TECHNOLOGY | COMMERCE | DESIGN | EXPERIENCE

Nathan is a seasoned hotelier with over 20 years of experience having held senior roles at Accor, Radisson, Kempinski and wotif.com in Australia and the UK. Formerly General Manager at Pullman, Novotel and Ibis Sydney Olympic Park, and Executive Assistant Manager at Sofitel Brisbane Central, he now ...

Margy Osmond is the Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism & Transport Forum, assuming the role on 1 October 2014. Margy has extensive experience in policy development and advocacy, politics, membership organisations, management, media and public relations. Before joining TTF, Margy was the...

Sihil Piyasiri serves as the Head of Technology Field Services for East Asia & Pacific (EAPAC) at IHG Hotels & Resorts, based in the Sydney office. In this role, Sihil oversees the strategy and delivery of hotel technology solutions for IHG’s portfolio of over 270 hotels across 20...

Scott Boyes is currently Chief Executive Officer at Trilogy Hotels, an independent hotel management company that celebrates everything about hospitality and meeting the needs of hotel owners, guests, brands and teams. One of the most respected and accomplished hoteliers in the Australian...

Tash is a strategic executive with a passion for leadership and guest and employee experience. She joined Salter Brothers Hospitality in August 2023 as the inaugural Chief Executive. Tash has 20 years of industry experience, having had an esteemed career at IHG over almost a decade and a...

Wayne has over 30 years of hospitality leadership experience spanning hotels, luxury lifetsyle brands, marinas and entertainment. His career includes senior executive roles for at Ovolo Group where he is presently COO, Crown Group, d'Albora Marinas, Accor and Rydges, where he has successfully...

Sarah is an experienced CEO, business leader, and executive coach with over 30 years of diverse industry experience. She is currently the CEO of Homeward Bound (HB), a global leadership initiative working towards greater diversity in leadership by 2036. Sarah is also the Founder and Director of...

Cameron is the Director of Development for IHG Hotels & Resorts across the Australasia & Pacific region. In this role, Cameron is responsible for the execution of IHG's cross-border growth strategy across advanced and emerging markets throughout the region. Prior to heading up IHG's ...

Matthew Burke is Regional Director – APAC ex China. He has 20 years of experience in hospitality originating from an operations and revenue management background. With a passion for analysis of the hospitality industry he works to increase the engagement in hospitality data intelligence and...

Nick Ellis is recognised as Australia’s leading hotel innovator. With more than 20 years of experience across local to global hotel groups, Nick has led brand launches, transformations, and technology-driven change that has redefined guest experience and operational performance. From launching...

Melissa Kalan - Executive Chair, Australian Revenue Management Association Melissa Kalan is an experienced senior executive recognised for her unwavering commitment to raising professional standards and building thriving communities that drive positive change. As a Founding Director and Executive ...

Paul was appointed as the CEO of YHA Australia in April 2020, at a time when the global pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to the hospitality sector. Recognising the urgent need for change, Paul, with the backing of the YHA Board, embarked on a comprehensive transformation of the...

Kathryn Carling brings over 20 years of industry experience to her role as Doma Hotels Area General Manager. Combining her passion for travel, hospitality and the environment, Kathryn has worked in the hotel industry throughout Japan, Canada, and Australia. She holds a Degree in Business Management ...

With more than 25 years of hospitality experience Caspar brings a valuable, composed, and universal leadership style into the businesses he leads. AQ, and EQ are some of his strongest assets. Caspar is change-savvy, a driven team motivator, a mentor, and a strategic leader. He understands the...

Juliet Ashworth is a thought leader and design expert responsible for the creation of concepts for hospitality design around the world. She is an owner of renowned boutique interior architecture studio, CHADA, which has successfully completed 140 projects and is recognised as a global leader. ...

Victoria Peterson is a strategic marketing communications leader with almmost two decade of experience driving growth, brand elevation, and commercial outcomes across luxury hospitality, lifestyle, and destination travel. Currently serving as Group Director of Marketing Performance at Salter...

