various channels.Having held various roles within the Hospitality industry over 17 years, Roma has developed in-depth knowledge and passion for Revenue, Distribution & Technology. Roma is the Winner of 2018 NZ Hotel Industry Revenue Manager of the Year Award by ARMA. Roma Patel, National Reservations and Yield Manager Sudima Hotels Roma Patel's website Facilitator Rodney Williams's biography Commercial Director ARMA With over 30 years involvement in commercial aviation, working for both major carriers in Australia - Qantas Airways and Virgin Australia – Rodney has held a number of management roles covering areas such as Loyalty (Frequent Flyer), Alliances, Network Development, Revenue Management (Pricing & Inventory), Corporate Planning, Revenue Planning, Network Planning & Analysis, Route Economics, Resource Planning and Finance and spent three years in the USA as Manager Market Planning The Americas. Rodney Williams, Commercial Director ARMA Rodney Williams's website 04:20pm - 04:50pm Blockchain, AI, Voice, Agile: Which rabbit hole should you run down? AI, blockchain, bots, self check-in, automated personal service are all buzz-words being thrown around in the industry currently. But what do they mean to you and your future guest? This panel will discuss what is in now and out, and what we can learn from other industries who have used these detect and diagnose guest problems and provide an even greater level of personalised service. Panellists Jamie Ewen's biography Director Seveno Solutions Over the past 15 years Jamie has focused on creating solutions powered by existing and emerging technologies into single touch points designed to deliver great user experiences. Jamie has worked across a number of industries and geographies including media, telecommunications and hospitality in New Zealand and South Africa. Jamie Ewen, Director Seveno Solutions Jamie Ewen's website Seamus Barden's biography Co-founder/Director Fr@nk Innovation & Transformation Seamus is co-founder, director and ‘left hand’ of Fr@nk Innovation and Technology. With extensive experience in IT and construction programme management, Seamus brings a combination of hands-on leadership and practical knowledge to all his clients. Combined with expertise in strategic thinking and seeing the big picture, Seamus cuts through bureaucracy (and resistance to change) with his common sense approach, well thought out plans, and uncontestable logic. A genuine ability to communicate with people at all levels enables Seamus to gain cross-organisational buy-in and successfully deliver transformational initiatives into business as usual. Seamus Barden, Co-founder/Director Fr@nk Innovation & Transformation Seamus Barden's website Seamus Barden's LinkedIn profile James Donald's biography Co-Founder Yonder James is the Co-founder of Yonder, helping tourism providers deliver exceptional customer service 24-7, through chat. He is focused on using technology, like Artificial Intelligence, to help solve problems and deliver exceptional user experiences for tourism providers like hotels and activities. James trained as an Engineer at the University of Auckland and worked in the oil and gas industry for 12 years around Europe, Russia and New Zealand leading large projects and technical teams. James saw an opportunity to use his skill set together with Letitia Stevenson. For 3 years they've been helping solve problems for tourism businesses, and founded Yonder in 2018. James Donald, Co-Founder Yonder James Donald's website James Donald's LinkedIn profile Andy Higgs's biography GM Strategic Partnerships Centrality Centrality is a blockchain venture studio on a mission to make a positive change in the world. Andy’s international experience includes Deloitte Consulting, MTV Networks Europe and co-founding Accelerate Sport (now CSM), developing global sport and entertainment rights based in London. Andy Higgs, GM Strategic Partnerships Centrality Andy Higgs's website 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 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. Jackie Leat, Hospitality Lead Fr@nk Innovation & Transformation Jackie Leat's website Jackie Leat's LinkedIn profile 04:50pm - 05:30pm The Great Debate - Is Direct Business Really Profitable? As a hotelier, how often do you talk about whether all the funds you spend on getting direct bookings are worth it? Are direct bookings really profitable? Or are you spending more on getting them than you would on OTA commissions? There are polar opposite views on this in the hospitality industry, and that’s without thinking about who ‘owns’ the guest and the long term value of a loyal guest. Join us for this highly interactive, highly heated debate with some of the industry's leading hoteliers Panellists Kerrie Hannaford's biography Area Director of Sales & Marketing AccorHotels 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. Kerrie Hannaford, Area Director of Sales & Marketing AccorHotels Kerrie Hannaford's website Matthew Christensen's biography General Manager Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park, Auckland Joining Swiss-Belhotels International in 2018 after 8 years with the now Accor owned Mantra Group. Swiss-Belhotels International now operates a growing portfolio of over 150 hotels and resorts worldwide. Matthew finds interest in logical and dynamic thinking, Integration of existing and new technology to overall improve not only the total guest experience but the experience of staff through the process. Matthew Christensen, General Manager Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park, Auckland Matthew Christensen's website David Visser's biography Senior Account Manager Booking.com David Visser leads the South Island team as a Senior Account Manager in the Auckland office for Booking.com. David started his career in the hotel industry over 10 years ago and joined Booking.com in 2011 as part of the opening team for the New Zealand office. He has worked in a variety of roles including connectivity and account management. David Visser, Senior Account Manager Booking.com David Visser's website David Visser's LinkedIn profile Graham Perry's biography Managing Director, Australasia Best Western Hotels & Resorts 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 Best Western Hotels & Resorts in May 2018. Graham Perry, Managing Director, Australasia Best Western Hotels & Resorts Graham Perry's website Facilitator Fabian Bartnick's biography Founder Infinito Fabian is the Founder of Infinito, a technology company dedicated to improving the work-life balance of hotel managers through IVI, a personal revenue management assistant. He previously was the Vice President of Asia Pacific & International business at LodgIQ overlooking all aspects and operations within the region and as the Director of Global Revenue Generation at Tune Hotels Group encompassing Sales, Distribution, Business Analytics, Revenue Management and the Central Reservations Office. Having lived and worked across 4 continents, Fabian has a rich history in hospitality and a thorough understanding of the global revenue optimization landscape as a user, builder and seller of technology. Fabian has successfully turned around revenue performance in many companies by providing strategic consulting services as well developing powerful revenue analytics solutions that empower the business to maximize its revenue potential. Fabian has been on the Board of Directors for HSMAI South East Asia and currently sits on the HSMAI Advisory Board. Fabian Bartnick, Founder Infinito Fabian Bartnick's website Fabian Bartnick's LinkedIn profile 05:30pm - 07:30pm Networking Drinks Join us for drinks and canapes while you network with other delegates in a professional yet relaxed setting. 3rd Apr Conference 4th Apr Workshops