Media Releases

Hot topics, great speakers, big brands and excellent networking: No Vacancy 2010 has got it all in just one action-packed day in Sydney on Thursday, March 18, 2010.

Highlights include interviews with ‘Hotelier of the Year’ Simon McGrath from Accor, Robbie Cooke, CEO of Wotif.com, and Jerry Schwartz, Australia’s largest private hotel owner.

The spotlight is also thrown on less celebrated industry sectors such as remote accommodation and ‘Holiday Parks’ and there’s a focus on distribution, marketing, revenue management and online strategies.

Key themes are Distribution, Innovation and Inspiration while the program is packed with industry-leading speakers such as:

• Yvonne Bristow, Chief Operating Officer, FreeSpirit Holiday Parks
• Robbie Cooke, CEO, Wotif.com
• Bernadette Dennis, Managing Director, HSMAI Asia Pacific
• Dean Dransfield, Managing Director, Dransfield Hotels and Resorts
• Sebastian Fontanarossa, Marketing Strategist
• Mike Ford, Managing Director, SiteMinder
• Grant Hunt, Chief Executive Officer, Anthology – The Traveller’s Collection
• Alan Long, Research Director, Hitwise
• Luke Jamieson, GM Distribution, Mantra Group
• Chloe Lim, Managing Director, HotelClub
• Simon McGrath, Vice President Australia, Accor Hospitality
• David Oliver, Chief Executive Officer, Roamfree
• David Perry, Chief Executive Officer, The Windsor Hotel
• Prashanth Radhakrishnan, Area Director of Revenue Management, Starwood
• Dr Jerry Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer, Schwartz Family Company
• Yury Shar, Managing Director, Hotels Combined
• Kirsty Shaw, General Manager, Stayz.com.au
• James Shearer, General Manager Operations, Big4 Holiday Parks
• Paul Southey, Vice President Asia Pacific, TravelCLICK
• Peter Topping, Social Media Strategist
• Liz Ward, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Tourism Data Warehouse

Bookings are strong and 200 delegates are expected. Tickets cost $549 + gst.

Please visit www.traveltrends.biz for further details.

Contact: Martin Kelly (02) 9882-1575

A COMPELLING speaker lineup has been announced and bookings are open for No Vacancy 2010, Australia’s leading accommodation industry conference which returns to Sydney on March 18.

The fast-moving program features a unique blend of suppliers, distributors and intermediaries headlined by regional Accor boss Simon McGrath and Wotif.com CEO Robbie Cooke.

No Vacancy offers a compelling mix of facts, opinions, facts, debate and data. It’s the perfect place to get the latest on all aspects of Australia's accommodation industry – from big brand hotels through to websites, holiday parks and budget accommodation. No Vacancy 2010 speakers include:

• Yvonne Bristow, Chief Operating Officer, FreeSpirit Holiday Parks
• Robbie Cooke, CEO, Wotif.com
• Bernadette Dennis, Managing Director, HSMAI Asia Pacific
• Dean Dransfield, Managing Director, Dransfield Hotels and Resorts
• Grant Hunt, Chief Executive Officer, Anthology – The Traveller’s Collection
• Shannon Knapp, Group Revenue Manager, Mirvac Hotels and Resorts
• Alan Long, Research Director, Hitwise
• Luke Jamieson, GM Distribution, Mantra Group
• Chloe Lim, Managing Director, HotelClub
• Simon McGrath, Vice President Australia, Accor Hospitality
• David Oliver, Chief Executive Officer, Roamfree
• David Perry, Chief Executive Officer, The Windsor Hotel
• Dr Jerry Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer, Schwartz Family Company
• Kirsty Shaw, General Manager, Stayz.com.au
• James Shearer, General Manager Operations, Big4 Holiday Parks
• Paul Southey, Regional Director Asia Pacific, TraveCLICK
• Peter Topping, Social Media Strategist
• Liz Ward, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Tourism Data Warehouse

Founded in 2007, No Vacancy has established a strong reputation for dynamic programming and great networking with 220 delegates attending last year.

The audience is drawn from all sectors of the Australia’s accommodation industry – many are decision makers working in Hotel Management, Distribution, Sales and Marketing, Pricing and Yield Management.

Australia’s most popular accommodation websites are also heavily represented as are technology suppliers.

Early Bird Bookings cost A$449 and are available until February 5.

Further Information:

Martin Kelly – (02) 9882-1575; (0414) 774-978

Posted January 27, 2010

Media Release – June 11, 2009

BOOKINGS are now open for TRAVELtech 2009 – the 10th Anniversary Edition of Australia’s leading online travel distribution, marketing and technology conference – in Sydney on September 8.

TRAVELtech 2009 is shaping up as the strongest-ever with a diverse array of high-profile speakers confirmed and plenty more on the way.

It also marks the debut of the TRAVELtech Web Awards, due recognition for Australia’s outstanding travel websites.

