2007 Victorian Adventure Tourism Forum
Marysville, 20th & 21st June, 2007

Going Global

Tourism Alliance Victoria’s 2007 Victorian Adventure Tourism Forum will once again provide professional development and networking opportunities to Adventure and Nature Based businesses, local government, key agencies and the wider tourism industry. 

The theme of this year’s Forum “Going Global” focuses on the key priorities in moving forward for Victoria’s adventure and nature based businesses.

International marketing and learning from our global partners, sustainable solutions, attracting emerging markets and strategic use of the internet will all be discussed, debated and stories will be shared.

Your Invitation

Tourism Alliance Victoria invites you to attend the 2007 Victorian Adventure Tourism Forum, Wednesday 20th & Thursday 21st June, 2007 at The Cumberland, Marysville.

Who should Attend?

• Adventure Operators
• Nature Based Tourism Businesses
• Local Government
• Land Managers
• Individuals with an interest in the future of the Adventure & Nature Based Tourism Sectors

Objectives

The one and a half day forum will provide professional development and networking opportunities to Adventure and Nature Based businesses, local government and the wider tourism industry.  It will also provide the opportunity to discuss key issues facing the industry. The objectives of the Forum are to:

• Provide a Forum to discuss key issues facing the Adventure and Nature Based Tourism sectors and ask questions of the people involved with initiating industry changes;
• Provide workshops relevant to businesses that assist them to achieve triple bottom line results;
• Strengthen relationships and networks amongst individuals involved in the Adventure and Nature Based Tourism sectors.

 What’s in it for me?

• Becoming Internationally Smart – moving from an adhoc to a strategic approach
• Spreading your business message strategically via the internet
• Taking advantage of global growth – attracting Asian and other emerging countries
• Thinking globally, acting locally – going green to combat global warming
• The future of Victoria’s Adventure & Nature Based Tourism Industry
• Learning from our global and interstate partners

The Venue

The Cumberland Marysville & Villa Day Spa

34 Murchison Street,

Marysville VICTORIA

Ph: (03) 5963 3203

www.thecumberland.com.au

Situated in Victoria’s spectacular Marysville, The Cumberland and Villa Day Spa is one of Victoria's favourite retreats for leisure and business and is located under 1.5 hours from Melbourne CBD. 

Conference Program

Program Day One -

Wednesday 20th June

12.45pm – 1.00pm

Registration

1.00pm – 1.15pm

Welcome & Forum Introduction – Nicholas Hunt, Chief Executive, Tourism Alliance Victoria

1.15pm – 2.45pm

Panel Discussion

Business Exchange – Successes & Challenges in the International Market

• The operational logistics of moving into the International market
• Working co-operatively to target the international market
• Maximum impact with minimum budget

Panel of speakers:

Terry Smit, Go West Tours

Geoff Proctor, Australian Adventure Experience & Adventure Victoria

Dana Ronan, Bothfeet

Paul Thompson, Cape Otway Lightstation

2.45pm – 3.15pm

Afternoon tea

3.15pm – 4.45pm

Panel Discussion

Key Agencies discuss the Future Strategic Direction of the Adventure & Nature Based Industry

Panel of speakers:

Sean Daugherty, Tourism Victoria

Dick Ford , Dept. Sustainability & Environment

Alysia Brandenburg, Parks Victoria

5.30pm – 7.00pm

Pre-dinner drinks & Hors d’oeuvres at Stevensons Falls (weather dependent)

7.00pm – 10.30pm

3 Course Dinner at The Cumberland Marysville

Program Day Two -

Thursday 21st June

8.45am – 9.15am

Official Forum Opening & Tourism Victoria update – Greg Hywood, CEO Tourism Victoria

9.15am – 10.05am

Keynote Presentation 1

“Providing a quality tourism product whilst maintaining a sustainable environment”

Luke Howe , Dive! Tutukaka (NZ)

10.05 - 10.45am

Keynote Presentation 2

“From little things, big things grow”

Sam Denmead, Island Cycle Tours (Tas)

10.45am – 11.15am

Morning Tea

Workshop A, B & C running concurrently and repeated in the afternoon session (delegates choose 2 out of 3 to attend)

11.15am – 12.45pm

Workshop A

“Are you part of the online world?”

Joel Thorsen, bwired

Troubleshooting, web strategy and back office logistics will be discussed and measurable business benefits delivered to businesses.

Workshop B

“Becoming Internationally Smart”

Nigel Aldons & Isabelle Fennessy, Tourism Victoria International Marketing Team

Move from an adhoc to a strategic approach when targeting the international market.  Make the most of international opportunities.  Know which markets to target and find out how to reach them.

Workshop C

“Green marketing…the mindset of your business or just another slogan??”

Speaker TBC

12.45pm – 1.45pm

Lunch

1.45pm – 3.15pm

Workshop A, B & C repeated

3.15pm – 3.45pm

WorkSafe Victoria presentation

Zorica Babic

3.45pm – 4.00pm

Looking Forward

Summary & Closing

Nicholas Hunt, Chief Executive, Tourism Alliance Victoria

Post Forum Optional Famil Day - Friday 22nd June

Why not stick around for an extra day and experience some of the adventure activities offered in the Marysville region?

Adventure Victoria is offering the following package to Forum delegates for just $122.00.  The package includes:

• Parks Victoria guided hike to the spectacular Beauty Spot (1hr)
• Paddle with a Platypus Rafting Trip along the lower Goulburn River (1.5hrs)
• Mountain Bike Adventure through the Murrindindi parks and ranges (1.5hrs)

Friday's activities will run from 9.00am-3.30pm.  Please complete the Post-Forum Famil section if you wish to attend.  Spaces will be limited and subject to weather conditions.

Please note: the Victorian Adventure Tourism Forum brochure and registration form will be emailed and posted to all members by mid May.