Charlie Douty is the Founder of Welcome With Pride, Australia’s leading LGBTIQ+ inclusive tourism training and accreditation program. Welcome With Pride works with hotels and accommodation providers including Accor, Hilton and Hyatt to deliver consistently inclusive guest experiences and create an...

Matthew, a Learning and Organisational Development leader who specialises in creating and implementing transformative learning strategies and development initiatives in the Hospitality industry. Currently the Director of Learning and Development at TFE Hotels, he develops and leads the L&OD...

Shaizeen Contractor is the Chief Commercial Officer of Trilogy Hotels, providing strategic leadership and commercial oversight to Trilogy’s growing portfolio of hotels across multiple global brands, to deliver market share premiums.   Previously Senior Commercial Director Australasia at...

Kirsty Ludbrook is the Creative Director of The Ludbrook Agency, a branding consultancy specialising in destination, wellness, and lifestyle brands. With over 25 years’ experience, she’s known for creating charismatic, multi-sensory brand identities that build loyalty and lasting value. She’s also...

Amy Cherry is a results-driven Digital Marketing Director with a passion for driving growth and innovation in the hospitality industry. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, Amy has a proven track record of developing and executing successful digital marketing strategies that...

I’m a dedicated learning and development professional with a strong foundation in hospitality operations and a passion for helping others grow. I currently work as an L&OD Business Partner at TFE Hotels, where I design and deliver our internal leadership development programs that support future ...

Bart Sobies is a trailblazer in the Short-Term Rental and accommodation industries, celebrated for his innovative contributions as the founder of iBooked.Online, host of The Accommodation Show, and the STRIVE Conference series creator. With a career spanning over three decades in tech, Bart has...

With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Jackie Douglas is a seasoned professional and a respected leader in the field. As the President of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI) - Asia Pacific, Jackie is dedicated to driving growth and innovation ...

Sourceress, founded by Belinda Cendron in 2009, is an interior styling studio known for crafting unique, story-led spaces across hospitality, retail, creative commercial, and residential projects. Specialising in sourcing and styling, Sourceress brings a strong conceptual vision and a refined eye...

James Goodwin was appointed Chief Executive of Accommodation Australia (AA) in September 2024. AA is the national body representing the interests of hotels, motels and accommodation providers. There are more than 1,000 member properties who collectively have more than 120,000 accommodation rooms...

Gavin (he/him) has over 25 years’ experience working in hotels and hospitality in Australia, Europe and the US. Gavin has been working in the DE&I space with Accor for over 10 years and is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQI+ community. 

Experienced hotelier. Passionate Leader. Thrives in a fast-paced environment. And, like TFE Hotels, speaks Australian Hospitality. Jay began his hospitality career in cookery before completing an Advanced Diploma in Hotel Management. He joined TFE Hotels in 2008 as a Receptionist at Adina...

Mauro Risch is a renowned photographer specializing in capturing the essence and beauty of hotels and accommodations around the world. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling through his lens, Mauro has established himself as a leading figure in the hospitality photography...

Malakai is an experienced hotelier with over a decade in the hotel industry and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences. Beginning his career in housekeeping and guest services, he quickly rose through the ranks to his current role as Operations Manager for the Realm Precinct at DOMA ...

Ben Stammer is a social entrepreneur and Co-Founder of ReLove, an organisation that helps break cycles of poverty and violence by providing people in crisis with fully furnished homes. Before co-founding ReLove with Ren Fernando in 2020, Ben spent 25 years in banking and advised Indigenous-led...

Sandra Swatton is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience in the industry. As the Managing Director of Hospitality Associates Australia, she leads a team of experts in providing tailored consulting services to hotels and accommodations across the country. Sandra is...

Michael Brennan is Director of Business Development, Asia Pacific at Expedia Group Advertising. He leads a regional team helping hotel partners unlock growth through data-driven marketing strategies. With 15+ years’ experience at Accor, IHG, and Expedia Group, Michael has earned multiple industry...

Founder & CEO—HoneyBadger Technologies & SiLANT | Simplifi Group of Companies Heinrich Saayman is a serial entrepreneur and hospitality technology leader who has scaled multiple companies into one of the most contracted digital infrastructure providers across Australia, New...