The fast-moving program – which has now been posted on www.traveltrends.biz – features a compelling mix of issues, interviews, case studies, panels, statistical analysis, plus a focus shifting marketing and distribution strategies.

There are sessions on the latest travel business models, the phenomenal successful Best Job In The World campaign from Tourism Queensland, the latest web travel trends, and a profile on the online evolution of Lonely Planet.

Wholesaling will come under the microscope – Tourism Tasmania reveals the back story to its shift out of the sector, while the program looks the future with a special high-profile panel.

There is also a special focus on Low Cost Carriers with Jetstar CEO Bruce Buchanan taking the hot seat for a headline interview session. Confirmed speakers follow and many others will be announced over the next few weeks.

• Bruce Buchanan, CEO, Jetstar
• Chris Chambers, Director Digital Marketing, Tourism QLD
• Dave Cunningham, Chief Exploring Officer, Our Explorer
• Dr. Claire Ellis, Director Infrastructure and Industry Development, Tourism Tasmania
• Adam Ferrier, Consumer Psychologist, Naked Communications
• Tim Hughes, Blogger, The Boot
• Martin Kelly, Director, Travel Trends
• Tony Marlow, Research Director, Asia Pacific, Nielsen Online
• Diarmuid Russell, Commercial Director, Lonely Planet
• Benjamin Chong, Partner, Right Click Capital (www.cruises.com.au)
• Steve Sherlock, Managing Director, www.oodles.com

TRAVELtech was founded in 1999. It ran for three years until 2001 (sound familiar?) before returning without skipping a beat in 2004 – great crowds, provocative programs, interesting speakers.

It regularly attracts 250+ delegates and is known for great networking and fair pricing.

Bookings and further information are available through www.traveltrends.biz.

Further queries: Martin Kelly: (02) 9882-1575

A POWERFUL speaking line-up was today announced for No Vacancy – Australia's leading accommodation industry conference, which is being held in Sydney on March 19, 2009.

No Vacancy features a provocative, relevant program packed with industry leaders, panels, case studies, presentations and debate. The central themes are Inspiration, Distribution and Innovation.

One of the highlights is an interview with Robbie Cooke, CEO of Wotif.com, which last financial year sold almost five million room nights and now claims 41% of Australia's online accommodation market.

There's a focus on distribution and marketing strategies while the spotlight also is thrown on the budget hotel sector market, new online entrants, pricing and revenue management and the challenges ahead.

No Vacancy also takes a step back from pure profit to hear from Ronni Kahn, founder of Oz Harvest, a charity which "rescues" and recycles food that would otherwise be discarded by the accommodation industry. Confirmed speakers include:

• Rachel Argaman, CEO Toga Hospitality
• Paul Constantinou, Chairman, Quest Serviced Apartments
• Robbie Cooke, CEO, Wotif.com
• Grant Colquhoun, Director of Hotels – Asia Pacific, Travelocity
• Len Cordiner, CEO, whl.travel
• Adrian Currie, MD Australia NZ, Booking.com, Chairman of Agoda.com
• Dean Dransfield, MD, Dransfield Hotels & Resorts
• Alan Featherby, CEO, Rendezvous Hotels and Resorts International
• Paul Fischmann, CEO, Eight Hotels
• Ryan Flanagan, Associate Director – eComerce, Marriott International
• Sebastian Fontanarossa, Director of Strategic Marketing –Pacific, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts International Operations
• Gabi Kool, Managing Director, Voila Hotel Rewards
• Ronni Kahn, Founding Director, OzHarvest
• Nick McCaw, Director, Hotel SO
• Ken Minnikin, Director of Marketing, Stella Hospitality Group
• Cyril Ranque, VP Partner Services Group, Asia-Pacific, Expedia
• Maria Taylor, Vice President Distribution, Accor Asia Pacific
• Adrian Williams, General Manager, Formule 1Hotels Australia
• Michael Walmsley, General Manager, Hitwise
• Jon Wild, Global Marketing Director, HotelClub.com

Over the past two years No Vacancy has established a strong reputation for dynamic programming and great networking – almost 240 delegates attended the 2008 event.

No Vacancy is produced by Travel Trends, which also owns the successful TRAVELtech and Search Engine Room conferences, plus the popular Travel Trends newsletter and website – www.traveltrends.biz.

If you have any questions, please call Martin Kelly on (02) 9882-1575.

BOOKINGS are now open for TRAVELtech in Sydney on August 26, Australia’s leading online travel marketing, distribution and technology conference.

This year’s theme is the open-ended Year of Living Dangerously? It can be taken a couple of ways … the obvious: oil, inflation, interest rates and marketing costs up, major challenges ahead.

But it’s also a question and the good news is there’s increasing evidence the online channel may be the place consumers turn at times like these.

The program is packed with great speakers from Australia and the United States, relevant topics, and fresh marketing techniques to inspire and guide delegates through the year ahead.

There’ll also be excellent networking – more than 300 delegates attended in 2007 – plus the usual detailed industry analysis of online travel trends.

