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Phillip Island
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The world is changing, and so is the way we travel, work, and connect. AI is transforming experiences, wellness is becoming a priority not a luxury, and sustainable growth is driving innovation across industries.

Join us at 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.

When: Tuesday 25 March 2025 9am to 4pm

Where: Penguin Parade, Summerland, Phillip Island

We’re bringing you not one but two world class keynote speakers.

  • Global marketing expert Katrina McCarter will demonstrate how to future proof your business through understanding six generations of consumers, backed by data driven insights.
  • Australia’s leading futurist, Steve Sammartino will show you how AI can become a business ally for organisations quick, smart and brave enough to embrace it.

Plus there will be two panel discussions focused on how your business can be leveraging the regions emerging wellness offering, and marketing and storytelling, where attendees will gain practical insights and strategies to meet evolving consumer needs and tap into new market opportunities.

Ticket includes tea and coffee on arrival, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea.

Program

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

🔹Welcome:
Hear what’s happening at Destination Phillip Island from Catherine Basterfield, chair of DPI and Kim Storey, General Manager

🔹Project Updates:
Tim Richardson from MODA will share the latest on the exciting Isle of Wight Development. Learn about incentives to develop your business sustainability and be recognised through our marketing programs with Emilie Cutler from Bass Coast Shire Council

🔹Morning Tea: Enjoy morning tea and meet with industry peers

🔹Wellness Panel: Hear from industry leaders on the emerging wellness story of the island and how your business can leverage the opportunity

🔹Keynote: Generational Marketing: Why knowing six generations inside out future proofs your tourism business. Global Marketing Expert Katrina McCarter will step you through how data answers the age-old question of truly understanding each generation of consumers and their behaviour, characteristics and triggers.

🔹Lunch: Refuel after a big morning of insights. Join Stewart from Phillip Island Nature Parks for a walk on the new Penguin Parade boardwalks and hear an update on the Little Penguin population.

🔹Keynote: Futurist Steve Sammartino on Artificial Intelligence – The Future is NOW! Futurist Steve Sammartino will give you an understanding of what’s possible, what’s next and how you can leverage the power of AI the moment you leave the room.

🔹Marketing & Storytelling Panel: Katrina will be joined by tourism marketing gurus Arina Kruglyakova (Phillip Island Nature Parks) and Arnika Martin (Destination Phillip Island) and Visit Victoria to discuss marketing and storytelling and how you can apply to your business.

🔹Afternoon Tea: Delicious refreshments and networking

🔹Kristy Malapa: Tourism Australia International update and the demand for wellness travel

🔹Networking drinks: You’re invited to join us for networking drinks 4 – 5pm in the Little Chicks Cafe


Meet Your Keynote Speakers

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Katrina McCarter

Armed with over a decade of running successful businesses, global marketing expert Katrina McCarter – a Fortune 100 corporate chief turned entrepreneur, international award-winning speaker and author – has helped hundreds of clients build businesses, reputations and visibility. With over 25 years’ experience, Katrina brings absolute clarity, outrageous confidence and true commercial success. She’s reached audiences of thousands across Europe, the US and Australia and is a five-time B&T Women in Media Awards finalist and 2021 Top 50 Small Business Leader.

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Steve Sammartino

Futurist Steve Sammartino is a tour de force in the field of technology. Steve goes beyond theory and brings lessons from his own tech ventures. His latest Macro3D, a ground-breaking AI and robotics company – which 3D prints houses. Since co-founding the company he has managed to 3D print a house, and is now embarking on building the world’s first home built entirely by AI. An accomplished author, Steve has written three best-selling books on the subject of technology and its future, has given a TED talk and is the host of the popular national Technology and Business TV show on Channel 9, "The Rebound". Steve's takes the complex and makes it simple, and human. As a respected media commentator, his views are widely sought after, making him an authoritative voice in the tech industry. Steve doesn't just predict the future of technology, he's literally building it, and his speeches are an unmissable opportunity to get a glimpse into that future.