Kris Abbey is a prominent leader in the wellness industry, with over 30 years of dedicated experience spanning health, fitness, and nutrition. As the visionary founder of the Wellness Summit, the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Awards, and the influential Spa & Wellness Media brand, Kris has...

Naomi Hammond is the Director of PR & Communications for Accor Pacific, with a wealth of experience in public relations, corporate affairs and communications across leading hospitality and entertainment brands, including Accor, The Star Entertainment Group and Mantra Group.  Naomi is known for ...

With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality and professional services industries, Jade Cooper is a recognised leader in marketing and communications. Since joining M&L Hospitality in 2009, Jade has progressed to her current role as Director of Marketing and Communications, where she...

Jane Langof is an award-winning Feng Shui Master, keynote speaker and author. She is recognised as a trusted voice in Feng Shui — bringing practicality and clarity to a practice that’s often misunderstood and misapplied. Jane blends traditional principles with modern design, helping audiences...

I’m the owner of Hillcrest Motel in Merimbula, having left behind a fast paced property career in Sydney in search of something more grounded and meaningful. Drawn to the charm and slower rhythm of regional life on the Sapphire Coast, I found inspiration in a classic mid century motel and set out...

Delivering the full interior of a 250-room Swissôtel—walls, custom furniture, even ‘Do Not Disturb’ signs—truly wellness-designed from our in-house factory. Founder of Cocoplum Design Studio and Boxareno Modular Constructions, Ozge Fettahlioglu creates hospitality spaces that don’t just...

Ben Salter is Director of Distribution & Systems at Trilogy Hotels. He is responsible for the systems that underpin Trilogy’s innovative approach to distribution and revenue management. Ben brings over three decades of industry experience leading teams in revenue management, sales and...

Tarni Nankervis is a leader in operations and ESG strategy, currently driving social impact initiatives at TOGA Group. With a background in law, she spearheads innovative programs that repurpose under-utilised hotel assets to address housing insecurity, reduce environmental waste, and strengthen...

Kate Branch is the Chief Marketing Officer for an Australian hotel brand Emerald City Hotels with the signature property The Albert Mosman. With an impressive skill set in both creative direction and business strategy, she oversees the development and execution of innovative marketing campaigns...

Angela Biddle is an Interior Designer with over 25 years’ experience specialising in hotels, lifestyle residential and mixed-use developments, with a portfolio of work that spans Europe, the Middle East, North and South America and Australia. Her objective is to create unique brands and inspiring...

As the Design and Project Delivery Manager for La Collective Pty Ltd, the largest for-profit hostel operator in Australia and New Zealand, I help shape some of the most exciting youth accommodation concepts to emerge in recent times. With over 3,600 beds and 800+ keys across our growing...

Jurgen Ortelee leads a top-notch team of revenue optimization professionals across the Asia-Pacific region at IDeaS. He is passionate about statistical analysis and data-driven decision-making with extensive experience developing and implementing hospitality revenue management strategies. Jurgen...

Courtney Barry is the Director of Marketing at Hamilton Island, with 15 years of experience translating business objectives and audience insights into impactful, customer-led initiatives. She is recognised for her ability to blend analytical thinking with a creative eye, solving business challenges ...

Since joining the Sydney office of JLL’s Hotels & Hospitality Group in early 2024, Chris has been involved in a broad range of major hotel transactions across Australia, including 5-star CBD assets, country-wide portfolios, regional and lifestyle assets. Prior to joining JLL’s Hotel Investment ...

Cass Champion is the founder of My First Job, a purpose-led platform connecting young Australians with their first employment opportunities through tools, confidence-building programs, and real industry network exposure. With a background in hospitality and education, Cass brings a unique...

Richard Crawford is Marriott International’s Vice President of Hotel Development for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific. Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR) is the world’s largest hotel company, with more than 800,000 people and 9,300 hotels across 144 countries. Richard Crawford co-founded...

