Speakers

Amy Gash

General Manager Brand and Strategy at Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort

Amy was awarded the 2022 Young Achiever Award for outstanding contribution to the Queensland Tourism Industry.

Andrew Hopper

Director-General at Department of Tourism and Sport

Andrew has an extensive background leading high-performing teams in Australia's tourism, major events, entertainment, sport and cultural industries and internationally to drive visitation and investment.

Andrew Mahon

Deputy Director-General (Policy, Planning and Investment), Transport and Main Roads

Andrew sets the future direction of the transport system in Queensland creating and shaping key strategies, policies and plans for an integrated transport system that supports the safe and efficient movement of people and goods, while driving value for the community and delivering on decarbonisation outcomes.

Ben Klaassen

Deputy Director-General, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships

Ben leads the management of Queensland’s parks and forests, including partnerships with First Nations peoples to protect cultural values, support sustainable land use and provide nature-based recreation and ecotourism opportunities.

Cameron Costello

Deputy Chair Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), QTIC Indigenous Working Group and Traditional Owner

For over 15 years, Cameron has delivered First Nations policies and programs in local and state governments, including the Backing Indigenous Arts Program and the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.

David Neal

Co-owner of Mitchell Grass Retreat, Longreach

Opening Mitchell Grass Retreat, a luxury glamping retreat, was a dream in the making for David and partner Tanya.

Dominique Lamb

Queensland Small Business Commissioner

Dominique Lamb is an experienced stakeholder advocate. Previously, as CEO of the National Retail Association (NRA), Dominique advocated on all areas of policy at a federal and state government level.

Dylan Alcott AO

Founder of the Dylan Alcott Foundation

Former Australian of the Year, Dylan Alcott AO, is one of the country’s most successful and well recognised Paralympians.

Geoff Meyer

Managing Director IRONMAN Group Oceania

After competing in his first triathlon event in 1986, Geoff Meyer caught the thrill of the ‘events world’ and has had some level of involvement since.

Greg McKinnon

Owner of BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort

Greg is a second-generation caravan park owner of BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort, purchased by the McKinnon Family 30 years ago.

Kirsten Herring

Deputy Director-General, Arts Queensland

Kirsten oversees the Department’s investment and policy activities in the arts

Jillian Whiting

Director – Media Potential

Jillian is a familiar face on Queensland television – with over 25 years' experience as a journalist, newsreader and TV presenter with the Seven and Nine networks.

Justin McGowan

CEO Trade and Investment Queensland

Justin led the Capability Taskforce, improving Australia’s Foreign and Trade capabilities and was Australia’s Commissioner General to the World Expo in Dubai from 2017 to 2021.

Lauren Horner

Community and Partnerships Manager at Village Roadshow

Lauren Horner is a Gold Coast-born tourism professional with more than two decades of experience in the industry, both domestically and internationally.

Mark Olsen

CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ)

Mark is the CEO of Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ), the Destination Management Organisation for the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics rainforests.

Matthew May

Operations Manager at Paradise Resort Gold Coast

Matt's passion lies in creating transformational travel opportunities for families in which they can form lasting family memories and deepen family bonds.

Max Wise

Deputy Director-General (Disability, Seniors and Carers), Child Safety, Seniors and Disability Services

Max Wise has worked for the Queensland Government for over 35 years, including almost 20 years in senior leadership roles.

Nicki Hutley

Economist

Nicki Hutley is a highly experienced economist with more than 30 years' of broad-based expertise in financial and investment markets and economic consulting.

Patricia O’Callaghan

Chief Executive Officer - Tourism and Events Queensland

Patricia O'Callaghan is an experienced Chief Executive Officer who has held significant senior executive positions over the past 15 years and is passionate about growing companies and communities and bettering people's lives.

Stephanie Agnew

Senior Consultant, Get Skilled Access

Stephanie is passionate about inclusion and changing dated misconceptions of disability. She has a strong focus on creating accessible travel experiences and increasing employment opportunities for people with disability.

Stewart Moore

Founder and CEO of EarthCheck

Stewart Moore is the founder and CEO of EarthCheck, the world’s leading scientific certification, consulting and advisory group for sustainable destinations and tourism organisations.

Todd Sampson

Award-winning documentary-maker, television presenter and businessperson

Todd is an adventurer, award-winning documentary maker, television presenter and businessman. The Financial Review and News Limited ranked him as one of the most influential executives in Australia.