SANZAAR Rugby Head of Operations Brendan Morris will share a case study on the complex requirements that underpin travel management in a large sporting organisation. The NRL's Commercial Manager - Consumer Business David Matthews, will then introduce the audience to one of the big game changers for 2018 - NRL Travel - a new solution that allows fans to purchase tickets to major NRL Events, access exclusive packages, as well as book flights and accommodation through the one portal.
Containing a blend of case studies, data, panel discussions and keynote presentations - including CAPA Executive Chairman Peter Harbison, CTM CEO for ANZ Laura Ruffles and Delta GM Australia and New Zealand and GM of the Virgin Australia JV Clare Wheatley - the agenda has been designed with the national viewpoint at its heart, whilst also understanding local state issues.
One of these issues is the impact of the upcoming Gold Coast Commonwealth Games on local supply and travel services, which will be covered in the panel, "Gearing up for mega events in QLD - The big picture outlook for inbound travel in 2018". Featuring the CEO of Queensland Airports, Chris Mills, the DDG of the Department of Innovation, Tourism Industry Development and the Commonwealth Games, Jeffrey McAllister, and the COO of Brisbane Marketing, Rob Nelson, the panel will take a deep dive into the issue of the state's infrastructure capacity, and debate whether there is a case for better coordination at SE Queensland's airports, which on many fronts are competing for the same traffic. The panel will also discuss what the government is doing to create products and experiences that will attract visitors, and the success or otherwise of current funding initiatives to enhance connectivity to Queensland.
Acknowledging that it is the season for hotel sourcing, STR Global's Regional Manager Pacific, Matthew Burke, will provide a review of average room rate data. This will be followed by a panel discussion: "Navigating through the challenges of hotel procurement for the coming year", moderated by FCM Travel Solutions, Strategic Partnership Manager, John Lewis and featuring perspectives from The Lido Group's CEO, Steve Mackenzie, Belise Hotel Representative Kenn Holmes and Astra Zeneca's Regional Travel Manger - Asia Pacific, Sonya Lowry, who will represent the buyer point of view on the challenges of creating a high performing hotel programme and what a buyer is looking for in the negotiation process.
There will also be a panel on digital mobility and frictionless travel, which debates the proposition that the travel industry has evolved into a technology industry that specialises in travel, in light of the speed with which new apps and innovations have come online and changed traveller expectations. Included as part of the discussion will be the challenges of reconciling the preferences of the modern business traveller with the need for programme compliance. Moderated by Craig Southee, CTM's General Manager, the panel will feature: GoldSpring Consulting Regional Director APAC Catherine Craig; University of Queensland University Travel Manager Katrina Green; Virgin Australia Queensland State Manager Charles Morley; and Mastercard Commercial Payments Director Product Sales Gregor Lochtie.
Meanwhile, traveller wellbeing continues to be a hot button topic and will be discussed in detail by International SOS Regional Medical Director, Medical Services Andrew Ebringer. Dr Ebringer will share three types of consequences frequent travellers experience, what companies need to do to provide for all aspects of Duty of Care under current legislation, how to understand the situation without overstepping privacy rights, and a holistic approach to protecting the physical and emotion well being of travellers.
The Brisbane event builds on the success of the last two years, with over 100 attendees, including aviation, hotel and travel industry executives and travel category managers expected to register.
With an impressive 50% of delegates representing the buyer market, the event is shaping up to be in invaluable opportunity to gain insights from a wide breadth of travel industry, government and buyer organisations.
To learn more and register your attendance visit: 2018 Queensland Aviation & Corporate Travel Summit