The inaugural Australasian Hotel Industry Conference and Exhibition (AHICE) on September 3 in Sydney continues to gather pace, with 30 leading industry executives, field specialists and identities confirmed to speak at the day-long event.
AHICE, hosted by HM magazine and the Australian Hotels Association (AHA), is a conference firmly focused on the management and operation of accommodation hotels throughout Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific region.
During the day, delegates will be given a snapshot of the accommodation industry, from an overall outlook to special topics, including: social media marketing; technology trends; international markets; aviation outlook; surviving in a downturn – maximising revenue; MICE market and business events; managing distribution channels; sustainability; recapturing the domestic market; food and beverage trends; and human resources issues.
On top of this, one of two special keynote speeches will be given by Dr Tony Webber, Chief Economist for Qantas Airways. Using years of research in the airline industry, where the business of selling seats is closely aligned to selling hotel rooms, Dr Webber will discuss tried and tested means of maximising profits through understanding what drives travellers, and therefore revenue. He will draw on his insights and unique strategies developed during his years at Qantas and will apply this to the hotel business with surprising and valuable results.
An exhibition will also be held at AHICE, whereby leading industry suppliers will showcase their latest products and services for the hotel industry.
Early bird registration is available for just $350 per delegate and a special deal of ‘four for the price of three’ is also currently on offer. Bookings are available online at www.ahice.com.au or by calling 1300 789 845 (within Australia).
Confirmed speakers and panellists at AHICE in 2010 include:
A Patrick Imbardelli, President and CEO, Pan Pacific Hotels Group
Bob East, Chief Executive Officer, Mantra Group
Carolyn Childs, Director Travel and Leisure, TNS Australia
Darren Jahn, Communications and Education Manager, Oatley Wines
David Bayes, Chief Executive Officer, Choice Hotels Australasia
Dr Tony Webber, Chief Economist, Qantas Airways
Grant Collins, Managing Director, Bar Solutions
Grant Hunt, Managing Director, Anthology
Gwen O’Toole, Editor, Spice magazine & SpiceNews.com.au
Heather Idoine-Riley, General Manager, Holiday Inn Wellington
Ian Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, Hostec International
James Wilkinson, Managing Editor, HM magazine
Jayson Westbury, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Federation of Travel Agents
Joost Heymeijer, General Manager, Emirates Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa
Kate Smith, Managing Director, WaldronSmith Management
Kim McKay, Director, Klick Communications
Lisa Phillips, Director of Marketing, Toga Hospitality
Luke Starr, Director, Starr Public Relations
Mark Greedy, Managing Director, Elite Resorts of Asia Pacific
Michael Bourne, General Manager, Hilton Melbourne South Wharf
Patrick Griffin, Regional Managing Director Australia, Orient Express Hotels
Paul Fischmann, Director, Eight Hotels Australia
Ramesh Daryanani, Director of Global Sales (Sydney), Marriott International
Riccardo Rizzi, Sustainability Manager, ISIS
Richard Dalman, Managing Director, Dalman Architecture
Richard Munro, Chairman, AHA (NSW) Accommodation Division
Simon McGrath, Vice President – Australia, Accor Hospitality
Stewart Moore, Chief Executive Officer, EC3 Global (EarthCheck)
Subhas Menon, Regional Vice President – South West Pacific, Singapore Airlines
For a complete program and more information on AHICE, visit www.ahice.com.au or contact James Wilkinson at Intermedia on +61 (0)2 9660 2113 or email jwilkinson@intermedia.com.au
