We are continuously updating the program as speakers are confirmed. Attendees are encouraged to continue to check the event website, as the program and timing may change. More speaker additions coming soon.
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Murrundindi, Wurundjeri Ngurungaeta
Minister Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events
Felicia Mariani, Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Tourism Industry Council
Yasmine Gray, Founder, GetAboutAble
Gemma Axford, General Manager, GetAboutAble
Carla Giuca, Head, Visitor Economy Capability, Workforce and EMDG Policy, Austrade
Facilitated by: Felicia Mariani, Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Tourism Industry Council
Emad Seyam, The Deaf Chef, Mail Exchange Hotel
Nici Nicholson, Hotel Manager, Mail Exchange Hotel
City of Melbourne
Facilitated by: Felicia Mariani, Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Tourism Industry Council
Alexandra Rolton, Strategic Sales and Key Account Manager, Brady Hotels and Apartments
Rohan Astley, Head of Advocacy, Impact and Reputation, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Asher Nowlan, Diversity and Inclusion Lead, Melbourne Cricket Club
Nicola Hamilton, Speech Pathologist and Communication Access Team Coordinator and Maree Ireland, Access Services Advisor and Trainer, Scope
Jenny Odgers, General Manager Corporate Responsibility Corporate Affairs, Metro Trains
Jamie Griego, Director of Account Management for Australia, Expedia
Facilitated by: Giovanna Lever, Managing Director, Sparrowly Group
Bern Walker, Beach Access Project Officer, Accessible Beaches
Tara MacLeod, Executive Director Operations & Finance, Adelaide Fringe Festival
James (Buck) McFarlane, Founder & Managing Director, Cocky Guides Australia
12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Frances Riggs, Access and Inclusion Consultancy Manager, GetAboutAble
Wendi Pearce, Head of Travellers Experience, Melbourne Airport
Facilitated by: Giovanna Lever, Managing Director, Sparrowly Group
Sally Scott, General Manager, The Tweed Tourism Company
Emily Hopwood, Sales and Marketing Manager, West Coast Wilderness Railway
Bede Fennell, Executive General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Government & Industry, Tourism Australia
Presented by: Martin Heng
Q&A Facilitated by: Jessica Keen, National Manager – Industry Development & Capability, Australian Tourism Export Council
3:40 PM – 4:10 pm
Bruce Bromley, Managing Director, EvacuLife
Christopher Kerrisk, Co-Founder, Cérge
Hear from a panel of passionate travellers with a range of accessibility requirements.
Session Sponsor: Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions
Facilitated by Chiara Scotellaro, Access and Inclusion Consultancy Officer, GetAboutAble
Martin Heng, Inclusive Travel Advocate
Dr Yasmine Gray, Founder, GetAboutAble
Kristy Quigg, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Co-Chair Blind Citizens Australia
Carl Emmerson, RMIT Professional Screenwriting Graduate, avid Traveller
Submit your questions for this session via our Google Form
Arnie Bax, Business Development Manager, Travellers Aid
Gemma Axford, General Manager, GetAboutAble
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
GetAboutAble acknowledges the Aboriginal Communities and Traditional Custodians throughout Australia and we recognise their continued connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Elders past and present, as we seek to understand their history and learn from their knowledge.