Andrea Roberts

Owner, Andrea Roberts Creative Strategist

When Andrea moved back to Broken Hill at the same time Mad Max did in 2009, she knew it was an important move for her own personal chronicle and the story of her home town. While there, she harnessed everything she had discovered as a leader in tourism – in places like Byron Bay, the Great Ocean Road and Yarra Valley – to develop and deliver a narative that would move people. She is a firm believer that stories are the best way to put ideas into the world, and has proof that it works.

Dr Sam Shahin

Managing Director, Peregrine Corporation – The Bend Motorsport Park and On The Run

Kate Berry & Candice Brem

Chief People Officer & Senior HR Business Partner, Discovery Holiday Parks

Kate Berry is known for her Human Resources expertise, leadership capability, strategic planning consulting skills and commercial acumen. Prior to joining Discovery Parks as their Chief People Officer, Kate worked in Senior HR leadership roles within the AFL, Professional Services (PwC and KPMG), Retail and Hospitality (Peregrine and the Southern Pacific Hotel Group) sectors in various locations throughout Australia.

Candice Brem is a Senior HR Business Partner at Discovery Parks. With over 12 years of Senior Human Resources experience, Candice holds a degree in Business Communications, majoring in Organisational Communication. Prior to joining Discovery Parks, Candice was the HR Manager for Terex Cranes (Manufacturing), she also held various HR and L&D roles for Bechtel (Engineering and Construction) which included a three year project in Gladstone, Queensland doing fly in fly out (that toughened her up!). Providing people with opportunities to succeed, coaching managers through tough times and supporting employees are all reasons why Candice remains passionate about the field of HR.  

Rubina Carlson

Digital Marketing Executive, SeaLink Travel Group

Rubina Carlson is a social media zealot! Her expertise in this field stems from a genuine passion for engaging with others: people, brands, not-for-profits, the arts and tourism. With over 10 years of experience in the digital space, she currently develops and implements digital marketing initiatives for the SeaLink Travel Group. She has also lectured at University of South Australia and TAFE SA on social media and how brands and businesses can use these platforms to promote themselves and serve their business goals.

Shaun de Bruyn

Chief Executive Officer, TiCSA

Shaun de Bruyn’s background in tourism and business is both wide and varied, having worked within the roles of relationship management, business planning, destination and experience development, marketing and distribution, government engagement and strategic management for over 15 years. As CEO of the Tourism Industry Council South Australia (TiCSA), his primary role is to advocate on behalf of TiCSA’s 900-plus members to implement its Tourism Industry Agenda, unlocking the full economic potential of tourism within South Australia. 

Callum Mack

Industry Partnership Executive, Australian Tourism Data Warehouse

Callum Mack is the Industry Partnerships Executive at the Australian Tourism Data Warehouse and his role primarily is to work with governmental organisations in order to assist them in building efficiencies into their digital processes, specifically as it relates to digital tourism content. Working with the ATDW allows Callum to assist the tourism industry by building operators digital exposure by working with governmental stakeholders and thus expanding consumer knowledge of Australia’s tourism industry.

Adaire Palmer

CEO / Partner, Women in Business Adelaide

Adaire Palmer has a passion for helping people help people. She is keen to bring people together and her superpowers include developing communities using technology like chatbots and platforms like Facebook. Adaire brings a sense of fun and a child-like curiosity to her work and she loves working with small businesses to use technology to grow. As a recognised thought leader in the social media industry, Adaire is a sought after speaker and facilitator. 

Allyvia Oberman & Grace Rietbergen

Market Manager & Associate Market Manager, Expedia Group

Working in Online Travel Agencies for eight years, Allyvia Oberman proudly represents South Australian accommodation partners within Expedia Group as a Market Manager based in Brisbane. Based in Sydney, Grace is an Associate Market Manager for Expedia Group Lodging Partnerships. Grace represents the company’s 200+ travel booking sites globally to continue bringing property’s within reach of customers worldwide.

