ON 23 August, tourism enthusiasts and business owners came together at Atura Hotel, Dandenong, and took part in the 2016 Casey Cardinia Tourism Conference.
The conference, presented by local businesses and tourism groups Casey Cardinia Tourism and Eastern Dandenong Ranges Business and Tourism, showcased some of the industry’s leading experts who shared their knowledge, trends, practices and advice.
The conference attracted participants from all types of businesses, including restaurant and café owners, accommodation providers, event organisers, tourism attractions and transport operators.
Barry Harrison, Centre Manager of YMCA Casey RACE and participant in the conference, highlighted how the conference helped him and his leisure centre.
“It opened my eyes to the trends emerging in the tourism industry and the key markets, particularly the visiting friends and relative market.”
Key speakers included Dianne Smith, CEO from Victoria Tourism Industry Council, Melanie de Souza (Acting) Director of Marketing from Visit Victoria, Despina Karatzias from the Institute of Excellence and Gary McQuillan, CEO, Cardinia Shire Council.
The program was comprehensive, designed to stimulate thoughts and create opportunities for participants to improve and grow their business and self.
Nadine Hutchins, Chair of Casey Cardinia Tourism and Marketing Manager at Puffing Billy Railway, pointed out that the conference was not focused solely around tourism and instead touched on personal development also. “We had Lana Johnson, a business specialist and coach undertake a workshop on goal setting, time management and how to achieve a work-life balance.”
Lynne Trensky of Eastern Dandenong Ranges Business and Tourism Group and member of the Casey Cardinia Tourism Advisory Committee said the conference was a terrific networking event.
“The conference provided a forum for attendees to network and collaborate with other tourism operators in our region and to maximise business opportunities,” Ms Trensky said.
