Industry events

Welcome to The Next Wave: Growth, Wellness & the Power of AI, a dynamic event bringing together operators, innovators, and thought leaders, to explore emerging trends and gain insights into what’s coming next.

Date: Tuesday 25 March 2025

Start: 9am registration for a 9:30 start

End: 4pm followed by a networking hour supported by Tourism Australia

Location: Penguin Parade Theatre, 1019 Ventnor Rd, Summerland, Phillip Island

What to bring: This is a sustainable event. Please bring your reusable water bottle, and pen and paper or a digital device for note taking.

Program

9:00am - Registration: Arrive at 9am for tea, coffee and networking before a 9:30 start

9:30am - Welcome: Hear what’s happening at Destination Phillip Island from Catherine Basterfield, chair of DPI and Kim Storey, General Manager.

9:40am - Welcome from the Mayor: Mayor Councillor Rochelle Halstead.

10:00am - Tim Richardson – Head of Development, Moda – Isle of Wight, Cowes: Tim will provide an update on the Isle of Wight Development in Cowes, including some observations about the key market drivers and the segments that will be targeted across food and beverage, accommodation and conferencing. He will also talk about the upgrades taking place at Red Rocks, including the Blitz Golf event prior to Christmas. Tim will touch on the opportunities for collaboration and partnership Moda sees industry and community now and into the future, such as the region’s emerging wellness story and its world-class nature-based experiences.

10:15am - Travel with Purpose: The Power of Sustainable Tourism Certification, Emilie Cutler – Bass Coast Shire Council, Coordinator Visitor Economy and Events: Discover how Bass Coast Shire is leading the way in sustainable tourism through eco-certification. Emilie Cutler will share insights from the region’s accreditation journey, explain the benefits for businesses, and outline incentives to encourage accreditation, helping create a more responsible and resilient visitor economy.

10:30am - Morning Tea: Enjoy morning tea and meet with industry peers. Chat with representatives from Australian Tourism Data Warehouse (ATDW), Victoria Tourism Industry Council (VTIC) and Sydney-Melbourne Touring at their tables.

11:00am - The Phillip Island Wellness Opportunity - Panel Discussion: Hear from Rachel Peterson owner of Island healing and Craig Mitchell from Phillip Island Hot Springs about the islands emerging wellness story and how your business can leverage the opportunity.

11:45am - Keynote Katrina McCarter: Generational Marketing: Why knowing six generations inside out future proofs your tourism business: Expertly decoding what all six generations of consumers will respond to in the next decade, Katrina McCarter spells out the urgency of a survival plan to future proof your tourism business to stay relevant. Katrina steps you through how data answers the age-old question of truly understanding each generation of consumers and their behaviour, characteristics and triggers. She shares how businesses can adapt their marketing channels and messaging to best cater for each generation if they want to be successful.

12:30pm - Lunch: Refuel after a big morning of insights. At 1:10pm Join Stuart from Phillip Island Nature Parks for a walk on the new Penguin Parade boardwalks and hear an update on the Little Penguin population.

1:30pm - Keynote: Futurist Steve Sammartino: Artificial Intelligence – The Future is NOW!Artificial Intelligence is transforming the world – and it’s only just begun. From streamlining business operations to unlocking new ideas, AI is driving change across every industry. It’s not just a tool – it’s a powerful ally for those ready to embrace it. futurist Steve Sammartino will explore how AI works, why it matters, and how you can start using it today to stay ahead of the game.

2:15pm - Marketing & Storytelling Panel: Katrina will be joined by tourism marketing gurus Arina Kruglyakova, Marketing and Communications Manager at Phillip Island Nature Parks and Charles Deuchrass, Group Manager, Marketing & Programs at Visit Victoria to discuss marketing and storytelling and how you can apply to your business. Hosted by Arnika Martin, Digital Media and Marketing Coordinator at Destination Phillip Island.

3:00pm - Afternoon Tea: Delicious refreshments and networking

3:20pm - Kristy Malapa - Industry Relations Manager - Tourism Australia: Kristy will share an international update from Tourism Australia and the demand for wellness travel and accompanying experiences.

3:50pm - Closing remarks

4:00pm - Networking drinks: You’re invited to join us for networking drinks 4 – 5pm in the Little Chicks Cafe. Sponsored by Tourism Australia.