ATEC annual meeting to define Australia's visitors

On Thursday 5th December, the Australian Tourism Export Council's (ATEC) annual 'Meeting Place' conference is expected to attract more than 350 tourism operators from around Australia and featuring a range of industry leaders and commentators.

To be held at Sydney's The Star Event Centre with the theme 'Redefining the Visitor: Now and in the Future', the conference will look at who Australia's visitor ares, why they choose to come and how Australia needs to compete and engage as a destination.

With a keynote address from leading commentator and advisor on consumer and demographic trends, Bernard Salt; an economic update from NAB's Chief Economist, Rob Henderson, and panel discussions from leading industry representatives across our emerging sectors, the program provides a fantastic opportunity for tourism businesses to access the latest industry insights.

Looking forward to the conference, ATEC Chairman, John King OAM explains "we are pleased to confirm a great line-up of speakers for this year's Meeting Place event, providing delegates with up to the minute insights into the industry's most important issues.

"Bernard Salt and Rob Henderson will offer delegates exceptional insight into the trends and economic analysis that is important for their business while we will discover the challenges and opportunities offered by some of our strong growth sectors including caravanning, ecotourism, luxury and cruising."

The conference will be rounded off with an overview of the emerging Brazillian and Russian markets by Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Regional Director, Chris Flynn plus a closing keynote from the Business Manager of iconic Tasmanian attraction, MONA, Mark Wilsdon and a Gala Dinner on The Star's rooftop balcony.

King said the Conference Day and Gala Dinner came at the end of a three day program that included the ATEC AGM and a B2B workshop day along with ATEC's Young ATEC Future Leaders Conference to be held on Wednesday 4th December, also at The Star.

The Future Leaders Conference will bring together young and passionate industry members and will provide a half day of presentations designed to allow interactive and practical roundtable discussion.

King adds "ATEC has been an industry leader in promoting the opportunities and career progression of young people in the tourism industry and the Future Leaders Conference will help bring out their best.

"With sessions in leadership, building business opportunities and successful thinking, this conference will certainly enable our young industry leaders to be fully engaged in their tourism career."

To see the program and to register for the Meeting Place conference or Future Leaders program go to www.atec.net.au/meeting-place-2013.html

Image: Sydney's The Star

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