Professor Lesley Hughes

Councillor, Climate Council

Professor Lesley Hughes is a Councillor with the Climate Council and Distinguished Professor of Biology and Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research Integrity & Development) at Macquarie University. Her research has mainly focused on the impacts of climate change on species and ecosystems.She is a former federal Climate Commissioner and former Lead Author in the IPCC’s 4th and 5th Assessment Report. She is also a Director for WWF Australia, a member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, the Director of the Biodiversity Node for the NSW Adaptation Hub and a member of the expert advisory committee for Future Earth Australia.

Mark Abercromby

Industry Expert Trainer, Australian Tourism Export Council

Mark Abercromby is a professional manager and trainer with many year’s experience in the Travel and Tourism industry, having successfully held management positions in small and large corporations in both private and public sectors. Mark has been actively involved in all facets of the industry: international, domestic, wholesale, retail, inbound, group travel, product development and marketing. Mark’s work and experience has encompassed destination management and marketing, product and sales management, product planning and development, contract negotiation, pricing and distribution, business development, strategic planning, marketing, plus budgeting and sales targets.

Aaron Hill & Elizabeth Alvaro

Director & Manager, Deloitte Access Economics

Aaron Hill leads Deloitte Access Economics’ practices in South Australia and the Northern Territory. In addition to his passion for the South Australian economy, Aaron is part of Deloitte’s national practices delivering advice on the economics of cities and urban policy. Elizabeth Alvaro is a Manager in Deloitte Access Economics’ Adelaide office and a member of Deloitte’s national tourism practice. Elizabeth’s research interests include economic development, tourism economics and cultural economics.

Callan Markwick

A/Project Director, Department for Innovation & Skills

Callan is the A/Project Director, Trainees and Apprentices in the Skills and Workforce Capability Group of the Department for Innovation and Skills. He is currently leading a significant change project under the Skilling South Australia (SSA) initiative which aims to increase apprenticeships and traineeships and build lasting careers to grow South Australia’s skilled workforce and meet industry needs. Callan has over a decade of experience working at in senior leadership roles in the South Australian and National VET sector, for both not-for-profit and State Government, and demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of key policies, practices and trends, impacting training, employment and social inclusion.

Simon Currant

Managing Director, Simon Currant & Associates 

With over 37 years’ experience as a tourism visionary, developer, operator and consultant specialising in remote area and marine tourism, Simon’s focus on the tourism experience, particularly the wilderness and excellence in food and beverage, is now synonymous with the Tasmanian brand. He is the visionary and developer behind some of Tasmania and Australia’s most celebrated tourism experiences, including the development of Australia’s wine tourism industry in the Hunter Valley, Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain Lodge, Strahan Village, Franklin Manor, Peppermint Bay and Hobart Cruises, and the unique World Heritage Area site of Pumphouse Point at Lake St Clair in Tasmania’s central highlands. Simon consults both nationally and internationally, providing expert advice on operations, new destination evaluation, market evaluation, and infrastructure and experience development. 

Presenter TBC

South Australian Tourism Commission

Stay tuned for more details.

Phil Sims

Chief Executive Officer, Robern Menz

Phil Sims has been the Chief Executive Officer of Robern Menz for over 27 years. The confectionery and fruit snack manufacturer and brand marketer includes numerous brands and retail stores. Menz FruChocs are an Icon of South Australia (National Trust SA) and in 2008 Robern Menz celebrated 100 years of family business ownership by the Sims family. Phil is currently an SA Chapter Committee member for Family Business Australia, Board Member of Food South Australia and Advisory Board Member of SADB Directional Drilling. 

Rod Hillman & Daniel Smedley

Chief Executive Officer & Director, Ecotourism Australian & Studio S2 Architects

Rod Hillman is the CEO of Ecotourism Australia. He has considerable experience as a National Park Manager and as a Tour Operator. Daniel Smedley and wife Amy are the Directors of Studio S2 Architects – specialist Architects to the tourism industry.

