Afternoon:

Registration Desk opens for all arriving delegates & guests.

Coach transfer to Currumbin, approximately 30 minutes from our hotel. The fun and networking begin on the coach!

Welcome Cocktail Party - Experience Australian wildlife within the beautiful bush land of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Strike a pose with a koala, baby crocodile or other 'locals,' and come home with a souvenir photo to prove your bravery. Welcome drink and finger food will be served, with a cash bar to follow.

Dress: Smart casual

Return by coach to Gold Coast International Hotel.

Remainder of evening at your leisure

Morning

Networking in the Ballroom Foyer - catch up with old friends and make new ones.  Enjoy the entertainment by "Rosella Jam".

Opening Ceremony - Linderman and Hamilton Rooms

Special Guest Speaker the Hon. Fran Bailey MP Federal Minister for Small Business and Tourism

Our first ever Opening Ceremony will be presided over by an amazing woman who has proven that there are no barriers to success, particularly in a traditionally male-dominated field.

As an additional attraction, we will welcome local entertainers and those quintessential Australian poster boys and girls, representatives of the Australian Surf Life Saving Club. Cameras recommended!

Dress: Business attire

"Creative Destination Marketing":  Ian MacFarlane, Director of Marketing for Tourism Australia, will offer his insights on important issues affecting tourism today, particularly the promotion of tourist destinations through innovative advertising campaigns such as the "where the bloody hell are you?" campaign.

Morning tea sponsored by Worldwide Resorts of Distinction

"Miracle in a Suitcase":  Liz Davenport, CEO of Liz Davenport Ladies Fashions,  is one of Australia's most successful fashion designers and business women.  Liz is recognised for her unique use of colour (4 palettes of 8 colours make her fashion stores a rainbow), her travel collections and her multi-dimensional coordinated wardrobes, especially for the travelling corporate women.

Lunch sponsored by Surfers Paradise Management

Enjoy an exciting Fashion Parade. Liz Davenport will provide commentary on her fashions, focusing on putting together a wardrobe for travel, comfort and style. You may decide to do more than admire these outfits - there is bound to be something for everyone and you will have a special incentive to pay particular attention!

Afternoon

"Tourism not Terrorism":  Mandy Newton, Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, specializing in Aviation and Marine security.  Mandy has been involved in planning the safety and security of tourists and tourism sites, and has had extensive experience in the field of anti-terrorism, a subject of vital interest to members of the tourism industry.

"Tourism puts a BITE on the Environment": Marnie Horton, Curator of Sharks & Fish at Shark Bay and Assistant Manager of the Marine Sciences Division, Seaworld Gold Coast.   Marnie will share with us her fascination for marine life and will help us unravel the mystery and misconceptions surrounding this majestic species.

Afternoon tea sponsored by Wyndham Cruises

"Spotlight on Success"   An informal and interactive session featuring some of our own members and highlighting their successes and challenges.

Morning:

Trade Show set-up by exhibitors. Delegates and guests are free to visit the exhibits and tables throughout the day.

"3 Keys to Successful Strategic Alliances": Robyn Henderson, Author and Networking Guru .  In this interactive session, Robyn will share simple strategies for WiTiA members to maximize the networking potential for this new global organization.

As a global networking specialist, Robyn Henderson has built a successful career across twelve countries speaking and writing about her passion - networking. She is the author of seven books on business networking, self-promotion and building self esteem.

"Never Never Never Give Up":  Sarina Bratton, Chief Executive Officer, Orion Luxury Cruises.

Sarina is one of the best known female travel professionals in Australia, a cruise industry executive for the past two decades.  Sarina broke the glass ceiling as founder and CEO of Orion Expedition Cruises, a new Australian five-star cruise line that provides experiential cruises to the far reaches of Western Australia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and Antarctica.  Her story of obstacles overcome and challenges met will be an inspiration to everyone who admires passion, persistence and perseverance!

Morning tea sponsored by Ps in a Pod, Creative Design 

"The Carbon Revolution .. Global Warming and Tourism":              Rod Douglas, President, Greening Australia Queensland Ltd.

For hundreds of years humans have taken what they needed from the environment without a thought to the cost.  That thoughtless approach to commerce has consequence.  The outcome is global warming.  Whether we like it or not, this is all about to change.  Over the next 10 years the environmental cost of our lives will need to be paid for. 

Rod will explore how Tourism has the potential to be both a major winner and seriously challenged by  the environmental changes that it faces.

12.15 -       2.00 pm

Afternoon:

"Life, Balance and You":  Presented by Lifestyle Consultants, Sharon Kolkka and Tracy Willis

Sharon is the General Manager and Tracy is Marketing Manager for Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland.  Gwinganna is Australia's only organic health retreat and offers programs from 2 days through to a 7 day detox.  With superb fresh, local cuisine and stylish accommodation, this retreat offers something for everyone.

In this practical, fun and informative session you will visit the concepts of lifestyle and balance in today's busy world and how to address the importance of SELF.  Don't miss this essential guide to living well.

Breakout Sessions:

1.        The importance of Loyalty Programs and how to get the most out of them from a business perspective

Presenter: Charles Alder, President, Dynamic Rewards

2.        Improving your skills on the Internet
Some tips and advice on shortcuts and updates to enhance our day to day work on emails, surfing the net, and general IT questions.

Presenter:    Troy Barnard, Training Academy for Women

3.   Cross-cultural diversity and its affect on Tourism   As  the world gets smaller, it is more important than ever for business people to cross cultural barriers and exceed the expectations of their international customers.  This workshop covers the issues of how to negotiate for international customers, and how to achieve the necessary skills, knowledge and inspiration to succeed.

Presenters:  Lilly Choi-Lee and Trevor Lee from TravConsult

Afternoon tea sponsored by Pacific Fair Shopping Centre

 
General meeting of WiTiA members   Have your say!   A chance to discuss issues affecting membership as a lead up to the Annual General Meeting the next morning

Morning

 11.00 am 

Afternoon

The first Annual General Meeting of WiTiA to discuss topics and issues affecting the membership. Advance notice of motions or issues are required. The election of office-bearers will take place, and also discussion on the venue for the 2008 Annual General Meeting.

Coach transfer to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, with sightseeing included to showcase Brisbane's colonial heritage as well as the up-to-date modern face of the River city.

Delegates and guests will enjoy a luncheon cruise aboard the Kookaburra River Queen.   So even as they sample some of Queensland's most delectable fare while floating down the river, they will also take in the best views that Brisbane has to offer, enjoying commentary by one of Queensland's most lively guides and Brisbane devotees.


Closing Speaker:  

Jann Stuckey MP -  Member for Currumbin and Member of the Queensland Parliament

There could not be a better person to close this Convention.  Jann has previously held the position of Shadow Minister for Tourism and Small Business, for the past twelve years has been, and remains,  an active supporter and member of Women in Tourism (Gold Coast),  and is a Foundation Member of WiTiA.

Return to the Gold Coast

Afternoon tea at Springwood Motor Inn and Resort  Enjoy a taste of Queensland wines and delicacies

For delegates wishing to terminate in Brisbane, assistance with transfer to a local hotel can be arranged.