Maximum Occupancy
Maximum Occupancy Australia is THE event for ALL the hotel and accommodation industry of all types and sizes, independent and groups that want to boost bookings and achieve maximum occupancy month after month. It is the complete hotel and accommodation industry conference where the entire industry meets.
22-23 July, 2024 Register today08:00am — 09:00am
Pick up your lanyard and name tag at the registration desk and enjoy a coffee while networking with other conference delegates.
09.00am — 09.05am
A welcome introduction to Maximum Occupancy Australia by the conference MC and organiser, Adrian Caruso.
09:05am — 09:35am
Adrian Caruso — Fastrack Digital
Learn how to find the best mix between bookings from OTAs, direct and other channels using a proven framework used for years successfully by many hotel and accommodation brands across APAC. Presented by Fastrack Digital, Australia' s leaders in direct booking strategy and hotel digital marketing, learn why people aren't booking directly with you and their pain points.
09:35am — 10:00am
Prof. Dr. Amin Beheshti — Macquarie University + Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence
AI dominates the headlines - and with ChatGPT reaching over 100 million users in less than a year, it's no wonder! But what does AI really mean for the hospitality industry? How is it used by hotels, and what do you need to consider when implementing the technology? Join hotel and technology experts to discover how to apply AI to your business.
10:00 — 10:25
Wellbeing is high on the agenda for today's hotel guests – find out how applying psychology to your design decisions has a huge impact on your guests behaviour and mood. From simple, inexpensive interior changes to starting-from-scratch choices, this unmissable session will help you understand the subtle signals your interiors are sending.
Catherine Mitchell
JACK Hospitality
—
Co-Founder
Mark Flintoff
Hospitality International Australia Pty Ltd
—
Owner
Molly Kent
Day Seven
—
Founder / Creative Director
10:25am — 11:00am
Break time! Enjoy a delicious pastry and tea or coffee with fellow delegates.
11:00am — 11:25am
INTERNATIONAL SPEAKERS
Explore how hotels are going beyond traditional points-based systems to offer unique and compelling perks and benefits. During this session, we'll cover creative strategies that are helping hoteliers stand out in the loyalty program arena and leave you with fresh ideas to implement at your property to keep your loyal guests coming back.
Nicole Wiener
REVINATE
—
General Manager, APAC
Joel Lee
Revinate
—
Senior Sales Manager, APAC
11:30am — 12:05pm
Kristy Edwards — BWH Hotels
In this session you will learn how to consistently generate strong revenue for your accommodation business no matter how small or large it is. Listen to one of APAC's leading Revenue Managers break down the 10 most effective tips on how to generate revenue for your hotel.
11.55am — 12.15pm
Kevin Lu — Trip.com
With data just released showing that the Chinese traveller are once again travelling internationally and expected to reach pre-pandemic levels by year's end, now is the time to start planning how to attract these lucrative travellers to book directly with you. Listen to the world's largest travel service Trip.com about why the Chinese traveller is returning and how you can easily attract them to stay with you.
12.15pm — 12.40pm
Bede Fennell — Tourism Australia
With Australian tourism on track to make a full recovery back to 2019 levels this year, hear from Tourism Australia’s Bede Fennell about the opportunities ahead for the sector. Bede will share the latest insights and information on Australia’s international markets, what visitors are seeking when they are here, and what Tourism Australia is doing to convert the strong international demand for our destination into bookings.
12:40pm — 01:00pm
Harry Srivastava —
Discover how you can automate your reporting and focus on using the power of your data to make decisions that would elevate your accommodation to the next level.
01:00pm — 01:10pm
Listen to short sharp presentations from the Trade Show suppliers and how you can boost revenue and occupancy using their products
01:10pm — 02:10pm
Network with other attendees over a delicious buffet lunch.
2:10pm — 2:30pm
Shaizeen Contractor — Trilogy Hotels
Listen to one APAC's upcoming sernior hotel industry executives and the journey she has taken to achieve where she is today as Chief Commercial Office for Trilogy Hotels. Listen to how she started in the indusrtry over 24 years ago as a Revenue and Reservations Manager to today as a senior industry leader and her views on the industry and what it takes to run a profitable accommodation business and be successful.
02.30pm — 02.55pm
Declan Malone — TikTok
The way consumers absorb, engage, and think about travel has changed drastically over the past five to ten years. Listen to TikTok show you how travel related content has evolved, the consumer travel journey on TikTok, and how global and local brands can utilise this new wave of content to stay ahead of the curve.
02:55pm — 03:15pm
Martin Péril — Launch Us
What is Succession Planning? How can it help your business to succeed and how can you retain staff? This discussion will look in what succession planning is in more detail as well identify how it can your company and its employees can move to the next level. The session will discuss the following: Helping to identify leaders for the future, encourages a structure of training and development, helping to maintain brand identity and can reduce the cost of hiring an external candidate.
03:15pm — 03:45pm
Enjoy an afternoon break enjoying a delicious array of sweets and beverages on offer while networking with conference delegates.
