Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Conference 2024 Program
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
Registration, Networking and Breakfast Canapes
Welcome to Country
Murrundindi, Wurundjeri Ngurungaeta
Minister's Address
Minister Steve Dimopoulos MP, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events
Official Welcome
Felicia Mariani, Chief Executive Officer, Victoria Tourism Industry Council
Yasmine Gray, Founder, GetAboutAble
Gemma Axford, General Manager, GetAboutAble
Inclusive Employment
Facilitated by: Carla Giuca, Head, Visitor Economy Capability, Workforce and EMDG Policy, Austrade
Sponsor Address
City of Melbourne
Melbourne Accessibility Showcase
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
Communicating Accessibility
Jenny Odgers, General Manager Corporate Responsibility Corporate Affairs, Metro Trains
Tourism Insights and Data
Jamie Griego, Director of Account Management for Australia, Expedia
Co-designing Accessible and Inclusive Experiences
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
12:10 PM – 1:10 PM
Lunch and Networking
Sponsor Address
Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Pathway to Accessibility
Frances Riggs, Access and Inclusion Consultancy Manager, GetAboutAble
Inclusive Marketing
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
Inclusive Tourism
Bede Fennell, Executive General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Government & Industry, Tourism Australia
Accessible and Inclusive Tourism: A Global Perspective
Presented by: Martin Heng
Q&A Facilitated by: Jessica Keen, National Manager – Industry Development & Capability, Australian Tourism Export Council
3:05 PM – 3:35 pm
Afternoon Tea
From Insight to Action, Driving Impact.
Wendi Pearce, Head of Travellers Experience, Melbourne Airport
Your Questions Answered
Hear from a panel of passionate travellers with a range of accessibility requirements.
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
Excellence in Accessible Events
Travellers Aid
Accessible Innovations
AITCAP wrap-up and Big Red Group door prize draw
Gemma Axford, General Manager, GetAboutAble
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
