Stellar line up for Australasian Economic Tourism and Travel Resilience Fourm – December 6

David Beirman, co-organiser of the Australasian Economic Travel and Tourism Forum taking place on December 6 said yesterday that the arrangements for the event were progressing very well, with a very strong response from attendees.

He added that the global economic meltdown is affecting every single business in some way and only those who understand the challenges and the opportunities will survive in good shape.

Planning is vital – which is why the industry leader principles of Struan & Associates Consulting, TravelMole and eTravelBlackboard have taken the very significant step of bringing together some of the world and the region’s most important financial and business brains, not only to explore the issues the industry is currently facing but also come up with tangible and workable tips and solutions for individual businesses.

The forum will take place on 6 December, 2008 at the International College of Management, Sydney, in Manly beginning at 9:00am and ending at 5:00pm and includes leaders in research, education, strategy, thought leadership and management in this great industry, which may well be facing it greatest ever challenges. The day will include a buffet lunch along with morning , afternoon tea and post conference drinks. Delegates will be provided with all conference presentations in an E format.

He also said that the event now had a stellar line up of academic and industry speakers including: –

Mandy Scotney: Executive Director TICA Travel Industry Careers Association

Sharon Hannaford: Chair ANTOR Association of National Tourist Office Representatives

Justine Cooper: Acting Director of Marketing Tourism NSW

Justin Morgan: General Manager American Express Business Travel

Tony Webber: Chief Economist Economic Research Group Qantas

Professor Larry Dwyer: Qantas Professor of Tourism and Travel Economics at the University of New South Wales, Australia

Professor Ray Spurr: Chief Researcher, Tourism Economics, University of New South Wales

Ravi Ravinder: Senior Lecturer, Tourism Management University of Technology, Sydney based tourism management and marketing expert

Professor John Jenkins: Head of School, School of Tourism & Hospitality Management at Southern Cross University

Adrian Caruso: CEO of TA Fastrack.

Lawrence Franklin: Director Strategy and Policy with the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority

Dr David Beirman: Director, Struan and Associates, leading global travel and tourism crisis recovery consultant and lecturer.

Chris Flynn: Regional Director PATA

Special break out sessions will be led by sector leaders, including: –

Retail and Distribution: Keith Stanley, former CEO Stella Travel Services

Aviation: A Representative of the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation

Media: Barry Matheson former Producer of “The Great Outdoors”

Wholesale: Peter Baily, General Manager Council of Australian Tour Operators

Training and Education: Chris Harris, Head of Programmes – Hospitality, ICMS and Simon Pawson Head of Tourism management ICMS.

The early bird cost of attending paying before 21 November is $66 inc GST and $88 after that date – places are filling up very quickly though!

Location is the The International College of Management Sydney, 151 Darley Road, Manly.

For more information and to book visit:

http://www.travelpress.com.au/etbpromotions/TourismResilienceForum/

A Report by The Mole