A global international luxury hospitality professional with over three decades of luxury hotel experience across Australia, UK, USA and the Middle East, I lead marketing, communications, and e-commerce initiatives for Langham Hospitality Group across the Pacific region. My role focuses on driving...

Nick is part of the investment team at Investible, an early-stage venture capital firm with offices in Sydney and Singapore, investing in Pre-seed to Series A tech startups across ANZ and Southeast Asia. Prior to Investible, he worked at Superseed Ventures (Reece Group's corporate venture...

Dr Stacey Ashley CSP is a Leadership Visionary. People describe Dr Stacey Ashley as the leader’s leader. The person who can help to make the complex simple. Able to offer the simple, practical, next step, in a strategic context. The person leaders lean on when they are facing situations and...

Green Star AP, WELL AP Nana manages the Global GreenTag Certification Program and is a Sustainability and LCA Specialist who holds a PhD in Strategic Management and Water Footprinting. He also holds a Master of Engineering in International Material Flow Management and Master of International...

Ted Horner is a highly respected figure in the hospitality industry, known for his expertise in hotel technology and innovation. As the owner of E Horner & Associates, a leading hospitality technology consulting firm, Ted has spent over 36 years working with hotels and accommodation providers...

Since retiring as the inaugural CEO of Accommodation Australia - National, Michael hasbeen supporting ReLove - a Sydney based charity supporting the homeless, in particularthose impacted by domestic violence. Michael had previously been head of Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA Nationaland NSW) ...

Helen is a highly regarded architect and Principal at FK, recognised as a leader in the advancement and application of Modern Methods of Construction (MMC). With extensive experience delivering complex projects both locally and globally, she brings a unique depth of expertise in...

Tamie is a globally recognized expert in revenue management, sales, and marketing within the hotel industry. With a career spanning three to five-star branded properties across the UK and Australia, Tamie's deep understanding of the hospitality landscape led her to establish RevenYou in 2015. ...

Tyann Scott has a depth and breadth of knowledge and experience in the Australian manufacturing sector with companies like Tarkett, Cosentino, Schiavello and The Laminex Group – and across areas including product specification consultancy and business development.  She offers a wealth of experience ...

Jorn is the CEO of Wildaroo Ventures and has over 20 years of experience in the hospitality, property sectors and academia, focussing on innovation in the way people live, work and play.  Founded by hospitality veterans, Wildaroo Ventures develops sustainable leisure and hybrid living...

Sharon Wright is a seasoned Business Development Consultant with a passion for promoting inclusivity and accessibility. As the representative for Hidden Disabilities Sunflower AUS/NZ, Sharon aims to raise awareness and promote the use of the Sunflower, a discreet yet powerful ICON that signals...

With a love for storytelling, travel and adventure, working in the tourism industry positions me to market luxury, sustainable brands and destinations. Currently Marketing Manager at Morris Escapes + Morris Nautical, I'm working across luxury brands including Orpheus Island Lodge, Mt. Mulligan...

I currently work at Australia's most-read travel trade publication, Travel Weekly, covering destinations, aviation, cruise, touring, rail, hotels, travel marketing, sustainability, human interest stories and tech. Prior to joining Travel Weekly I spent seven years working as a TV Producer on...

Carmen Garcia AM is the CEO and Founder of national award-winning diversity and inclusion certified social enterprise, Community Corporate. Operating in the niche space of corporate social responsibility, she specialises in cultural inclusion. She is widely recognised as a leading multicultural...

Mardi Sparrow is an experienced hospitality HR leader with over 20 years across global hotel brands and start-ups. As Chief People Officer at Trilogy Hotels, she drives people strategy across a growing portfolio, creating unified, inclusive workplaces where individuals can thrive. Known for her...

Drawing upon over two decades of extensive experience in the hospitality technology sector, Craig Dennington is currently the Regional Director for Australia & New Zealand at Agilysys, a leading global provider of hospitality software and services. His career began in traditional hotel...

Brendon is a seasoned hotel industry professional with over thirty years of experience, specialising in technology integration to enhance guest experiences. Holding various management positions in 5-star hotels, consulting and with leading global technology vendors, he brings extensive knowledge to ...

