The Youth Tourism Conference

Unlocking the Future of Adventure and Youth Tourism: A Journey through Innovation and Inclusion

Join us for a transformative day at the Adventure and Youth Tourism Conference 2024, where industry leaders, innovators, and experts converge to shape the future of travel. Discover powerful strategies, gain industry insights, and network with the best in the field.

Why Attend:

    Adventure Queensland (AQ), the peak backpacking and independent travel industry body for Queensland is excited to announce the return of the Adventure Tourism Awards Youth Tourism Conference that will take place on 7th November, 2024. This years conference will focus on Tourism Trends, Transformative Technology and Inspiration to continue to strengthen the industry growth and resilience. 

    Following the success of the past year’s outstanding conferences and awards nights, AQ continues to focus on curating a dedicated full day conference to focus on addressing the challenges and opportunities that affect youth tourism in Australia and New Zealand.

    This industry-led Youth Tourism Conference provides attendees with opportunities for professional and business development as well as networking and engagement opportunities with industry colleagues. Delegates will hear from industry-leading speakers on critical industry issues and innovative ideas. Prepare to be inspired, prepare for the future of the youth tourism industry.

    Date: Thursday 7 November 2024
    Time: Arrival and registration from 8:30am. 
    Function Room: Ocean View Room
    Venue: The Island
    Dress code: Business casual

    Conference Agenda:
    0830 – 0850: Arrival & Registration
    0850 – 0900: Welcome & Housekeeping – Stewart Moore Founder and CEO of Earth Check
    0900 – 0930: Welcome to Country by Max Dillon
    Living in a modern world but following his ancestors footsteps, Max, a Kombumerri man is a Dingo trainer, storyteller, musician and environmental protector. Listen closely as Max shares his deep knowledge and understanding of land and culture in the hope that it will help you gain a deeper respect the land we all now call home. 
    0930 – 0950: Keynote Speaker – Hailey Brown
    Winner of the Enterprising Women’s Kickstarter Challenge, Hailey has earned even more acclaim here in Australia turning her Exceptional Academic Performance at UQ into entrepreneurship. In the spirit of the year of accessible tourism, CEO VacayIt will share how to make your business more accessible by making small changes. 
    0950 – 1020: Keynote Speaker – Dr Kaya Barry
    Research Fellow and Senior Lecturer at Griffith University, Dr. Barry will present on the ever-changing Working Holiday Maker sector by sharing insights she has gained through her Social Cultural Research.
    1020 – 1100: Morning Tea
    1100 – 1130: Industry Update – Kristy Malapa
    Industry Relations Manager – SA, TAS, VIC & Youth, Tourism Australia, Kristy will deliver an update on all things pertinent to marketing to our sector.
    1130 – 1200: Keynote Speaker – Mike Smith
    Founder, Zero Co, Hear an inspirational story from a man who kickstarted his business right in the thick of the pandemic!
    1200 – 1230: Industry Panel Update
    Wendi Aylward – BYTAP
    Andrew Cowan – YTNSW
    Alex Hill – YTV
    Peta Zietsch – AQ
    The future of adventure and youth tourism presented by State and National Representatives.
    1230 – 1330: Lunch
    1330 – 1400: Keynote Speaker – Ben Male
    Be inspired by Ben’s passion for conversion for your purpose-driven company that will help you stand out online and stay ahead of the curve.  
    1400 – 1500: Panel Discussion Moderated by Dan Lucas, Co-Founder of Hero 
    This fireside-style format encourages an open and lively discussion, allowing you to ask questions and engage with the panellists. Whether you’re a seasoned tour operator or just starting in the industry, this session is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about reservation systems that will elevate your business to new heights through conversions.
    • Chris Atkin – Rezdy
    • Henri Wilson – FareHarbor
    • Josh Mayar – Respax 
    1500 – 1510: Conclusion
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