Australia's export tourism industry heads to Canberra

For the first time, Australia’s export tourism industry association, the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) will host its flagship industry event in the nation’s capital, bringing together more than 400 export tourism leaders for peer to peer discussions around issues and opportunities impacting the growth of the industry.

“Meeting Place is an important industry forum where thought leaders, decision makers and business development managers from across the country connect to build relationships for the benefit of their own organisations and Australia's overall export tourism industry."

“In moving Meeting Place to Canberra, having been held in Sydney for the past 40 years, we will be looking to profile not only a new destination but raise awareness with Federal politicians of the importance of our industry to the Australian economy.”

Mr Shelley said Meeting Place Canberra has received strong support from both the Federal and ACT Governments, with Federal Minister for Trade, Tourism & Investment, Steve Ciobo participating in ATEC’s annual CEO Forum discussions as well as presenting the Annual Awards of Excellence at the Gala Dinner event.

Highlights of the conference program include:

• Digital Futurist, Chris Riddell - One of Asia's most sought after futurists, media commentators and digital experts with unparalleled insights into emerging trends and behaviours influencing travel purchases.
• Ron Kent from the Boeing Company - Who will look at their modern aircraft design, innovation and development sharing some exciting insights into the future of flight and the positive  impact on long-haul destinations
• Tourism Australia CEO, John O’Sullivan - On growing Australia’s market share and looking at the next 10 years as a critical time to maintain our place in a world where competition for the  tourism dollar has never been so aggressive.

Panel discussions include Industry Innovators – great ideas driving growth, Impact of disruption – if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, Inspire in packs – destinations who ‘hunt in packs’, win, Innovation in China e-commerce – purchasing trends and opportunities to grow, Impact of demand cycles – learning’s from the past and a vision for the future, Inspire the world’s youth – rebuilding Australia’s reputation post backpacker tax, and much more.

The day will conclude with The STO Great Tourism Debate Discussing “Tourism icons (natural or man made) – absolutely essential to attracting international visitors to any destination. True or false?”

ATEC's Meeting Place Conference will be held at QT Canberra on Wednesday 29th November with the Welcome Function to be held at the Great Hall, Parliament House the night before following the buyer/seller workshop program.

ATECs partner in hosting Meeting Place 2016 VisitCanberra will host a pre-famil, showcasing the region’s diverse experiences and the fantastic products on offer to the international visitor.