Donna Foster

Board Director, Australian Regional Tourism

Donna Foster lives in Mount Gambier, South Australia where she holds the role of Manager Tourism and Economic Development. Donna has a passion for regional Australia and the opportunities our regions have through the development of strong visitor economies. Donna has a strong background in International Trade, Economic Development including Investment Attraction gained in both State and Federal roles. She led the New Zealand Trade team for Austrade in New Zealand and held the Pacific and New Zealand desk for the Queensland State Government. She enjoys serving on the Board of Australian Regional Tourism to ensure the importance of our contribution to the regional and national economy is recognised by State and Federal Government decision makers and the Regional Visitor Economy is integrated into all strategic plans at all levels of government.

Brenton Cox

Executive General Manager Finance & Corporate, Adelaide Airport

Brenton Cox is the airport’s CFO, General Counsel, head of corporate affairs, sustainability, risk and safety, he also looks after the airport’s airline commercial relationships and lives to grow Adelaide’s current customers and attract future customers to make South Australia a more connected place. He was previously a non executive director of Sydney Airport and Hobart Airport and worked for Macquarie Airports in Europe.

Simone Douglas

CEO, Social Media AOK

Simone Douglas is a Certified Practicing Marketer, and the CEO of Social Media AOK. Her strong practical focus on tangible outcomes, combined with an extensive background in business, and a wealth of marketing knowledge, Simone is well placed to take you through the social media minefield that is the modern age of marketing. 

Linda Tillman

Managing Director, Tilma Group

Linda Tillman is Managing Director of regional tourism and events agency, Tilma Group, and a Director on the Board of The Australian Regional Tourism. She is a regional tourism strategist and practitioner boasting a suite of regional tourism and event expertise with LGAs and RTOs across Australia in regional tourism and event development, tourism strategy, destination marketing, regional branding and capability building.

Rod Quintrell

Business Development Manager, Venture Corporate Recharge

Rod Quintrell is an experienced group facilitator with qualifications and experience in tourism, counselling and outdoor recreation. Rod has years of experience in small business, tourism and mental health. Rod writes and delivers programs for corporate, conference and specialised populations.

Simone Douglas

CEO, Social Media AOK

Simone Douglas is a Certified Practicing Marketer, and the CEO of Social Media AOK. Her strong practical focus on tangible outcomes, combined with an extensive background in business, and a wealth of marketing knowledge, Simone is well placed to take you through the social media minefield that is the modern age of marketing. 

Keith Conlon

Chair, South Australian Heritage Council

Keith Conlon is a veteran presenter and writer on Adelaide’s radio and TV scene. During his 15 years with Postcards on NWS9 (SA Tourism Awards Hall of Fame), he earned the nickname ‘Mr South Australia’ – and a personal Tourism Award. He is Chairman of the South Australian Heritage Council, and is still busy telling our stories on bike rides and walks, in Fringe shows and on Instagram. 

Rick & Cathy Edmonds

Owners, The Frames – Luxury in the Riverland

Rick and Cathy Edmonds are grape and citrus farmers just outside Renmark and have lived in the Riverland all their lives. Over the years they have expanded their business interests to property and in 2004  purchased a number of executive stays across 3 states and called them Emaroo Cottages. In 2014 they built their dream, The Frames at Paringa, wanting to offer ultra luxurious accommodation on the Murray River.

Coralie Bell

Chair / Tourism Manager, Australian Regional Tourism / Shoalhaven City Council

Bringing a fresh perspective to tourism, Coralie Bell is a business and creative marketing professional. With a diverse career in a variety of roles and industries, Coralie has worked in and around tourism for over 20 years. From business strategy, networking, report writing and stakeholder engagement to press advertising, public relations and marketing, you name it, she’s done it. Coralie is currently working as the Tourism Manager for Shoalhaven City Council and has also played an active role in the South Coast Regional Tourism Organisation (SCRTO).

Paul Gordon

Senior Associate, Wallmans Lawyers

Paul Gordon has a broad commercial law skill set, with specialisation in the areas of technology, media law, intellectual property and corporate governance. He is one of Adelaide’s leading experts on social media and privacy law, having been recognised in Doyles Guide for Leading Technology, Media and Telecommunications Lawyers and for Leading Intellectual Property lawyers. Paul is a sought after speaker at technology and online law conferences, a guest presenter on radio programs and is an author of various publications discussing the intersection of technology and the law.