03:40pm — 04:05pm
Avril Carter — Shiji Review Pro
In this session we will be diving into some of the latest trends and strategies that range from boosting F&B revenue, to embracing sustainability. We will be sharing insights from the Shiji ReviewPro 2023 Data Report and the power of guest reviews to understand your guest, empower decision making, boost conversion and occupancy. This session will be filled with data insights and actionable strategies and thoughts that you can take away about how understanding your guest feedback can really supersize your guest experience.
04:05pm — 04:30pm
In this session all types and size hoteliers will learn how to properly leverage all the marketing channels they have available to them to attract their ideal customer to book direct. Listen to Australia's leading hotel digital marketing agency, Fastrack Digital and their top tips and strategies no matter what size property you are. Topics covered include Paid Media, Google Ads, Meta, SEO, Social Media, Email Marketing and how to use Data correctly.
Farzana Aziz
Fastrack Digital
—
Digital Marketing Manager
Radinka Dharsono
Fastrack Digital
—
Digital Marketing Specialist
04:30pm — 05:30pm
Our most popular session is back by popular demand. This is your opportunity to sit round a table with some of the industry's experts, conference speakers and fellow conference delegates and ask questions about any topic. Each table will have a theme including hotel operations, HR, distribution, marketing, F&B and revenue management. Move between tables every 15 minutes.
Nicole Wiener
REVINATE
—
General Manager, APAC
Adrian Caruso
Fastrack Digital
—
Group Managing Director
Farzana Aziz
Fastrack Digital
—
Digital Marketing Manager
Avril Carter
Shiji Review Pro
—
Director of Sales Asia Pacific
Radinka Dharsono
Fastrack Digital
—
Digital Marketing Specialist
Martin Péril
Launch Us
—
Founder & Director
Nicole Hollmann
Australian Revenue Management Association
—
Senior Revenue Manager
05:30pm — 05:30pm
08:00am — 08:50am
Pick up your lanyard and name tag at the registration desk and enjoy a coffee while networking with other conference delegates. The exhibitor tradeshow is open to all conference delegates.
08:55am — 09:05am
Adrian Caruso — Conference Organiser, Maximum Occupancy, Managing Director, Fastrack Group
A welcome introduction to Maximum Occupancy Australia 2024 by the conference MC and organiser, Adrian Caruso.
09:10am — 09:35am
This presentation is a must-attend for it sets the basis for the entire day. Listen to two of Australia's best speakers on the Australian accommodation market, the past, present and future. Uncover how Australian markets are behaving in conjunction with supply as a growing factor. Listen to the outlook for accommodation operators 2024 and beyond.
Paul Hammond
STR
—
Business Development Manager, Pacific
Joanne Cohen
STR
—
Account Manager - Pacific
09:35am — 10:00am
Listen to a panel of leading small to large sized hotel owners, operators, investors, white-label providers and hotel brands on the current state of the market and challenges facing them in 2024 and beyond.
Lachlan Harris
La Vie Hotels & Resorts
—
Group Director of Commercial
Michael Smith
Ananas Consulting
—
Managing Director
Wesley Milsom
Salter Brothers Hospitality
—
Portfolio Manager
10:00am — 10:30am
Listen to some of Australia's and APAC's hotel and accommodation industry leaders, owners and CEOs discuss the latest trends, issues and opportunities facing the accommodation industry in Australia and abroad.
Sean Jenner
BIG4 Holiday Parks
—
CEO
Rod Munro
BWH Hotels
—
Managing Director Australasia
Gavin M. Faull
Swiss Belhotel International
—
Chairman and President at Swiss-Belhotel International
Will Creedon
Alloggio
—
Founder & CEO
Matt Cameron-Smith
Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia
—
CEO
10:30am — 10:40am
Listen to short sharp presentations from the leading industry suppliers and how you can boost revenue and occupancy using their products
10:40am — 11:10am
Break time! Enjoy a delicious pastry and tea or coffee with fellow delegates.
11:10am — 11:30am
Listen to a panel of Australia's newest and most exciting accommodation brands to open or soon to open, and what sets them apart from their competition and large hotel chains.
Nick Ellis
The Shores Motel Group
—
Chief Operating Officer
Jeremy Colahan
HOTEL X
—
General Manager
Silvia Kypriotis
25hours Hotel Sydney
—
General Manager
11:30am — 11:50am
Adrian Caruso — Fastrack Digital
Listen to one of APAC's leading hotel digital marketing direct booking strategists as he presents 'real life examples' of the best direct booking strategies in the industry. Learn how to use OTAs marketing power to drive more bookings. Learn what the best mix is between OTA and direct. Adrian's digital agency, Fastrack Digital has helped clients achieve the best ratio month-on-month to maximise occupancy and revenue.