It’s also extremely affordable with Early Bird admission costing $449 + gst up to July 11, 2008. Program information and bookings through www.traveltrends.biz.

CONFIRMED SPEAKERS INCLUDE:

• Malcolm Auld, Principal, Malcolm Auld Direct
• Scott Blume, President Travelocity Asia Pacific
• James Cassidy, General Manager Travel, Fairfax Digital
• Clementina Clive-Ponsonby-Fane, Head of Travel, Health and Lifestyle, ninemsn
• Mark Frawley, Managing Director, Roamfree Group
• Chris Guzowski, Managing Director, Travel Apps
• Brad Gurrie, General Manager, Travelzoo
• Claire Hatton, Head of Travel, Google
• Tim Harcourt, Chief Economist, Austrade
• Arthur Hoffman, Managing Director, Expedia – APAC
• Martin Kelly, Director, Travel Trends
• Sue Klose, Director of Corporate Development, News Digital Media
• Gordon Locke, VP Airline Marketing & Strategy, Sabre Airline Solutions
• Simon Monk, Chief Executive Officer, World Nomads
• Richard Noon, Chief Executive Officer, Webjet
• Dan Russell, Director, Cleancruising.com
• Darin Walters, Managing Director, Jetabroad.com
• Michael Walmsley, GM – Competitive Intelligence and Search Marketing, Hitwise

FURTHER INFORMATION:
Martin Kelly – (02) 9882-1575 or mjk@iform.com.au

EVERYONE who attends the No Vacancy conference will receive a the latest Hitwise online accommodation industry report valued at $700 and exclusive access to a special consumer insights video, conference director Martin Kelly confirmed today.

Less than two weeks remain until No Vacancy in Sydney on April 15, which features a dynamic program packed with accommodation industry thought leaders. Other conference highlights include:

• A dynamic program packed with industry leaders
• Great up-to-the-minute content
• Excellent networking, 200 delegates expected
• Exclusive access to speaker presentations
• Post-conference drinks sponsored by Allotz
• Great value at $499 for the entire day

The program features leaders from some of the industry's biggest brands involved in presentations, panels, case studies, presentations and debate.

Topics include online distribution, consumer trends, channel and yield management, carbon offsetting, star ratings, modern marketing tactics, pricing, social media strategies and plenty more.

Bookings are tracking well – click here to see a list of companies sending delegates – and it's set to be a great day with lots of interaction.

For further information and bookings, please visit www.traveltrends.biz/no-vacancy-2008 or call Martin Kelly on (02) 9882-1575.

A POWERFUL program packed with industry leaders anchors the second No Vacancy conference in Sydney on April 15, which will attempt to answer the question: What's Next?

But there'll be no vision statements, said Conference Director Martin Kelly. "The aim of No Vacancy is to tackle issues and give delegates real time information they can use in their business."

The program features a mix of presentations, panels, case studies, and debate. Topics include online distribution, consumer trends, channel management, star ratings, marketing strategies, social media and carbon offset business strategies.

Speakers are a diverse and influential bunch (see list below) from many of Australia's leading accommodation and distribution companies, briefed to deliver relevant up-to-the-minute content.

In addition, there will also be a special consumer insights video session: ordinary people offering their views how they book rooms, where they are booking them, what they want from a website or reservations centre and how the industry can do it better.

Delegates will have exclusive access to this video, and also receive the latest Hitwise online industry report (value more than $700) plus drinks after the Allotz Great Debate at the end of the day. Confirmed speakers include:

• Rachel Argaman, CEO Toga Hospitality
• David Bayes, Managing Director, Choice Hotels Australasia
• Darrin Bird, CEO, Carbonza.com
• Bob East, CEO, Stella Hospitality Group
• Russell Farr, Managing Director, Australian Online Travel
• Paul Fisher, Marketing Director, TotalTravel.com
• Jeff Floyd, CEO, AAA Tourism
• Mike Ford, Managing Director, SiteMinder
• Martin Kelly, Director, TravelTrends.biz
• Gary Knowles, Global CEO, Roamfree Group
• Shannon Knapp, Revenue and Distribution Mgr, Mirvac Hotels & Resorts
• Chloe Lim, Managing Director, HotelClub
• Andrew Maurer, Manager Forecasting and Analysis, TRA
• Nick McCaw CEO Hotel SO
• Martin McConnachie, Founder and President, Allotz.com
• Michael Meade, Senior VP, Sales and Marketing, Rendezvous Hotels
• Terry Schwamberg-Kaljo, Owner, Contemporary Hotels
• Grahame Tate, Managing Director Asia Pacific, Ideas
• Michael Walmsley, General Manager, Hitwise Asia Pacific

Others will be announced over the next few weeks. The first No Vacancy in 2007 attracted more than 150 delegates and bookings are tracking well above that for this year's event.

Further Information: Martin Kelly, w/ 612-9882-1575; m/ 61-414-774-978