Illuminate 2021 the virtual experience was a feast of exclusive industry insight, supplier news, expert commentary and entertainment.
FLYING HIGH IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce takes us on a journey of what to expect domestically and internationally for the remainder of 2021 and beyond. Despite market challenges, Joyce remains positive about the future of flying and says, ‘the vaccine rollout means the end is in sight and the concept of lockdowns will be a thing of the past’. The Qantas CEO believes higher vaccination rates are the key to getting people back in the sky and travelling again.
SWIMMING TOWARDS 2032
Join FCM’s General Manager, Melissa Elf and Olympic gold medal swimmer and 2021 Olympics’ open ceremony flagbearer for Australia, Cate Campbell, OAM, as they step up to the blocks to discuss navigating change and what it takes to succeed in the face of a pandemic and beyond.
PUTTING RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL INTO PRACTICE
Responsible Travel – what is it and how is it influencing travel programs and business strategy? FCM’s Head of Account Management Australia, Renos Rologas talks to organisations that are making a positive difference environmentally, socially and through their governance strategies. Hear from Jeff Elliott, ANZ’s Environmental Sustainability Change Lead and Renae Trimble, Chief Commercial Officer for Accor on how their approach to global sustainability is shaping the way they do business and travel.
THE FUTURE HAS ARRIVED … IN THE USA
Domestic business travel in the US is almost back to pre-covid levels, border and travel restrictions are at a minimum and life is full steam ahead as per the new normal. If the travel environment in the USA is anything to go by, we better prepare for a speedy return to elevated business activity. FCM’s General Manager, Melissa Elf chats to Charlene Leiss, President of Flight Centre Travel Group’s corporate business in the USA, about what it’s really like to be living, working and traveling in the USA post-pandemic.
IT’S TIME TO HIT THE RESET BUTTON FOR THE HOTEL INDUSTRY
It’s go time for the accommodation sector. General Manager of FCM Consulting, Felicity Burke, along with Quest's Anthea Dimitrakopoulos talk hotel trends – rates, occupancy levels, location, demand and forward predictions. With rates across most Australian cities still down on 2019 levels, but on a steep incline upwards – what can buyers expect from the Australian and global hotel sector come 2022?
BILL EVANS PUTS THE FUTURE OF FINANCE INTO PERSPECTIVE
Business is one thing. But economic markets are another. Get up to speed on what the fiscal future looks like with Bill Evans, renowned Australian Economist. Currently the Managing Director: Economics of Westpac, Evans is the bank’s economic spokesman, sits at the helm of the organisation’s economic and capital markets research, and is also a Westpac Board advisor. Money talks and so can Evans.
VIRGIN POISED AND READY FOR POST-PANDEMIC SUCCESS
Virgin Australia Group CEO and former Chief Executive at Jetstar and A2 Milk Jayne Hrdlicka will talk to Virgin Australia’s business transformation and direction for the future, which includes repositioning the airline as a mid-market carrier that ‘appeals to customers after a great value airfare and better service’. Virgin is building its new proposition around price-conscious corporate travellers, small to medium businesses, premium leisure travellers and holidaymakers.
THE COVID CLASSROOM
Grab your fins and mask as Flight Centre CEO Skroo Turner takes a deep dive into the important lessons of 2020 and how pivoting is here to stay for the travel industry.