11:50pm — 12:15pm
As travel and tourism roars back to life, and in some markets surpassing pre-pandemic levels, the biggest challenge facing the industry is meeting staffing demands to fully capitalise on the recovery boom. Hear from a panel of experts facilitated Andrew Chan as they share their best practice ideas and help us narrow the talent gap.
Andrew Chan
ACI HR Solutions
—
Founder & CEO
Andrea Comastri
Hotel Etico Australia
—
Co-Founder & CEO
Scott Bear
Young Hotel Leaders | Mercure Sydney Manly
—
President | General Manager
Megan Knoetze
Crystalbrook Collection
—
Group Director, People and Culture
12:15pm — 12.30pm
Sam Egerton — Merivale
12:30pm — 12:55pm
Listen to Australia's leading food and beverage organisation, Merivale and how they have created many of Australia's leading F&B establishments. Then join many of the hotel industry's leaders as we delve deep into the art of bringing F&B experiences to life, exploring the intersection of technology, hospitality, community, and CSR.
Stacey Plaine
W Hotels
—
Director of Marketing - W Brisbane
Oswin Ribeiro
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
—
Hotel Manager
Sam Egerton
Merivale
—
General Manager New Projects
Matthew Murray
Ovolo Hotels
—
Director of Food And Beverage - Australia
12:55pm — 01:05pm
Listen to short sharp presentations from our conference exhibitors and how you can boost revenue and occupancy using their products.
01:05pm — 02:05pm
Network with other attendees over a delicious lunch.
02:05pm — 02:20pm
Dave Baswal — Ovolo Hotels
In this fireside chat we interview departing CEO of Ovolo Hotels, Dave Baswal. Listen to his journey in the industry from where it all started to leading one of the industry's leading hotel brands. Listen what the future holds for Ovolo and his views of the state of the industry in Australia and globally.
02:20pm — 02:45pm
Liz Freeman — Google
The way consumers think about, plan, and research travel continues to evolve and digital touchpoints are at the heart of this expanding journey. Hear from Google on the trends they're seeing in Australia and globally across the travel sector and learn what tools and resources you can tap into to stay on the pulse of impactfully connecting with your future customers.
02:45pm — 03:00pm
Bede Fennell — Tourism Australia
With Australian tourism on track to make a full recovery back to 2019 levels this year, hear from Tourism Australia’s Bede Fennell about the opportunities ahead for the sector. Bede will share the latest insights and information on Australia’s international markets, what visitors are seeking when they are here, and what Tourism Australia is doing to convert the strong international demand for our destination into bookings.
03.00pm — 03.25pm
Time to get inside your guest's head with some of Australia's finest accommodation and travel industry marketing gurus. Learn what has been working for the current traveller of today and what gets them to book direct. Learn how to then make them loyal to your brand and a return guest.
Renae Trimble GAICD
Accor Plus
—
CEO
Kari Hunter
Choice Hotels Asia-Pac
—
Senior Director, Strategy, Sales, & Marketing
Terry Oomens
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Sydney
—
Director of Sales & Marketing
Bede Fennell
Tourism Australia
—
Executive General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Government and Industry
03:30pm — 04:00pm
Enjoy an afternoon break with a delicious array of sweets and beverages on offer while networking with conference delegates.
04.00pm — 04.20pm
Listen to some of the industry's leaders in the events space and how you can easily use events and the MICE sector to boost your occupancy.
Katherine Pfahl
Encore
—
Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships Asia Pacific
Renee Wilson
Business Events Sydney
—
Strategic Partnerships Manager
Brad Langton
National Media
—
Chief Executive Officer
04:20pm — 04:45pm
Join us for an in-depth discussion where industry experts will provide a comprehensive analysis of the 2024/2025 landscape in revenue management and distribution and explore how to optimise performance, through a holistic commercial lens.
Georgina Williams
Australian Revenue Management Association
—
Acting CEO
Oliver Ruf
Park Hyatt Sydney
—
Director of Revenue Management
Lynn McNicol
Accor
—
Director of Revenue - Apartments and Realty
Michael Kinloch
SiteMinder
—
Senior Director Corporate Travel
04:45pm — 05:05pm
Joel Lee — Revinate
INTERNATIONAL SPEAKER - Singapore
In an era where data reigns supreme, hoteliers are increasingly recognizing the immense potential residing within their own data repositories. Emphasizing first-party data means putting your guests first and building on a relationship founded in trust, without sacrificing marketing campaign performance. In this session, we will discuss the challenges and benefits of zero- party and first-party data for hoteliers to unlock the fullest potential of their guests.
05:05pm — 05:20m
Enjoy a drink with the people who make things super special at your property. Listen to some of Australia's leading and most innovative hotel customer experience experts discuss how they are using technology to deliver the ultimate in customer service that promotes a 'wow factor' and loyalty.
Hayden Aust
Mews
—
Commercial Director - APAC
Ted Horner
Ted Horner & Associates Pty Ltd
—
Managing Director
05:35pm — 07:00pm
Enjoy delicious canapes whilst having a drink and networking with your fellow delegates.