Emily Stephens has walked in the shoes of many small accommodation operators—managing bookings, unblocking drains, checking in guests after hours, and everything in between. With a background shaped by over 20 years of hands-on motel management, she understands what it takes to keep a property...

Winnie Stubbs is Travel and Hotels Editor APAC for Time Out Media, covering travel news and hotel reviews and guides for Time Out Sydney, Time Out Melbourne, Time Out Singapore and Time Out Hong Kong.

Mark is a seasoned commercial leader within the hospitality industry, currently serving as General Manager of Commercial Strategy & Revenue Optimisation at G’day Group, Australia’s largest regional accommodation provider. In this role, Mark oversees commercial strategy across more than 85 owned ...

Magali is the Head of Market Development at NABERS. She is a skilled professional with over 15 years of experience in Sustainability, Engineering, Project Management and Climate Change. Her work at NABERS is focused on building partnerships to influence the uptake of NABERS ratings. Her role covers ...

Kerry Williams is an award-winning entrepreneur and accessibility advocate who has dedicated her career to improving travel for people with disabilities. As the founder of Accessible Accommodation, she has revolutionised the travel industry by connecting travellers with disabilities and seniors to...

Leah Rankin is a seasoned executive with a passion for people, technology and delivering customer-driven products to market, with a focus on digital, global and scalable solutions. Over the past 20 years, Leah has gained local and international experience across the telecommunications, travel and...

As Senior Vice President of Operations & Strategic Accounts, Benjamin Krieg plays a pivotal role in driving FutureLog’s global strategy across operations, business development, and account management for the company’s most prominent hospitality clients. He is responsible for aligning...

Chris Fitzpatrick is a dedicated sustainability professional who leads initiatives to promote sustainable practices within Sydney's visitor economy. With a background in economics and  environmental management and a passion for creating positive change, Chris leads City of Sydney's...

Jan Golembiewski PhD is a practising architect and a former industry professor for architecture at QUT in Australia. For decades, he has been an authoritative voice in rethinking how spaces shape (and are shaped by) the human mind and the molecular biology that underscores good mental health. But...

Niko supports hotels across the region to reduce their environmental impact as part of Hilton’s global Travel with Purpose strategy. His work focuses on embedding sustainable practices into hotel operations to help drive long-term value for both the business and the communities Hilton serves. Niko ...

Lynda Ugarte is an accomplished HR and business leader with experience in driving innovative workforce solutions across the global hospitality sector. In her previous role as Head of HR; Japan, Australasia and Pacfic for IHG Hotels & Resorts, Lynda led the design and execution of strategies...

Principal & Global Creative Director, Corlette Design   Camille Corlette is a globally recognised creative leader with a distinguished career in branding, wayfinding, and experiential design. As Global Creative Director of Corlette Design, she drives the creative vision behind some of the...

Chris Hallett is Director of Revenue Performance, East Asia & Pacific (EAPAC) for IHG Hotels & Resorts. During his 12-year career with IHG, Chris has worked across Sales, Commercial & Revenue Management. Starting in IHG in Global Sales, he has moved through a number of on-property and...

As the CEO of Ecotourism Australia, Elissa leads a team of dedicated professionals supporting some 2500 certified tourism operators across Australia, who are committed to protecting our natural environment, promoting our culture and heritage, and implementing sustainable tourism practices. ...

Daniella Tonetto was appointed Senior Commercial Director Australasia for Hilton in July 2024. She is responsible for the commercial performance of the growing portfolio of Hilton brands in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the South Pacific which currently stands at 32 operating hotels ...

Explore how technology has fundamentally transformed the hotel website direct booking journey, driving it towards a more retail-oriented approach. As hotel booker expectations shift and new standards emerge, it's vital to stay ahead in the increasingly competitive landscape of the online...

Mike is a hotelier at heart, and this helps develop and deliver successful technology, business intelligence and digital marketing strategies for hotel clients. Being in the hospitality industry for over 30 years and held senior sales and operational positions for independent and international...