Georg Ruebensal

Owner, Karawatha Cottages

In his 25+ years in the travel and consulting industry, Georg Ruebensal has worked in sales and senior management roles at multiple airlines prior to joining the Expedia Australia start-up team in 2005. Establishing the operations first in ANZ then across APAC, Georg had returned to Australia to lead the Expedia ANZ Group (Expedia/Wotif) as Managing Director until end of 2016.He then made the ultimate sea (and wine) change, moving to McLaren Vale and putting into practice what he had preached to hoteliers for many years: starting his own boutique accommodation operation with Karawatha Cottages and using OTAs as marketing platform to establish the business and ultimately drive direct bookings.

Greg Kavanagh

Principal + Director, Branded Culture

Greg Kavanagh has more than 20 years experience in marketing, advertising and brand strategy. His business, Branded Culture specialises in helping businesses – mainly SME’s – better understand their brands and bring them to life in everything they do. Greg has a particular interest in areas of consumer psychology, buyer behaviour, cognitive bias and the role of emotion in engendering meaningful commercial exchange.

Nic Henry Jones

Director, Market Me Marketing

Nic Henry Jones is the Director & Senior Digital Media Strategist behind Market Me Marketing Australia. A highly driven business creative, she is cutting edge in approach, passionate about building business ‘the smart way’, and is a sought after thought leader and educator in the digital marketing Industry.

Doug Phillips

Creative Director, Doug Phillips Freelance Copywriter

Doug Phillips is a sought-after Copywriter who specialises in blogs for small to medium business. With over 20 years’ experience in small to medium-sized businesses, Doug understands what business-owners endure on a daily basis. Specifically, Doug writes content that sells for businesses. Sells their products, or their services.

Matthew Peters

Revenue & Distribution Manager / Owner, Hurley Hotel Group / MJP Consulting Solutions

In 2013 Matthew Peters started working at the Discovery Parks Group as the Yield & Channel Manager and then later as the National Revenue Manager. In 2017 Matthew moved into the Operations Team as the 2IC for Western Australia. Upon leaving Discovery, in 2018, he worked independently as a consultant before joining the Hurley Hotel Group, as their Revenue & Distribution Manager, in February of this year.

Paul Findlay

WHS Advisor, Safe Work SA

Paul Findlay works for SafeWork SA as a WHS Advisor and visits businesses for free across the state to help them improve their WHS systems and practices. Paul has a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Canada and over 30 years experience working in Adelaide across a wide variety of industries. Feel free to contact Paul to see how he can assist you.

Adam Stanford

Strategy & Insights Manager, South Australian Tourism Commission

Adam Stanford is the Strategy & Insights Manager at the South Australian Tourism Commission. He has worked in tourism research since 2006, specialising in quantitative research and strategy. Most recently, he has managed the development of the South Australian Visitor Economy Sector Plan 2030.

Gabrielle Kelly

Director, Well-being & Resilience Centre, SAHMRI

Gabrielle Kelly is the SAHMRI Well-being and Resilience Centre’s founding Director. She is a global speaker about the practical application of well-being at scale and the ever-expanding body of research knowledge that supports well-being and resilience in people, across the life course. 

Caroline Densley

Director, Diverse Travel Australia

Caroline Densley is a director and owner of Diverse Travel Australia a niche market inbound tour operator and a specialist in Indigenous Cultural experiences across Australia. For over 20 years she has been involved in inbound tourism sector and is a passionate advocate for tourism in South Australia. Diverse Travel Australia is the Travel Network partner for Adelaide’s Great Wine Capital Network membership which satisfies Caroline’s passion for our food & wine tourism sector.

Jing Cao

Managing Director, Chinese Language & Cultural Advice

Jing Cao provides management consulting, cultural competency training and business strategy development for many Australian brands, education institutions and government agencies. He sits on many corporate advisory panels to help clients develop business and cultural intelligence skills needed to build partnerships and expand into the China market.