Bert is a seasoned professional in the hospitality industry with a specialization in website development, booking engine optimization, and CRM systems. With a strong background in technology and a passion for enhancing the guest experience, Bert has been instrumental in helping hotels and...

Samson is an architect with over 12 years of experience. Having been recognised internationally for his design thinking, his skills lie in establishing design vision and the strategic management of complex projects. Samson is an ARBV registered Architect. His personal motto is to fuse exploratory...

As Expedia Group’s Senior Director, Hotel Market Partnerships for APAC, Darren leads a team across the region which help Partners reach their business goals and be successful on Expedia Group’s vast marketplace. Since joining Expedia Group in 2011, Darren has held various roles in Africa and...

Catherine Mclaughlin is a senior marketing and communications leader with over 20 years’ experience shaping marketing strategies across hospitality, entertainment, and travel sectors with a focus on ecommerce. Currently Director of Field Marketing for Marriott International (Australia, NZ and the...

Danelle Ayers is the Founder & Director of Moda, a specialist hotel and hospitality brand and marketing studio. Moda partners with hoteliers, management companies, owners, and developers to deliver strategic, creative, and practical solutions across branding, marketing, and project management. ...

Shankar Kotha is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience in the industry. As the Chief Commercial Officer at CLLIX Apartments and Hotels, he is responsible for driving the company's commercial strategy and maximizing revenue across their portfolio of...

  Sophie steps into her role as Commercial Director after leading Sales & Distribution at W Sydney, where she was responsible for topline performance across Sales, Events, and Reservations. With a background at Langham Hospitality Group in several global roles, she brings extensive commercial...

With over 20 years of experience, Daniel Mourad has been at the forefront of digital transformation, bridging the gap between technology and customer experience. His expertise spans from the early days of algorithm-driven marketing automation to today’s AI-powered personalization, where...

With industry, teaching and research experience since 1988, Associate Professor Simon Pawson is an academic leader, strategist, motivator, hotelier and social justice advocate. Simon is an Associate Dean at Torrens University Australia, responsible for the Blue Mountains International Hotel...

Brent Harris, VP of Sales at Cendyn, is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 15 years of experience spanning hotel operations, digital marketing, and hospitality technology. His career journey from on-property management to senior leadership roles at HEBS Digital and Ledgestone Hospitality ...

A seasoned HR professional with over 20 years of experience, 17 of those in hospitality, Jai McNaughton has dedicated her career to shaping workplace culture and driving people-focused initiatives. She began her hospitality journey with Mirvac in 2008, supporting all Mirvac hotels in Western...

Leanne Stocks is a senior sales and marketing leader with over 25 years’ experience in the hospitality and travel industries, specialising in e-commerce, enhanced loyalty, digital distribution, and customer engagement. As Regional Director of Commercial (APAC), she leads high-performing teams...

David Brown brings over 30 years of hospitality experience in hotel operations, asset management, and new developments. He has led hotels and serviced residences for global brands and independents, in Australia and the Middle East, and successfully delivered multiple new hotel openings. As...

Joshua is a seasoned hospitality professional with 20+ years of experience in large-scale hospitality, events management, and hotel operations. With a bachelor's degree in Business Management, specialising in Hotel Tourism and Communications, he possesses a wealth of knowledge across various...

Throughout his career, Loris has been at the forefront of defending the security posture of over 100 organisations. His firsthand experience in combating cyber threats has provided him with invaluable insights and lessons on the continuous innovation needed to stay ahead in the cybersecurity...

Catherine is a highly experienced operational professional in the hospitality industry, with a remarkable career spanning over 30 years. She has successfully managed a wide range of operations, including contract catering, venues, events, restaurants, stadia, travel hubs, and high street...

Anna Verghese is the Founding Director of Cerulean, an independent client-side consultancy devoted to the realisation of exceptional built spaces. With more than 20 years’ experience across the Asia Pacific, she has led strategy and delivery for landmark projects in...

Daniel Wasilewsky is the CEO of FreeGuides, the platform that gives hotels a single QR code unifying all platforms. By making everything accessible in one place, FreeGuides reduces staff workload and unlocks new passive revenue streams.